Diode use with a mechanical doorbell – ProdataKey, Inc.

In a case where a dealer is powering an external mechanical 12 VDC doorbell with the pdk boards (either through the AUX relay on a Single io, or another channel on an eight io) a diode must be utilized just as it would be for a strike since the mechanical doorbell is effectively a strike inside.

Example image for diode placement:

(A) Diode - The provided diode MUST be installed when using a strike. Install at the strike with the stripe of the diode on positive (+) and the black on negative (-).

IMPORTANT: The diode MUST be installed as close to the lock as possible. The best scenario (where possible) is directly across the screw terminals on the lock (as shown in the first image below). Another option is to splice the diode in parallel (shown in image two), connecting it to the positive (+) and negative (-) strike wires using dolphin connectors, and crimp the wires.

Installing the diode backward for a strike can cause the Cloud Node or the io door controller to reboot. A damaged or blown (dead) diode can act as if there is no diode, installed backward, or show incorrect data in the logs such as a card scan when the strike returns to the default state.

Diode Setup

A diode is a standard semiconductor device integral to the safe and proper function of the door controller. It acts as a grounding tool, allowing the flow of current in one direction only. When a door strike is called, requested, or sent, the coil sends a spike (also called “kickback voltage”) down the line with as much as 50,000 volts. Without a diode semiconductor, this kickback voltage would damage the control equipment. When properly installed, the diode keeps kickback voltage localized at the lock.

To protect your equipment against electrical kickback, the diode must be installed across the DC powered lock, at the strike, between positive (+) and ground (-). DC voltage is polarized. The diode must be installed in the direction shown in the illustrations: Gray stripe to positive (+), black to negative or ground (-).