Introduction to the Vanderbilt ACT‑IOM ACTpro 8-in/8-out I/O Module
The Vanderbilt ACT‑IOM ACTpro 8-in/8-out I/O Module (V54506‑B100‑A100 / ITM001408) is an expansion module designed to extend the capabilities of ACTpro access control systems. Intended for indoor surface mounting, the module adds eight supervised, programmable inputs and eight relay outputs to an ACTpro controller. Powered by 12 VDC with a typical current draw of 300 mA, the ACT‑IOM is a compact option for integrators who need reliable local I/O for doors, elevators, alarms, CCTV interfaces and other building automation tasks.
- 8 supervised inputs— programmable and suitable for sensors, door contacts and alarm inputs.
- 8 relay outputs— clean changeover relays, typically rated 1.5 A at 30 VDC or 1.5 A at 50 VAC for switching locks, alarms or auxiliary devices.
- Expandable— supports up to four ACT‑IOM modules per ACTpro controller (maximum 32 inputs and 32 outputs).
- Compact indoor enclosure— polycarbonate surface‑mount housing with status LEDs and tamper protection.
- Standards & compliance— CE and CCC reported; ECCN listed as EAR99.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the ACT‑IOM starts with its specification set and how those specifications translate into practical benefits for installers and end users. Below are the main technical details followed by the operational advantages they provide.
- Operating voltage:12 VDC — a common control voltage in access control and alarm systems, ensuring compatibility with many site power supplies.
- Power consumption:approximately 300 mA — modest draw that simplifies power budgeting when adding modules to a controller or cabinet.
- Inputs:8 supervised, programmable inputs — supervision enables fault detection for wiring issues and tamper conditions, improving reliability and diagnostics.
- Outputs:8 relay outputs — typical rating 1.5 A @ 30 VDC or 1.5 A @ 50 VAC, suitable for door strikes, small solenoids, alarm relays and auxiliary switching tasks.
- Expandability:Up to four modules per ACTpro controller — allows scaling from small installations to medium sized deployments without complex rewiring.
- Dimensions and enclosure:110 × 190 × 60 mm; polycarbonate surface‑mount (indoor) — compact footprint saves space and the enclosure is suitable for protected indoor environments.
- Environment:Operating temperature −10 °C to +50 °C — covers typical indoor installation conditions.
- Flexible I/O mapping:Programmable inputs and outputs let integrators tailor behavior to site requirements: delayed alarms, timed outputs, or event triggered actions via ACTpro software.
- Improved fault detection:Supervised inputs reduce nuisance alarms by detecting wiring faults, shorted or open circuits, and potential tamper attempts.
- Space and cost efficiency:Adding local I/O at doors, elevators or plant rooms avoids long cable runs back to the main controller and can reduce installation time and cost.
- Industry compatibility:Relay outputs provide a neutral switching method compatible with a wide range of devices including legacy systems.
Use cases and scenarios where the ACT‑IOM excels
The ACT‑IOM is designed for installers and system integrators who need reliable local I/O extension. Typical deployments include:
- Where a single ACTpro controller serves multiple doors, ACT‑IOM modules provide additional supervised inputs for door contacts, exit buttons and request‑to‑exit sensors, plus relay outputs for electric strikes, maglocks or alarm signalling.
- Used to interface with elevator control logic for floor access, the ACT‑IOM can monitor call buttons and send relay commands to elevator interfaces in a supervised, programmable manner.
- Relay outputs can trigger alarm systems or camera presets based on events detected by the ACTpro system. Supervised inputs accept signals from external alarms or motion sensors for coordinated response.
- For small automation tasks—lighting control, equipment interlocks, or vendor systems—the ACT‑IOM provides proven, isolated relay switching and supervised sensing for reliable operation.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating I/O expansion modules, buyers typically compare input/output counts, relay ratings, supervision features, environmental ratings and integration with existing controller ecosystems. Here’s how the ACT‑IOM stacks up.
- Many low‑cost I/O boards offer similar relay counts but lack supervised inputs and vendor integration. The ACT‑IOM’s supervised inputs and tight ACTpro integration make it more suitable for security‑centric installations where monitoring and diagnostics matter.
- Some competitor modules from larger access control manufacturers may offer higher relay current ratings or IP‑rated enclosures for outdoor use. The ACT‑IOM is optimized for indoor, surface‑mounted installations and for sites where ACTpro controller compatibility is the priority.
- Compared with proprietary I/O expansions that require specific bus wiring or more complex power arrangements, the ACT‑IOM’s 12 VDC operation and modest current draw simplify integration into many standard cabinets.
- Systems that require tight centralisation might prefer large controllers with built‑in I/O. The ACT‑IOM’s advantage is distributed I/O—placing modules nearer to the devices they serve reduces wiring runs and makes expansion incremental and cost effective.
Customer feedback and installation observations
There are limited formal public reviews specific to this part number; some vendor listings note the product may be discontinued or EOL in certain markets, so availability should be confirmed with Vanderbilt/Acre or your chosen distributor. From installer forums and integrator discussions around ACTpro deployments, consistent themes emerge:
- Installers appreciate the supervised inputs for robust alarm handling and reduced troubleshooting time when wiring faults occur.
- Integrators value the compact surface‑mount enclosure for retrofits in plant rooms and riser cupboards where space is constrained.
- Where modules are still available, the straightforward relay outputs and ACTpro event‑triggering make automation routines and elevator interfaces simpler to implement.
Because public testimonials for this exact SKU are sparse, prospective buyers should request references from vendors or distributors and, where possible, trial a module in a pilot installation before large rollouts.
Installation guidance, compliance and lifecycle considerations
Installers should follow Vanderbilt’s installation manual: use a qualified electrician or access control technician, verify a stable 12 VDC supply, and respect the relay load limits (typical 1.5 A). The product is reported to carry CE and CCC certifications with ECCN listed as EAR99. Note the vendor listing of country of origin as China and that some markets show the product as discontinued or EOL; always confirm current availability and firmware/compatibility notes with Vanderbilt/Acre or authorised distributors prior to purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the ACT‑IOM for ACTpro I/O expansion
The Vanderbilt ACT‑IOM ACTpro 8‑in/8‑out module is a practical, purpose‑built expansion for ACTpro access control systems. Its supervised inputs, programmable relay outputs and compact indoor enclosure make it a versatile choice for door control, elevator interfaces, alarm and CCTV integration, and small automation tasks. For integrators who prioritise reliability, simple power requirements and tight ACTpro ecosystem integration, the ACT‑IOM offers a balanced combination of features and cost effectiveness.
Before committing to purchase, verify current product availability and EOL status with Vanderbilt/Acre or your distributor, and review the official datasheet and installer guide for wiring diagrams and detailed specifications. Suggested retail pricing may vary by channel; the product has been listed in market sources around a suggested price of $299 USD, with purchase pricing dependent on distributor margins and volume.
In summary, if you need a compact, supervised and vendor‑integrated I/O extension for ACTpro systems, the ACT‑IOM remains a sensible option—provided availability aligns with your project schedule and you follow recommended installation and safety guidance.
