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Door Access Control System Buyer's Guide and How To Manual

Door Access Control Systems Buyer's Guide and How To Manual


Introduction to Door Access Control Systems


Spend a couple minutes framing the following two questions; (1) What purpose will your door access control service serve? and (2) What size access system will your business need?

1. What purpose will your Door Access Control system serve?


2. What size access system will your business need?


  • Are any designated as fire doors?


    Selecting the components [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 straight forward.

    [A] First you need a way for authorized users to identify themselves and/or unlock the door from the secure side (in a free exit system)

    [B] Second, you need a way for all users to have free egress from the interior out

    [C] Third, you need a locking device to secure the door

    [D] Fourth, you need a controller to manage the interaction between entry devices, egress devices and locking devices

    [E] Fifth, you need to consider specific requirements for your system (audit tracking, time based opening or doors, battery back-up)


    That's it. That is the basic model, for each point of entry or exit, ask yourself; [A] How will I get in?, [B] How will I get out?, [C] What locking device will secure the entry point?, [D] How will the system be controlled? and [E] What other functionality do I need? Applying these questions to each entry point is how the system design process works. Now, let's review some of the options related to each of the five questions.


    [A] 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, Keyswitch, Digital Keypads, and biometric readers (fingerprints). 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). Examples of Entry Device types follow. 'Clicking' on any of the device photos will open a new window with direct access to pricing, and product datasheets for further and more detailed reference.

    Stand-Alone Lock Proximity Reader Keyswitch Keypad Biometric
    Proximity Card Access Card Access Key Access Numeric Combination Access Fingerprint Access



  • Stand-Alone Locks as the name implies are an "all-in-one" access control system for a single-door. The lock powered by replaceable internal batteries can be unlocked by keypad, proximity card or a combination. The advantages of stand-alone locks are they can be installed and operational in minutes. Some offer hand-held readers that extract the audit trail from the lock. The disadvantages of stand-alone locks are they are stand-alone and not part of a broader network.

  • Proximity readers are 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. They can also be combined with photo IDs for additional security. Proximity cards, which can work from one inch to three feet from a sensor, are the most common. Because there is no contact between the card and reader, they are very reliable and suffer little wear and tear. They are also inexpensive. A specialized type of proximity card is the automobile tag, which allows access to a parking facility without requiring the driver to open their window or get out of the car. Automobile tags can work at hundreds of feet away from a sensor. Security access systems can use magnetic stripe or barcode cards, as well, and these can be a money‐saving option if you already use one of these technologies for employee ID cards.

  • Keyswitches offer electronic auditing through a network while continuing to use a physical key to activate the lock.

  • Keypads are common for single door security access and less expensive systems. They are easy to use but less secure, since users have a tendency to write down the entry code or to "lend" it to others. They also do not provide detailed audit trails until you provide unique codes to each individual.

  • Biometric systems rely on physical characteristics of the users for identification such as fingerprints, handprints, or even retinal scans. They are by far the most secure methods of access control. However, they are also considerably more expensive and can seem invasive to employees forced to use them constantly. Early models proved less unreliable outdoors, so they were not recommended for exterior security access.


    [B] 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) exit and Time delayed exit. These buttons are mounted in the interior, on the casing surrounding the door (mullion mount) or on a wall near the door (gang mount). Examples of Egress Device types follow. 'Clicking' on any of the device photos will open a new window with direct access to pricing, and product datasheets for further and more detailed reference.

    Push-To-Exit Button Push Bar Emergency Release Motion Sensors Delayed Egress
    Push Button Exit Push Bar Exit Emergency Exit Motion Activated Exit Time Delayed Exit


  • Push-To-Exit Buttons as the name implies Push-To-Exit buttons are wall mounted near the exit point and contain directions on a large green or red button. Depressing the button releases the door.

  • Push Bars attach across the inside of the door at the height of the door latch. You exit the door by pressing against the bar. The action of pressing the bar releases the latch and the door opens.

  • Emergency Exits attach on a wall near the exit point. Emergency exits are available is two general types, the first is a 'break-glass' model. To gain exit, you break the glass face. The action depresses a button inside the switch and releases the door. The second type uses a pull down handle to release the door.

  • Motion Sensors function by detecting a vehicle or person approaching an exit and unlock the door. In addition to motion sensors, several other type of free exit systems are available including: loop detectors and photo cells or beams

  • Delayed Egress function by starting a timer once the device is activated. Delayed egress can include voice commands and sounds explaining the door will open in 'x' seconds. For example, once depressed. a delayed egress can count down from 15 seconds to zero and then release the latch opening the door. Delayed egress devices provide the emergency opening functional of a free exit system while providing a delay for enhanced security.


    [C] 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. Examples of Locking Device types follow. 'Clicking' on any of the device photos will open a new window with direct access to pricing, and product datasheets for further and more detailed reference.

    Electromagnetic Lock Electric Strike Electric Deadbolt Magnetic Shear Lock Electrified Lockset
    Maglock Strike Deadbolt Shear Lock Lockset


  • Magnetic Locks electromagnetic lock, magnetic lock, or maglock is a locking device that 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. Unlike an electric strike a magnetic lock has no interconnecting parts and is therefore less suitable for super high security applications because it is possible to bypass the lock by disrupting the power supply. Nevertheless, the strength of today's magnetic locks compares well above that of conventional door locks and they cost less than conventional light bulbs to operate. Power supplies incorporating a trickle-charged lead-acid battery pack should be used to retain security for short-term power outages. Magnetic locks possess a number of advantages over conventional locks and electric strikes. For example, their durability and quick operation can make them valuable in a high-traffic office environment where electronic authentication is necessary.

  • Easy to install: Magnetic locks are generally easier to install than other locks given there are no interconnecting parts.
  • Quick to operate: Magnetic locks unlock instantly when the power is cut allowing for quick operation in comparison to other locks.
  • Suffer less damage: Magnetic locks may also suffer less damage from multiple blows than conventional locks.

  • Requires continuous power: To remain locked, the magnetic lock requires a constant power source. The power drain of the lock is typically around 3 watts, far less than that of a conventional light bulb (around 60 watts), but it may cause security concerns as the device will become unlocked if the power source is disrupted. In comparison, electric strikes can be designed to remain locked should the power source be disrupted. Nevertheless, this behavior may actually be preferable in terms of fire safety.

  • Electric Strikes replaces the fixed strike faceplate often used with a latchbar (also known as a keeper). Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. However, an electric strikes ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way of the latch allowing the door to be pushed open (from the outside) without the latch being retracted (that is, without any operation of the knob) or while excited the knob or lever can be turned to allow egress from the secured area. Electric strikes generally come in two basic configurations:

  • Also called fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, applying electric current to the strike will cause it to open. In this configuration, the strike would remain locked in a power failure, but typically the knob can still be used to open the door from the inside for egress from the secure side. These units can be powered by AC which will cause the unit to "buzz", or DC power which will offer silent operation, except for a "click" while the unit releases.

  • Also called fail-open. In this configuration, applying electric current to the strike will cause it to lock. In this configuration, it operates the same as a magnetic lock would. If there is a power failure, the door would open merely by being pushed/pulled open. Fail safe units are always run using DC power.

  • Electric Deadbolts are recommended for high security interior door and cabinet applications where electromagnetic locks are not required. Electric bolt locks include long life solenoid driven direct throw mortise bolts, some models offer right angle bolts for narrow frames and door stiles and surface mounted bolt locks for door and cabinet applications. Compatible with virtually any access control system, electromechanical bolt locks are available in failsafe and fail secure modes

  • Magnetic Shear Locks are recommended to provide superior failsafe holding force and aesthetics for most types of doors, including high profile frameless glass doors. Representing the latest evolution in the development of magnetic locks, shear locks incorporate several features to ensure that the door seamlessly locks and releases without hindrance.

  • 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. Building and fire life safety code compliant for fire rated office doors, corridor doors, lobby doors, exit doors and stairwell doors. Whether failsafe or fail secure, controlled access and remote control capability is provided while the door stays latched even when unlocked, maintaining fire door integrity.


    [D] Door Access Control 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 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 (Open DataBase Connectivity) software that can connect to your existing payroll, time and attendance, and other HR and security systems.

    Enclosed is a link to Cobra Controls quick start software guide. Cobra Controls build a high quality graphical interface based on Microsoft .Net. It's a good read and should give you a broad understanding of the functionality available from good quality access control software. Also, Cobra Controls is open source and the actual software is available for download to test. The links are as follows:

    Cobra Controls Access Software Overview Cobra Controls ACP Series Quick Start Guide Cobra Controls .Net Software



    [E] Door Access Control Features [ What options and features are available?]

    Timing - lets you set specified times when a door should lock and unlock. Particularly useful for doors that are open to the public at some times but only to employees at others.

    Tracking - Any computerized access control system will do some basic tracking of usage. Check out the available reports and see if they provide the level of detail you need.

    Battery backup - keeps your premises secure for hours, even during a power failure.

    Template layouts - lets you create a graphic blueprint of your building and point and click your way around to change permissions for different doors.

    Badge printing - The vendor may be able to supply a specialized printer so you can create new cards as needed, with or without photos.

    For some types of access control systems, you may also want voice communication capabilities, such as an intercom or a telephone‐entry system. A simple intercom allows visitors to talk to a central control booth. Telephone‐entry systems, common in large apartment buildings, allow visitors to dial a specific unit to request entry and let residents unlock the door using their phone.




    Ready to "Build Your Door System" Get Started below!


    Computerized Door Access Control Kit Computerized Door Access Control Kit Computerized Door Access Control Kit



    Other Areas to Consider


    Choosing a Door Access Control Manufacturer and Vendor

    As with any major business purchase, it is worth taking the time to ask a lot of questions when choosing an access control manufacturer and support vendor. You want a vendor who is large enough to be stable and provide timely customer support when you need it, yet small enough to be responsive to your needs. Flexibility is also important: the vendor should be able to adjust to your specific requirements. The best vendors will ask you questions as well. They will walk you through the specification process and help you design the solution that best fits your needs. They do not need to see your facility, but they may ask you to send digital pictures of specific entry points. Avoid vendors who have the perfect system for you; after five minutes of conversation; and by the way, it is on sale this week only!

    Most access control vendors work with a wide range of customers, but you should look for one that has experience in your industry. In particular, do not work with a company that handles mostly residential systems: for your business, you need commercial‐grade access control. Many manufacturers produce residential versions that are considerably cheaper; but they are not as reliable and not built for the same amount of use as commercial systems. Also, look for a vendor who supports multiple brands of hardware. Access control hardware is fairly standardized and will work with most controllers. However, controllers and software are more specialized, so make sure the dealer you choose has significant experience supporting the brands you decide on. Factory certification from manufacturers indicates a greater level of training and support, but it is not essential


    Integration and Installation

    In addition to providing you with the right products, the vendor you choose will also be responsible for providing going support and helping to integrate it with any other related systems you have. There is no real standard for connectivity between access control and alarms, time and attendance and video surveillance, so there will always be some additional custom work involved in creating links between these systems. Most important, there are local and national codes governing the types of locks and hardware that can be used on fire and exit doors, so make sure you are familiar with the ordinances in your area.


    Door Access Control System Pricing

    Arriving at good estimates of access control system pricing is difficult: most access control vendors will want to discuss your needs in detail before providing you with estimates. That said, there are some general costs you can keep in mind. A complete keypad or card‐based access control system for a single door is typically $1500 to $2500 installed. The more doors you add, the lower the per‐door pricing is. These prices include everything; the hardware, software, and installation. The only exception is the cards themselves, which are usually priced separately. For Do-It-Yourself installation, expect prices more in the neighborhood of $500 to $1500 per door. However, the pricing of a system is contingent on the range of options stand-alone access control points, can be purchased for as little as $400. While Iris scanning biometric systems are much more expensive and can easily reach $10,000 or more for a single access point. Access control system pricing increases when you start including additional components such as photo ID printers, door prop alarms, and higher‐security locks. While the prices listed here can help you get an idea of your budget, your total costs will change throughout the project as you add and remove components.

    Your access control system pricing should include basic email and telephone support, at least for the first year. Better vendors provide lifetime support for products. Many dealers will also offer extended warranties or maintenance contracts, but the basic manufacturers warranty is often sufficient for access control hardware. The components are relatively simple and do not have many moving parts, so they do not tend to break down easily.


    Door Access Control System Buying Tips

    Stay in touch - Keep your building management in the loop as you select and install a security access control system; you may need permission to do certain types of installation.

    Safe or secure - Different types of locking hardware can be "fail secure" meaning if the power goes out, the door remains locked from the outside, or "fail safe" meaning the door will unlock completely in a power failure. Both safety regulations and your own security requirements can have an impact on which type is right for your situation. (Remember that in a power failure, security doors must allow anyone inside to exit.)

    Reuse equipment - Hardware, locks, sensors, and card readers or keypads; are fairly interchangeable between different security access control systems, so upgrades and add ons can incorporate existing materials.

    Do not overbuy - Securing door after door inside your facility is likely to frustrate employees more than increase security. Do not feel like you have to include every door in a security access control system: a mix of card access and plain old keys is often the best combination. Focus your access control points on the perimeter of your building.



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