introduction to door access control

Door access control systems provide authorized individuals safe and secure access into and out of various parts of your business while keeping unauthorized people out. They can range from electronic keypads that secure a single door to large networked systems for multiple buildings. Door access systems also greatly simplify management of your facility: no need to replace lost keys, hunt down old keys from terminated employees, or wonder who has access to which areas.

Spend a couple of minutes framing the following two questions:

1. What purpose will your door access control service serve?
2. What size access system will your business need?

What Purpose Will Your Door Access Control System Serve?

To start, determine the purpose the door access control system will serve. The most basic role of an access control system is to keep out anyone who is not authorized and permitted to enter an area. This can be the front door, a parking garage, a server room, a personnel records room, or any other sensitive area. You may also want to use an access control system to track when employees come and go.

Another point to consider: how secure do you need the system to be? A basic system usually features a keypad or access card. Higher security applications may require multiple means of authentication (an access card and a thumbprint, for example) and include more redundancy. Finally, consider what other systems need to connect to your access control system. Monitored alarm systems and CCTV systems are two examples.

The diagram in Figure 1-A shows a door access controlled egress assembly. In this single door example, the [1] locking device is an electromagnetic lock (maglock) mounted on the door frame, [2] entry device is a numeric keypad mounted on the exterior (non-secure) side of the wall, [3] egress device is a 'Push to Exit' button located on the interior (secure) side of the wall, and [4] power supply is the controller, primary power supply and battery back-up power supply. Although not individually labeled, the 4 components are wired together to form a circuit.

What Size Access System Will Your Business Need?

Next, once you understand the general role the access control system will serve, think about the number of doors you need to secure. Smaller installations may include just one: a server room with an electronic keypad lock is a common example of a very small access control system. Remember that not every door has to have access control; you can simply leave some locked and only give keys to appropriate personnel.

If you plan ahead a little when purchasing your system, you should find it fairly easy to expand later. The smallest systems, designed for one or two doors, are not very expandable; but many four and eight-door systems can be linked together when you need to expand.

Once you know the number of doors you will be securing, gather information on each one: the physical makeup and use of your doors will impact the type of locks and entry systems you need. Here are some additional questions to help frame your thinking:

• Are some doors for customers, and some only for employees?
• Are the doors wood, steel, or aluminum and glass?
• Are any designated as fire doors?
• Do you have any garage doors or parking lot gates to control?
• Larger installations may include more than one site. An access control system that can be operated over a network lets you manage the security at all your locations from a central point.
• Another key distinction in access control systems is the difference between free exit and controlled exit systems:
  • Free Exit System: No requirement for leaving a secure area. The system either detects someone approaching an exit (usually through motion sensors) and unlocks the door, or has a release button or bar that allows people to exit.
  • Controlled Exit System: The system requires the use of the same security for travel in both directions: employees have to enter the code or wave their card to get in or out of the secure area. By law, access control systems have to be set up to allow people to exit if the system fails or power goes out. Controlled exit systems increase both security and your overall costs.

Design Your Door Access Control System

There are several components and multiple options to consider when building and designing a security access control system. However, if you keep in mind five basic ingredients, the process is fairly straightforward:

1. Entry: A way for authorized users to identify themselves and/or unlock the door from the secure side.
2. Exit: A way for all users to have free egress from the interior out.
3. Locking Device: A locking device to secure the door.
4. System Controller: A controller to manage the interaction between entry devices, egress devices, and locking devices.
5. Functionality: Consider specific requirements for your system (audit tracking, time-based opening of doors, battery back-up).

That's it. That is the basic model. For each point of entry or exit, ask yourself: (1) How will I get in? (2) How will I get out? (3) What locking device will secure the entry point? (4) How will the system be controlled? (5) What other functionality do I need?

Applying these questions to each entry point is how the system design process works. If you prefer, give us a call toll-free at 1.866.500.5625 and our advisors can design your system and assist in the selection of components. Best of all, our project design program is a complimentary service. We are here to help. Now, let's review some of the options related to each of the five ingredients required for a successful door access system design.

Door Access Control Entry Devices: How Will I Get In?

In all locking systems, the secure lock needs to be released by a physical object (such as a stand-alone lock, key, combination, or fingerprint) or a combination of any or all. Examples include proximity readers, key switches, digital keypads, and biometric readers. These devices are mounted on the exterior (secured side) either on the casing of the door (mullion mount) or on the wall near the door (gang mount).

• Stand-Alone (Battery Powered) Locks: As the name implies, these are an "all-in-one" access control system for a single door. The lock, powered by replaceable internal batteries, can be unlocked by a keypad, proximity card, or a combination. The advantages are they can be installed and operational in minutes. The disadvantage is they are stand-alone and not part of a broader monitored network.

  

• Proximity Readers: The most popular option in commercial access control. They are easy to use, and when cards are lost, it is a simple matter to deactivate them and issue new ones. Because there is no contact between the card and reader, they are very reliable and suffer little wear and tear.

  

• Key Switches: Offer electronic auditing through a network while continuing to use a physical key to activate the lock.

  

• Keypads: Common for single door security access. They are easy to use but less secure, since users have a tendency to write down the entry code or "lend" it to others.

  

• Biometric Systems: Rely on physical characteristics of the users for identification such as fingerprints or handprints. They are by far the most secure methods of access control.

  

• Intercom Systems: Audio door answer and door release systems.

  

• Wireless Entry Systems: Receiver and transmitter combinations for remote door release.

  

Door Access Control Egress Devices: How Will I Get Out?

To ensure free pass to exit a secure door, all locking systems include a quick exit device. Examples include push-to-exit buttons, request-to-exit bars, motion detectors, emergency (break-glass) exits, and time-delayed exits. These buttons are mounted in the interior, either on the casing surrounding the door or on a wall near the door.

• Push Buttons: Wall mounted near the exit point and contain directions on a large green or red button. Depressing the button releases the door.

  

• Door Push Bars: Attach across the inside of the door. You exit the door by pressing against the bar, which releases the latch.

  

• Emergency Exits / Emergency Release: Attach on a wall near the exit point. Includes "break-glass" models or pull-down handles to release the door during emergencies.

  

• Motion Sensors: Function by detecting a vehicle or person approaching an exit and unlocking the door automatically.

  

• Delayed Egress: Functions by starting a timer once the device is activated, providing the emergency opening functionality of a free exit system while providing a delay for enhanced security.

  

Door Access Control Locking Devices: How Will I Secure The Door?

In all locking systems, the locking device represents the physical security barrier. Locking devices include magnetic locks (maglocks), electric strikes, deadbolts, magnetic shear locks, and electrified locksets. These devices are mounted on the door and door casing.

• Magnetic Locks: Consists of an electromagnet and armature plate. By attaching the electromagnet to the door frame and the armature plate to the door, a current passing through the electromagnet attracts the armature plate holding the door shut. Magnetic locks possess a number of advantages, including durability and quick operation.

  

  Advantages

  • Easy to install: Generally easier to install than other locks given there are no interconnecting parts.
  • Quick to operate: Unlock instantly when the power is cut allowing for quick operation.
  • Suffer less damage: May suffer less damage from multiple blows than conventional locks.

  Disadvantages

  • Requires continuous power: To remain locked, the magnetic lock requires a constant power source. Power supplies incorporating a trickle-charged lead-acid battery pack should be used to retain security for short-term power outages.
• Electric Strikes: Replaces the fixed strike faceplate. An electric strike's ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way of the latch allowing the door to be pushed open without the latch being retracted.

  

  • Fail-Secure: Applying electric current to the strike will cause it to open. It remains locked in a power failure.
  • Fail-Safe: Applying electric current to the strike will cause it to lock. If there is a power failure, the door will open.
• Electric Deadbolts: Recommended for high security interior door and cabinet applications where electromagnetic locks are not required. Compatible with virtually any access control system.

  

• Magnetic Shear Locks: Recommended to provide superior failsafe holding force and aesthetics for most types of doors, including high profile frameless glass doors.

  

• Electrified Locksets: Look and function like a typical cylindrical or mortise style mechanical lock, however, incorporate internal solenoids to enable the lock and latch feature. Code compliant for fire rated office doors.

  

Door Access Control Controller and Software: How Will I Control The System?

One of the biggest differences between competing access control systems is the computer software used to run them. The software lets you set access levels for each ID and door, view reports, and conduct audits to see who used a door at a certain time. Make sure the software is easy to understand and use: access control systems should decrease administrative headaches, not introduce new ones. Ask for a demonstration of the software and see how easy it is to add new employees, change access levels, create groups, and find detailed reports.

Match the software with your computers operating system carefully: some access control systems only work with specific versions of Windows or other operating systems, so know exactly what OS you are running before finalizing your decision.

Most door access control system software is powerful enough to handle the needs of companies up to at least a thousand users. When you start needing to manage multiple shifts, several thousand employees, and hundreds of doors, you drastically increase the overall complexity. At that level, you will likely want ODBC-compliant software that can connect to your existing payroll, time and attendance, and other HR systems.

We Are Here To Help

If you would like one of our advisors to help with your product requirements or answer any open questions, give us a call at 1.866.500.5625. We would be happy to assist.