There are many different types of access control devices and systems used for a variety of different purposes. Whether you are looking to use one for residential or commercial use, there are certain types of access control devices available to you. An access control system gives users access and authority to control certain areas or resources in a specific facility or computer system.
Types of access control vary in certain situations. It is an everyday common thing we normally are oblivious to, but we see and use it everywhere we go. Some examples of access control are locks on your automobile door such as your key fob to automatically lock and unlock your vehicle. Another form of access control is your pin on an ATM machine or even bouncers and security guards in front of a nightclub or courthouse. Access control is a significant resource when people are looking to safely secure confidential or sensitive information or equipment.
There are plenty of access control devices to choose from. The types of door hardware include exit devices and push bars that are used when exiting a high traffic building such as a theater. You usually see exit devices as an emergency exit that allows exiting easily and immediately. Other door hardware devices include keypads and alarm locks that secure a certain area to prevent theft and break-ins. If an unauthorized user gains access, then an alarm will go off to warn those inside the building. A keypad is used to restrict access to unauthorized users that requires an access code or password to gain entry.
Another type of door hardware that is used for access control are vault doors. The purpose of a vault door is to safely secure not only weapons or guns, but even personal heirlooms, business and family records, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, art and rare antiques. A vault door is usually constructed out of thick steel barrier to protect against extremely hot temperatures plus thick bolts to assure your valuables are protected. Vault doors can also be used as a storm shelter, especially if you live in an area where hurricanes, tornadoes and bad weather is persistent.
Other types of access control are push buttons. You mainly see push buttons used in case of an emergency or for the handicapped. Push buttons are hard to miss since they are larger than normal buttons and have a bright red color. The same goes for handicapped buttons but are indicated with the ordinary handicap blue color. These push buttons are generally seen at hospitals or buildings with high person traffic that provide easy entry and exiting out of the building without having to physically push or pull the door.
You will also see different types of access control locks such as electric strikes and magnetic door locks. Electric strikes are used for doors that apply an electric current to the strike, which will grant access. There are two types of configurations such as fail-secure or fail-safe. A fail-secure configuration will lock the doors and remain locked in case of a power or circuit failure. The opposite goes for a fail-safe configuration where an electric current is applied the same way except it locks the door, restricting access. In a power or circuit failure the doors would simply open for access. Sometimes electric strikes use a buzzer, which the user outside can hear when the door is open.
For magnetic door locks there are electromagnets that attach to the doorframe and the door itself that cause the door to securely shut tight. The strength of the magnetic locks works well like your typical door lock. By using the magnetic attractive force, magnetic locks can hold up to 1200 pounds of force and are very compact. Some magnetic locks also come with an infrared remote release to grant entry.
Intercoms are a great access control device. They provide the convenience of communicating to the outside user through another intercom device or phone without having to walk up to the door to check. Intercoms are typically mounted outside of a residential apartment building, which are usually vandal and weather resistant. With intercoms you have different stations for different users. Some intercoms come with more than two stations and even a monitor so you can see whom you are talking to.
Whether you are looking for an access control device for your home or business, it is essential to have one to protect not just your valuables, but also your family members and employees in case of a break-in or intruder. There is a wide selection of access control devices such as card readers, digital locks, key switches, keypads and more available to you depending on what you need. Take the time to see which device is the right one for you and you’ll be on your way to staying safe and secure.
