Door access control system installation is a complicated task; however, it comes with numerous advantages. Some of the vital advantages of installing an access control system are employee safety, security, time tracking concerning reporting to and leaving from work, as well as, managing employee attendance. The ability to be able to lock and unlock doors as per the programmed schedule offers an added handiness to business owners and aids employees to feel more secure especially when they are working beyond the regular business hours. Nonetheless, the installation procedure of an access control system is an intricate task and needs expert knowledge. Thus, it’s a task that should be performed by a specialist.
Typically, door access installation steps involve:
- The Designing Phase
- Wiring
- Installing Readers, Door Contacts, Controllers, Rex’s And Any Other Devices That Are Needed
- Initial System Programming & Customer Training
- Installing Electrified Locking Devices & Cutover Of the System
- Access Control System – Final Testing
All these steps are vital; however, the most important remains the designing phase because it’s this phase that decides what type of electrified locking hardware is needed at each of the doors.
The Designing Phase
There are many elements in deciding the appropriate locking device, which includes life safety codes, operation, proper lock function and aesthetics, and what device will be suitable with existing door hardware. A door access control system installer will have the professional knowhow to find out the right solution or aid the customer with these decisions. Making a mistake in this area can cause added expenses, after the fact, if the Authority Having Jurisdiction wouldn’t approve of the locking device. This can necessitate having to change the electronic locking device and/or paying fines.
Selecting the Appropriate Wiring for a Door Access System
Wiring is another vital area that needs some skill. Based on the device, the proper cable needs to be installed. From REX’s and readers to electrified locking devices and door position switches, all need certain types of cable. The place for each of the devices requires to be decided at this juncture so the wiring can be positioned to the appropriate destination. Device placements are vital because you want each device to be suitably placed, yet in a position that facilitates the correct working of the system.
Installing devices like REX’s, readers, DPS, Controllers, interfacing of fire alarm panels and other devices needs the knowledge of wiring, basics, the know-how of AC and DC voltages, and the knowledge of relay basics. It’s imperative that trained technicians perform work at this phase as it needs thorough know-how of the electronic fundamentals.
Installing & Programming Door Access
Well, most access control systems have resemblances; however, each manufacturer has distinct terminology and requisites that the technical training offers. Programming the installed access control system is generally manufacturer specific and requires technical training. Most administrators and end users will be trained on the day to day functions they carry out, which typically include:
- Adding or deleting credentials
- Adding or deleting personnel
- Altering schedules
Final Testing & Finishing Installation of Door Access System
It’s imperative to carry out final testing of the system. This requires testing of each device, interface and panel of the access control system. During business hours and after business hours, each lock should be tested for correct operation. To guarantee the system responds as programmed, both valid and invalid credentials ought to be presented to each reader on the system. Alerts or notifications, if any must be activated and tested to make sure the system reacts to these events. Finally, all doors ought to be tested for ease of access. Moreover, the interface connecting to the fire alarm panel must be tested to confirm the right operation.
Well, it’s imperative to test door access/ fire alarm interface each time the fire alarm is tested or two times per year is the minimal requisite. When carrying out the fire panel interface test, it is very important to authenticate interior and exterior doors, and fire rated doors function as needed by life safety and fire codes. These test results must be documented and preserved along with fire alarm testing records.
The Bottom Line
Therefore, each access control involves expert knowledge of some type. Specialists in this area such as Connected Audio Visual can offer a flawless and smooth turnkey access control installation, which will operate as per the expected levels for many years.
