How to use this tool: set your door count and lock type per door, then choose a Paxton system and credential types on the left. Your cost estimate updates instantly on the right.Project scope
Door hardware configuration
Credentials & readers
Intercom & video entry
Unit rates (ex-VAT)
Door schedule — hardware layout
PTE
PTE
PTE
PTE
PTE
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Cat6A cabling schedule
Cost breakdown
| Item | Qty | Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| CablingCat6A cable — materials | 12 | £42/drop | £504 |
| CablingCat6A install — labour & Fluke testing | 12 | £95/drop | £1,140 |
| ControllerPaxton door controller | 6 | £195/door | £1,170 |
| Door hardwareMaglock (fail-safe) | 6 | £145/unit | £870 |
| Door hardwarePush to exit button | 6 | £35/unit | £210 |
| Door hardwareDoor hardware installation — labour | 6 | £185/door | £1,110 |
| CredentialsProximity / fob reader (entry) | 6 | £85/door | £510 |
| CredentialsProximity cards / key fobs | 50 | £4/unit | £200 |
| ServiceSite survey & system design | 1 | £450 | £450 |
| ServiceSystem commissioning & user training | 1 | £350 | £350 |
| Subtotal (ex-contingency) | £6,514 | ||
| Contingency (15%) | £977 | ||
| Total estimate (ex-VAT) | £7,491 | ||
How this access control cost calculator works
Use ACCL’s access control cost calculator to build an early budget for a commercial door entry system, including controlled doors, locks, readers, credentials, Paxton access control systems, Cat6A cabling, commissioning and optional video intercoms.
The estimate updates as you change the number of doors, hardware type, user count, credential method, Paxton platform and intercom requirements. It is intended for initial planning and business-case development rather than as a formal quotation.
A site survey is still required to confirm door construction, lock suitability, fire-alarm release and emergency egress, cable routes, power supplies, network requirements and the existing security infrastructure.
For ACCL’s wider survey, design, installation and commissioning service, visit our commercial access control installation page.
What affects access control installation costs?
The main cost drivers are the number of controlled doors, the lock and door hardware required, reader type, number of users, controller platform, cabling routes, power supplies, fire-alarm integration and whether intercom or video-entry equipment is included.
A simple internal door may require a different solution from an external entrance, fire escape, glass door, turnstile or high-security area. Maglocks, magnetic bolts and electric strikes also have different installation, door-preparation and safety requirements.
The selected management platform affects both the initial specification and ongoing operation. Standalone, networked and cloud-managed systems suit different estates, so review our guide to choosing the right access control system before final specification.
Where access control needs to work with surveillance or alarms, see our guide to integrating CCTV, access control and alarm systems.
If biometric readers are being considered, read ACCL’s biometric access control buyer’s guide and the ICO’s official biometric access-control guidance before specification.
For independent security-planning guidance, the NPSA Automatic Access Control Systems guidance explains the role of credentials, controllers, logging and layered physical security.
ACCL’s free site survey confirms the door schedule, safe means of escape, equipment positions, controller capacity, network connectivity and practical installation approach before a fixed-price quotation is prepared.
Ready to validate your access control estimate?
Book a free ACCL site survey to confirm the door schedule, lock hardware, readers, cabling, controller platform, fire-alarm interface and intercom requirements before formal quotation.
Book Your Free Site SurveyGet in touch today
Have a no-obligation chat with one of our data cabling experts, who can recommend a solution to suit your requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
Q. How accurate is the access control cost calculator?
It provides an indicative estimate based on the door count, lock types, readers, users, Paxton platform, cabling and optional intercom equipment selected. A final quotation requires a site survey to confirm each door, cable route, power supply and integration requirement.
Q. What is normally included in an access control installation?
A typical installation can include locks, readers, request-to-exit devices, emergency door-release units, controllers, power supplies, credentials, structured cabling, software configuration, testing, commissioning and user training. The exact scope depends on the door and system design.
Q. How much does access control cost per door?
There is no reliable single price per door because the lock type, door construction, reader, controller, cabling, fire-alarm interface and installation conditions can vary significantly. The calculator produces a more useful estimate from the selected hardware and project requirements.
Q. Which lock type should I choose?
The correct choice depends on the door, frame, required security, usage level, fire strategy and whether the lock should fail safe or fail secure. ACCL confirms lock suitability during the site survey rather than specifying one hardware type for every opening.
Q. Can access control be connected to the fire alarm?
Yes, where required by the fire strategy. Fail-safe locking arrangements commonly require a suitable release interface so escape routes remain available during an alarm or power failure. The final design should be agreed with the responsible fire-safety parties.
Q. Can the system use cards, fobs, PINs or mobile credentials?
Yes. Commercial systems can support proximity cards, key fobs, keypad credentials and mobile access. The best option depends on security requirements, user management, convenience, replacement processes and the selected platform.
Q. Does access control require network cabling?
Networked controllers, readers and IP intercoms may require structured cabling and network connectivity. The design may also require dedicated power, cabinet capacity, switching, VLAN configuration and links between buildings or floors.
Q. Can access control integrate with CCTV and video entry?
Yes. Depending on the chosen platforms, access events can be associated with CCTV footage, intercom calls and visitor-entry workflows. Integration requirements should be identified during design so compatible products and network infrastructure are specified.