Kisi Access Control — Installation Handbook for Integrators & Installers

Installation handbook for Kisi, a smartphone-based access control system, covering how Kisi works, gateway programming, wiring configurations, and reader installation for integrators, installers, and administrators.

What Is Kisi?

Kisi is a modern access control system that replaces key cards and key fobs with a smartphone. Using the Kisi mobile app, users get access to all their Kisi-enabled doors — for an office space or their own home — without worrying about losing key cards and risking break-ins.

How Kisi Works: From Smartphone to Unlock

Two components connect the mobile app to the door: (1) the Kisi Gateway — the access control board wired to the doors; and (2) the Kisi Cloud server — stores all user access permissions on the internet.

In the app, users hold (or swipe, on Android) the round door button to begin unlocking. The 4-stage unlock sequence:

1. An unlock command is sent from the phone to the Kisi Cloud.
2. The Cloud verifies whether the user has the right permissions to enter that door. If yes, it forwards the unlock command to the Kisi Gateway. If no, it sends an error message back to the phone showing access was denied.
3. The Kisi Gateway receives the instructions from the Cloud via an Electric Imp computer chip, which connects the Gateway to the space's WiFi network.
4. Once the Gateway receives the unlock command, it triggers the dry-contact relay on the circuit board, sending current to (or removing current from) the electric lock — momentarily unlocking the door for 3 seconds.

Q&A

• Can Kisi work without an internet connection? No — Kisi relies on active internet connectivity. If local network connectivity is a problem, Kisi can supply a 4G hotspot so it's independent of the local internet.
• What happens if my phone runs out of battery? Install a backup option to enter your space (such as a keypad), or install a universal wall charger at the front of the door.
• What should I do when I receive an error message? You'll receive an automated troubleshooting message from Kisi support, or reach out to support@getkisi.com.

Programming the Kisi Gateway

Before installation, the client programs the Kisi Gateway once they receive the shipment — the client completes Steps 1-3, and the installer completes Step 4 (wiring the door).

Step 1 — Creating the Admin Account

1. Download the Kisi App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Set up a new Admin Account — fill in admin information, then select "Accept Terms & Create Account."
3. Registration confirmation is sent via email to the admin.
4. Open the Kisi App and log in using the admin email and newly created password.
5. To ensure seamless access, users should enable location services on their iOS/Android phone and have Bluetooth turned on.

Step 2 — Connect the Kisi Gateway to WiFi

Connecting the Gateway to the client's WiFi network requires "blinking up" the device (a step-by-step guide is available from Kisi support for this process).

Step 3 — Software Setup: Create a Place and Door

A Place and Door should be created in the Kisi system prior to installation, allowing the client to test Kisi before the installer arrives to complete Step 4.

Step 4 — Installation Takes Place

Once the client has programmed the Kisi system, the installer hooks up the Kisi Gateway to the door. Installation is coordinated by a Kisi Onboarding Specialist.

Q&A

• What are the WiFi settings required for Kisi? Kisi works with a 2.4 GHz network. See support.getkisi.com for the full list of WiFi settings.
• Can Kisi work on any type of smartphone? Kisi works on iPhones with iOS 8+ and Android OS 5+. Windows phones are not supported.
• Can a client coordinate their own installation? Rarely, but if the client has an in-house technician, they may be able to install Kisi on top of their existing access control system.

Wiring the Kisi Gateway

The Kisi system works on DC circuits and is compatible with any electronic lock, though most work on 12V or 24V. There are 4 ways to wire the Kisi Gateway to a door:

1. Installing Kisi as a stand-alone system to a Fail-Secure Electronic Lock
2. Installing Kisi as a stand-alone system to a Fail-Safe Electronic Lock
3. Wiring Kisi to an existing access control system for a Fail-Secure Electronic Lock
4. Wiring Kisi to an existing access control system for a Fail-Safe Electronic Lock

Kisi can also be wired so a door remains open indefinitely (via the bi-stable relay).

Understanding the Kisi Gateway

The latest Kisi Gateway includes 4 dry-contact relays, 1 bi-stable relay, and 1 Electric Imp. It's most commonly installed in the IT closet where the WiFi router is stored.

• Dry-contact relays: Don't provide power to the door — they only serve as outputs to the electronic locks to unlock. Typically work with 12-24V DC locks, though each relay can withstand up to 250V. Ports (left to right on the bottom of each relay): Normally Open, Common, Normally Closed.
• Bi-stable relay: Works in conjunction with a regular relay to its left, allowing a door to remain open for an indefinite amount of time.
• Electric Imp: A computer chip that connects each door to the internet — an input that sends an electrical signal to a relay every time a door is unlocked from the smartphone. Powered by its own 5V DC power supply (separate from the electronic locks), plugged in via the USB mini port.

Q&A

• What type of electronic locks is compatible with Kisi? All electronic locks that work on 12-24V DC — including electric strikes, maglocks, electrified panic bars, mortise locks, etc.
• What is the maximum voltage the Kisi Gateway can handle? Each relay can handle up to 250V.
• What is the USB cable running into the Gateway? It powers the Electric Imp (the white chip connecting the Gateway to WiFi) — it works on 5V DC.
• Does Kisi have its own power supply for the door? No — you must provide one for the electronic lock.
• What type of wires should I use to install Kisi? Cat 5 or Cat 6 low voltage wiring is recommended.
• How many doors can be wired to the Kisi Gateway? 4 doors — each door wired to one dry-contact relay inside the Gateway.
• What is the blinking LED light in the box for? It's for the WiFi computer chip inside the Gateway — it should blink green after the user has programmed the Kisi system.

Installation — Wiring Configurations

1. Stand-alone System, Fail-Secure Electronic Lock

A Fail-Secure Electronic Lock is usually an electric strike or an electrified mortise lock. Run wires from the door strike to a power supply, then run wires from both the power supply and the electric lock to the Common and Normally Open ports on the dry-contact relay. Power is sent to the lock when an unlock is triggered.

2. Stand-alone System, Fail-Safe Electronic Lock

A Fail-Safe Electronic Lock is usually a magnetic lock or an electric strike with fail-safe configuration. Run wires from the door lock to a power supply, then run wires from both the power supply and the electric lock to the Common and Normally Closed ports on the dry-contact relay. Power is removed from the lock when an unlock is triggered.

For a fail-safe lock, Kisi requires the installer to also install an external pinpad and an internal push-to-exit button. Clients may optionally add an internal motion sensor and an Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS/backup battery) — all wired in-line with the Kisi system.

3. Wiring to Existing Access Control, Fail-Secure Lock

Kisi is installed in parallel to the existing access control system. Red wires run from the Normally Open and Common ports on the Kisi Gateway into the same ports on the existing system, so power is sent to the lock through either board depending on which triggers the unlock. Alternatively, run the red wires into the REX inputs on the existing access control board (with wires from Normally Open and Common into the REX) — note some systems have a security alarm that triggers if too many REX wires are connected.

4. Wiring to Existing Access Control, Fail-Safe Lock

Wire Kisi into the existing circuit in a series configuration. Run wires from the existing circuit into the Normally Closed and Common ports on the Kisi system — power is removed from the lock via either access control board depending on which triggers the unlock.

Wiring a Door to Remain Open Indefinitely

For offices needing doors to remain unlocked during certain periods, wire the bi-stable relay on the Kisi board. A bi-stable relay cannot work in isolation — it must be wired to one of the regular relays to its left, allowing the door to remain indefinitely unlocked (or indefinitely locked but still accessible via Kisi).

Limitations: The bi-stable relay cannot work on a fail-secure lock — since fail-secure locks open when power is sent, but the bi-stable relay works by cutting power to unlock. The only workaround is replacing the fail-secure lock with a fail-safe version (some locks can be converted — check with the lock supplier). Also, there is currently no timer function on the Kisi board — users must manually lock/unlock indefinitely from the app (planned for a future software release).

Installing the Kisi Reader (Optional)

The Kisi Reader uses Bluetooth to activate the Kisi mobile app and trigger an unlock — simply tap your phone on the Reader like a keycard. Two versions are available:

• Wireless Reader: powered by a 3V battery.
• Wired Reader: connects to a 5V power supply (can handle up to 12V).

Optionally, the Wired Reader can be wired into the Kisi Gateway — connecting the negative and positive ports from the Reader to the Gateway causes the Reader's light to turn off when the door is unlocked. Wires run into the Normally Closed and Common ports on the same relay the door is wired to.

For Assistance

• Phone: 646.663.4880
• Sales / Upgrades: sales@getkisi.com
• Customer Support, Installation, and Integrations: support@getkisi.com
• Website: getkisi.com