For RS485 connections between ACUs we recommend using Belden 8723 or equivalent. This is a 2 twisted pair cable, with each pair screened as well as an overall screen.
Note: the RS485 ‘+’ and ‘–’ connections must be run on either side of the same twisted pair (e.g. Green and White), with a separate core (e.g. Black) used for the reference.
The total distance of an RS485 bus must not exceed 1000m.
From the i-Net ACU to Wiegand readers we recommend using Belden 9538 (or equivalent). This is an untwisted 8 core cable with an overall screen. Do not use twisted pair CAT5 or CAT6 cables to connect readers to the i-Net ACU.
The maximum length of the Wiegand reader cable is 80m but if this exceeds 25m we recommend using a local power supply for the reader.
Between the i-Net ACU and Locks/Exit Buttons we recommend a 22 AWG or thicker gauge alarm cable. We recommend cables with spare cores in case a core breaks. Do not use CAT5 or CAT6 cables to connect locks or exit buttons.
To ensure optimum performance on the i-Net RS485 bus, please ensure that the following rules are implemented:
1) The bus must be wired as a 3 wire bus using Belden 8723 (or equivalent) cable with the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ connections on same twisted pair (e.g. green and white).
4) Each device on the bus must have a unique address. The Master i-Net must have address 0, and each expansion device (expander or slave i-Net) are configured in the range 1 to 15 (F).
5) Devices must be connected to the correct bus; expanders (AC-3151 / AC-4311) to RS485 A or slave i-Nets to RS485 B. Always ensure that the Master i-Net is configured to operate on the correct bus (switch 2 on the bank of 4 option switches).
For further information, please refer to the Installation Manual for the i-Net and expanders.