32 I ICT TODAY
LOCK POWER
OUTPUT
ELECTRIC
LOCK
NETWORKED
POWER
CONTROLLER
BALANCED
TWISTED
PAIR CABLE
IP CREDENTIAL
READER
BALANCED
TWISTED
PAIR CABLE
NETWORK SWITCH
NETWORKED
FIRE ALARM
INTERFACE
BALANCED WITH PoE+
TWISTED
PAIR CABLE
FIRE ALARM
CONTROL
PANEL
LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM
FIGURE 2: Example showing automatically unlocking IP door
controller from the PoE+ switch with adapters that should be
added to the construction documents.
ELECTRIC
LOCK
TO ACCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT
FIRE ALARM
CONTROL
PANEL
LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM
CENTRAL
POWER
SUPPLY
120V POWER
FIRE ALARM
CONTROL
OUTPUT RELAY
POWER TO
ELECTRIC LOCKS
NC
FIGURE 3: Example showing automatic unlocking from
the centralized power supply with supervised fire protection
relay. This diagram should also be added to the construction
documents.
Intercom
Owners frequently grant access to visitors who do not
have credentials by using an intercom. Some manufac-
turers produce an integrated device with a credential
reader, intercom and camera in one tamperproof housing.
Staff with an app on a handheld device can release the
door lock after viewing video of the door and/or speaking
to the visitor. The intercom system should be tested so
it does not trigger an unauthorized entry alarm on the
access control system.
Fire Alarm
Many projects are required by code to unlatch doors
upon activation of the fire detection and alarm system
(Figure 2) or the sprinkler system:
• Document locations where relays from fire
detection and alarm panel are required (Figure 3).
• Determine if the power supply will drop power to
the failsafe lock and specify how the power supply
communicates with the sprinkler or fire detection
system. If the power supply communicates over the
LAN, show redundant pathways where required.
• Document if NFPA 3 and/or NFPA 4 standards
will be used on the project.
• Show locations of magnetic lock release switches
that may be required at fire detection
and alarm panel.
Delayed Egress
To meet codes allowing emergency egress, some doors
the owner wants locked at all times may be allowed
to open in an emergency without authorization of
a credential. The time delay before opening is typically
15 or 30 seconds and should be indicated in the
construction documents. Unplanned delayed egress
opening may trigger a forced entry alarm on the access
control system.
An integrated local or remote alarm sounder is often
required for staff notification, and a description of how
the sounder operates should be included in the construction
documents. The sounder may need to audibly countdown
before unlocking and then provide a constant,
steady alarm upon lock release so staff can react. Specify
where the alarm needs to be heard by staff during testing,
and include its location on the floor plans. Indicate how
the alarm is disabled (i.e., credential read or key switch).
It should be clear in the construction documents
how the delayed egress cycle is initiated. Positive
latching may be required so the delayed egress cycle
is not initiated from the unsecure side of the door.