As a security camera technician, I also handle other types of jobs, including installing basic access control systems. Over the years, I’ve worked with equipment from brands like Hikvision, Dahua, Solution, Fingerspot, and ZKTeco. The first access control system I ever installed was at a local Public Works office, a government office in my area, around 2016. At the time, I installed a ZKTeco X6.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how I installed the ZKTeco X6s, along with a wiring diagram you can follow.
Getting to Know the ZKTeco X8s Standalone Door Access Control System
The X8s is a versatile biometric fingerprint reader designed for access control.
It uses an advanced fingerprint algorithm to provide reliable and accurate identification with fast matching speeds. The device can also work as a standalone access control system and connect to third-party devices such as electric locks, alarms, door sensors, exit buttons, and doorbells.
For your information, the ZKTeco X9 is now available as the latest model.
I’ve installed quite a few ZKTeco door access control systems over the years, including the X6, X7, and X8s, so I’m pretty familiar with setting up these devices. The ZKTeco X8s works with a magnetic door lock. Once a registered fingerprint or card is scanned, the system unlocks the door.
ZKTeco X8s technical specifications:
| Fingerprint Capacity | 500 |
| Card Capacity | 500 |
| Transaction Capacity | N/A |
| Sensor | ZK Optical Sensor |
| Algorithm Version | ZKFinger V10.0 |
| Communication | N/A |
| Access Control Interface | 3rd Party Electric Lock, Door Sensor, Exit Button, Alarm, Doorbell |
| Standard Functions | Simple access control function, ID card |
| Optional Functions | Mifare Card |
| Power Supply | 12V DC, 3A |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C~45 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20%~80% |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 90*90*38.9mm |
| SDK | N/A |
| Software | N/A |
Materials Needed to Install the ZKTeco X8s Door Access Control System
The ZKTeco X8s is basically just the access control terminal, so you’ll need a few other components to complete the installation. In most setups, the X8s is paired with a magnetic door lock to secure the door.
Materials needed:
- ZKTeco X8s
- Magnetic Door Lock
- Power Supply Adapter with 12V 2A
- Junction Box
- Electric Cables
- LAN cable
- Electrical Tape
- Push Button
Required tools:
- Cordless Drill
- Cutting Pliers
- Telescopic Ladder
- Screwdriver
Wiring Diagram for Installing the ZKTeco X8s Door Access Control System
Before beginning the installation process, make sure you understand the wiring diagram first.
The ZKTeco X8s comes with 12 input cables, but you won’t necessarily need to use all of them. In my installation, I only used the cables needed to connect the X8s to a magnetic door lock. So, the wiring diagram in this guide reflects the way I actually set up the device.
ZKTeco X8s input cable:
- +12V
- GND
- BUT
- GND
- SEN
- NO1
- COM1
- NC1
- AL-
- AL+
- BEL-
- BEL+
From the list of input cables for the ZKTeco X8s, I will only use the +12V, both GND, BUT, COM1, and NC1. These input cables are sufficient for installing the ZKTeco X8s along with its magnetic lock. If you’re using a touchless exit button, you can follow the wiring diagram below. I’ve put together this diagram to show how to wire the ZKTeco X8s with a touchless exit button.
ZKTeco No-Touch Exit Button Wiring Diagram:
Installing the ZKTeco X8s Door Access Control and Its Magnetic Lock
The first thing I did during the installation was decide where to mount the ZKTeco X8s. I usually install it on the right side of the entrance. For the push button, I mounted it inside the room, directly opposite the ZKTeco X8s on the outside.
So, this is what the setup looks like.
To make the installation look neat, I added a junction box. The junction box serves to hide the installed cables. And here are the results from the ZKTeco X8s that I installed on the glass door.
Next is the installation of the magnetic lock.
Generally, when I install a magnetic door lock, I mount it at the top of the door. This helps keep the lock out of reach, preventing people from accidentally touching or interfering with it while also making the setup safer and more comfortable for users.
This is an example of an installed magnetic lock.
Once all the devices are installed, the final step is to connect the cables according to the wiring diagram. Make sure to follow the diagram I provided above so everything is wired correctly and the system works as expected.
ZKTeco X8s Setup: Adding Users, Fingerprints, and Access Cards
Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, then make sure both the ZKTeco X8s and the magnetic door lock are powered on.
Once everything is powered on, I usually test the exit button first.
Press the exit button once. If the magnetic door lock releases, the wiring is correct. If the door doesn’t unlock, double-check the wiring diagram and make sure all the connections are correct.
1. Add a User
This is the process for setting up the ZKTeco X8s device administrator. The administrator will be responsible for adding and managing fingerprints and access cards.
Code to add an administrator user:
- Press [*]
- Press [#]
- Enter the administrator password. (The default password is 1234.)
- Exit. (Press [*] or do not operate the device within 20 seconds, The indicator turns red and makes a long beep, then automatically exit.)
If you’re confused by the steps above, I’ll make it easier for you. So the code you need to enter on the keypad is *#1234.
2. Adding a Fingerprint
Every operation performed on the ZKTeco X8s must begin with administrator authentication—by entering the code *#1234—followed by the code to add a fingerprint, which is to press the number 1.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press *#1234.
- Press 1 to register your fingerprint.
- Enter the User ID twice. For example, if my User ID is 10, I must press the number 10 twice until I hear a long beep and the indicator turns green.
- Place your finger on the fingerprint sensor three times. You can use any finger—your thumb, index finger, or little finger.
- Press the asterisk [*] to end the process.
3. Add an Access Card
The process for adding an access card is the same as the process for registering a fingerprint. The only difference is that you use an RFID card. Make sure the RFID card you use is compatible with the ZKTeco X8s machine—specifically, an RFID card operating at 13.56 MHz.
How to register a card:
- Press *#1234.
- Press 1 to register your card.
- Enter the User ID twice. For example, if my User ID is 10, I must press the number 10 twice until I hear a long beep and the indicator turns green.
- Tap your card against the ZKTeco X8s once. A long beep and a green indicator light signal that the process was successful.
- Press the asterisk [*] to end the process.
4. Changing the Administrator PIN
For better security, I recommend changing the administrator PIN on the ZKTeco X8s. This helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing or changing the device settings. If the default admin PIN is 1234, you can change it to a PIN of your choice.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press *#1234.
- Press the number 8.
- Enter the 4-digit number as your new PIN twice; for example, if I set my new PIN to 4321, I must enter the same numbers twice.
5. Delete All User Data
You can delete all user data from the ZKTEco X8s. This process will delete all fingerprints and access cards for registered users. However, this operation will not delete administrator data.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press *#1234
- Press [9]
- Press [9]—you’ll hear a long beep and the indicator will turn green.
- Deletion of all users succeeds. (The indicator turns green and makes a long beep.)
Final Thoughts
Pretty easy, right?
If you understand the wiring diagram, installing the ZKTeco X8s with a magnetic door lock is pretty straightforward. It usually takes me less than an hour to install one X8s unit and its magnetic lock, although the actual time can vary depending on the location.
The most important thing is not to rush. Take your time, make sure all the wiring is neat and secure, and double-check everything before finishing the installation. A clean and proper installation will not only make the system work reliably but also leave your customers satisfied.
So here’s the ZKTeco X8s user guide—I hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
