KeyPad Outdoor: first Ajax’s outdoor keypads

A keypad is an essential device in a security system. The Ajax portfolio currently includes six models, both wired and wireless, equipped with touch screens or touch buttons. At Ajax Special Event: Multiverse, our annual online presentation, we announced a new major security device: Ajax’s first outdoor keypad. The device will be available in two versions: wired Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra and wireless KeyPad Outdoor Jeweller. The Superior version is already available for order, while the Baseline one will be available in the second quarter of 2025.

KeyPad Outdoor is an all-weather key to security and automation. It is designed to be installed outdoors or in places with harsh environments, such as warehouses or manufacturing plants. All the essential features of Ajax keypads are already built in. These include security management, group and automation device control, a built-in buzzer, various code options, and authentication with Pass, Tag, and smartphone. But the new keypad can do even more.

Tailored for high-security

The company already has international certificates, which is crucial for most countries. Both the wired and wireless versions comply with the British PD 6662:2017 standard. Additionally, the wired Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra complies with EN 50131 (Grade 3) requirements. This standard is vital in the security industry for high-risk facilities, such as jewelry and arms stores, banks, financial institutions, vaults, etc.

At the same time, the company is interested in expanding its presence in the global market, so it is essential to meet the regional standards. That’s why Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra is also in the progress of obtaining the SSF compliance, the regional security standards in Sweden. The certification is a strategic marketing asset: placing the SSF logo across all marketing platforms communicates a commitment to industry standards, reinforcing brand credibility. Ajax’s wide range of compliance not only positions the company as a reliable security solutions vendor but also provides installers with new business opportunities.

Store

Manufacturing

Warehouse

Travel agency

Office

New operating modes

The keypad operates in two modes simultaneously: security management and automation control. The modes can be easily switched with a long press on the OK button.

Quick switch between modes with a long press of the OK button

In security management mode, a user has access to all traditional keypad features, such as arming/disarming the entire facility or separate groups and activating Night mode. The keypad additionally features a Function button, which can be configured as a panic button or to mute fire alarms. 

In automation control mode, the keypad can manage one or multiple automation devices, such as switches, relays, sockets, outlets, and shut-off valves. For example, a user can open garage doors and turn on outdoor lights when they arrive home (or close the garage and turn off the lights when they leave). With just one OK button press, the keypad will set any scenario in motion. The buttons’ backlight indicates the automation device state¹: red for off and green for on.

Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra can also operate in bypass mode. It starts an entry delay for users to confirm the security mode change via the main keypad. For example, it can be another Ajax keypad installed inside the facility. If the action is not confirmed after the delay expires, the system will raise an alarm.

The keypad can also be part of the unavoidability principle, or Zwangsläufigkeit. The principle is determined by the VdS standard and is a common practice in Germany. It’s a market habit that is widely implemented with each security system installation to minimize false alarms and rapid response unit (RRU) calls.

Maximum control and informativeness

There are three easy ways to control the system via the keypad, giving users the flexibility to choose what suits them best:

• Pass cards and Tag key fobs with DESFire® chips;
• smartphone authentication via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy);
• access codes: one general keypad code, personal codes, codes for unregistered users, and RRU code.

The built-in buzzer provides notifications with different sound patterns for alarms, arming/disarming, doors being opened (Chime), and delays when entering/leaving. The glove-friendly buttons have backlit digits that do not fade. The LED brightness and buzzer volume can be adjusted via Ajax apps. Buttons feature a homing bar to assist visually impaired users and facilitate using the keypad in low-light conditions when the backlight is off.

Security and automation control with Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra through passcodes and contactless access devices

Each use of an access device or code is recorded in the Ajax app event feed. The admin can revoke, restrict, or temporarily suspend the validity of access devices or codes at any time. Admins can also modify users’ rights by granting or limiting access to specific groups.

Secure enclosure with top hardware inside

The design of Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra is tailored specifically to the conditions of outdoor use. The keypad is available in three colors: black, white, or graphite. The ultra-narrow enclosure fits anywhere and still has big, glove-friendly mechanical buttons with sleek feedback. The durable stainless-steel enclosure is built to withstand any weather conditions. The keypad has IP66 protection and operates at temperatures from −13 °F to 140 °F. It works fine in rain and snow. Mechanical buttons are not fading, so it’s impossible to figure out the most used digits and determine the code. The enclosure also meets the requirements of the IK08 impact protection class and stays solid even if it was hit or physically damaged.

No loopholes for sabotage

The keypad features protection against passcode guessing. If anyone tries to use an invalid access device, the system blocks the keypad after three unsuccessful attempts and immediately reports the incident. If attackers force a user to enter a passcode, the duress code will help to transmit a silent alarm to a monitoring station without revealing the user with sirens or the app. Attackers will remain confident that they are not threatened. However, other users and the security company will be notified immediately. The keypad also has a panic button that triggers an alarm when pressed. The panic button can be configured to alert users about the alarm, activate sirens, or even run an automation scenario.

The keypad responds only to access devices authorized via Ajax apps. The DESFire® chips in cards and key fobs comply with the ISO 14443 international standard and combine comprehensive 128-bit encryption and copy protection. The BLE reader simply does not react on a smartphone if it’s not authorized via Ajax apps.

The device enclosure has two tamper buttons to alert when the keypad is detached from the surface or removed from the mounting panel. Additionally, the keypad is secured with a holding screw at the bottom of the enclosure to enhance its resistance to any dismantling attempts.

Quick installation and pairing, easy as always

With the SmartBracket mounting panel, an installer can effortlessly mount the device on the wall. The installation kit includes all the necessary fasteners. And there is no need to disassemble the device for installation. The wired version has a board with terminals placed outside the enclosure under SmartBracket. The board is removable, which makes the whole process plain and easy. A built-in spirit level and slightly bigger fixing points assist the professional in achieving a perfectly accurate mounting position. The enclosure has special fasteners for cable management and several perforated parts to route the cables. SmartBracket also features a built-in soft spacer to fix the keypad firmly against the wall when installed on a curved surface.

The device is paired with the hub automatically by scanning the QR code. The wired keypad can also be added via Fibra line scanning. This tool is available in desktop or mobile PRO apps. After pairing, an installer only needs to name the device and assign it to the room and security group. 

Availability

Superior KeyPad Outdoor Fibra is already available for order. The wireless Baseline version, KeyPad Outdoor Jeweller, will be available in the second quarter of 2025. You can already pre-order both devices from our authorized partners and distributors.

Learn more about the device: