Types of Access Control

	Remote Control Mag Lock Handheld key fob unlocks mag lock.
	''Buzz-In'' Office Door Desk button is pressed to unlock door.
	Single Door User enters code to gain access.
	Dual Doors User enters code or swipes card to gain access.

Access Control Basics

Every System needs a few basic components

• Electronic Lock (mag lock, electric strike, etc.)
• Power Source (power supply or transformer)
• Timer (controls door unlock time)
• Lock Release (keypad, card swipe, etc.)

Access Control systems use the same principle as a light switch.  Power is wired into one end and when the switch is flipped power goes out the other end.  The only real difference is Access Control systems contain circuit boards to apply logic.

Understandably, people become confused about all the "hocus pocus" going on behind the scenes.  Knowing a few basic ideas, however, relieves the confusion:

• Systems are designed to keep people out, not keep people in
• Life/Safety logic is built into the circuit boards

Electronic Locks

Since the idea is to keep people out, electronic locks are in the ''locked'' mode 99% of the time. They will only unlock when a person gains access by properly presenting their code.

An electric strike holds the latch of a lock in place with it's ''jaw''. When given a go signal, the jaw opens, releasing the latch.  A person exiting the door would exit normally using the inside lever of the lock.

A mag lock operates quite differently.  It holds the door closed as long as it is receiving power.  The door is only released when power is cut.  Therefore, a mag lock is "on" 99% of the time.

The big difference between the two locks types is a mag lock doesn't know if a person is inside the door or outside.  It just holds the door closed.  That is why mag locks require an additional piece of hardware on the inside of the door - an emergency release.  This type of release comes in several forms: push button, motion detector, exit bar, etc.

Mag Locks vs Electric Strikes

How to Order Mag Locks

Power Supply

Power supplies come in two types: power box and transformer.

Transformers work well on simple systems, especially if they come in a kit where each component is specially designed to work together. However, when piecing together a system from scratch it is best to stay away from transformers. Not every component on the market can work with a transformer.

The reason is transformers output a ''pulsing'' type of power, the same that comes from the wall source. Many electronic hardware products don't like pulsing power so care must be taken when using a transformer.

Power Supply boxes go an extra step by converting pulsing power to ''continuous'' power by use of filters. They also contain spike suppressors that keep the voltage constant. Although we don't realize it, voltage is constantly fluctuating as it comes into the building. Power Supplies smooth out all these fluctuations.

Learn More about Power Supplies

Timers

Timers are the step child of access control systems. They are regularly ignored as most people concentrate on the big ticket items.

But every system needs a Timer.

It controls the unlock time of the door and even expensive power supplies do not come furnished with timers. They must be added to the power supply or somewhere else in the system.

When added to a power supply, Timers are plug-in cards. When added elsewhere, timers can be either spliced into the wires or come with a component. Some electronic locks include timers, but not many. Some keypads include timers, but not many.

If using a keypad, look at the Securitron brand as it is one of the few brands that include timers standard with most of their keypads.

Otherwise, you'll want to splice a timer into the wires, preferably near the keypad (or card swipe). HES makes model 2005 SmartPac II that includes a timer adjustable up to 8 seconds. This is your best bet for an ''in line'' timer.

Lock Release

Better known in the industry as an ''input device'' these lock releases come in a hundred different forms. Keypads, card swipes, and prox readers are just a few of the common types.

Each input device receive constant power from the power source so it is always powered up and ready to go. Once a person enters a valid code it signals the power supply to ''do it's thing''. The device has no idea what ''it's thing'' is, it simply sends a signal.

So in the end, input devices are nothing more than signal senders.