Find news and information for the executive corporate security director, CSO, facility manager and assets protection manager on issues of policy, products, incidents, risk management, threat assessments and preparedness.
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S-14 ACCESS CONTROL TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY 2016 JULY/AUGUST T ake, for example, an ill-informed integrator who is exploring electro- mechanical retrofit options with a major access control prospect dur- ing the pre-bid process. The facil- ity's existing openings have a variety of door and hardware types, so as the discussions progress, this project (and many others that followed) became a painfully slow process of negotiated compromises. The integrator quickly discovers that if his team had the proper knowledge to recommend the appro- priate electromechanical device for each opening, they would possess a significant competitive edge. On the flip side, meet the Architectural Hardware Consultant, who, in many circles, is one of the industry's well-kept secrets. The AHC is an expert on door openings and the mechanical and electromechanical equip- ment that make them work and is certified by the Door Hardware Institute. This hardware specialist has an extensive working knowl- edge of frames, hinges, closers, exit devices, locks, magnets, strikes and fire codes. Know- ing how technology impacts overall design and myriad fire and building codes is crucial to a successful installation project. Making Technology Work In many cases, direct replacement or retrofit electronic options are available for existing locks and exit devices, providing functional and architectural continuity to the facility. The following is a brief overview of your pri- mary electromechanical options, with links to OEMs. An excellent primer titled "Code Inspec- tor's Handbook for Understanding Electric Locking Hardware" is available from Securitron.com. Magnetic Locks have been the staple of the access control industry for years. Mag locks are extremely reliable, easy to specify, cost- effective, and can be applied just about any- where. Request to Exit (RQE, or REX) is fre- quently handled with a PIR and an egress but- ton, by a UL Listed switch in an exit device, or with a delayed egress option. Shear lock versions have often been applied to double-swing doors. Since double–acting door closers don't consistently align, many installers feel they can improve reliability with door stops, limiting travel to out-swing only. Cylindrical locks are popular in much of North America and many parts of the world. Robust lever handles, Request to Exit (RQE) switches and Fail-Safe or Secure options have made these bored locks a popular solution. Cylindricals generally use a small solenoid or motor to position the internal locking lug. Since the lever handle manually operates the lock from the inside, no RQE is required for free exit. These are reliable and simple solutions for wood or metal doors that do not require a panic exit device. Most can be fire rated. Electromechanical solutions for controlled access doors Integrators must understand their options when it comes to choosing technologies that fit and meet code by Cameron Sharpe, CPP Magnetic Lock Cameron Sharpe, CPP worked in corporate marketing for Caterpillar and Honeywell. He operated Best Access Systems in New Jersey and in Phoenix from 1975-2001.