Electrified Hinges

How Do You Determine the Right Conductor Count for an Electrified Hinge? 

Count every wire needed by every powered device on the door face, then select the hinge with that conductor count. A proximity card reader typically needs 4 to 6 conductors. An electrified mortise lock adds 6 to 10 conductors. A REX push button adds 2. A door position switch adds 2. An LED credential indicator adds 2 more. Total the conductors for all devices. If the total is 12, order the 12-conductor hinge. If you're at 9, order the 10-conductor and leave two unused. Don't order a lower conductor count and plan to supplement with a surface wire loop. It defeats the purpose of specifying an electrified hinge. 

 Wire Gauge: Not All Conductors Are the Same 

Data and signal wires for card readers and switches typically run at 22 AWG. Higher current devices like electric lock solenoids may need 18 AWG for adequate current capacity. Some electrified hinge manufacturers offer mixed AWG configurations with heavier gauge conductors for the power supply circuit and lighter gauge for data. Confirm the AWG requirement with each device's spec sheet before ordering. Running a solenoid on 22 AWG wire that needs 18 AWG causes voltage drop that leads to intermittent lock failures.