--- title: Before You Start description: mercury,site survey,lp4502,mp1502,sub-panels,power,before you start --- [Skip to content](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-panel-first-steps#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [SUBMIT A TICKET HERE](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Alocity](https://help.alocity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alocity-logo%20Full.png?width=181&height=48&name=alocity-logo%20Full.png)](https://www.alocity.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [SUBMIT A TICKET HERE](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Contact Support Now](mailto:support@alocity.com) [Contact Support Now](mailto:support@alocity.com) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Alocity Help Center (Knowledge Base)](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Mercury Installation, Setup And Configuration Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en) 3. [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#first-steps) # Before You Start ## Site Survey, Power and Hardware Preparation for Mercury Intelligent Controllers Welcome to the Alocity Mercury Intelligent Controller Site Preparation Guide. This guide walks through the site survey, power requirements and physical preparation for Mercury Intelligent Controllers and their downstream sub-panels, so your deployment is ready for a smooth rollout in the Alocity Control Center. --- ### Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey Before mounting any Mercury hardware, walk the site and confirm the details below. If compatible boards are already installed, note what's there. **Map your doors and hardware.** Count the openings you'll control and where each reader goes, then confirm which boards from the supported lineup you'll install: #### Intelligent controllers (IP-connected main processing units) Alocity supports both LP Series (3rd generation) and MP Series (4th generation) controllers. | Model | Description | | --- | --- | | LP1501 / MP1501 | Edge controller for one door, powered by PoE/PoE+ | | LP1502 / MP1502 | Standard 2-reader controller, expandable with downstream modules | | LP2500 / MP2500 | High-capacity gateway controller for large downstream networks (no onboard reader ports) | | LP4502 / MP4502 | Advanced 2-reader controller with enhanced onboard processing | #### Downstream reader and I/O modules (RS-485 sub-panels) Alocity supports the S3, S3B and S4 footprints. | Model | Description | | --- | --- | | MR50-S3 / S4 | Single-reader interface module | | MR52-S3B / MR52-S4 | Dual-reader interface module (the S4 adds OSDP multidrop) | | MR62e | Dual-reader interface that connects over Ethernet (PoE+) instead of RS-485 | | MR16IN-S3 / S4 | 16 supervised alarm inputs | | MR16OUT-S3 / S4 | 16 Form C relays, used for elevators and automation | Specialty hardware: the **BR20** and the **SR-10A** stand-alone board are also supported. - **Plan your power layout.** Decide whether edge controllers run from PoE/PoE+ switches, or whether everything runs back to a central battery-backed enclosure. - **Pick the location.** Use a secure IT room, wiring closet or ventilated enclosure away from dust and moisture. - **Measure your cable runs.** Check RS-485 bus distances between the controller and each sub-panel. See [Installing Mercury Hardware](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-panel-installation?hsLang=en). --- ### Step 2: Installation Prerequisites - Installation must be performed by a certified technician. - **Controller power:** a clean 12–24 VDC supply. The board itself draws up to 550 mA, before reader and lock loads. - **Edge controllers:** the MP1501, LP1501 and MR62e can run from PoE/PoE+. - **Backup power:** run main power through a battery-backed supply or UPS so doors keep working during an outage. - **Network:** a wired Ethernet connection with internet access. See [Mercury Intelligent Controller Network Requirements](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-aivr-network-requirements-0?hsLang=en). - **Sub-panel bus:** a RS-485 loop on 24 AWG shielded twisted-pair cable(up to 4000 FT). - **Readers:** readers must support Wiegand or OSDP. S4 sub-panels support OSDP multidrop. - **Locks:** confirm each lock's current draw is within the relay and power supply ratings. - **Firmware:** Alocity updates controller firmware automatically. You don't need to load firmware by hand. - **Account:** an Alocity Control Center admin account to claim the hardware. > **IMPORTANT:** Mercury boards don't include a power supply. Use a regulated, battery-backed access control power supply sized for the controller, sub-panels, readers and locks. See the [Mercury Security support site](https://www.mercury-security.com/support/) for each board's power specifications. --- ### Step 3: Parts Included - 1x Mercury intelligent controller, expansion module or standalone unit, as ordered --- ### Step 4: Required Tools and Environment - Precision flathead screwdriver for terminal blocks - Digital multimeter to check voltage and line resistance before powering up - Laptop with an Ethernet port, for firmware updates and factory defaults - A lockable metal enclosure or equipment rack in a cool, dust-free location > **Note:** You manage and monitor Mercury hardware entirely through the Alocity Control Center. You don't need a monitor, mouse or keyboard at the panel. --- ### Next Steps Continue with [Planning Your Mercury Deployment](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/planning-your-mercury-deployment?hsLang=en), then [Mercury Intelligent Controller Network Requirements](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-aivr-network-requirements-0?hsLang=en) and [Installing Mercury Hardware](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-panel-installation?hsLang=en). For questions or assistance, please contact your account manager or email [support@alocity.com](mailto:support@alocity.com). - [Quick Start Guides](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/quick-start-guides?hsLang=en) - [Alocity Control Center Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Software and Account General Setup](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#software-and-account-general-setup) - [Video Security Management](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#video-security-management) - [User and Group Management](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#user-and-group-management) - [Access Control Management](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#access-control-management) - [Intercom Management](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#intercom-management) - [Aimee](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-control-center-guide?hsLang=en#aimee) - [Alocity 1id Mobile App Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-1id-mobile-app-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Resident & tenant guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-1id-mobile-app-guide?hsLang=en#resident-tenant-guide) - [Mobile Credential Users and Super Admins Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/alocity-1id-mobile-app-guide?hsLang=en#mobile-credential-users-and-super-admins-guide) - [AiVR Installation, Setup And Configuration Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/aivr-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/aivr-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Setup and configuration](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/aivr-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#setup-and-configuration) - [Configuration Tips](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/aivr-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#configuration-tips) - [AI Video Agents](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/aivr-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#ai-video-agents) - [F3D100 Installation, Setup And Configuration Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/f3d100-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/f3d100-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [F3D100 Installation and Wiring](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/f3d100-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#f3d100-installation-and-wiring) - [I/O Controller Installation (F3D100)](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/f3d100-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#i-o-controller-installation-f3d100) - [Connecting the F3D100 to 3rd Party readers and controllers](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/f3d100-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#connecting-the-f3d100-to-3rd-party-readers-and-controllers) - [AI-1000 Installation, Setup And Configuration](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/ai-1000-installation-setup-and-configuration?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/ai-1000-installation-setup-and-configuration?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [AI-1000 Installation and Wiring](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/ai-1000-installation-setup-and-configuration?hsLang=en#ai-1000-installation-and-wiring) - [I/O Controller Installation](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/ai-1000-installation-setup-and-configuration?hsLang=en#i-o-controller-installation) - [Mercury Installation, Setup And Configuration Guide](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Setup and Configuration](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/mercury-installation-setup-and-configuration-guide?hsLang=en#setup-and-configuration) - [Elevator Control](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/elevator-control?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First Steps](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/elevator-control?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Elevator Control Configuration](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/elevator-control?hsLang=en#elevator-control-configuration) - [FAQ'S](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#frequently-asked-questions-faqs) - [Common Problems Troubleshooting](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#common-problems-troubleshooting) - [Release Notes And Versions History](https://help.alocity.com/knowledge/release-notes-and-versions-history?hsLang=en) # Alocity alocity.com Help Center Copyright © 2026, Alocity