IF YOU’RE READING THIS PUBLICATION, CHANCES ARE YOU’RE EITHER A DHI MEMBER OR SOMEONE ALIGNED WITH OR WORKING IN THE CONTRACT HARDWARE INDUSTRY. YOU ARE RELIED UPON FOR YOUR EXPERTISE IN THE TECHNICAL APPLICATION OF ARCHITECTURAL DOORS AND HARDWARE PRODUCTS AS WELL AS BUILDING, FIRE, AND LIFE SAFETY CODES TO DOOR OPENINGS. CONTINUOUS EDUCATION ON PRODUCTS, CODES AND TRENDS IS PART OF WHAT HELPS YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HIGH LEVEL OF EXPERTISE.
When it comes to access control systems, the learning curve is steep and fast. Also, when it comes to wiring, many door security and safety professionals are not the ones running wires from the power supply to the electrified hardware and exit devices. After all, you did not install the power supply – you just supplied the material.
You may even rely on the power supply provided by an access control supplier. Yet, when there is a power issue, it usually occurs at the door – your door – with some sort of malfunction. So, who gets the call when the device doesn’t work? You do, of course.
Once you get the call about a malfunctioning device, who do you call? The manufacturer! As a manufacturer of electrified hardware and access control devices, what do you think we do in our decision tree of troubleshooting questions to solve your problem?
Invariably – unless there is an obvious problem with the device – we start with power questions. Why? Because we have learned and documented over many decades of technical support calls that 75 to 85 percent of access control operating problems and technical support calls are due to power issues, not the device.
The quality and reliability of electrified hardware brands in today’s industry is very high. And unless it was improperly installed or damaged during installation, the device is probably not the problem.
Avoiding costly callbacks and damage to your reputation is important to everyone. Maintaining fundamental knowledge of access control power is key. You’ll find there is always something new to learn, or a special tip to apply that will make all the difference on your door opening project. We’ve learned that with basic access control power skills, you can immediately address possible conflicts between what was designed versus what was installed, repaired or upgraded for most access control projects.
Industry associations like DHI, and manufacturers, have a wealth of information, tools and training to assist you un your electrified door control endeavors. Depending on your need and comfort level with access control power, visit the Education section of the DHI website (www.dhi.org), where you can learn more about courses such as:
COR133 – Electrified Architectural Hardware
EHC400 – Electrified Hardware Applications and Documentation
CE1503 – Intermediate Electrified Access Control (a micro-learning course)
We Want to Hear from You! Have something on your mind that you want to share with Door Security + Safety readers? Email arickard@dhi.org, to author a future Closing Thoughts column.
SES, a leading low-voltage distributor since 1982, has added SDC Access Control products to fill out their line card in all 13 full stocking warehouses/showrooms! SDC is hosting 13 CEU credit courses focusing on Door Openings and Access Control Hardware. See class details below and be sure to register, classes are filling up quickly!
98.9% of consumers who expressed a preference between automatic and manual doors prefer automatic doors.
Participants indicated that it was most important for automatic doors to be used at hospitals, airports, hotels/motels, shopping malls, retail stores, banks, assisted living and senior care facilities.
The newest upgrade to the IP Pro line of IP-based Single Door Access Controllers is now available with two Ethernet Ports for interfacing with an additional IP device like a camera or additional door controller. They bring safe, secure, easy to implement door access control to the Network’s edge without the headaches of costlier, more complicated enterprise solutions.
The addition of a second Ethernet port allows the IT department to save a port when connecting an additional door at the server. Installers have the potential to eliminate a long cable run to connect an additional IP device. Now you can save even more time and costs than ever before.
IP Pro™ lets users install, configure and program one door or multi-door systems in minutes instead of hours – all with a single, flexible interface system that allows expansion from one Standalone door up to a 100-door “Grid”.
Every IP Pro™ Controller comes with secure, built-in software to manage up to 32 doors from any standard web browser to allow for real-time monitoring, user management and audit trail up to 5,000 events. Download FREE PLUS PC-Client Software to control up to 100 doors from a single PC.
Here’s a little more information about the IP Pro Line of Single Door Access Controllers: IP Pro®
Single Door IP Controller expandable up to 32 doors
Two Ethernet Ports allow for interfacing with additional IP
devices like cameras additional door controllers, etc.
Secure, built-in browser-based software, no software to install
Manage from any PC and standard web browser
Connects to existing network infrastructure
Compatible with standard Weigand readers
IP Pro® PLUS – our FREE PLUS PC-Client software to control up to 100 doors from a single PC. IP ProTM PLUS is a role-based access control software suite with different interface modules.
PLUS Hardware – used by the installer to set up controllers, doors and user profiles
PLUS Manage – used by system administrators to facilitate database changes required on a day-to-day basis, with various reporting tools.
PLUS Server – used by system administrators to perform specialized tasks, such as database backups, firmware updates, importing/exporting users
Live System events can be monitored from either module
Visit our webpage (link below) for more documents and videos on the NEW IP ProTM with Two Ethernet Ports to control up to 100 doors without all the network headaches. And don’t forget, SDC’s line of digital keypads, readers and credentials are perfect companions to add to our IP Pro Controllers for creating your own Access System Package.