Linear EP-ACM 720-200105 Expansion Kit Technical Details
The Linear / Nice EP-ACM 720-200105 is a two-door I/O expansion board kit designed for a compatible EntryPro expansion node. Installing the module adds control capacity for two additional access points and connections for four additional readers.
A standard compatible expansion node supports two doors and four readers. With the EP-ACM installed, the node can support up to four doors and eight readers total, subject to the EntryPro system license, software configuration, power capacity, and connected hardware.
What the EP-ACM Adds
- Two additional controlled doors or pedestrian gates
- Four additional reader connections
- Entry and exit reader capability for each added door when configured accordingly
- Additional door-lock and auxiliary output functions
- Additional door-position, request-to-exit, and auxiliary input capability
- Expansion within the existing compatible EntryPro node cabinet
The EP-ACM is not a standalone access controller. It depends on the compatible EP-EXN or EN-EXN expansion node, the EntryPro network, system programming, and the required door licensing.
Compatible With
- Linear / Nice EP-EXN EntryPro Expansion Node, current catalog part number 720-200104
- Linear EN-EXN expansion nodes identified in older EntryPro literature as part number 720-100104, subject to hardware-generation verification
- Networked Linear EN and EP EntryPro telephone-entry and access-control systems using a supported expansion node
- Compatible Wiegand readers connected according to the EntryPro wiring documentation
Official Nice/Linear documents use both EP-EXN and EN-EXN names for the expansion node. Do not order by the product name alone. Verify the model and part-number label inside the existing expansion cabinet.
EntryPro Expansion Capacity
The compatible expansion node starts with capacity for two doors and four readers. Adding the EP-ACM increases the node capacity as follows:
- Base expansion node: Two doors and four readers
- EP-ACM addition: Two doors and four readers
- Combined node capacity: Four doors and eight readers
The four added reader connections may be configured for entry and exit readers serving the two additional doors. Actual reader assignments, anti-passback functions, schedules, and access levels depend on EntryPro programming.
Door Input and Output Functions
EntryPro two-door I/O architecture is commonly associated with the following connections for each controlled door:
- Entry reader input
- Exit reader input
- Door-position monitor input
- Request-to-exit input
- Auxiliary input
- Door-lock relay output
- Auxiliary relay output
- Reader LED and beeper control connections
Terminal names and available functions can vary by hardware revision. Use the wiring diagram supplied with the current EP-ACM kit rather than relying only on an older EntryPro manual.
Dry-Contact Relay Outputs
EntryPro I/O boards use Form C SPDT dry-contact outputs for door-lock and auxiliary functions. These outputs provide normally open, normally closed, and common connections but do not supply operating voltage to the connected lock or gate operator.
Official Linear documents conflict on the maximum relay contact rating. One EntryPro brochure lists 5A dry-contact outputs, while a hardware wiring diagram shows a 3A at 24 VAC/DC maximum rating. Verify the current EP-ACM board label and installation sheet before connecting any load.
Use the relay only as permitted by the current rating. Add an appropriately rated interposing relay when the controlled load, inrush current, voltage, inductive load, or gate interface exceeds the board's published limits.
Included 12 VDC 5A Power Supply
Nice/Linear lists a 12 VDC 5A power supply as part of the EP-ACM kit. This supply supports the access-control electronics and compatible reader load according to the manufacturer's system design.
EntryPro documentation states that the system power supply is not intended to power locking hardware or other field devices. Electric strikes, magnetic locks, door operators, and other powered loads normally require a separate listed power supply sized for the load and inrush current.
USB Cable and PCB Standoffs
The kit includes a USB cable and four PCB standoffs for module installation. Use the supplied cable only at the connection points identified in the current installation instructions. The standoffs secure the board in the compatible expansion cabinet and help maintain proper spacing from the enclosure and other circuit boards.
Do not mount the board loose inside the cabinet or allow the circuit board to contact the metal enclosure. Verify that all standoffs, screws, grounding provisions, and cable restraints are installed before applying power.
Software and Licensing Check
The public EP-ACM product page does not clearly state whether a separate two-door software license is included with the kit. Before ordering, confirm:
- The current EntryPro software version
- The licensed door capacity of the system
- Whether the additional two doors require license activation
- Available expansion-node capacity
- Network communication with the EntryPro host system
- Administrator access for module setup and programming
Installing the physical board alone may not make the additional doors available in the software if the system license or configuration does not support them.
Important Model-Generation Warning
Current and older official Linear documents use different names and part numbers for the compatible expansion node:
- EP-EXN: Current product page identifies part number 720-200104.
- EN-EXN: Older EntryPro literature identifies part number 720-100104.
- EP-ACM: Add-on board kit part number 720-200105.
The EP-ACM product page itself refers to EN-EXN, while the current EP-EXN page states that EP-ACM expands the newer node. Verify the cabinet label, CPU revision, I/O board connector, software version, and current replacement-parts documentation before treating the older and newer nodes as fully interchangeable.
Comparison With Related EntryPro Products
- EP-ACM 720-200105: Two-door add-on I/O board kit for a compatible EntryPro expansion node.
- EP-EXN 720-200104: Current two-door, four-reader expansion node with CPU, I/O board, cabinet, power supply, and base door license.
- EN-EXN 720-100104: Older expansion-node part number shown in earlier EntryPro literature.
- EP-402: Standalone two-door EntryPro telephone-entry system.
- EP-436 and EP-736: Networked EntryPro telephone-entry controllers supporting larger systems and expansion nodes.
Similar Parts That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- Complete EP-EXN or EN-EXN expansion nodes
- Main EntryPro CPU boards
- Two-door I/O boards from another Linear access-control family
- eMerge or browser-based access-control expansion boards
- Standalone Wiegand controllers
- Relay expansion boards without reader inputs
- Power-distribution modules for locking hardware
- Older modules with different USB, ribbon-cable, or mounting connections
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Linear / Nice |
| Model | EP-ACM |
| Part Number | 720-200105 |
| Product Type | Two-door add-on access-control I/O board kit |
| Doors Added | Two |
| Reader Connections Added | Four |
| Expanded Node Capacity | Four doors and eight readers total |
| Reader Arrangement | Supports entry and exit reader connections for two added doors when configured accordingly |
| Reader Interface | EntryPro-compatible Wiegand reader connections |
| Relay Type | Form C SPDT dry-contact outputs in the documented EntryPro I/O architecture |
| Relay Contact Rating | Verify current board label; official documents conflict between 3A and 5A ratings |
| Included Power Supply | 12 VDC, 5A |
| Locking-Hardware Power | Separate properly rated supply normally required |
| USB Cable | Included |
| PCB Standoffs | Four included |
| Enclosure Included | No |
| CPU Included | No |
| Standalone Operation | No |
| Software License Included | Not confirmed in current public product documentation |
| Primary Compatibility | Compatible EntryPro EP-EXN or EN-EXN expansion node after generation verification |
Package Contents
- One Linear / Nice EP-ACM two-door add-on I/O board
- One 12 VDC 5A power supply
- One USB cable
- Four PCB mounting standoffs
Verify current factory packaging before publishing. Terminal blocks, mounting screws, instructions, power cord configuration, and other small hardware are not specifically listed on the public product page.
Required but Not Included
- Compatible EP-EXN or EN-EXN expansion node
- EntryPro host system and network connection
- Required software license or door-capacity activation
- Compatible Wiegand readers
- Access cards, key fobs, mobile credentials, or keypad codes
- Door-position switches
- Request-to-exit devices
- Electric strikes, magnetic locks, or gate operator interfaces
- Separate locking-hardware power supplies
- Field wiring, conduit, surge protection, and grounding materials
- Programming, testing, and installation labor
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm model EP-ACM and part number 720-200105.
- Read the label inside the existing expansion-node cabinet.
- Determine whether the node is labeled EP-EXN or EN-EXN.
- Verify the expansion-node part number and hardware revision.
- Confirm available cabinet space and mounting locations.
- Inspect the USB and board-connection arrangement.
- Verify the EntryPro software and firmware version.
- Confirm that the system is licensed for two more doors.
- Verify reader technology, Wiegand format, and reader power load.
- Confirm relay rating from the current EP-ACM board label.
- Provide separate power for locks and other field devices.
- Review grounding, surge protection, and local code requirements.
Installation and Professional Advisory
Disconnect power before mounting the board or connecting the power supply, USB cable, readers, inputs, or relay wiring. Follow the current Nice/Linear instructions for board placement, standoff installation, grounding, cable routing, and system configuration.
Do not apply line voltage to the I/O board. Do not use the included system supply to power electric locks, magnetic locks, door operators, or other loads unless current Nice/Linear documentation specifically permits the complete load.
A qualified access-control or low-voltage technician should install and program the EP-ACM. Incorrect relay wiring, grounding, supply sizing, reader connections, licensing, or software configuration can damage the equipment or leave a controlled opening unsecured.
Do not bypass free-egress hardware, fire-alarm release, emergency access, mechanical override, gate safety devices, or other required life-safety functions.
Product Questions & Answers
What is included with Linear EP-ACM 720-200105?
The kit includes the EP-ACM two-door I/O board, a 12 VDC 5A power supply, one USB cable, and four PCB standoffs. The expansion-node cabinet, CPU, readers, locks, and field wiring are separate.
How much capacity does EP-ACM add to an EP-EXN?
EP-ACM adds two doors and four reader connections. A compatible expansion node increases from two doors and four readers to four doors and eight readers total.
Is the EP-EXN expansion node included with EP-ACM?
No. EP-ACM is an add-on board kit for an existing compatible EP-EXN or EN-EXN expansion node. It does not include the node cabinet, CPU, or base I/O board.
Can the four added reader connections be used for entry and exit readers?
Yes. The documented EntryPro two-door I/O arrangement supports entry and exit reader connections for each added door, subject to reader compatibility and system programming.
Can the included 12 VDC 5A supply power electric locks?
Not normally. EntryPro documentation states that the system supply is not intended to power locking hardware or other field devices. Use a separate properly rated lock power supply unless current instructions specifically approve the load.
Can EP-ACM operate as a standalone two-door controller?
No. EP-ACM requires a compatible EntryPro expansion node, networked EntryPro system, software configuration, and the required door licensing.
Does EP-ACM include the software license for two additional doors?
The current public EP-ACM product page does not confirm that a door license is included. Verify the system's licensed capacity and any required activation before ordering.
Will EP-ACM work with both EP-EXN and older EN-EXN nodes?
Official Linear documents associate EP-ACM with both names, but they also show different expansion-node part numbers. Verify the cabinet label, hardware revision, connectors, software version, and current parts documentation before ordering.
