How to Implement Card Access Security Systems

Using an electric key card system is a convenient way to enhance security and grant specific access rights to employees. There are many options with keyless access control and different types of key fob door entry systems. Card access security systems provide many benefits and can easily be implemented to enhance the security of your business.  Key card access systems are common in residential apartment buildings or homeowner association (HOA) communities, parking garages, office buildings,  and other types of businesses.  Key card access can also open gates and exterior doors in addition to interior doors. 

How Do Key Card Door Entry Systems Work?

Key fob and key card door entry systems are a common security method for many businesses and have been around for at least a few decades. Key card access can be accomplished in different ways, whether swiping through a card reader, held up to a card reader or the push of a button on a key fob. Some access systems can also open with a smartphone app. Key card entry systems need three components to work, including:

 

●       Credentials for access – key fobs and key cards are small electronic devices that grant access credentials to specific people. They contain a built-in sensor or chip that communicates to the access reader.

 

●       Access reader – the access reader is the component that scans the card to verify access and gives instructions to unlock the door.

 

●       Magnetic or electric door lock  - magnetic or electric door locks allow the door to unlock from the signal received by the access reader.

 Once a person gains access through a magnetic or electric door lock, the door shuts and returns to the locked position which once again requires key card access.  Card reader access can be designed with various levels of access so different employees can access only certain areas. Group privilege can be given for certain events.  Electronic card reader access also keeps track of who entered what area, and when, to further enhance security measures.

Types of Key Fobs and Key Cards

Here are the most common types of key fobs and cards used to control access:

Wiegand Key Cards – developed in the 1970’s, these access cards store unique binary data that cannot be reprogrammed by magnetic fields often used with legacy security systems. These types of access cards are becoming outdated although with simple technology they can be a bit more durable without the use of microchips. The Wiegand protocol, however, is a standard interface and even new access security systems convert data to a Wiegand identifier.

Key Cards to Swipe - a swipe key card looks like a classic credit card with a magnetic strip holding data for credentials along one edge of the card. Employees simply swipe the card through a magnetic reader to unlock a door. Swipe key cards are easy to use, all transactions are fully traceable and provide an inexpensive solution for businesses with many employees.  This type of entry system may not be ideal in places with high traffic as bottlenecks can occur or from areas that must be accessed from a car door window which might be difficult. Swipe cards can also experience wear over other types of access systems and may require more maintenance.

RFID Cards and Fobs – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) fobs or cards transmit stored data to an access reader on a radio frequency. Different frequency ranges can be designed to allow for various levels of security access. RFID fobs and proximity cards typically need to be in close proximity to the access reader. RFID security systems can also incorporate a keypad for a two-factor authentication. Smart cards use Near-Field Communication (NFC) to transmit data, use encryption for increased security and have more storage than RFID cards. 

HRSS is your leading fire and life safety system expert in the Chicago area, offering comprehensive services including fire alarm design, full services and UL listed equipment. We offer decades of experience and in-depth expertise in all fire alarm and life safety code regulations as well as the best way to implement them for your business and building type. Contact your fire and life safety system specialist, HRSS, to learn more about key card access security systems.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/how-to-implement-card-access-security-systems/

 

Fire and Safety Consultants in Chicago

When looking for fire and safety consultant companies in Chicago, be sure to evaluate their experience and expertise with commercial properties.  Various local, state and federal code regulations apply to high-rise structures and commercial activities. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, offers comprehensive fire and safety services from licensed, field trained and experienced technicians for protection from fire hazards that save lives and property. 

 

The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, issues detailed fire regulation codes and guidelines for the installation and operation of fire alarm systems in commercial properties.  These codes are quite detailed and complex, requiring the experience of a knowledgeable fire and safety consulting firm to decipher code requirements for your location and building structure.  

HRSS Provides Total Fire Safety Code Compliance

HRSS provides total fire safety code compliance to any type of commercial property in and around Chicago, including high-rise structures, low-rise buildings, medical complexes and mass campuses.  Our experienced system designers create your own unique building design in AutoCAD with a blueprint identifying required locations of all fire alarm equipment, sensors and alerts.  We provide a detailed design of your entire fire alarm system including locations of portable fire extinguishers, selected for your particular building and business operations. 

Fire Alarm Service and Repairs

In addition to consultative services, you’ll need ongoing service including fire alarm testing, inspections, maintenance and repairs.  HRSS is a full service fire alarm and safety company offering consultations, designs, and all required maintenance and repairs.  We go above and beyond code requirements to ensure that your property is protected for your unique building structure and operations. 

High Rise Security Systems is a fire alarm safety consulting company specializing in complex commercial properties.  We provide total safety and compliance for all fire alarm systems, including design, implementation, inspection, maintenance, testing and repairs.  Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive fire and safety services in Chicago.

Notifier by Honeywell Addressable Fire Alarm System

Notifier® by Honeywell is synonymous with fire safety, having installations on every continent in the world.  Notifier protects buildings of all shapes and sizes with a complete menu of fire safety equipment that can be programmed for each unique building structure.  Notifier’s addressable alarm system protects large buildings and complexes with the highest level of protection against gas, smoke and fire available today.

The control panel is the heart of any fire alarm system, and in an addressable system this is where information is gathered and where the location of the emergency is identified.  The control panel is integrated with the monitoring system to alert responding personnel of the problem, the location and the status of the emergency.  Monitoring stations may be an onsite location or an offsite monitoring service.

Notifier ONYX Series Fire Alarm Control Panels

The ONYX Series of control panels by Notifier have the capability to network up to 318 addressable devices with peripheral equipment such as voice evacuation annunciators.  Wireless networking is available, which is a great benefit in the instance of power loss.  The “First Vision” feature of the ONYX control panels is a valuable tool which helps firefighters by providing the current status of a fire with a graphic display.  This shows first responders just how quickly a fire is spreading and helps them determine where their best plan of attack should be to extinguish the fire. 

Linking additional devices such as closed-circuit TV, security and access control, and central locking or unlocking of doors can be networked together with the addressable ONYX series. This allows for the locking of specific doorways in cases of a security breach, identifying stranded occupants with motion sensors, and many other valuable features which quickly identify emergency situations for responding personnel.

High Rise Security Systems is a certified dealer of Notifier® by Honeywell fire alarm systems and control panels, providing UL listed equipment that meets and exceeds our client’s requirements. We are the recognized leading fire and safety firm in the Chicago area, protecting commercial properties of all shapes and sizes.  Contact us today to learn more about the Notifier addressable fire alarm system.

Difference Between Addressable and Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Do you know the difference between addressable and conventional fire alarm system?  If you are involved in any way with building ownership, management or design, you owe it to yourself and your building occupants to learn the difference and choose the best fire protection system available for your property.

Conventional fire alarm systems consist of hardware and wiring installed to create individual zones, with no programming required.  These types of systems will provide warning to the presence of smoke, gas or fire but they provide a general location rather than an exact area of where the problem originated and exists.  This may be fine for smaller buildings or properties without numerous locations, but in large complexes or high-rise structures, this leaves too many unknowns to provide the proper response.  

Addressable fire alarm systems are programmed with communication capabilities that indicate the exact location of the origin of the fire, smoke or gas.  These systems can pinpoint the location of an emergency down to the exact room on a specific floor.  In a fire emergency, seconds count, utilizing an addressable fire alarm system may be the difference between life or death.

Testing and Programming Addressable Fire Alarm Systems

Testing addressable alarm systems is simplified as each device has its own “address”, which allows it to be tested independently of other devices.  Signals may correspond between the component and the control panel to verify all systems are operational.  Notifications are sent to the control unit whenever a break in the system is identified.

Programming is the key component to an addressable alarm system, and should be performed by a certified, fire safety technician.  Addressable systems allow for the user to program the system to provide an imminent danger alert to the area immediately affected while placing other areas on high alert.  This provides a more reliable understanding of the immediate danger and promotes a safe and orderly evacuation when necessary.

Addressable fire alarm systems increase the reliability of fire and smoke detection and reduce the instance of malfunctioning devices or false alarms. Immediate and accurate notification of the location of an emergency is vital to emergency personal and to evacuate occupants in a timely manner.

HRSS is recognized as a leading provider of fire and safety systems in the State of Illinois and throughout the Chicago area.  We are experienced in providing code compliant fire alarm systems to all types of commercial properties.  Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of addressable alarm systems.

Don’t Leave Your Alarm in Ground Fault Mode

Did you know that leaving your fire alarm system in ground fault mode is a violation of building code requirements?  A ground fault can leave your building and occupants unprotected from fire detection and warnings. Ground faults can affect the operating voltage, resistance or current of fire alarm equipment.  A multi-ground fault warning may even disable the notification circuit altogether, leaving your fire detection system useless.

Repair System Ground Faults for Fire Protection

Repairing fire alarm system ground fault warnings is critical to maintaining protection to building occupants and property.  Only certified fire alarm technicians should repair any fire protection system, as they have been trained in the proper diagnosis and treatment of fault warnings.  Licensed technicians are experienced with using a volt/ohm meter to properly diagnose ground faults by measuring resistance. 

Technicians should assume there is more than one ground fault warning, especially when inspecting systems that have not been serviced regularly.  Regular fire alarm inspections reap big rewards when simple fault warnings are corrected before further damage occurs.  Ground fault warnings can leave your system vulnerable to power surges of external voltage which can permanently damage equipment leading to costly repairs.  

High Rise Security Systems Inspects and Repairs Fire Alarm Systems

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system company, providing professional inspection and repairs to commercial fire and safety systems.  Our technicians are licensed and field trained, with experience in servicing all types of fire alarm systems in a variety of building structures.  We provide protection to all commercial structures, including high-rise buildings, low-rise structures, school campuses, medical complexes and unique building structures.  

HRSS provides fire alarm system design, inspection, testing, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365.  We are knowledgeable on all local, state and federal fire protection regulations, ensuring that your system is code compliant and meets requirements for permit approvals.

HRSS performs inspection and repair services from licensed fire alarm technicians to properly diagnose ground fault or multiple ground fault warnings. Your safety is our main concern as we ensure your control panel and all related equipment are working properly.