AM or RF: Which EAS Technology Does Your Store Run?

Every tag, label, and deactivator you buy has to match the technology your pedestals run on. There are two, AM (acousto magnetic, 58 kHz) and RF (radio frequency, 8.2 MHz), and they are not interchangeable. An RF tag will pass straight through an AM system without a beep, and the reverse is also true. Answer this one question first and everything else falls into place.

The Fast Way to Tell What You Have

Sensormatic pedestals and compatible systems run AM 58 kHz.
Checkpoint pedestals and compatible systems run RF 8.2 MHz.
Most other pedestal brands run one of those two frequencies as well.
Buying new from us: the Century Classic post line is AM, and the Century G1000 is RF.

Not sure? Do not guess. Send us a photo of your pedestal and its label, or tell us the make and model, and we will identify it free. Call 1-888-909-8247 or send it through our contact form.

If Your System Is AM (58 kHz)

Works with

AM hard tags, like our flat pencil tags (pins included), pinned to apparel and soft goods
AM labels, like Ultrastrip III DR labels, applied to packaging
AM jewelry hang labels and Box Guard wraps for boxed merchandise

Does not work with

Any RF 8.2 MHz tag or label. The antenna simply does not see them.
RF deactivators. An RF pad will not switch off an AM label.

Requires

A detacher rated for your tag lock strength if you use hard tags
An AM deactivator at each register if you use labels

If Your System Is RF (8.2 MHz)

Works with

RF labels, like our 400 Series barcode labels, applied to packaging
RF hard tags, like the mini hard tag with pin

Does not work with

Any AM 58 kHz tag or label
AM deactivators

Requires

An RF deactivator at each register if you use labels
A detacher matched to the lock if you use hard tags

Buying a New System? Match the Technology to Your Merchandise

If you are starting fresh, the choice usually follows what you sell. We typically recommend AM for apparel, sporting goods, jewelry, hardware, cannabis, electronics, and mixed merchandise, and RF for pharmacy, cosmetics, grocery, liquor, and office supplies. The fastest way to get it right is our Security Tag System Builder: answer four questions and it recommends a complete priced package, installation included.

Check Before You Order

Do your tags and labels match your system frequency, AM 58 kHz or RF 8.2 MHz?
For hard tags, is your detacher rated for the lock strength?
For labels, does your deactivator match the frequency?

Want the full walkthrough, including lock strengths and specialty tags? Read our security tag compatibility guide. Ready to order or still unsure? Call 1-888-909-8247 or request a quote and we will confirm compatibility before anything ships.

Retail Security Group, Inc. and SecurityTagStore.com are independent providers. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by Sensormatic, Johnson Controls, Checkpoint Systems, or CCL Industries. “Sensormatic” and “Checkpoint” are trademarks of their respective owners, used here only to describe compatibility. Refurbished equipment and replacement parts we supply carry no manufacturer warranty.