What is a door entry system?

A door entry system allows the user to identify and communicate with visitors who attend the users property. They allow the user to make a decision of granting access to the visitor via an access control system or manually.

How do door entry systems work?

A door entry system works when the user has made the decision to either grant or deny access to someone. If access has been granted, the door entry system then reacts and a signal is sent to the electric strike, or electriclock, to unlock the door and allow entry. If there is a panel that has an intercom system, an alert will be sent to a telephone or video monitor for someone to grant or refuse access to the inside of the property or via a mobile app. 

How can I install a door entry system?

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 for help with fitting and installation.

What is an access control system?

An access control system is a system that will either grant 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.

>  Something you have This can be a key fob, or magnetic card, or proximity card

>  Something you know This can be a pin code or password

>  Something unique to you This can be fingerprint or retinal scan

How do access control systems work?

An access control system works by determining who should have access to an entrance and when. By using a key fob, for example, on an access control reader, the reader reads the information on the key fob and compares the unique identifier of the fob with a database of allowed users. If the identifier matches with one record 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.

How do electric door locks work?

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 that 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.

How can i fix an electric door lock?

There can be many issues with electric door locks that will stop them from working correctly.

>  Misalignment

>  No power

>  Faulty wiring

>  Jammed lock 

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 installation guides to see if you can fix the issue.