Applies to: NOP-IC2, NOP-RI2MS, NOP-RI4S, NOP-IO168S

Summary

This article explains how to wire output signals such as door locks, sirens, door holders, strobes, or other controlled devices using relay outputs on NOP-IC2 controller and Downstream Panels used with OnCAFE.

NOTE: Relay outputs are dry-contact switching points. The controller relay
changes state to open or close, but it does not provide lock power. Door 
locks and other powered output devices must be powered by an external power
supply or access power controller.

Prerequisites

Before wiring output signals:

• Confirm the controller model being wired.
   
• Confirm the relay output terminal block location on the board.
   
• Confirm if the connected device should operate as fail-safe or fail-secure.
   
• Confirm the external lock power supply voltage matches the lock or device requirements.
   
• Remove power before landing or moving wires.
   
• Use properly rated wire, fusing, and surge protection for the connected load.
   
• Do not power locks directly from the controller.

NOTE: Hanwha recommends using an access power controller for lock power 
distribution when possible. Access power controllers provide fused, 
supervised, and serviceable lock power outputs for access control systems.

Use the following table to identify the output terminal blocks associated with each controller or Downstream Panel.

Determine how the connected device should behave during a power loss.

• Fail-Secure Lock - Remains locked when power is removed. Commonly used for entry doors, high-security areas, and doors where secure locking must remain during power loss. These are typically wired through the NO (Normally Open) relay contact.
   

• Fail-Safe Lock - Unlocks when power is removed. Commonly used for emergency exit doors, fire-rated egress paths, and doors that must release during power loss or fire alarm activation. These  are typically wired through the NC (Normally Closed) relay contact.

  NOTE: Field configurations may vary. Identify hardware configurations
  before wiring.

Wiring Output Signals

There are two methods used to wire output signals:

• Directly to a lock
• Through an access power controller (preferred method)

Directly to a Lock

Used when the controller relay is directly switching the lock power circuit.

IMPORTANT: The external power supply provides power to the lock. The 
controller/downstream panels relay only switches the circuit state; it 
does not supply voltage.

 
Through an Access Power Controller 

Used when the controller relay is triggering an access power controller channel.

To wire an output signal:

1. Identify the controller model.
    
2. Locate the output terminal block on the controller board and identify the relay number used for the output device.
    
3. Determine whether the connected device requires fail-safe or fail-secure operation.
    
4. Connect the external power supply or access power controller to the relay circuit.
    
5. Wire the lock, siren, door holder, or other output device to the appropriate relay contact.
    
6. Install an inline fuse rated for the connected device load.
    
7. Install a flyback diode across the lock terminals if the device is a DC inductive load. 
   
   Cathode / striped end: Lock (+) 
   
   Anode: Lock (-)
    
8. Label the output wiring near the terminal block.
    
9. Keep lock power wiring separated from reader and data wiring.
    
10. Restore power to the controller and external power supply.
     
11. Assign the relay output in OnCAFE to the appropriate door strike, alarm output, or controlled device.
     
12. Test output activation through software, relay command, or credential presentation.
     
13. Confirm the connected device activates and releases as expected.

Best Practices

• Do NOT power locks from the controller.
   
• Use an external lock power supply or access power controller.
   
• Use fused outputs sized for the connected device.
   
• Install suppression devices, such as flyback diodes, as close to the peripheral device as possible.
   
• Separate lock wiring from reader, RS-485, and network wiring to reduce EMI.
   
• Label each relay output clearly for future service.
   
• Confirm fail-safe and fail-secure behavior before finalizing the installation.
   
• Test output behavior during both normal operation and power-loss conditions.