Video Surveillance
Integration with video surveillance systems is generally
expected. At one time, the access control system platform
was the dominant software for central security
equipment processing, event recording and database
management. However, many systems today use the
video surveillance platform for the operator interface
and central processing.
How the access control hardware is integrated with
the video surveillance system has changed. It may no
longer be necessary to install analog cabling from the
door position switch to initiate recording of video.
Today’s IP-based surveillance systems can use motion
or boundary line crossing to initiate recording and
documentation of an occupant entering or an unauthorized
entry alarm. The access control and video
surveillance systems can communicate over the
network using structured cabling.
Cameras with artificial intelligence are also currently
being used in place of credential readers. Facial recognition
software can authorize entry over the LAN.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are frequently used with ACS in existing
construction. Some AHJs require two different request
to exit devices when magnetic locks are used. The second
request to exit may need to be pneumatic rather than
electronic. Required testing should include verification
of the length of time the door remains unlocked after
activation of the request to exit for occupants having
difficulty with code compliance and passing through
the opening. The state or local AHJ may have requirements
for remote magnetic lock release controls
and should be consulted.
Many manufacturers offer an optional magnetic
bond sensor. Specify whether the electromagnetic lock
should send a notification when the holding force drops
below a predetermined limit and who should be notified.
Manufacturers will need to be consulted for testing
of the magnetic bond sensor.
Door Ajar
Owners may want notification when a door is not closed
after a prescribed period of time. The access control
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system needs to be tested to verify that a door ajar alarm
is generated when the door position switch does not
close. The door position switch also needs to be tested
so that the amount of swing required to separate the
door contacts is adequate. If the door position switch is
too close to the hinge side, the door could be ajar but
no alarm is generated.
Latch Bolt Monitoring
In high security areas, the door position switch may not
be enough to indicate that a door is secure. A door could
be closed but not locked. The access control system may
include latch bolt monitor switches and strike monitor
switches. Some latch bolt monitor switches are inside
locks and others are inside electric strikes. From inside
the lock, they monitor whether the latch is extended
or depressed. When located in an electric strike, they
monitor whether there is a latch bolt present in
the keeper.
Healthcare
Healthcare ACS can be much more complex than those
in some other projects. Infant abduction protection
systems and supervised care elopement prevention
systems, for example, may be combined on the same
door with many other systems, thereby increasing the
complexity of installation and commissioning.
• At-Risk Human Perimeter Systems
To keep babies from being removed without authorization
and to prevent individuals with memory
difficulties from eloping, doors in high risk areas
of healthcare facilities combine ACS with at-risk human
perimeter systems. The access control system shall not
allow the selected doors to open when an individual
wearing a wrist band is in the area around the door.
If delayed egress functionality is used to override a lock
and opens a door or if the door is already open when
an individual wearing a wrist band enters the area,
a local alarm will sound and an alert is sent to the
nurse call system and the facility security team.
The exciters that trigger the inductive response
in the at-risk human perimeter system wrist band
commonly operate on frequencies similar to access