Free · Tech corner

Field tools for technicians.

Quick answers for site work: how many watts your PoE switch needs, how to wire a magnetic lock, the default IP of common brands, cable colours and the tools to bring. Works on your phone.

Tool 01

PoE budget calculator

Enter how many of each device run on the switch. Typical power is filled in; change it to the value on the datasheet for an exact result.

DeviceQtyWatts eachPoE type
Switch PoE budget needed
0W

Includes 20% spare.

Devices / PoE ports
0
Suggested switch
–
UPS for the switch
–
Tool 02

Lock wiring: NO / NC / COM

The most common mistake on site. A magnetic lock needs power to stay locked, so it goes on NC. An electric strike needs power to open, so it goes on NO.

Magnetic lock (fail-safe) + exit button + break glass

Power supply12 V DC +12VGND Reader / controller +12VGNDPUSH COMNCNO (unused) Exit buttonNOCOM Break glassCOMNC Magnetic lock+−
+12VGND / 0VSwitched lock powerExit button signal
FromToWhy
PSU +12VReader +12V and Reader COMPowers the reader and feeds the lock relay
Reader NCBreak glass COM → Break glass NC → Maglock +Power flows to the lock until the relay opens or the glass is broken
Maglock −PSU GNDReturn path
Exit button NO / COMReader PUSH / GNDPressing the button tells the reader to release the door
Fire alarm relay (NC)In series with Maglock +, like the break glassAll doors release on fire alarm
Magnetic lock → NC

Fail-safe: locked while powered, opens when power is cut. Required on escape routes.

Electric strike / bolt → NO

Fail-secure: stays locked without power, opens when the relay closes. Check the local fire rules first.

Protect the relay

Fit a diode (1N4007) across the lock, stripe to +, unless the lock has one built in. Use a separate PSU output for the lock if it draws more than the reader relay rating.

Tool 03

Default IPs & setup tools

Factory defaults to find a new device on the network. Newer firmware often uses DHCP and asks you to create a password on first login. Always set a strong password and change defaults.

Brand / deviceDefault IPFirst loginFind / set up with
Hikvision cameras & NVR192.168.1.64User admin; create the password when activatingSADP, iVMS-4200, Hik-Connect app
Dahua cameras & NVR192.168.1.108User admin; set the password on first loginConfigTool, SmartPSS, DMSS app
Uniview cameras & NVR192.168.1.13admin / 123456 on older firmware; newer asks for a new passwordEZTools, EZView app
ZKTeco access / attendance terminals192.168.1.201Set in the device menu (Comm key 0)ZKBio Access / ZKBio Time
Axis camerasDHCP, else 192.168.0.90root; set the password on first loginAXIS IP Utility
TP-Link Omada access pointsDHCP, else 192.168.0.254admin / admin, then forced changeOmada app / controller
TP-Link Omada router (ER605)192.168.0.1Create admin on first loginWeb page, Omada controller
EZVIZ Wi-Fi camerasDHCPVerification code on the device labelEZVIZ app

Tip: set your laptop to an IP in the same range (for example 192.168.1.10 / 255.255.255.0) to reach a device on its default address.

Tool 04

RJ45 colours & Wiegand

Use the same standard at both ends (T568B is the usual choice in the UAE). Max Ethernet / PoE run: 100 m.

T568B

T568A

Wiegand wireUsual colourGoes to
+12VRedController 12V out
GNDBlackController GND (must be shared)
D0 / DATA0GreenController W0 / D0
D1 / DATA1WhiteController W1 / D1
LED / BeepBrown / Yellow (varies)Check the reader manual

Distance guide

Ethernet / PoE (Cat6)100 m
Wiegand (shielded)about 100 m
RS-485 (twisted pair)up to 1,200 m
12V lock power, 0.75 mm²keep under 30 m

Longer runs: use a PoE extender, fibre, or put the power supply near the door.

Tool 05

Tools checklist

Tick items as you pack the van. Your ticks stay on this phone.