2.1 WIRING GUIDELINES
Do not run high voltage (115 V) power lines and communication lines in the same conduit. These
should be in separate conduits at least six (6) inches apart. Be sure that all phone line wiring is
twisted and completely isolated from ground.
Use only the supplied 16.5 VAC (or U.L. listed equivalent) to power the access control system. Do
not power any other devices (electric strikes, magnetic locks, lights, etc.) from this
transformer. Do not run 16 VAC access control system power lines over 200 feet. It is advisable to
keep these wires as short as possible. Use 18 AWG wire for wire runs up to 100 feet, and 16
AWG wire for wire runs up to 200 feet. Install a low voltage surge suppresser (DoorKing p/n 1878-
010 or equivalent) to help protect the entry system from power surges.
Use Belden 9418 (4-conductor), Belden 9931 (6-conductor) or equivalent for all wiegand device
wiring. Do not use twisted pair type wire with wiegand format. Float the shield at the wiegand device.
Do not connect the shield to the wiegand device common. Wiegand wire runs are 500-feet
maximum.
A 12 volt .8 amp hour gel-cell battery (DoorKing p/n 1801-008) can be installed in the system to
provide stand-by power in the event of a power outage. Two batteries are required, one for the
system power and one for the auxiliary terminal power.
Proper grounding of this system is a requirement. The use of surge suppressers can significantly
reduce the chance of component failure because of static charges or surges. To be effective, ground
connections should be made with a minimum 12 AWG, 600 volt insulated wire to a ground point
within 10 feet of the access control system. The ground point must be at an electrical panel, a
metallic cold water pipe that runs in the earth, or a stainless steel grounding rod driven at least ten
(10) feet into the soil.
Be sure that you use proper wire that has an insulation rated for an underground environment. All
wires should be placed in conduits. Proper pre-planning can greatly ease the installation and wiring
of this system. Always check with the local building code to determine the type of wire required in
your municipality.
The 1838 is shipped with two (2) Ferrite Filters. One is installed on the 16 VAC power wires to the
main circuit board (terminals 19-20). The second is installed and around the wires connected to the
Auxiliary Terminal strip.
• To install the ferrite filter, simply snap the filter open, place the wires in the circular core, then
snap the filter closed.
16 VAC POWER AUX TERMINAL WIRES
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