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Access Control Systems

An access control system decides who can open a door and when, using a reader or keypad at the door, a controller that makes the decision and a lock that holds or releases the door. This range covers the parts: card, fob, face and fingerprint readers, keypads and code locks, single-door to networked controllers, maglocks and bolts, and exit buttons from Hikvision, CDVI, RGL, Paxton, TDSi and more.

Choosing Access Control Systems

Build the system from the door outwards: how people identify themselves, what decides, what locks, and how people leave.

Identify

Proximity and MIFARE card readers, keypads and code locks suit everyday doors. Biometric readers, such as the HID Global VL70LF-000-0000 facial recognition reader, remove the shared card or code. For outdoor positions, the Hikvision DS-K1T502DBWX-C terminal takes cards and PINs and is rated IP65 and IK09.

Decide

A standalone keypad controls one door on its own. Networked controllers manage several doors from software: the Hikvision DS-K2602T handles two doors over TCP/IP and RS-485, the DS-K2702X is expandable to 126 doors, and TDSi and Paxton Access supply enterprise and panel controllers.

Lock and release

RGL and Aperta maglocks hold the door by magnet and release on power loss, with Z and L brackets, such as the RGL AB600ZL-DC and CDVI 300-ZLAC, for inward-opening doors. Codelocks electronic and mechanical locks work without wiring. Exit buttons, DDA push plates and door release points let people leave.

PartRoleExamples
Reader or terminalIdentifies the userHikvision DS-KD-M, Hikvision DS-K1T344MBWX-QRE1
ControllerGrants or refuses entryHikvision DS-K2602T, Paxton Access 010-403
LockHolds the doorRGL ML600 maglock, Codelocks 0615
Exit deviceReleases from insideCDVI RTE-AS, RGL EBLPP04, ESP EVEXITM

Standards & compliance

The Abloy EL420 electronic lock lists EN 179 and EN 1125 for emergency and panic exit doors. The Paxton Access 900-600 and 900-610 PaxLock Pro list EN 179 certification for emergency exits, with the EN179 door kit required to comply. Where a door is on an escape route, check the device's listing against the fire strategy for that door.

Brands we stock in access control

Hikvision, CDVI, RGL Electronics, Comelit PAC, Honeywell Commercial Security, Codelocks, Paxton Access, TDSi, ESP, Kantech, STP, Videx, Dahua Technology, Acre, Hoyles, Vanderbilt, ACTpro, Dantech Electronic Engineering, 3E Security, Bell System, CAME, CIE Group, Genie, Safety Technology International, Axis Communications, Abloy, Adams Rite by ASSA ABLOY, Fermax, HID Global, ASSA ABLOY, Advanced, Ajax, BPT, C-TEC, EZVIZ, Elmdene, IDP, Kentec Electronics, Kidde, LiftMaster, Nortech, Trimec and dormakaba. Hikvision supplies the most products.

Related categories

See keypads and readers and biometric and RFID systems for door hardware on its own. Access control is often paired with CCTV cameras, NVR recorders or Ajax alarm kits; setup advice is in our Help & Support guides.

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of an access control system?

A reader or keypad identifies the user, a controller decides whether to grant entry, a lock holds the door, and an exit device releases it from the inside. A power supply runs the lock and controller. Readers, controllers, maglocks and exit buttons are sold separately here, so a door can be specified part by part.

How many doors can one controller manage?

One door on a standalone keypad, and up to 128 on the DS-K2704X, the largest Hikvision expansion here. The Hikvision DS-K2602T manages two doors over TCP/IP and RS-485, the DS-K2702X starts at two doors and expands to 126, and TDSi enterprise controllers suit larger sites.

What happens to a maglock if the power fails?

A maglock holds the door with an electromagnet, so it releases when power is removed. That makes it fail-safe, which suits escape routes where the door must open in a power cut or fire alarm. RGL ML600 maglocks take Z and L brackets, such as the AB600ZL-DC, to fit inward-opening doors.

Can access control work without wiring the lock?

Yes, with a standalone lock. Codelocks mechanical and electronic combination locks fit to the door and need no cabling back to a controller. The Acre Aperio door lock is another wire-free option that works with a compatible access control system.

Which readers suit an outdoor door?

Choose a reader or terminal rated IP65 or better. The Hikvision DS-K1T502DBWX-C is an outdoor access control terminal for cards and PINs, rated IP65 and IK09 for impact, and the DS-KD-M MIFARE card reader module is IP65. The DS-KAB502-S1 rain hood fits the DS-K1T502 series.

What is a DDA push plate?

A large exit or entry plate that can be operated with an elbow, fist or hand, sized for people with limited grip. The RGL EBLPP04 is a large stainless steel DDA push plate, double-pole and rated 4 A at 30 V, that complies with BS8300 and includes its own plastic back box for surface mounting.

Do biometric readers replace cards?

They can. Face and fingerprint readers, such as the Hikvision face recognition terminals and the HID Global facial recognition reader, identify the person instead of a card, so there is nothing to lend or lose. Many terminals also accept a card as a second credential.

What is an access control keypad?

An access control keypad releases a door when a valid code is entered, either driving the lock itself as a standalone unit or reporting to a controller. This range includes standalone keypads and code locks for single doors and card readers with keypads for networked systems, and Codelocks mechanical locks need no power.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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