Designing Your Access Control System: A Buyer's Guide to Paxton10 Control Units
In the world of commercial security, access control is no longer just about locking and unlocking doors. Modern businesses require systems that are scalable, easy to manage, and capable of integrating seamlessly with other building services like fire alarms and intruder systems.
Brighton-based manufacturer Paxton has long been a leader in this space, famous for their "security made simple" philosophy. With the introduction of the Paxton10 platform, they have unified access control and video management into a single, highly intuitive system.
If you are planning a new installation or upgrading an existing setup, choosing the right control units is the most critical decision you will make. This guide will walk you through the core building blocks of a Paxton10 system, helping you select the perfect hardware configuration for your premises.
The Power of Distributed Intelligence
Traditional access control systems often rely on large, multi-door controllers housed in a central comms room. While this works, it creates a single point of failure: if the central controller goes down, multiple doors can be affected.
Paxton10 takes a different approach by utilising distributed intelligence. The system is built around single-door controllers. Each controller manages its own door, communicating directly over TCP/IP. If one controller loses connection to the network, it continues to operate independently, ensuring your building remains secure and accessible.
When designing your system, your primary choice lies in how you want to power and mount these single-door controllers.
Choosing Your Paxton10 Door Controller
Paxton offers their single-door controllers in three distinct formats to suit different installation environments, cabling infrastructures, and power requirements.
1. The Modern Approach: Power over Ethernet (PoE+)
For modern buildings with a robust network infrastructure, the Paxton10 Door Controller with PoE+ is often the most efficient choice.
By utilising Power over Ethernet (specifically PoE+), this controller receives both its data connection and its power over a single Cat5e or Cat6 network cable. Crucially, it features a built-in PoE+ splitter that can pass power directly to the door lock itself. This completely eliminates the need to run a separate 230V mains supply to the door, drastically reducing installation time and electrical cabling costs.
2. The Traditional Route: 12V 2A Mains Powered
If you do not have a PoE+ enabled network switch, or if you prefer to have local battery backup directly at the door, the Paxton10 Door Controller with 12V 2A PSU is the ideal alternative.
This unit comes housed in a secure plastic enclosure complete with an integrated power supply. It is designed to be wired into a standard local mains supply (such as a switched fused spur) and provides a reliable 12V DC output to power both the controller and the connected locking hardware. It also allows for a backup battery to be installed inside the housing, ensuring the door remains operational even during a local power cut.
3. The Custom Option: PCB Only
For larger projects where installers prefer to centralise their hardware, the Paxton10 Door Controller PCB Only is the perfect solution.
Supplied without a plastic enclosure or individual power supply, this bare printed circuit board (PCB) is designed to be mounted inside custom multi-unit cabinets or centralised equipment racks where a shared system power supply is already in place. This is a highly cost-effective option for tidy, centralised comms room installations.
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Integrating Fire and Intruder Alarms
An access control system cannot operate in a vacuum. In an emergency, such as a fire, it is vital that secured doors automatically unlock to allow safe egress. Conversely, if an intruder alarm is triggered, you may want the system to restrict access or flag the event in your management software.
Rather than running complex, bespoke wiring to every single controller, Paxton simplifies this with the Paxton10 Alarm Connector. This miniature, smart input/output (I/O) connector bridges the gap between your building's alarm panels and the Paxton10 network. By integrating this compact connector, you can ensure that fire and intruder signals are instantly communicated across the entire system, allowing for automated, building-wide safety and security responses.
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Supporting Legacy and Custom Installations
While Paxton10 represents the future of their product line, many buildings still rely on the highly successful Net2 platform, or require specialised power configurations for custom hardware.
For installations where you need to power Net2 controllers or other 12V DC ancillary equipment inside custom enclosures, the Paxton 857-090 2A 12V DC Power Supply is a versatile workhorse. Supplied without an outer housing, this unboxed power module is designed to be integrated directly into custom panels or weatherproof external enclosures. It features a built-in tamper switch and battery charging circuitry, making it a reliable choice for maintaining power continuity across your security hardware.
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Summary: Planning Your System
When specifying your Paxton control units, ask yourself three key questions:
- What is the network infrastructure? If you have PoE+ switches available, choosing PoE+ controllers will save significant installation time.
- Where will the hardware live? Decide whether you want individual, self-contained boxes at each door, or a clean, centralised cabinet housing multiple PCB-only boards.
- What integrations are required? Don't forget to include alarm connectors to tie your access control directly into your fire and security systems for compliance and safety.
By selecting the right combination of controllers and power supplies, you can build an access control system that is not only highly secure but also cost-effective to install and easy to expand in the future.
Explore our full range of Paxton control units and accessories to find the perfect fit for your next project:
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