Introduction to the ACTpro-100 and its key features
Product:ACTpro-100 Door Station, RS‑485 Single‑Door Expander (V54502-C120-A100). Suggested price: $230.00.
The ACTpro-100 is a compact, surface‑mount RS‑485 door expander designed to add a single additional door to an existing ACTpro access control system. Housed in a grey ABS enclosure for indoor use, this unit provides local reader connections, input monitoring, relay outputs and status indicators while leaving the access decision and advanced logic to the main ACTpro controller. For installers and system integrators who need a reliable, low‑cost way to expand door capacity without replacing a controller, the ACTpro-100 offers a practical, well‑specified option.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The ACTpro-100 is engineered to integrate smoothly with ACTpro systems using an RS‑485 door network. Key technical specifications and benefits include:
- Model / Part No.:V54502-C120-A100
- Intended use:Surface‑mount, indoor only
- Enclosure material:ABS (grey); neat, unobtrusive finish for many interiors
- Communications:RS‑485 (door network). Shielded/twisted pair cable such as Belden 9501 is recommended to preserve signal integrity
- Electrical:9–28 V DC input; typical current draw ~40–120 mA (depending on load and peripheral devices)
- Relay outputs:Main door relay rated for inductive loads at 1.5 A @ 30 V DC (see datasheet for full relay ratings and deratings); auxiliary alarm relay available for expanded alarm handling
- Reader support:MIFARE Classic, DESFire EV1, ACT 125 kHz; supports common interfaces such as Wiegand and Clock & Data
- I/O monitoring:Door contact, Request-to-Exit (RTE), break‑glass/fire, tamper, and mains present monitoring
- Dimensions:236 × 165 × 55 mm; net weight ≈0.51 kg
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C; indoor use only
- Simple capacity expansion:For sites already using an ACTpro controller, the ACTpro-100 lets you add one door quickly without upgrading the core controller. This keeps project costs down while extending system coverage.
- Flexible reader compatibility:Support for MIFARE, DESFire and legacy 125 kHz formats, plus Wiegand and Clock & Data interfaces, allows use with a wide range of readers and credential types — helpful in phased upgrades or mixed-technology environments.
- Secure and monitored door interface:Built‑in inputs for door contacts, RTE, break‑glass/fire and tamper ensure the door’s physical state is monitored and reported back to the ACTpro controller for logging and alarm handling.
- Compact, installer‑friendly form factor:Surface mounting in an ABS enclosure simplifies installation in offices, plant rooms and service cupboards where recessed mounting is impractical.
- Low ongoing cost:Compared with adding a completely new controller, a single‑door expander is a cost‑effective way to scale access control incrementally.
Use cases and scenarios where the ACTpro-100 excels
The ACTpro-100 is particularly well suited to installations where one or a few additional doors must be added to an existing ACTpro system without a full controller replacement. Typical scenarios include:
When a business expands into an adjacent suite or installs a new secure office, the ACTpro-100 can be mounted near the new door to provide reader and lock control tied into the landlord’s or building’s existing ACTpro system. This avoids expensive rewiring back to a central controller room and allows rapid commissioning.
Service doors, plant rooms and stores often require monitored, controlled access but not the full feature set of a dedicated controller. The ACTpro-100 provides the necessary relays and monitored inputs (door contact, RTE, tamper, break‑glass) to meet safety and security needs while keeping the main access policies centralized on the ACTpro controller.
Facilities migrating readers from legacy 125 kHz to MIFARE/DESFire or converting wiring protocols can use expanders to bridge old and new systems. The ACTpro-100 supports multiple reader formats, making staged upgrades practical without replacing all hardware at once.
Because the unit is surface‑mount and compact, it’s ideal where recessed cavities aren’t available or modification to walls is limited, such as retrofitting heritage buildings, retail fitouts or rented premises.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the ACTpro-100 you’ll want to compare it against two broad categories: single‑door expanders and full, standalone door controllers (including IP‑based controllers).
- Cost and complexity:Expanders like the ACTpro-100 are generally lower cost and simpler to install when you already have an ACTpro controller. Standalone controllers (especially IP controllers) give more autonomy at the door but tend to be costlier and may duplicate functionality you already have centralised.
- Network considerations:The ACTpro-100 uses RS‑485, which is robust, simple and cost‑effective for door networks but requires proper cable selection (shielded/twisted pair) and topology. IP controllers use Ethernet and PoE, offering richer remote power/data options but increasing network management overhead.
- Scalability:Expanders are ideal for incremental growth; if you anticipate heavy decentralised logic or many doors switching to independent management, full controllers may be preferable.
Most single‑door expanders on the market offer similar core features: reader support, relay outputs, and monitored inputs. Where the ACTpro-100 stands out is its compatibility with ACTpro reader formats (including DESFire EV1) and its emphasis on ease of integration into ACTpro RS‑485 networks. If your site standardises on ACTpro, the ACTpro-100 offers a plug‑and‑play expansion path that minimises configuration and compatibility issues.
Customer testimonials and reviews
There are no formal customer testimonials included in the supplied product information. For procurement decisions, it is recommended to consult distributor or vendor portals for verified customer reviews, speak with local installers who have ACTpro experience, or request references from the manufacturer. Installer feedback in the field typically highlights the following practical observations (based on common industry experience with similar devices):
- Installers appreciate the compact surface‑mount housing for retrofit jobs where wall chase is unavailable.
- Compatibility with multiple reader formats reduces the need to inventory different expanders for mixed systems.
- Clear wiring and status indicators simplify commissioning when connected to an ACTpro controller.
If you need formal testimonials for procurement or a tender, request case studies or reference installations from the vendor — they can often provide contactable references for similar deployments.
Important notes, safety and installation guidance
Before installation, a few practical cautions and recommended actions:
- Refer to the ACTpro-100 datasheet for full relay ratings, inductive‑load derating and wiring diagrams — this product’s main relay is rated for inductive loads at 1.5 A @ 30 V DC, but full ratings and derating guidance must be followed when connecting maglocks or heavy locks.
- Installation should be carried out by a qualified engineer in accordance with local building and electrical regulations.
- Use shielded/twisted pair RS‑485 cable (for example Belden 9501 or equivalent) and observe correct RS‑485 topology and termination to avoid communications issues.
- Check manufacturer documentation for CE/UKCA marking and regional compliance where applicable.
Conclusion: why the ACTpro-100 is a great choice
The ACTpro-100 Door Station (V54502-C120-A100) is a focused, practical solution for expanding ACTpro access control installations by one door. It combines flexible reader support, a compact surface‑mount enclosure, and the necessary relay and monitored inputs to deliver a complete door interface while leaving higher‑level access decisions to the system controller. For installers and system integrators who need a cost‑effective, low‑disruption way to add doors — especially in retrofit or phased upgrade projects — the ACTpro-100 represents a reliable and well‑specified option.
Its strengths lie in compatibility with ACTpro reader formats, straightforward RS‑485 connectivity, and the convenience of a single unit that provides reader I/O and alarm monitoring. While not a substitute for a full standalone IP controller when decentralised logic or PoE is required, the ACTpro-100 is an excellent choice where centralized control, minimal additional cost and simple installation are priorities.
For procurement, consult the datasheet for detailed electrical ratings and wiring diagrams, confirm network topology and cable selection, and ask your vendor for installation references if independent testimonials are required. With those checks completed, the ACTpro-100 offers a pragmatic way to expand an ACTpro system reliably and affordably.
- Adds one door to an ACTpro controller (single‑door expander)
- RS‑485 network connection (use shielded/twisted pair)
- Supports MIFARE, DESFire EV1 and ACT 125 kHz plus Wiegand/Clock & Data
- Monitored inputs for door contact, RTE, break‑glass/fire, tamper and mains presence
- Surface‑mount indoor ABS enclosure — compact and installer friendly
