Appendix: Best practices - Wiring a REX to your
Avigilon Alta access control system
For fire and safety reasons, and in accordance with building code in many jurisdictions, a Request to Exit (REX)
device is used to ensure free egress.
Important: Always defer to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for all building code requirements,
including code requirements for REX devices and how they should connect to an access control system,
such as Avigilon Alta.
Wiring REX in series with mag lock or other fail-safe hardware
Although you can wire a REX directly to the Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) access control unit (ACU) like
other access control systems, the best practice would be to wire the REX device in series with electromagnetic
(mag lock) or other fail-safe hardware. This prevents any points of failure in the egress path. If the REX device
is wired directly to the REX input on an ACU, then the Avigilon Alta access control system can simply shunt
forced-open alarms only, or shunt forced-open alarms and trigger the relay to unlock. In the event of complete
power loss, the lock hardware specified by the AHJ would be fail-safe or fail-secure.
l
Fail-safehardware
unlocks
when power is interrupted or lost.
l
Fail-securehardware
locks
when power is interrupted or lost.
Wiring REX with Video Reader Pro and Video Intercom Reader Pro
Because these devices do not include a REX input or door relay, you must use a remote ACU to manage door
peripherals, such as a door lock relay, door contact, and a REX device. A LAN connection to the remote ACU is
required to control all door peripherals that are assigned to the Video Reader Pro or Video Intercom Reader Pro
entry. If the Video Reader Pro and the Video Intercom Reader Pro go offline, and if the REX is not wired in a
series with the lock hardware, the REX on the entry does not engage the remote relay. It is important to follow
the best practices outlined here and the diagrams below to ensure a reliable experience when the Video
Reader Pro or Video Intercom Reader Pro is inaccessible due to a network interruption, maintenance, or
firmware update.
Appendix: Best practices - Wiring a REX to your Avigilon Alta access control system 69
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General