Question 1

What is an Access Control System?

Accepted Answer

An access control system is a system that will either grant access or deny access to someone based on set criteria like a password or key fob. It uses a database of permitted users and different methods of allowing access. This can be a keyfob, magnetic card, proximity card, a pin code or password, or a fingerprint or retinal scan..

Question 2

How do Access Control Systems work?

Accepted Answer

When using a keyfob, for example, on an access control reader, the reader reads the information on the keyfob and compares the unique identifier of the fob with a database of allowed users. If the identifier matches with one on the database, then the access control system tells the relay to switch, which in turn opens a door. The same method is used for pin codes and fingerprints etc., with a different type of database.

Question 3

What is a Door Entry Sytem?

Accepted Answer

A door entry system keeps an entry secure after the access control system has either granted access or denied access to a person. Door Entry Systems enforce the decision to either grant or deny access to a person. It either keeps the door locked, or releases the door to allow entry.

Question 4

How do Door Entry Systems work?

Accepted Answer

Pressing the doorbell button on the door station alerts the person someone is at the door. The person answers from the base station and communicates verbally with them. By pressing a release button on the master station, a signal is sent to the electric strike or electrified lock to unlock the door and allow entry.

Question 5

How do Electric Door Locks Work?

Accepted Answer

An electric door lock is a lock that will have a solenoid or a coil inside which will energise and create a magnetic field and force. This force is used inside the lock to release a latch or force a bolt which either releases the lock or it secures the lock. Electric locks can be both Fail-Safe - which means that they are open when there is no current, or Fail-Secure - which means that they are closed when there is no power. There are many types of electric door locks (Strikes, Solenoid bolts, Electric Rim locks), but the fundamental working of an electric door lock is usually the same.

Question 6

How can I Fix an Electric Door Lock?

Accepted Answer

There can be many issues with electric door locks that will stop them from not working correctly:

Misalignment
No power
Faulty wiring
Faulty lock
Jammed lock
Faulty relay

You will need to diagnose what the fault is before you can start thinking about what you need to change in order to fix it.

Take a look at our manual installation guides here to see if you can fix your issue.

Question 7

How can I install an Access Control System?

Accepted Answer

This will vary greatly dependant on the type of system you are installing. Each will be different in some way. Take a look at our installation guides here for help with fitting and installation.

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