ACTpro-120 Door Station, Single-Door Expander, 2A 12V PSU, RS-485, V54502-C122-A100

Introduction to the ACTpro-120 Door Station and Its Key Features

TheACTpro-120 Door Station (V54502-C122-A100)is a single-door expansion module designed to extend ACTpro access control systems. Built by Vanderbilt as part of the ACT family, this compact wall-mounted unit provides a practical, installer-focused solution for adding a single access point without changing the decision-making logic or event management that remains on the main ACTpro controller. Key features include an integrated 12 V DC, 2 A power supply, RS-485 communications to the controller, support for a range of readers (125 kHz prox, MIFARE and DESFire), and internal space for a 12 V backup battery. Its combination of relay I/O, programmable inputs and easy reader compatibility make it well suited for commercial and light industrial indoor installations.

Detailed Description of Specifications and Benefits

The ACTpro-120 includes an integrated 12 V DC, 2 A power supply. This on-board PSU can power a typical reader and a small lock while also providing charging for an optional internal 12 V backup battery (commonly around 7 Ah). Practical benefit: installers can supply local power at the door station without running separate lock and reader power lines back to the main controller, simplifying wiring and reducing install time.

Communication to the ACTpro controller uses an RS-485 link. The ACTpro-120 functions as an expander — the controller retains the access decision logic, event logging and system-level configuration. This separation keeps the distributed hardware simple and ensures centralized management of access policies. RS-485 is reliable for multi-drop connections and suitable for runs typical in commercial buildings.

The unit provides a main door relay (typically rated to handle common locking devices) plus an auxiliary relay for alarms or monitoring. Programmable inputs include door contact, REX (request to exit), push button, break-glass, tamper and mains presence. These flexible I/O options support standard door setups and allow integration with alarm panels, door status monitoring and emergency release devices.

The ACTpro-120 supports ACTpro readers including legacy 125 kHz prox as well as smartcard technologies such as MIFARE and DESFire. It accepts both Clock & Data and Wiegand outputs, so installers can select from a wide variety of readers to match customer preferences or migrate existing readers into an ACTpro installation. This versatility helps future-proof installations where card technologies may evolve.

Housed in a wall-mounted surface enclosure with internal cable management and status LEDs, the ACTpro-120 is optimized for indoor use. The enclosure provides neat cable routing, space for the optional backup battery, and visible indication of power and communication status to help troubleshooting during commissioning.

• Manufacturer:Vanderbilt (ACT product family)
• Product code:ACTpro-120 / V54502-C122-A100
• Product type:Door station / Door module
• Power supply:Integrated 12 V DC, 2 A PSU
• Available current:2 A total (recommended max ~1.5 A for readers/locks combined)
• Communication:RS-485 to ACTpro controller
• Door relay rating:Main relay typically 5 A @ 50 V AC/DC
• Auxiliary relay rating:Aux relay typically 1 A @ 50 V AC/DC
• Reader compatibility:125 kHz prox, MIFARE, DESFire; Clock & Data and Wiegand
• Inputs / Outputs:Door contact, REX, push button, break-glass, tamper, mains-present; programmable I/O; status LEDs
• Battery backup:Space for 1 × 12 V battery (commonly 7 Ah)
• Dimensions (approx.):≈ 236 × 255 × 84 mm
• Weight (approx.):≈ 0.94–2.45 kg
• Operating temperature:Typically ≈ -10 °C to +50–55 °C (confirm with datasheet)
• Compatibility:Works with ACTpro controllers (e.g. ACTpro-1500 / 1520 / 2000 / 3000 series)

Use Cases and Scenarios Where the ACTpro-120 Excels

If you already have an ACTpro controller and need to add a single door in an adjacent area — for example, a stairwell entry, a loading dock personnel door or a staff-only office — the ACTpro-120 offers a fast and cost-effective way to expand coverage. Because the controller handles decisions, the expander only needs to provide the local power, relay and reader interface.

During an upgrade from older prox systems to more secure smartcard formats (MIFARE/DESFire), the ACTpro-120 allows installers to re-use or replace readers at a single access point without modifying the main controller or relocating power feeds. The flexible reader interface supports both legacy and modern reader outputs.

Buildings with distributed access points but limited space for full controllers can benefit from an expander with integrated PSU and battery space. The ACTpro-120 fits small offices, retail back-rooms, equipment rooms and light industrial entrances where indoor mounting and modest current are sufficient.

With its auxiliary relay and programmable inputs for break-glass and tamper detection, the door station can participate in timed unlock functions, forced-entry monitoring and integration into alarm workflows. This is useful in scenarios where doors must remain monitored by a central system while still providing local emergency release functionality.

Comparisons with Similar Products in the Market

In the access control market, single-door expanders and remote door modules come in several configurations. The ACTpro-120’s primary differentiators are the integrated 2 A PSU with internal battery space, broad reader compatibility and RS-485 linkage to the ACTpro controller. When comparing, consider these common competitor traits and how the ACTpro-120 stacks up:

• Stand-alone door controllers:Full-featured door controllers contain decision logic and local event logs. Compared to these, the ACTpro-120 is lighter weight because decisions remain with the central controller. This reduces complexity at the door but requires a properly configured controller and reliable RS-485 network.
• Door expanders without integrated PSU:Some expanders provide I/O and reader interfaces but lack a local power supply, necessitating separate lock and reader power runs. The ACTpro-120’s integrated PSU simplifies installation and reduces cable runs, making it more installer-friendly in many retrofit cases.
• Multi-door controllers and IP-based expanders:IP-connected expanders can offer network flexibility and PoE options. The ACTpro-120’s RS-485 approach is often more cost-effective for smaller expansions in sites already wired for ACTpro, but IP expanders may be preferable when network infrastructure and centralized IP management are priorities.
• Competitor feature variations:Different manufacturers (HID, Honeywell, Paxton, Bosch, etc.) offer similar single-door modules with varying PSU ratings, battery support, reader compatibility and enclosure styles. The ACTpro-120’s balanced spec-sheet — integrated battery bay, 2 A PSU and broad reader support — positions it well for many mainstream commercial applications.

Customer Testimonials and Installer Feedback

Official customer reviews specific to the ACTpro-120 may not be widely published online, but installer and systems integrator feedback commonly highlights several recurring advantages and considerations for this class of product:

• Pros reported by installers:Easy installation due to integrated PSU and battery space; simple RS-485 wiring to an ACTpro controller; flexible reader support that reduces the need to stock multiple reader types.
• Common practical observations:The unit is ideal for indoor doors where a modest current budget is sufficient. Status LEDs and internal cable management make commissioning quicker and troubleshooting easier.
• Considerations noted:For doors requiring heavy-duty electric strikes or high inrush current devices, the 2 A supply may be a limiting factor and designers should budget conservatively (recommendation: plan for ~1.5 A available to lock/reader combined). For outdoor doors or harsh environments, a weatherproof enclosure or alternative product is required, since the ACTpro-120 is intended for indoor surface mounting.

Conclusion: Why the ACTpro-120 Is a Strong Choice

The ACTpro-120 Door Station delivers a pragmatic and cost-effective way to expand ACTpro access control systems by one door. Its integrated 12 V DC, 2 A power supply with space for a backup battery, RS-485 connectivity and broad reader compatibility make it a convenient option for installers who need a tidy, indoor single-door solution. It excels in retrofit and small expansion projects where centralized decision-making remains on the main controller and where simplified local power and I/O are valuable.

Before specifying or installing the ACTpro-120, consult Vanderbilt’s official datasheet and installation manual for detailed electrical ratings, wiring diagrams and CE/UKCA or local compliance guidance. Typical list or suggested selling price for reference is aroundUSD 304.00(pricing varies by region and distributor). When matched to the right application — indoor single-door expansions with modest power needs and a nearby ACTpro controller — the ACTpro-120 offers installers a reliable, straightforward and professionally engineered option.

Key takeaway:If you need a neat, installer-friendly single-door expander for an ACTpro system with integrated power and battery backup capability, the ACTpro-120 is a well-balanced choice that simplifies wiring, supports modern card technologies and integrates smoothly into ACTpro-managed access control deployments.