Frequently Asked Questions

An access control system allows or restricts access to a building, a room or another designated area. It’s an electronically powered form of physical security that manages who has access to a location at a particular time. An access control system usually consists of the following basic components.

Access Control Panel

Power Supply

Credential Reader (Card reader, Keypad, Receiver etc.)

Electrified Hardware (Electric Strike, Maglock, Electrified Lever etc.)

Exit Devices (Push Button, Motion Sensor, Transmitter etc.)

There are many reasons why an access control system is important. The main importance of an access control system is in the name, it gives owners or authorized personal more control of their physical business or facility. However, that is just one of the many benefits as you can see listed below.

Increase Ease of Access for Employees

Get Rid of Traditional Keys

Save Money and Energy

Keep Track of Who Comes and Goes

Protect Against Unwanted Visitors

Give Employees the Freedom to Work When They Need to

Prevent Against Data Breaches

Create a Safe Work Environment

Reduce Theft and Accidents

Provide Access to Multiple Buildings and Locations

Comply with Industry Regulations or Security Standards

If you currently have a networkable access control system in place (i.e. you can access it from the software on your computer) you can usually expect to find the control panel in an IDF closet or close to the server rack.

When it comes to deciding what the best access control system is, it isn’t as easy as simply saying a certain brand or company. In the access control field there really isn’t one company that completely dominates the market. There are actually a lot of great access control system manufacturers and companies. So to decide what access control system is best for you it will come down to what you want out of your access control system.

Access control works by utilizing low voltage current or signals to communicate between card reader and panel, and panel to electrified hardware. The panel is the “brains” of the system and controls all functions as well as storing of programming. Almost all access control systems utilize 12-24vdc or vac power. The amperage needed will depend on the devices being used but rarely will any single device (card reader, motion detector, maglock, electric strike. etc.) exceed more than a 1-2 amp draw. This means that access control systems are very safe and according to code have a very small chance to cause a fire or injure anyone if the bare wire was to accidentally become exposed from the wire insulation. This helps make the installation of access control devices and wire runs to the devices a breeze as they don’t need any special conduit like normal 120v electrical wires need and can be concealed easily above the ceiling grid or in door frames when adding the electrified locking hardware

There are a couple different options when it comes to having your access control system installed. If you are installing a smaller one to two door standalone system you can call a local locksmith company to see what options they have. Depending on the state and license requirements they should be able to provide you with a quality system at a good price. If you have a more complex system 2-25 openings or more that needs to be networkable you should look to an electronic security system installer. These companies usually specialize in this type of security system and will be better suited to walking you through the complex task of choosing the right access control system and installing it correctly. It is not unusual for a locksmith company and a electronic security system installer to work together on these tasks. Locksmith companies are usually hired by electronic security system installers to install the electronic locking hardware because of their knowledge of doors and the specialized tools needed to install these products.

Costs of access control systems vary greatly depending on what you want out of your security system. It will also vary greatly depending on what type of openings you have and and how many. Depending on your state and county there may be some permitting that will need to be completed thus also adding to the overall cost. Access control is an investment and should be seen as such. We expect our access control systems to last well over a decade without any major replacement or repair costs. These systems normally pay for themselves as the result of less shrinkage of product.

Closed-Circuit Television. Meaning that there is no outside access to the cameras or footage.

Security Cameras (CCTV) are important for many different reasons. Their first and main benefit to many businesses/facilities is for the deterrent of crime or theft on the premises. They also provide hard evidence in the form of video footage in case their is ever an accident or issue that may arise that having the video footage would help resolve. They can be used to help managers or owners observe their businesses even when they aren’t physically present.

Just like with other security systems, Security Camera costs will vary based on what you want them to do as well as what image quality you are looking for. Most security cameras are actually made by a just a few manufactures so most of them have very similar abilities and life expediencies. The best security camera system is the one that will accommodate your needs at the best price. The best way to figure out what is the best security camera system is by having a trained professional come out to your premises and conduct a site survey and speak to you about your needs. That way you wont have to guess and risk buying the wrong security camera system.

There are many companies that now offer security camera system installation but many don’t have the experience and knowledge like your local electronic security system installer. Your local electronic security system installer will be able to offer you many different security camera system options while the others will be pushing one brand that they have an agreement with. We recommend doing your research and getting a couple quotes to make sure you are being provided with the best possible system at the best rate.

Costs that are included in a security camera system install vary depending on the quality of the security camera (image quality, range, audio recording etc.), how hard it will be to run the wire and how far the wire has to be ran from the server room or placement of the NVR (Network Video Recorder) and ease or difficulty of the installation of the security camera.

The most basic alarm consists of one or more sensors to detect intruders, and an alerting device to indicate the intrusion. However, a typical premises security alarm employs the following components:

Premises control unit (PCU), Alarm Control Panel (ACP), or simply panel: The "brain" of the system, it reads sensor inputs, tracks arm/disarm status, and signals intrusions. In modern system, this is typically one or more computer circuit boards inside a metal enclosure, along with a power supply.

Sensors: Devices which detect intrusions. Sensors may be placed at the perimeter of the protected area, within it, or both. Sensors can detect intruders by a variety of methods, such as monitoring doors and windows for opening, or by monitoring unoccupied interiors for motions, sound, vibration, or other disturbances.

Alerting devices: These indicate an alarm condition. Most commonly, these are bells, sirens, and/or flashing lights. Alerting devices serve the dual purposes of warning occupants of intrusion, and potentially scaring off burglars. These devices may also be used to warn occupants of a fire or smoke condition.

Keypads: Small devices, typically wall-mounted, which function as the human-machine interface to the system. In addition to buttons, keypads typically feature indicator lights, a small multi-character display, or both.etc.

Interconnections between components. This may consist of direct wiring to the control unit, or wireless links with local power supplies.

In addition to the system itself, security alarms are often coupled with a monitoring service. In the event of an alarm, the premises control unit contacts a central monitoring station. Operators at the station see the signal and take appropriate action, such as contacting property owners, notifying police, or dispatching private security forces. Such signals may be transmitted via dedicated alarm circuits, telephone lines, or the internet.

Burglar alarm systems have been around for half a century now and have proven to be a large deterrent in crime and theft. FBI burglar rates of homes state that 1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system. Not only will they deter a burglar but they will also alert you in the situation that you are home and a burglar tries to enter.

For non-commercial burglar alarm systems there are a wide range of options that can be purchased online and installed by the end user. For commercial burglar alarm systems you will generally not be the one that chooses this system. This system will be chosen based on your needs by the electronic security installer. A lot of commercial insurance companies will actually require that these be installed before they will begin coverage. Finding a local electronic system installer to advise you on the best system for you will be the best first step in properly securing your business or facility

Just like with security camera systems (CCTV) and access control systems an electronic security system installer will be your best bet when installing these systems. If you are a franchise or national company your burglar alarm system will usually be selected by headquarters so they can negotiate the best terms and service provider that can grow with the company.

The cost of installing a burglar alarm system will vary based on how large your business or facility is, how many openings/areas need to be secured and how many sensors are needed. The cost does not normally stop with just the install of the burglar alarm system. Almost all commercial companies employing the use of a burglar alarm system will also need to hire a monitoring company to help manage the burglar alarm system as well as notify you and/or the police in the instance that the burglar alarm is triggered. This monitoring company will charge a reasonable monthly fee to do this for you and it will be required by most insurance companies.