Gallagher and ASSA ABLOY: How IP Locks Simplify Access Control in Existing Buildings

On September 24, Gallagher Security announced the U.S. launch of its Command Centre integration with ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled locks. The integration supports two product families: the battery-powered IN120 with Wi-Fi and the IN220 powered over Ethernet, or PoE. It is designed to extend access control in buildings where installing traditional wiring would be difficult or expensive. Read the official Gallagher announcement.

The announcement concerns the Gallagher integration; the IN120 and IN220 already exist as established product families. SARGENT offers multiple mechanical configurations, including cylindrical, mortise and multipoint locks, as well as exit devices. Selecting the right model therefore begins with the door construction and required means of egress. Explore the SARGENT IN Series.

What changes for building owners

User permissions, credentials, schedules and forced access-mode changes can be managed through Command Centre. The same system provides events, alarms, battery status and device health information.

Gallagher highlights university campuses, residence halls, classrooms and research facilities. Other stated applications include healthcare, government and corporate environments. For these customers, the principal advantage is the ability to manage a large number of doors through one system. View Gallagher's integration overview.

ASSA ABLOY SARGENT IN120 installation. Original manufacturer product photograph.

IN120: Wi-Fi for doors that are difficult to wire

The IN120 uses a wireless network and battery power. For example, SARGENT specifies six AA alkaline batteries for the IN120 10 Line. In this configuration, the lock supports low-battery, request-to-exit, door-position and tamper signals.

The practical advantage is the ability to add electronic access without running a power line to every lock. This is particularly useful when modernizing finished spaces. The lock still requires professional installation and verification of compatibility with the door. Review the IN120 10 Line specifications.

Communication frequency is configurable on the IN120. The manufacturer directly links this setting to the balance between communication responsiveness and battery life. A battery-powered Wi-Fi lock should therefore not automatically be assumed to maintain a constant connection or receive every remote command instantly. Battery life and credential-update latency should be confirmed for the selected operating mode. See the IN Series catalog, pages 3–4.

IN220: power and data over Ethernet

The IN220 uses IEEE 802.3af PoE, allowing the network cable to carry both data and power. The manufacturer states that the lock provides real-time communication and reduces the number of separate components by combining them at the door.

For a project, this can mean a simpler connection architecture than a conventional design in which the reader, lock and other devices require separate wiring to a door controller. A cable to the door is still required—the IN220 remains a wired solution. Review the IN220 PoE overview.

For the IN220 PE8800 configuration, SARGENT also specifies real-time remote lock and unlock commands, local decision-making and a local lockdown button. These are hardware capabilities; the availability of each function through Gallagher should be verified against the integration documentation. View the IN220 PE8800.

ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled lock hardware. Original manufacturer product photograph.

Key advantages

Less installation work. Using existing IP infrastructure can reduce additional wiring and equipment. The greatest benefit is expected where conventional cable installation would require opening finished surfaces or performing complex construction work. The exact savings depend on the site; the manufacturers do not publish a universal percentage. Learn about SARGENT IP-enabled locks.

Multiple credential options. The IN220 uses HID OMNIKEY SE technology and supports several credential types, including mobile access. Keypad options are also available. This makes it possible to select hardware around existing credentials and future use cases, although compatibility among a specific card, mobile application and software platform should be verified together. Review the IN220 specifications.

Local operation during a network outage. Access logic resides in the lock itself. The catalog lists capacity for up to 10,000 users and an audit trail of up to 10,000 events. A network outage and a power outage are different conditions: backup power is required if an IN220 must remain operational when electrical power is lost. See the IN Series catalog, pages 3–4.

Hardware selected for the door. Different chassis, levers and finishes allow the opening's construction and appearance requirements to be considered. This is useful for projects where offices, technical areas and doors with exit devices all need to operate within one system. Explore the SARGENT IN120 and IN220 range.

What to confirm before purchasing

Gallagher's announcement does not publish pricing, the minimum Command Centre version, licensing costs, a complete list of compatible part numbers or firmware requirements. Support for the IN120 or IN220 family should not be interpreted as confirmation that every hardware configuration and feature is supported.

Project planning should confirm:

• the exact lock part number and compatibility with the existing door;
• the Command Centre version, licenses and required integration components;
• for the IN120, Wi-Fi coverage, communication mode and battery maintenance;
• for the IN220, PoE infrastructure, cabling to the door and backup power;
• support for the selected cards, mobile credentials and remote commands.

For suppliers and installation companies, the integration creates a clear offering: extending an existing Gallagher system to additional doors. The commercial benefit will depend on the complete installed and maintained cost, so comparisons should be made per finished door—including hardware, software and labor.