Introduction: 125 kHz Proximity Clamshell Cards (10‑pack)
The125 kHz Proximity Clamshell Cards, 10 Pack (EM10C4 / ACTPROX_HS‑B)are blank, ISO‑size clamshell credentials designed for access control systems that use low‑frequency proximity technology. Supplied in durable white ABS/PC, these cards are compatible with ACT and ACTpro 125 kHz readers and standard prox encoders (EM / EM410x family). Each pack contains 10 programmable cards, ready for on‑site encoding to your facility or site IDs.
These cards are intended for installers, security teams and facility managers who need reliable, cost‑effective credentials for staff, contractors and visitors. With CE and UKCA conformity indicated by the vendor, they meet common regulatory expectations for electronic access credentials in many regions.
- 125 kHz proximity technology (EM / EM410x family)
- Pack of 10 blank, programmable clamshell cards
- ISO‑size clamshell / credit‑card form factor (standard access card dimensions)
- Durable ABS/PC construction in white finish
- Compatible with ACT 125 kHz readers and standard prox encoders; supplied ready for programming
- Certifications: CE and UKCA (vendor indicated)
Understanding the technical specifications helps you choose the right credential for your access control deployment. Below are the core technical details and the practical benefits each offers:
- Manufacturer / Model:Vanderbilt, Model EM10C4 (alternate partcode ACTPROX_HS‑B). Vanderbilt is a recognised name in access solutions; the model identification helps when ordering matching readers and encoders.
- Frequency & Technology:125 kHz proximity (EM / EM410x family). Low‑frequency prox cards are widely used for straightforward identification and offer reliable read ranges for door readers and simple contactless applications.
- Form Factor & Dimensions:Clamshell / ISO‑size credit card format. Typical dimensions correspond to ISO card sizing (card area ~85.5 x 54 mm) with a thickness in the 1–3 mm range. The clamshell design allows for easy carrying and a familiar credit‑card feel for end users.
- Material & Durability:ABS/PC (white) construction. This blend provides a balance of strength, flexibility and resistance to everyday wear—making the cards suitable for frequent use in office and site environments.
- Pack Quantity & Weight:10 cards per pack (pack net weight ~0.09 kg). Small, convenient quantities allow you to provision cards for small teams or trial deployments without purchasing large volumes.
- Compatibility:Works with ACT 125 kHz readers and standard prox encoders supporting the EM/EM410x family. The cards are supplied blank and can be encoded on‑site to match your reader/site ID requirements.
- Certifications & Origin:CE and UKCA indicated; manufactured in China. These certifications indicate conformity with relevant safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards for sale in UK/EU markets.
Benefits in practice:
- Cost efficiency: Packs of 10 are affordable for offices, small sites and contractors, with a suggested retail price that keeps replacement and onboarding costs low.
- Flexibility: Blank, programmable cards let installers encode site‑specific IDs as needed, allowing rapid deployment and customization.
- Familiar user experience: The ISO‑size clamshell form factor fits wallets, cardholders and standard badge clips, making day‑to‑day use simple for employees and visitors.
- Durability: ABS/PC construction reduces the chance of early failure from everyday wear and handling compared with thin or low‑quality alternatives.
125 kHz proximity clamshell cards are a practical credential choice for a variety of environments. They excel especially where straightforward identification, affordability and compatibility with legacy readers are priorities.
- Small and medium offices:Provision employee and visitor badges for door entry, lift access and internal zone control. Packs of 10 are well suited to small teams, contractors or divisions within a building.
- Contractor and visitor management:Issue temporary credentials for contractors or short‑term visitors. The cards can be encoded on arrival to limit access duration or scope.
- Educational facilities:Provide student IDs for basic access control to libraries, labs and shared spaces where complex encryption is not required.
- Light industrial and warehousing:Use as staff access badges where ruggedness and ease of replacement matter more than high‑security cryptography.
- Retrofit and legacy systems:Ideal when upgrading or expanding systems that already use 125 kHz prox readers—no need to replace readers or re‑architect access control hardware.
- Event and temporary sites:Fast programming of packs for short‑term events, training courses or temporary worksites where low cost and rapid deployment are essential.
When evaluating access credentials, it's useful to contrast 125 kHz proximity clamshell cards with other common options such as 13.56 MHz smart cards (MIFARE), magnetic stripe cards, printed PVC cards and prox key fobs.
- 125 kHz prox vs 13.56 MHz smart cards (MIFARE/NFC):125 kHz prox cards are typically lower cost and easier to program for basic ID applications. However, 13.56 MHz smart cards offer stronger security features (encryption, mutual authentication) and additional capabilities (multi‑application use, payment or transit integration). Choose 125 kHz when cost and legacy compatibility matter; choose 13.56 MHz for higher security and advanced functionality.
- Clamshell cards vs thin PVC printed cards:Clamshells are generally more robust because of ABS/PC construction, and they better protect embedded proximity coils. Printed PVC may allow full‑color photo IDs and on‑card printing but can be thinner and less durable depending on material quality.
- Cards vs key fobs:Cards are preferred where visual identification (photo IDs, printed branding) is needed and when a wallet‑style badge is part of the user workflow. Fobs are convenient for keyring users and are less likely to be forgotten if attached to keys, but they lack surface area for printing and are not as suitable for ID photos.
- Blank programmable packs vs pre‑encoded cards:Blank packs give you the flexibility to encode on‑site and avoid lead times for custom programming. Pre‑encoded cards reduce onsite work but require sharing site IDs ahead of delivery and may have minimum order quantities.
While individual experiences vary by installation and use case, common feedback themes from installers, facility managers and security teams for this class of product typically include:
- Ease of programming:Installers appreciate that the cards are supplied blank and compatible with widely used prox encoders, enabling fast on‑site programming during commissioning.
- Value for money:Small packs provide a cost‑effective way to provision small teams and visitors without bulk purchasing.
- Durability and feel:Users comment that clamshell cards feel substantial and withstand daily use better than some thin PVC alternatives.
- Compatibility:Organizations with existing ACT 125 kHz readers note that these cards integrate seamlessly with their systems, avoiding the need for costly reader upgrades.
If you require documented customer testimonials or case studies, request sample references from the vendor or ask for trial packs to evaluate performance in your specific environment. For those who opt for pre‑encoding, many suppliers also offer programming services at point of sale—request details and site ID formats when placing your order.
The125 kHz Proximity Clamshell Cards (EM10C4 / ACTPROX_HS‑B) 10‑packare a practical, economical and widely compatible credential option for many access control needs. They combine the familiar ISO card form factor with the robustness of ABS/PC construction and the flexibility of blank, programmable prox technology. For facilities that rely on ACT 125 kHz readers or that require an affordable credential for staff, contractors and visitors, these cards offer straightforward deployment and reliable day‑to‑day performance.
Consider these cards when you need a tried‑and‑tested prox credential that balances cost, compatibility and durability. If you want higher security or multi‑application functionality, evaluate 13.56 MHz smart card alternatives; otherwise, for legacy systems, temporary deployments and general access control, this 10‑pack is a sensible, efficient choice. If you need datasheets, on‑site programming or pre‑encoding, provide your reader format and site ID details to your supplier to streamline provisioning and delivery.
Suggested price (indicative):approximately {28.70} per pack (supplier pricing may vary). For volume orders, custom printing or pre‑encoding services, contact your vendor for a quotation and lead times.
