The most common and costly mistake in retail security is buying tags, labels, or detachers that do not work with the system you already have. A tag that does not match your setup will not trigger the alarm, will not switch off at checkout, or will not come off without damaging the product. The good news is that security tag compatibility comes down to two simple questions. Once you can answer them, you can buy with confidence. This guide walks through both.
The Two Questions That Decide Compatibility
Every compatibility decision rests on two things:
- Frequency. Does the tag or label match the technology your system uses, AM or RF? This decides whether the alarm will detect it at all.
- Removal method. Is it a reusable hard tag that needs a matching detacher, or a disposable label that needs a matching deactivator? This decides what happens at checkout.
Get both right and the system works. Get either one wrong and it fails. Here is how to answer each.
Step 1: Match the Frequency, AM or RF
There are two main EAS technologies, and they are not interchangeable:
- AM (acousto magnetic), 58 kHz. Used by Sensormatic and compatible systems.
- RF (radio frequency), 8.2 MHz. Used by Checkpoint and compatible systems.
An RF tag will not trigger an AM system, and an AM tag will not trigger an RF system. They operate on completely different frequencies, so the antenna simply does not see the wrong type. Before you order any tag, label, or deactivator, you need to know which technology your pedestals run on. If you are not sure, the fastest way to find out is to tell us the make and model of your system, or send a photo of the pedestal label, and we will identify it for you.
Step 2: Hard Tags or Labels
Within the right frequency, there are two kinds of tags, and they behave very differently at the register:
- Hard tags are the reusable plastic tags pinned or locked onto clothing and merchandise. They are not switched off. They are physically removed at checkout with a detacher, then used again.
- Labels are the flat disposable stickers applied to packaging. They are not removed. They are switched off at checkout with a deactivator, and they cannot be reused.
This is why a store needs the matching removal tool, not just the tags. Hard tags need a detacher. Labels need a deactivator. The two are not interchangeable.
Detachers: Match the Lock Strength
Not every detacher opens every hard tag. Hard tags may use a magnetic lock or a mechanical, and those locks come in increasing magnetic strengths, and differnt mechanical configurations:
- Standard Magnetic lock
- Super Magnetic Lock, a stronger magnet that resists tampering, and the minimum many retailers now use
- Ultra Magnetic Lock and higher, which need a more powerful detacher to release
- Supertag Mechanical lock
- Gator Tag Mechanical lock
A detacher has to be at least as strong as the lock on the tag. A standard detacher will not open a Super Lock or Ultra Lock tag. Specialty tags, such as Alpha hard tags, use their own dedicated keys, as due other specialty tags. When you buy hard tags, confirm the lock type and pair them with a detacher rated for it.
Deactivators: Match the Frequency
Deactivators are for labels, and they are frequency specific. An AM deactivator switches off AM labels. An RF deactivator switches off RF labels. An AM deactivator will not turn off an RF label, and the reverse is also true. So your deactivator has to match both the technology of your system and the labels you are using.
Quick Compatibility Checklist
Before you place an order, confirm:
- Do your tags and labels match your system frequency, AM 58 kHz or RF 8.2 MHz?
- For reusable hard tags, do you have a detacher rated for the lock strength, or a mechanical tag?
- For disposable labels, do you have a deactivator that matches your frequency?
- For specialty tags like Alpha, do you have the correct dedicated key?
If you can check all of these, your setup will work together.
Not Sure What You Have? We Will Identify It
If you inherited a system, lost the paperwork, or simply are not sure whether you are running AM or RF, you do not have to guess. Send us a photo of your pedestals and a tag, or tell us the make and model, and we will tell you exactly what is compatible and what to order. We carry security tags, detachers, deactivators, pins and lanyards, and full detection systems, so we can match whatever you have.
Common Questions
Can I use RF tags with an AM system?
No. AM (58 kHz) and RF (8.2 MHz) operate on different frequencies and are not compatible. Tags and labels must match the technology your system uses.
How do I know if I have an AM or RF system?
Check the make and model of your pedestals, or send us a photo of the pedestal label. Sensormatic systems are usually AM and Checkpoint systems are usually RF, but the safest step is to confirm before ordering.
What is the difference between a detacher and a deactivator?
A detacher physically removes a reusable hard tag at checkout. A deactivator switches off a disposable label so it no longer alarms. Hard tags use detachers; labels use deactivators.
Will any detacher remove any hard tag?
No. Hard tags use magnetic locks of different strengths, such as standard, Super Lock, and Ultra Lock, in addition to mechanical detachers. The detacher must be rated at least as strong as the lock, and some tags, like Alpha, need their own key.
Can you help me figure out what is compatible with my system?
Yes. Send a photo or the make and model of your system and we will identify it and tell you exactly what to order.
Not sure what works with your system? Call RSG at 1-888-909-8247 or request a quote, and we will match the right tags, detachers, and deactivators to your setup.
Retail Security Group, Inc. and SecurityTagStore.com are independent providers. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Sensormatic, Johnson Controls, Checkpoint Systems, CCL Industries, or Alpha. Brand names are used here only to describe compatibility with the systems we service.
