Paxton 405-321 Switch2 Stand-Alone Single-Door Access Controller

405-321 is the Paxton Switch2 controller: a stand-alone single-door access control unit that stores user permissions inside the building, supports up to 5,000 tokens and needs no PC.

Stand-alone access control with the brain on the secure side

Switch2 fits on the secure side of the door while the reader sits outside. Because the unit stores all access permissions, the datasheet points out that the door stays secure even if the reader is tampered with. It targets doors that need control but not the movement reports of a PC-based system.

All tokens in a card pack are valid once the system is enrolled with the enrolment card, and a lost token is barred by presenting its shadow card. Zoning by token colour is possible with Paxton proximity readers, and a hands-free interface can be added. Three programming styles are supported: PROXIMITY, CARDLOCK and TOUCHLOCK.

Key features as printed in the datasheet

• Up to 100 card packs or 5,000 tokens or users, and up to 50 PIN codes of 4 to 8 digits.
• Shadow-card barring and function card packs for zoning.
• Fail-open or fail-closed release; volt-free relay.
• Colour-to-colour wiring, door contact and exit button inputs and a forced-door alarm output.

Technical specification

System

Electrical and hardware

Environment and size

Switch2 versus Net2: when stand-alone is enough

Choose Switch2 when each door can be managed on its own and there is no need for user reports or a central database. Two readers on one unit give read-in and read-out control. The datasheet lists a second code, 242-166, which adds a 12 V 1 A power supply and plastic housing to the controller.

For sites that need audit trails, time zones and a central user list, the Paxton Net2 Plus controller (682-493) is the networked alternative. Check the reader choice: the datasheet states Switch2 does not support third-party readers.

Installation and first programming

A label on the unit shows reader, lock and power connections, and the volt-free relay output can switch any lock. Door contacts can be added for a door-forced alarm. After power-up the unit beeps three times a second until it is programmed.

With PROXIMITY or CARDLOCK readers, presenting the enrolment card validates the pack. With TOUCHLOCK, programming is through the keypad with a 6-digit programming code; Paxton warns not to use 123456, because the default user code 1234 would open the door before the programming code is fully entered.

Typical doors

Switch2 suits stores, plant rooms, small offices, schools and residential gates where a few doors need simple, low-maintenance control. The datasheet temperature range is -20 to +55 °C and the unit is not moisture resistant, so mount it inside the secure area.

Selection and installation notes

Access control is designed door by door: the door type, the lock, the reader position, the exit method and the fire release all need to be settled before the equipment is chosen. Fit the unit on the secure side where the maker advises, run cable of the type and length the data sheet allows, test the lock release on power failure and fire alarm, and keep a record of the user and token set-up. Check local fire and security rules before commissioning.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Related Paxton items

The product page suggests the P75 proximity reader and the E50 exit button 356-310. The datasheet-listed proximity readers P38, P50 and P75 can all be used with Switch2. More in the category.

Frequently asked questions

How many users can Switch2 hold?

The datasheet states up to 100 card packs, which is up to 5,000 tokens or users, and 50 codes.

How do I bar a lost card?

Present the shadow card marked with that user name to the reader, as described on the product page.

Can it run without a PC?

Yes. Switch2 is a stand-alone unit that stores permissions locally.

What does code 242-166 add?

A 12 V 1 A power supply with plastic housing, per the datasheet sales code list.

Does Seven Star LLC act as a Paxton distributor?

No. Seven Star LLC is not a Paxton distributor; it is an independent Muscat-based supplier that quotes Paxton products on request.

Documents and quotation

The official Paxton datasheet for 405-321 is hosted on this page for download. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat; send your quantity and delivery location through the quotation form and we will quote this item. Please confirm the exact order code, ratings and approvals against the document before ordering. More related products: product category.