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Many of our customers that call ask us what is needed to create a "basic" access control system. We have noticed that many of our customers are trying to solve common problems, and often we specify a similar system that has been effective for their situations. Because Highpower provides many different pieces of access control hardware, we wanted to write this article to help narrow down what equipment you might require in your application. Which Lock should I use? Highpower produces three models of electromagnetic locks and resells other types of electronic locks for special applications, including electric strikes. For common metal framed doors, the model of lock used depends on which way the door swings. If you are inside a room, the door swings out of the room and you want the lock mounted inside this room, this is an out-swinging application. For out-swinging applications, use the DS-1200 Electromagnetic Lock. If the door swings into the room, and you want to the lock mounted inside the room, this is an in-swinging application. For in-swinging application, use the DS-1200TJ Electromagnetic Lock. Both of these locks have been tested to UL1034 for safety, and can hold back 1500 lbs of force against the door. This force rating is excellent for holding back two or more people trying to push their way through the door. Details about Electromagnetic Lock Features There is a circuit board in all Thunderbolt locks that can be ordered in different configurations. First, you have to decide what type of power you are going to run the lock on. The lock can be configured to work with either AC or DC power. For simple applications, like using a transformer and a switch to control the lock, the AC version is useful. If you are using access control circuits like keypads or Highpower power supplies that have battery backup, order the DC version of the lock. The DC version is a much more common configuration as it works easier with most electronic controls. Although you have to order an AC or DC version of the lock from the factory, the voltages that the lock can run on are user selectable. By changing a connection in the lock, the Thunderbolt Locks can either run on 12 Volt or 24 Volt power. In addition to the power requirements, you can order the Thunderbolt Locks with sensors that can be used to monitor door function and lock performance. A Door Position Switch (DPS) may be ordered that senses if the door is open or closed. The DPS is a magnetic switch that is actuated when the door is closed. This switch is often used in control circuits in order to monitor the door from a remote location or to sound an alarm if the door is ajar for too long a time. A Magnetic Bond Sensor (MBS) may also be ordered. The MBS is used to tell if the lock is secure, when the lock is powered. When the lock is powered (locked) and the armature is mated with the lock, this switch actuates. Using this switch you can tell if the lock is energizing properly and can indicate if an obstruction has been put into the lock, to prevent it from locking. Lastly, the lock can be ordered with a Cover Tamper Switch (CTS). This switch is held closed by the cover of the lock. If the cover is pried off or tampered with, the switch opens and is often used to sound an alarm. How do I power the system? Highpower produces three different power supplies, but for a one door system with simple controls, the Lightning 505 is a good choice. This is a 1 Amp 12/24 Volt Selectable power supply that has a built-in battery backup charging circuit. This power supply will automatically switch over to battery power when the main power goes out, in order to keep the electromagnetic locks locked. This power supply also maintains the batteries, in that the batteries are charged continually during normal operation. For more complex systems, Highpower uses the Lightning 2000 power supply. This power supply is a 2 Amp unit that can be used to power multiple locks or locks with electronic controls. All of the networked systems sold by Highpower come with this power supply. This supply also provides battery backup. Highpower customers that order a door controller with their system will have this power supply integrated with it, in an enclosure along with the controller circuit board. For low cost systems, some customers opt to use a plug-in wall transformer with an AC equipped lock. This type of power supply simply plugs into the wall and powers the lock directly. The drawback to this type of system is that the plug-in transformer often does not provide the amount of power regulation and voltage to make the lock run at maximum holding power. Also, this type of system does not allow for battery backup. What controls are used to control the locking system? A standard system usually has one control to unlock the
door from the secured side, and two methods of egress (exiting) from the
non-secured side. The
control device is usually a proximity card reader, Wiegand-based keypad, bar code or
magnetic stripe reader, or a biometric device such as an iris, hand or
fingerprint reader. In addition, local fire codes may require that you tie the access control system into the fire alarm system. In this case, when the fire alarm is tripped, the system cuts the power to the lock, allowing people to exit the building during a fire. Highpower usually sells a relay board interface that can be used to connect the fire alarm to the fire alarm system. Please consult your local fire marshal and fire-alarm panel manufacturer in any case where these locking systems are used. A system controller is a circuit board that is used to perform certain locking functions and provide an interface between keypads, computers, door switches and the lock. Currently, Highpower provides three control platforms. These are the Model 3000, the Integra32 and the Highpower Management System. The stand-alone controller, the Highpower 3000 can be used to run 2 doors. It provides all of the basic functions required to connect two Wiegand devices (like Proximity Readers, Card Readers or Biometrics), Electromagnetic Locks, Electric Strikes and other security hardware including Video Recorders. It is an excellent choice when you need a low cost system for basic access, and do not wish to log door entry. It also has many other uses and comes with two instruction manuals that describes some interesting system applications. The Integra32 is a more advanced door controller that is sold as a 2-door kit. The Integra32 kits can be linked together to form a system that can control up to 32 doors. The Integra provides Windows based software that generates activity reports and provides a database for card holder information. Highpower's HMS System is a software product that controls stand-alone card readers, the Smart Series . There are versions of this system that can operate several hundreds of doors. Once I order the system, how do I hook it up? These systems should be installed by qualified installers and electricians. Normally, each system is sold with full documentation that shows the wire types and runs to use and how to connect each piece of the system to the system controller. Highpower attempts to make the electrical connections installable by anyone that can read a basic electrical schematic. In addition, Highpower analyses the hardware particulars in order make sure that you have any additional bracketing or mounting hardware that is required in your system. Along with the electronic documentation, we provide installation procedures and installation templates for the hardware of your particular system. But what if I have a weird application? Highpower often tackles complex and unique systems along with our standard offerings. We have produced specialized system controls and electronics for many customers at a reasonable cost and delivery. If you have special requirements, we can help you sort out the most efficient way to tackle your installation. We can also integrate video cameras and controls with any locking system. Please feel free to email Highpower or give us a call at 800-991-3646 to talk with our engineering and sales. We appreciate your interest! Dan DeMerchant Information Request FormPlease complete the form below. For immediate assistance, call 800-991-3646. Have a salesperson contact me
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