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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
ACCESS CONTROL
When access and egress control methods have been decided, the means of locking these portals should be determined.
You will use the data gathered during a Vulnerability Study to determine the locking methods for each door in the new access control system.
BENEFITS OF MECHANICAL LOCKS
In the case of permanently locked doors, a simple metal key and locking device is usually acceptable for the application.
Moreover, mechanical locks are far less expensive than electric locks and less prone to service problems.
An example of such a door can be a fire exit that is used only in cases of emergency. In most cases, existing locking hardware is satisfactory for the job however the keys that provide access to this lock should be restricted.
In some cases it may be necessary to re-key these doors to ensure that unauthorized access is not possible.
Also, in the case of existing locking hardware it would be wise to test the lock to verify operation.
HOW TO SELECT A LOCK
Lock selection is door hardware dependent.This is because lock selection impacts not only the ability for an individual to access a facility but also for authorized individuals to leave or egress a facility.
Locks come in a variety of styles as listed below:
- Electric panic hardware
- Electric strikes
- Power magnets
ELECTRIC PANIC TECHNOLOGY
Electric panic hardware employs a solenoid embedded in a panic device that will retract a latch bolt when energized (or de-energized).
Electric panic hardware is generally used on outer perimeter doors and frequently in fire exit applications.
Electric panic hardware employs both electrical and mechanical means for retracting a door latch.
When exiting a building, a user need only push on the panic hardware device to retract the latch bolt and open the door. These types of locks are usually considered very safe and reliable and should be employed whenever possible. However, these locking devices are difficult to install and generally more expensive than other types of locking devices.
In some models, the panic hardware comes equipped with built-in door status switches that determine the condition of the latching device. However, the security professional should be cautioned that knowing the condition of the lock is not the same as knowing the condition of the door. A door may be left ajar while the lock latch is fully extended thereby providing the system monitors with an indication that the door is locked when in fact it is not.
When exiting a building, a user need only push on the panic hardware device to retract the latch bolt and open the door. These types of locks are usually considered very safe and reliable and should be employed whenever possible. However, these locking devices are difficult to install and generally more expensive than other types of locking devices.
In some models, the panic hardware comes equipped with built-in door status switches that determine the condition of the latching device. However, the security professional should be cautioned that knowing the condition of the lock is not the same as knowing the condition of the door. A door may be left ajar while the lock latch is fully extended thereby providing the system monitors with an indication that the door is locked when in fact it is not.
ELECTRIC HINGES FOR ELECTRIC PANIC HARDWARE
In addition to the installation of the electric panic hardware it is necessary to specify the installation of an “electric hinge” on all doors where such hardware is installed.
Electric hinges replace the standard hinge on the door with built-in circuitry that allows electricity to pass through the hinge thereby entering the edge of the door where the hinge is installed.
Usually, the door is “cored” to permit passage of the electric wire from the electric hinge to the location where the electric panic hardware is installed.
This installation of electric hinges is not simple and if not done properly, can result in permanent damage to the door rendering it useless. In such circumstances, the door may have to be replaced. Electric panic hardware recommendations are generally made for new construction where doors can be specially ordered to accommodate electric hinges and electric panic hardware.
This installation of electric hinges is not simple and if not done properly, can result in permanent damage to the door rendering it useless. In such circumstances, the door may have to be replaced. Electric panic hardware recommendations are generally made for new construction where doors can be specially ordered to accommodate electric hinges and electric panic hardware.
ELECTRIC STRIKES INSTALLATION
Electric strikes replace that part of the door known as the strike plate.
The strike plate is that flat metal piece that is mounted on the doorframe adjacent to the doorknob.
When a door is closed, the latch bolt or strike extends from the door handle mechanism into the doorframe.
The latch bolt or strike lines up with the strike plate mounted on the doorframe and provides a hardened surface to prevent the door from opening.
The installation of an electric strike requires that the strike plate be removed and a corresponding electric device be installed in its place. The electric strike is hinged and is kept in place by a solenoid-controlled pin. When power is applied or removed from the solenoid (depending on the style of lock, Fail Safe or Fail Secure), the pin retracts thereby removing strike plate resistance from the door latch. When this occurs, the door may simply be pushed open without turning the door handle.
The installation of an electric strike requires that the strike plate be removed and a corresponding electric device be installed in its place. The electric strike is hinged and is kept in place by a solenoid-controlled pin. When power is applied or removed from the solenoid (depending on the style of lock, Fail Safe or Fail Secure), the pin retracts thereby removing strike plate resistance from the door latch. When this occurs, the door may simply be pushed open without turning the door handle.
EGREES FROM ELECTRIC STRIKE-INSTALLED DOORS
Egress from a door where an electric strike is installed is accomplished by turning the handle and pushing the door open as done with a standard strike plate.
This retracts the latch bolt and thereby provides unrestricted egress from the protected area.
Electric strikes come in a variety of sizes and styles. It should be noted that they are NOT generally interchangeable. As described earlier, electric door strikes are specified based on the existing door hardware installed. It is essential that a tracing be done to identify the configuration of the strike plate so the proper lock can be selected.
Electric strikes come in a variety of sizes and styles. It should be noted that they are NOT generally interchangeable. As described earlier, electric door strikes are specified based on the existing door hardware installed. It is essential that a tracing be done to identify the configuration of the strike plate so the proper lock can be selected.
IDEAL LOCATIONS FOR ELECTRIC STRIKE SYSTEMS
The application of an electric strike should be limited to those circumstances where controlled access is required but unrestricted egress is needed. Further, in most applications where electric strikes are used, alarm contacts are not employed. This is because the access device used to gain access to a secured door can signal the alarm monitoring system that an authorized door opening is taking place. but no electronic device is used for egress.
As a result the alarm monitoring system does not know the door is being opened by an authorized individual and will therefore signal a security breach. When this happens repeatedly it becomes a “cry wolf” syndrome and eventually the alarm is ignored thereby causing security personnel to not respond appropriately when a genuine security breach is in progress.
If for life safety reasons, it is essential that an electric strike be employed, the security professional should also provide an egress sensor that detects the presence of an authorized user exiting the facility. The egress sensor is used to signal the alarm monitoring system that the door is about to be opened legitimately and shunts (turns off) the alarm.
As a result the alarm monitoring system does not know the door is being opened by an authorized individual and will therefore signal a security breach. When this happens repeatedly it becomes a “cry wolf” syndrome and eventually the alarm is ignored thereby causing security personnel to not respond appropriately when a genuine security breach is in progress.
If for life safety reasons, it is essential that an electric strike be employed, the security professional should also provide an egress sensor that detects the presence of an authorized user exiting the facility. The egress sensor is used to signal the alarm monitoring system that the door is about to be opened legitimately and shunts (turns off) the alarm.
POWER MAGNETS
Power magnets have become very popular as the lock of choice by most security installation companies.
This is because power magnets are generally very easy to install and are Fail Safe.
Power magnets consist of two components, the first is the strike plate, is a piece of flat metal that is installed at the top of the door at a point farthest from the door hinge. That plate is aligned with an electro magnet that is mounted on the doorframe.
These locks are generally installed on the protected side of the door to prevent vandalism and sabotage.
RESISTANCE FORCE OF POWER MAGNETS
Once mounted, wiring is run from the electro magnet to a power source that is controlled by the access control system.
When power is turned on, the lock is locked and when power is turned off the lock is unlocked. When installed properly, these locks have a resistance force that varies depending of the model of the manufacturer from 650 pounds to 1,500 pounds of force.
That is to say, 1,500 pounds of force against the subject door would be required to defeat the magnet.
In most cases that much force would generally result in the door being pulled away from its hinges making this type of lock highly effective.
However, door resistance values vary and a suitable lock should be selected predicated upon the resistance value of the door. It does little good to have a door lock that will resist 1,500 pounds of force when the door itself can only resist 1,000 pounds of force.
However, door resistance values vary and a suitable lock should be selected predicated upon the resistance value of the door. It does little good to have a door lock that will resist 1,500 pounds of force when the door itself can only resist 1,000 pounds of force.
POWER MAGNETS AND LOCAL FIRE CODE ORDINANCES
When selecting power magnet locks, pay close attention to local fire code ordinances.
Under current NFPA guidelines, primary exit doors should be operable in a single motion.
If power magnet locks are installed and an exit button is used to provide lock release (as is commonly done), doors with door handle hardware will require a two step process for egress.
The two steps are defined as first pushing the egress button and second turning the door handle to open the door. In most instances prevailing fire codes will not permit this to be used. Also, power magnet locks can be defeated by a variety of means. One of the most common methods of defeating power magnet locks is to tape a silver dime across the face of the lock or the strike plate thereby lowering the contact value between the two components of the lock. When this occurs, the lock will seem to be locked and will offer resistance to minimal force (as is used when doors are checked by security personnel). However, when sufficient force is applied, less than the stated holding value of the lock, the lock will yield and the door will open.
The two steps are defined as first pushing the egress button and second turning the door handle to open the door. In most instances prevailing fire codes will not permit this to be used. Also, power magnet locks can be defeated by a variety of means. One of the most common methods of defeating power magnet locks is to tape a silver dime across the face of the lock or the strike plate thereby lowering the contact value between the two components of the lock. When this occurs, the lock will seem to be locked and will offer resistance to minimal force (as is used when doors are checked by security personnel). However, when sufficient force is applied, less than the stated holding value of the lock, the lock will yield and the door will open.
POWER MAGNETS NOT FOR EVERY APPLICATION
Although the installation of these locks is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy, it is inappropriate to apply this type of lock indiscriminately.
There are other locking types available, but these are the most common variety.
You should keep these conditions in mind when designating the locks for your new access control system.
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