Choosing the Right Power Supply Technology Avoids Access Control Malfunction

July 23, 2010 – One of the most common troubleshooting calls customer service representatives receive is about intermittent or failed power supply, lock or access control operation. These malfunctions can easily be avoided by specifying or installing a power supply properly designed and tested and UL Listed for use with access control products.

While there are different technologies available in the security industry, the following information provides insight to why some power supplies may or may not be compatible with access controls and electric locking devices.

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY
Switching Power Supplies are typically designed for use with resistive or capacitive loads such as low voltage lamps, alarm panels, cameras and signaling devices. They are lighter in weight, efficient (less heat generated) and are cheaper to manufacture. The low price of switching power supplies often encourages its misapplication.

ACCESS HARDWARE GLOSSARY

Access Hardware: Mechanical and Electrified Architectural Hardware specifically designed for the purpose of controlling access or egress through an opening.

Architectural Hardware: Term applied to all hardware used in building construction, but particularly used on or in connection with doors, windows, cabinets and other movable members such as hinges, closers, locks and pulls, more specifically known as Door Hardware. (Reference: DHI Glossary).

Builders Hardware: See Architectural Hardware

Door Hardware: All mechanical and electrical hardware designed to be installed on a door to enable its intended operation.

Electrified Architectural Hardware: Electrically operated products associated with doors, windows and cabinets. Also known as Electrified Builders Hardware.
(Reference: DHI Glossary, DHI Tech Talk EA1/91).

Electrified Builders Hardware: See Electrified Architectural Hardware

Electrified Locking Device: Electrically powered locking device which enables a door to be locked or unlocked in response to an electric signal from an input or controlling device.
(Reference – ANSI/BHMA Standards)

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CLASSIFICATION OF ELECTRIFIED LOCKING DEVICES

The following electrified locking devices are classified according to fundamental design and operational attributes.

CATEGORY: ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICES

CLASS: Electrified Lockset

DESIGN & OPERATIONAL ATTRIBUTES: Latch or latch and bolt assembly with key cylinder and knobs or lever handles for manual operation and is equipped with a solenoid or motor for electrically controlled locking and unlocking.

1) Electrified Mortise Lockset
2) Electric Frame Actuator Controlled Mortise Lockset – No electric hinge or wires through the door required.
3) Electrified Cylindrical Lockset
4) Standalone Mortise Lockset – card, keypad or biometric actuated, battery powered or hardwired.
(AKA integrated lock or electronic lock).
5) Standalone Cylindrical Locksets; card, keypad or biometric actuated; battery powered or hardwired
(AKA integrated lock).

ELECTRIFIED CYLINDRICAL LOCKSET APPLICATION & OPERATION

CHAPTER 1: ELECTRIFIED CYLINDRICAL LOCK APPLICATION
By Richard Geringer, V.P. Marketing

Application
For installations that require higher security with superior esthetics, failsafe and failsecure electric cylindrical locks eliminate the need for exposed and vulnerable locking devices, such as electric strikes, magnetic locks and remote request-to-exit devices.

Code compliant 7200 Series electrified cylindrical locksets also stay latched even when unlocked, maintaining fire door integrity. This basic ability complies with national code requirements for up to 3-hour fire rated doors, including elevator lobby and stairwell doors where electromagnetic locks and electric strikes are not permitted (See Misapplication*).

Facility applications include: Commercial High-Rise Buildings, Industrial and Technology Centers, Health Care, Transportation, Government and Military Facilities, Museums and Universities.

Opening applications include: Office and work center doors, mantrap doors, stairwell doors, elevator lobby doors, and exit doors.

Failsecure – 7252
Unlocked when energized, the failsecure electric cylindrical lock function 7252 is ideal for interior high security applications. The function 7252 is never locked from the inside and permits uninhibited egress at all times by turning the inside manual lever handle. This also eliminates reliance on secondary request-to-exit (REX) devices. Battery backup power supplies may be specified to provide power for operation during power outage.

THE FOUNDATION OF MAGNETIC LOCK DESIGN AND APPLICATION

Papers: Magnetic Locks, Chapter 1 of 4
By Richard Geringer, V.P. Marketing

Magnetic Shear Lock

Surface Mount Magnetic Lock

Prior to the 1970’s it was illegal to lock perimeter exit doors from the interior side. In fact, all that was permitted in most commercial buildings was an exit device to insure uninhibited egress at all times while locked on the exterior. This was problematic in that the exit devices left facilities vulnerable to employee theft and also to breaking and entering simply by using a clothes hanger to manipulate and unlock the exit device from the exterior. Still, most jurisdictions would not permit electromechanical locking due to fire life safety issues. For these reasons many facility owners, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, banquet facilities, warehouse and convention centers, resorted to the illegal use of chains and padlocks to secure their perimeter doors after hours. To prevent employee theft, breaking and entering, and provide life safety, a solution was needed.

MAGNETIC LOCKS HOLDING FORCE SECURITY & APPLICATION

White Papers: Magnetic Locks, Chapter 2 of 4
By Richard Geringer, V.P. Marketing

EMLock® – Security Levels
Because of the use of electromagnetic locks for many access control applications, careful concern should be given to choice of holding force and the need for battery back up. The SDC EMLock® Series is available in different holding force and design configurations to accommodate several different applications.

MAGNETIC LOCKS: ESSENTIAL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION ATTRIBUTES

White Papers: Magnetic Locks, Chapter 3 of 4
By Richard Geringer, V.P. Marketing

Distributors, installers and end users have different priorities concerning magnetic lock design attributes. Presently, many magnetic locks on the market do not meet the requirements of all parties in the market chain. While recent installer surveys show they install one particular brand more often, many prefer to install a different brand. A lock the distributor prefers to sell or that is specified may be more difficult and time consuming to install, and these additional costs are passed on to the end user. Or, end users may not be particularly happy with a lock that looks like an extra large black brick hanging from the frame.

ESSENTIAL LISTING AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

White Papers: Magnetic Locks, Chapter 4 of 4
By Richard Geringer, V.P. Marketing

When choosing a quality electromagnetic door lock, look for the proper listing and performance specifications. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has adopted construction and performance standards established by the Builders Hardware Manufacturer’s Association (BHMA). The ASNI/BHMA A156.23 standard details minimum mechanical, electrical, and holding force requirements. These rigorous standards also place electromagnetic door locks in three categories based on cycle performance capability.