An access control system involves a combination of various devices that protects your home from unauthorized entry. Do you know what’s the most common access control system in most homes? It’s the lock and key. Modern-day access control systems are more advanced than locks and keys, making it difficult for intruders to break in.
Components of access control systems
Access control systems for your home or office may consist of various devices. Some of the devices that you may install are as follows:
● Door locks
● Card readers
● Proximity card scanners
● Driveway loops
● Motorized gates
● Keypads
Types of access control systems
1. Card reader systems
There is a scanner in a card reader system that scans codes on laminated cards to provide entry. Card reader systems are quite popular in office buildings. You need to place your card on the device attached beside the door. As soon as the device scans your card’s code, it unlocks the door; once you enter, the door shuts itself automatically.
The basic mechanism of a card reader system involves reading the unique number on each card, authenticating it within a split of a second, and opening the door instantly. A few advanced systems come with customized software that uses a Windows-based interface or C-language programming on the card reader’s controller. A few common card reader systems that you may come across are magnetic stripe reader, barcode reader, proximity card reader, and Wiegand proximity card reader.
2. Keypads
Keypad access control systems ask you to enter a multiple-digit passcode to unlock the door. The keypad unit consists of a 10-digit number pad where you need to punch the passcode. If you want to secure your home with an access control system, but don’t want to spend too much money on it, you can install a keypad system. It’s an excellent low-cost option that can protect your home from intruders.
A keypad access control system contains two crucial aspects: keypad wiring and keypad programming. An advanced keypad system allows you to program it according to the way you want. For example, you can tweak the settings and ensure that only allows entry during the day and not at night.
3. Electronic key systems
The mechanism of an electronic key system is similar to that of a regular lock and key. You need to insert the key into a reader to gain access to the other side of the door. Electronic key systems are widely popular among homeowners because they don’t require rekeying in case you lose the key. Instead, you can reprogram the system and ensure that the lost key is inoperable. You can later get a new key and assign a passcode that unlocks the door.
4. Electric door lock systems
An electric door lock system works with the help of an authorization device, like a keypad, electronic key, or card reader. The advantage of using this type of access control system is that you can limit entry and exit instead of just entry through the door. The electronic key or card reader immediately sends signals to its respective access control panel connected to the device. If the electronic door replies with an appropriate relay of signals, the door will open instantly. The entire process hardly takes a split of a second.
Electric door lock systems consist of various components, such as drop bolts, magnetic locks, electric locksets, and strike plates. A few types of electric door lock systems that you can choose from are remote control deadbolts, keypad door locks or push-button door locks, and electric door strikes.
5. Biometric access control systems
A biometric access control system verifies your identity using your retinal patterns, facial features, or fingerprints. The most common type of biometric access control system that you may see in homes and offices is the one that uses your fingerprints to provide access.
This type of access control system has an IR finger scanner where you need to place your finger. The reader scans your fingerprint, matches it with the database, and unlocks the door. It not only makes the entry of intruders literally impossible, you also don’t need to worry about losing the key to your house or office.
Apart from these security systems, a few more access control systems that you may consider installing are induction loop systems, metal detection systems, motion detection systems, and motorized security gates.
