HID® 125kHz Compatibility for Paxton Net2 Access Control

The Paxton® P38 Proximity Mullion Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™ (400-130-US) is a compact access control reader designed for use with the Paxton Net2 access control system and supported third-party Wiegand applications. Its factory-enabled Genuine HID Technology allows the reader to recognize supported HID® 125kHz ISO-compliant proximity cards and credentials without purchasing a separate license for HID credential reading.

This configuration is especially valuable for organizations that want to deploy Paxton Net2 while continuing to use an existing population of compatible HID 125kHz proximity credentials. It can help reduce the immediate cost and administrative burden of replacing every credential during an access control upgrade or migration.

When connected to a Paxton Net2 control unit, the reader sends the presented credential data to the access control system for verification. The system checks the user’s assigned permissions and grants or denies access accordingly. Clear LED feedback helps users recognize the result: the green LED flashes when access is granted, while the red LED flashes when access is denied.

The reader can also be integrated with supported third-party access control panels through Wiegand output. When used in that configuration, the P38 transmits untruncated Wiegand card data. A separate Paxton Wiegand activation card is required to enable the reader’s Wiegand output.

Its narrow mullion-style housing is well suited for aluminum storefronts, narrow door frames, office entrances, controlled interior doors, pedestrian gates, and other locations where mounting space is limited. The reader includes a 3-meter pre-attached cable, and the cable exits centrally from the rear of the housing to help installers position mounting and cable-entry holes accurately.

With an IPX7 environmental rating, the Paxton P38 is suitable for indoor or outdoor installation when installed in accordance with Paxton instructions. Its combination of compact dimensions, Genuine HID 125kHz compatibility, Net2 integration, optional Wiegand output, and weather-resistant construction makes it a practical reader for both new installations and access control migration projects.

Key Features

• Designed for use with Paxton Net2 access control systems
• Reads supported HID® 125kHz ISO-compliant proximity credentials
• Genuine HID Technology credential reading is activated at the factory
• No additional activation license required for HID 125kHz credential reading
• Supports third-party access control integration through Wiegand output
• Wiegand output requires a separately purchased activation card
• Transmits untruncated Wiegand credential data
• Compact P38 mullion-style reader housing
• Suitable for narrow frames and space-limited mounting locations
• IPX7 rated for indoor and outdoor applications
• Includes a 3-meter pre-attached cable
• Central rear cable exit assists with accurate drilling and mounting
• Green and red LED access-status indicators
• Black fascia supplied as standard
• Commercial-grade access control reader construction

Installation Guidance

For dependable credential-reading performance, avoid mounting the reader directly on a metal surface unless an appropriate mounting solution is used. Metal behind or immediately surrounding a proximity reader can reduce its effective read range.

Paxton also recommends maintaining adequate separation between neighboring proximity readers. Readers mounted too closely together may interfere with one another and reduce credential read performance. Installation, wiring, activation, and testing should be completed by a qualified access control professional following current Paxton instructions.

Official Paxton PDF Resources

Paxton P38 400-130-US Product Information

Paxton Product Selection Guide PDF

Ideal Applications

• Paxton Net2 access control systems
• Existing HID® 125kHz environments
• Access control upgrade projects
• Commercial office entrances
• Retail storefront doors
• Aluminum and narrow-frame entrances
• Multi-tenant buildings
• Healthcare and medical offices
• Schools and university facilities
• Warehouses and industrial facilities
• Controlled interior doors
• Pedestrian gates and perimeter access
• Indoor and outdoor reader installations
• Supported third-party Wiegand systms 

Before Ordering

Confirm that your credentials use supported HID® 125kHz proximity technology. The P38 400-130-US is not a general-purpose smart-card or multi-technology reader.

If the reader will connect directly to a Paxton Net2 control unit, HID credential-reading functionality is already enabled. If the installation requires Wiegand output to another manufacturer’s access control panel, verify that the appropriate Paxton Wiegand activation card is included in the project.

Credential technology alone does not guarantee that existing card data is configured correctly in the access control software. Verify the credential format and enrolled card data before replacing readers or deploying the system.

Related Paxton Reader Options

• Paxton® P50M Mullion Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® P75 Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® Metal Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® Marine Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® Architectural Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® KP50 Keypad Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™
• Paxton® KP75 Keypad Reader with Genuine HID® Technology™

Specifications