Door Access Control

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Example Systems

Remote Control Office Door
Key fob button is pushed to unlock door.
''Buzz-In'' Office Door
Button at desk is pushed to unlock door.
Single Door
User must enter code, swipe card, or use key to gain access through door.
Dual Door
Similar to a single door application, the dual door system allows independent control of two doors from one power supply.
Interlock
Vestibule-type application where one of the two doors is normally unlocks, but only one door may be opened at a time.
Applications: Laboratories, clean rooms, money counting rooms, restricted dark rooms, computer rooms and more.
Man Trap
Vestibule-type application where both doors are normally locked. Only one door can open at a time.
Applications: High security environments

Component Types - Details the various product types used in Access Control systems
Common Terms - Simplifies working with components
How To Order - Some tips for putting together a system
Ouch! - Common mistakes

Power Supplies - the brains behind the system

A standard power supply provides plenty of electronics to handle common systems.

First, they reduce the power from 115V down to either 12 or 24 VDC (usually field selectable). They have input terminals to receive signals from input devices (keypads, card swipe, etc.), and output terminals to control locking devices (mag locks, el. locks, etc.).

That's it! That is what they do.

You can get all kinds of bells and whistles as options, but that's why they're options. You may not need them. Options examples include:

Emergency Interface - tie into fire alarm system
2 Zone Controller - power two doors from one power supply
Timer - set hours which the system will be ''on''
Delay - sets the number of seconds before system relocks
Weigand Interface - accepts inputs from Weigand devices
Battery Backup - supplies system power even during power failure
Locking Cover - door to power supply has key lock for security

Input Devices - Signal senders

examples of input device types

Input devices simply send a signal to the power supply that you need access.

Some devices are ''smart'' and have on-board circuitry for sophisticated systems. Other devices are ''dumb'' and are no more than fancy on/off switches.

A ''smart'' input device example would be a keypad. These devices typically store user codes, can be programmed for multiple access levels, and even have timers built in so it functions differently various times of the day.

An example of a ''dumb'' input device would be a key switch. Anyone with the proper key can enter it into the switch and send a signal to the power supply simply by turning the key.

Regardless of the type of device, they all serve the same function - sending a signal to the power supply control center.

Once the power supply receives an appropriate signal, it will take the action required, which is usually to unlock a door.

Locks - Electric lock or electric unlock

examples of electric locks

Locks used on access doors are electrified.

Fail Safe - When power fails, the door is unlocked.

Fail Secure - When power fails, the door is locked.

Electrified Locksets - Similar to a standard lock, these access locks have a solenoid built in that causes the unit to lock or unlock when power is applied.

Electromagnetic Locks - Also called mag locks, this type lock only functions when power is on. The unit typically mounts to the frame header. A metal plate bolts to the door so the energized magnet can hold the plate in place. This locks the door. Mag locks come in all sizes and are usually rated by holding force in lbs. Lower end locks start with about 600 lbs. holding force.

Electric Bolts - Sometimes called a ''power bolt'', these locks are mortised into a door frame and extend a bolt into the door when power is applied.

Electric Strike - Mounted into the door frame, electric strikes capture the latch portion of the hardware mounted to the door. When power is applied, the throat of the strike opens releasing the latch of the hardware. Some electric strikes make a buzzing sound when activated so a person on the outside of the door knows when they may enter.

Electric Strike Terms:

Fail Safe - When power fails (is off), the door is unlocked.

Fail Secure - When power fails (is off), the door is locked.
Some manufacturers refer to Fail Secure as Non-Fail Safe (NFS).

Keeper - Also called the ''jaw'', this moving part of the strike opens or closes when the strike is activated. When open, the lock latch is allowed to pass from the electric strike, allowing the door to be opened.

Faceplate - The portion of the strike you see after it is installed. The faceplate screws to the body of the strike. The piece is available in all standard finishes and comes square corner for metal frames and round corner for aluminum frames.

Latch Bolt Monitor - An internal switch, this monitor detects when the latch from the door is fully inserted into the strike. The switch sends a signal back to a monitoring station indicating the door is locked and secure.

Locking Cam Monitor - Another internal switch that detects if the keeper is locked in place.

Solenoid - The ''motor'' that drives an electric strike. When activated, the solenoid moves the keeper. If your electric strike has failed, most likely you need to replace the solenoid.

Power Supply Terms:

NEMA 1 Enclosure - The box has been tested and meets standard safety requirements.

Filtered and Regulated - The electrical current is monitored so output power is consistent.

Time Delay - Controls time for relocking. Users need time to get through the door once an access code has been entered. The time delay module allows you to set the amount of time before relocking occurs.

Emergency Relay - A module for wiring the power supply into the fire alarm system.

Backup Battery - Provides power to the system during a power failure.

Multi-Door Control - The power supply can operate two or more doors independently. The manufacturers give many names for this feature: Dual Control Module, 2 Zone Controller, etc.

Plan your Access Control as a ''system''. Make sure the system meets your requirements.

Example 1: You need to control traffic through one door only. Users must be ''buzzed in'' to gain access.

This is a very simply system that does not require user codes. It does require a person on the inside of the room to take action before the door will unlock.

Requirements:

Power Supply or Transformer to get voltage to either 12 or 24 VDC
Electric Locking Device (el. strike, mag lock, etc.)
Input Device such as a push button to activate the door release

Example 2: You need to control traffic through one door only. Users must enter a code to gain access.

This system will require user codes but does not require a live person on the inside to take any action before the door will unlock.

Requirements:

Power Supply
Electric Locking Device (el. strike, mag lock, etc.)
Input Device such as a key pad, card swipe, fingerprint reader, etc.

NOTE: If you know you will have at most 60 users and each must have thier own code, buy a key pad (or other device) that can handle up to 100 codes. This ensures you will have plenty of codes should your needs expand.

Example 3: The same as Example 2, but with the additional requirement of producing an Audit Trail of user access. An Audit Trail is a record of all access through door, including the user code, time and date of access.

Requirements:

Same as Example 2, but with Audit Trail option added

NOTE: Different manufacturers offer different means of Audit Trails and most offer various products with varying levels of sophistication.

A simple Audit Trail method utilizes a hand held printer that can read and print out access history by going directly to the access door. Some printers use infra-red to download the Audit Trail before printing, while others offer a hard wire plug for the download.

More complex systems will use a software package loaded to a laptop computer. The computer is then carried to each location to download data at that location.

Even more complex systems are wired directly from the door itself back to a main computer which can constantly monitor each door.

Lock Types

Access Control locks basically come in two types; those that mount to the door and those that do not. Door mounted hardware would include electrified cylindrical locks, mortise locks or exit devices. Non-door hardware includes mag locks, electric strikes and electric bolts.

Electrified door mounted hardware is expensive. You are required to run power to the frame, from the frame to the door, through the door to the lock. By using hardware mounted to the frame you simly provide power to the frame only.

Most all door mounted hardware is heavy duty while frame mounted hardware typically comes in several versions, from light to heavy duty.

El Cheapo - We get calls every day from people who want sophisticated access control but just don't want to pay for it. Simply put, you get what you pay for.

It is true that some products are better values than others out there, but knowing one from the other is tricky. It is a matter of understanding the products and basically requires an expert to distinguish the good from the bad.

The good news is the market is more standardized than years past and in some cases it is OK to mix and match brands.

Product Knowledge - The products available today are truly amazing and there's a system for every application.

Manufacturers have to compete in the marketplace and you get more bang for your buck than ever before. A good security expert can take your requirements and develop a system that is right for you at a reasonabl price.

There is so much great information on the web these days that doing a little homework pays off handsomely in this field. The best sources are usually the manufacturer's web sites. They typically have product data, installation instructions and templates online.

A lot of people are intimidated by complex systems, but a little help goes a long way. These systems are not difficult to understand. Talk to a security expert and they'll be able to give you the basics in a hurry. From there, you can add the features that suit your needs.

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