Access Control: Delivering Security, Life Safety, and Convenience

Specifying appropriate door and hardware components for building projects
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Advertorial course provided by ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions
T.J. Gottwalt AHC/CDC, CSI, CCPR

Locking Components: Magnetic Locks

Magnetic locks can also be applied as the locking method for access controlled openings. These devices hold the door in a closed position by means of a powerful electromagnet attached to the frame. When energized, the magnet attracts a thick plate of steel, called the armature, which is mounted on the door. Some of these locks can attract the armature to withstand pressure of 1,800 pounds or more. This locks the door in a closed position from either side of the opening, so care must be taken to allow for the free egress of persons from the inside to meet life safety codes. This is accomplished by a motion sensor, a touch sense bar or a switch inside the lockset or exit device. Life safety codes usually dictate that a second means of releasing the magnetic lock be provided (See NFPA 101-7.2.1.6.2). This can be one of the devices mentioned above, or an auxiliary switch mounted adjacent to the opening. Since magnetic locks are inherently fail-safe, meaning that when power to them is cut the door becomes unlocked, the assumption is that they can be used safely anywhere. It is very important to follow local building and life safety codes regarding the application of magnetic locks.

Locking Components: Electric Strikes

The electric strike is arguably one of the least understood electric locking devices. An electric strike usually works in conjunction with a storeroom function lock (always locked) by allowing the latchbolt to be pulled past the strike. The latchbolt does not retract, nor does the lever unlock, when the strike is released. Electric strikes are used in a variety of applications to allow remote release of doors without the need to run wire to the door. Electric strikes applied to fire-rated openings must be fail-secure to maintain positive latching in case of power failure.

Locking Components: Cylinders and Keys

One thing that can positively affect the security of an opening, and an entire facility, is a high security key system. Most lock and cylinder manufacturers offer patented high security key systems, but often this relatively low cost upgrade is ignored in the project specifications. A patented high security key system can offer a building owner superior key control, eliminating the possibility of unauthorized persons obtaining keys. The "do not duplicate" stamp on some keys offers little or no protection.

High security key systems offer strict control of key blanks, and the inability of anyone to duplicate a key unless authorized. High security cylinders tested by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) to UL437 are designed to resist drilling, picking, pulling, and many other attacks. High security cylinders are recommended at all access-controlled openings. Technology can control access, but the entire system is still in jeopardy if low-grade cylinders and hardware are specified.

Ease of Use

Electronic access control offers a variety of features designed to make a secure opening easier to use, and provides additional security features, such as audit trail capabilities. An audit trail is a record of access through an opening, which can be useful in investigating a loss. A report can be generated indicating whose card or access code was used at what time to access an opening.

Access control and electronic hardware are usually perceived as higher security, but oftentimes are simply a way to add convenience to a secure opening. Also, when an opening is secured electronically, there needs to be some electrical means of unlocking it. This creates possibilities that can add to the function of the opening. A door such as this can be released from a distant location via the Internet or a LAN, or can be controlled from a switch mounted on or near the door, such as a card reader, keypad or cylinder switch. There are many battery operated locks that incorporate such access control features, including new locks that operate via wireless LAN (802.11b), giving hard-wired functionality to a stand-alone product. The technological advances in this area of door hardware are opening up new possibilities for secure opening solutions.

Electronic access control also provides flexibility for the building owner. If an electronic key is lost or stolen, it can be deleted from the system immediately, and a new one issued. Time zone settings can also allow access to certain users at only certain times of the day or days of the week. These are clear advantages over traditional mechanical keys.

The options available for securing an opening are extensive. The real challenge is choosing the options that deliver the desired level of security with maximum convenience.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record.
Originally published in December 2005

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