INEO EAS FAQ & Product Help
Need help choosing an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) product? This guide covers the most common questions about INEO systems, RF 8.2 MHz and AM 58 kHz compatibility, security tags and labels, detachers, deactivators, installation and troubleshooting. If you are not sure what you already have, contact INEO before ordering and we can help confirm compatibility.
Choosing the right EAS system
What is Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)?
Electronic Article Surveillance is a retail loss-prevention technology that uses detection antennas together with compatible security tags or labels. At checkout, reusable hard tags are normally removed and adhesive labels are normally deactivated. If an active compatible tag or label passes through the detection area, the system can trigger an alarm.
For a more detailed explanation, see How Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Works.
What is the difference between RF 8.2 MHz and AM 58 kHz?
RF 8.2 MHz and AM 58 kHz are different EAS technologies. Antennas, tags, labels and relevant checkout equipment must be selected for the technology being used. RF and AM tags and labels are not interchangeable.
Shop RF 8.2 MHz · Shop AM 58 kHz
How do I know whether my existing store uses RF or AM?
If you already have an EAS system, confirm the technology before ordering replacement tags, labels, deactivators or other frequency-specific equipment. Check the system label, model information or existing tag specifications. If you are still unsure, send INEO the brand/model information or a clear photo of the system and tags rather than guessing.
I am opening a new store. What information does INEO need?
A good starting point is your store type, entrance or exit width, entrance layout, the merchandise you want to protect, and whether you expect to use reusable hard tags, adhesive labels or both. This information helps determine the appropriate system configuration and compatible protection products.
Shop complete EAS systems · Ask INEO for help
How many INEO EAS antennas or towers do I need for my entrance?
INEO Clarity antennas and INEO Custom Wrapped Floor Gate antennas operate independently. They do not need to be electronically tied together, purchased as a pair, or installed at the same time.
For a single standard doorway, one antenna can be a valid starting point when the entrance layout, merchandise and tag strategy make that practical. Detection distance varies by protection product and site conditions. Larger hard tags may reach approximately 3 to 4 feet on each side of an antenna in favorable conditions, while smaller hard tags and adhesive labels can have shorter effective detection distances. These distances are preliminary planning guidance, not guaranteed field measurements.
For an entrance that is approximately 6 feet wide or wider, INEO generally recommends two antennas, one on each side of the doorway. This is the preferred normal entrance layout because it provides a more practical detection zone through the opening while also allowing useful back-side detection outside each antenna.
A customer can also start with one antenna and add a second antenna later. The second antenna does not need to be purchased at the same time or paired to the first one; each antenna operates independently. This makes it possible to begin with a simpler installation and expand later if the entrance, tag type or store conditions justify it.
Any system quantity or entrance layout suggested online should be treated as a preliminary recommendation. Actual performance varies with tag or label type, tag orientation, merchandise, nearby metal, environmental interference, antenna placement and tuning. For a final recommendation—especially for 6-foot-plus, unusual, multi-door or interference-heavy entrances—ask the INEO team to confirm the layout.
What should I tell INEO before asking how many antennas I need?
Provide the number of entrances, approximate width of each opening, doorway layout, store type, merchandise being protected, whether you plan to use hard tags, labels or both, and whether an existing RF 8.2 MHz or AM 58 kHz system is already installed. INEO should qualify these details before recommending a final system quantity.
Tags, labels, detachers and deactivators
What is the difference between a hard security tag and a security label?
Hard tags are physical security devices attached to merchandise and are generally designed to be removed by authorized staff and reused. Security labels are adhesive EAS devices that are commonly applied to suitable merchandise or packaging and are normally deactivated at checkout.
Are hard EAS tags reusable?
Most hard EAS tags are designed to be removed by authorized staff and reused, subject to the specifications and condition of the individual tag.
Does every detacher open every hard tag?
No. Detacher compatibility depends on the tag design and locking mechanism. Do not choose a detacher based only on appearance or magnet strength. If compatibility is uncertain, provide INEO with the tag model or a clear photo so the correct option can be confirmed.
Can an RF deactivator deactivate AM labels, or an AM deactivator deactivate RF labels?
No. RF and AM label deactivation equipment is technology-specific. Select deactivation equipment that matches the EAS labels being used.
Can I buy tags or labels before choosing a complete system?
If you are replacing products for an existing installation, first confirm the system technology. If you are building a new store, it is usually best to choose the EAS system first and then select compatible tags, labels, detachers and deactivators.
Store-specific INEO starter packages
What is a good starting point for an apparel or clothing store?
INEO offers the INEO Clarity EAS System - Clothing Store Starter Package With Mini Pencil Tags. It is a useful starting point for apparel applications, but entrance width, layout and merchandise requirements should still be confirmed before selecting a final configuration.
Does INEO have a liquor-store security package?
Yes. INEO offers the INEO Clarity EAS System – Liquor Store Starter Package along with bottle-protection products in RF and AM versions. Bottle tags and other frequency-specific products need to match the EAS technology in the store.
Does INEO have a pharmacy starter package?
Yes. INEO offers the INEO Clarity EAS System – Pharmacy Starter Package. Product selection should be based on the entrance configuration, merchandise mix and tagging strategy. EAS is one part of a broader loss-prevention program and no fixed theft- or shrink-reduction percentage should be assumed for every store.
Does INEO have an optical-store package?
Yes. INEO offers the INEO Clarity EAS System - Optical Store Security Starter Package as well as specialized optical protection products and detachers.
Installation, troubleshooting and sales support
Does INEO provide installation?
INEO offers installation service for INEO EAS systems that require professional on-site installation in Canada and the United States. Installation requirements can depend on entrance width, layout and environmental conditions.
Learn about installation service
What should I check if my EAS system is false alarming?
Common causes can include active tags or labels too close to the antennas, tags that were not removed, labels that were not properly deactivated, nearby metal, electrical or lighting interference, environmental changes, or another EAS system nearby. Start with the INEO False Alarm Checklist. If the issue continues, contact INEO for support.
Does EAS eliminate all shoplifting?
No security technology eliminates all retail theft. EAS is best used as one layer of a broader loss-prevention strategy. Results vary by merchandise, store environment, tagging strategy, staff procedures, compatibility and implementation.
Does INEO offer volume pricing or help for multi-store projects?
Yes. Volume pricing is available. Retailers with larger requirements, multi-store rollouts, reseller opportunities or unusual entrance configurations should contact the INEO team for a quote and compatibility review rather than relying on a generic discount or configuration.
What if I am not sure whether a product will work with my system?
Do not guess. Send INEO the system brand and model, product or tag model, and photos where helpful. The team can help confirm the correct technology and product compatibility before you order.
How can I speak with INEO?
Call 1-833-244-1895, email ineosales@ineosolutionsinc.com, or use the Contact Us page. For quotes, installation assistance, complex compatibility questions and multi-store projects, an INEO team member can help.
Where can I find shipping and return information?
Please review the current store shipping and return information shown on the website, or contact INEO if you need help with a specific order. Product eligibility and order circumstances can vary, so the current posted policy should be used rather than assuming that every product has the same return conditions.