AKCP 5 Dry Contact Sensor (5DCS)

In critical infrastructures such as data centers, industrial facilities, and building management systems, dry contact inputs are essential for transmitting the status of security and control systems. The AKCP 5 Dry Contact Sensor (5DCS) offers a professional TCP/IP‑based solution for monitoring up to five potential‑free inputs remotely. It integrates relay outputs, alarm contacts, and signaling devices into centralized monitoring platforms, providing scalable, flexible supervision.

Scalability and Integration

The AKCP 5DCS is fully compatible with all AKCP controllers:

• sensorProbe2: up to 2 units (10 contacts total)
• sensorProbe2+: up to 4 units (20 contacts total)
• sensorProbe8: up to 8 units supported
• securityProbe: up to 600 units for large installations

This scalability allows flexible deployment from small server rooms to complex data center and industrial installations.

Technical Features

• Input type: 5 V pull‑up dry contacts (potential‑free)
• Measurement frequency: multiple polls per second (real‑time response)
• Interface: RJ‑45 connection via UTP CAT5e/6 cable
• Maximum cable length: 305 m
• Dimensions: 56 × 55 × 33.3 mm (compact format)
• Mounting: DIN rail or screw mounting
• AutoSense: automatic recognition in controller web interface
• Power: supplied directly from base unit (~50 mW consumption)
• Operating range: ‑35 °C to +80 °C; humidity 20–80 % (non‑condensing)
• Security: disconnect alarm for cable cut or tamper detection

Application Areas

The 5DCS is widely used for monitoring contact signals from:

• Power distribution systems: switch gear and main feed alerts
• UPS units: status and battery fault notifications
• Backup generators: run status and fault signals
• Fire alarm systems: integrating external triggers into central monitoring
• HVAC systems: fault and status signal acquisition
• Telecommunications: equipment status reporting
• Building management: door contacts and relay feedback

Alarm Management and Network Monitoring

Connected contacts are monitored in real time by sensorProbe or securityProbe devices. Alarm conditions can be configured individually and forwarded through multiple channels:

• Email notifications
• SMS/MMS via optional GSM or LTE modules
• SNMP traps for integration into NMS platforms (Nagios, PRTG, OpenNMS)
• FTP or Syslog data transfer for external processing
• Triggered relay actions (e.g., sirens or fan control)

Regular SNMP polling (SNMPget) provides continuous status updates for each input, while the disconnect alarm guarantees tamper protection and system integrity.

Automation Capabilities

The 5DCS can also serve as a central interface for automated response scenarios:

• Automatic activation of emergency sirens
• Switching on auxiliary fans or backup cooling systems during alerts
• Initiation of multi‑stage escalation workflows when combined with other sensors

Data and status can be visualized in AKCPro Server using digital maps, floor plans, and rackmaps for instant situational awareness.

Security Features

The integrated disconnect alarm detects disconnection events or tampering and immediately notifies the monitoring system, ensuring sensor‑level protection against interference.

Advantages of the AKCP 5 Dry Contact Sensor (5DCS)

• Monitors up to 5 dry contacts per device
• Scalable from 10 to 600 inputs for large networks
• SNMP‑based integration with all major monitoring platforms
• Easy plug‑and‑play setup via AutoSense
• Compact, rugged design with DIN rail or screw mounting
• Ultra‑low power consumption (~50 mW)
• Alerts by email, SMS, MMS, or SNMP trap
• Supports automation (triggers for sirens, relays, process control)
• Tamper protection via disconnect alarm
• Reliable 24/7 operation for IT and industrial use

The AKCP 5 Dry Contact Sensor (5DCS) is a compact, high‑performance, and scalable solution for integrating external contacts into SNMP‑enabled monitoring networks. From small server rooms to large‑scale industrial installations, it provides accurate signal monitoring, flexible alerts, and complete system integration.

Deploying the 5DCS helps organizations enhance infrastructure security and uptime. With early alerting, automation support, and network transparency, this sensor is a key component for reliable facility and process monitoring.