Traditional vs. 4-Wire Control: What's the Difference?

When deploying access control in high-density environments like data centers, the wiring approach can make a big difference in both installation complexity and long-term scalability.

Traditional access control systems rely on multiple conductors to support readers, REX, DPS, and electrified locks, requiring individual wiring runs from each cabinet back to a controller.

In contrast, a 4-wire cabinet lock with OSDP communication uses just two conductors for data and two for power, allowing multiple locks to share a single RS-485 bus, dramatically reducing cabling and simplifying deployment.

Comparison Summary:

  • Traditional Wiring: Uses relays to trigger locking mechanisms, requiring more physical connections and dedicated wiring for each cabinet.
  • 4-Wire Control: Uses power + data lines for a more streamlined installation, centralized management, and reduced cabling costs.

 

 

Wiring Breakdown:

Traditional Wiring

  • 6 conductors for reader
  • 2 conductors for door position switch (DPS)
  • 2–4 conductors for REX (request to exit)
  • 2 conductors for electrified locking hardware

Separate wiring run required for each cabinet

4-Wire OSDP Control

  • 2 conductors for power
  • 2 conductors for RS-485 bus (data)

Multiple cabinets can share a single data line

Key Takeaway:

In cabinet deployments with dozens, or even hundreds, of racks, small wiring efficiencies scale quickly.
By reducing cabling, simplifying setup, and streamlining connections, 4-wire cabinet lock systems help IT teams and integrators move faster and operate smarter.
Fewer conductors mean fewer potential failure points, faster installs, and better long-term scalability without compromising on control, monitoring, or security.

View all HES cabinet locks and filter by credentials, wiring, or key features to find the right fit for your deployment.

Sign up for our Newsletters. Be the first to know of new product launches and more

*
*
*
Captcha
Invalid
To Top