Access control systems are increasingly used to secure all types of facilities - from offices, through production plants and cultural institutions, to data centers and critical infrastructure. Depending on the application, they can be used to protect against intruders, control the movement of people in rooms or integrate with automation systems. They must be constantly powered, as the devices must operate even during power outages. Therefore, the selection of the battery that will be used in the access control system is particularly important.
In this article we will explain to you:
what is an access control system;
what devices make up it;
how to ensure its continued operation in the event of a power failure.
Access control system – what is it?
According to the simplest definition, access control is a set of cooperating devices that are intended to identify people who want to gain access to secured rooms or buildings. It is supported by software and requires appropriate organizational procedures .
Access control can be divided into three levels of security provided. The first one consists of the simplest installations in which people are identified using a numeric or alphanumeric code entered manually.
The second level has a medium level of security. It usually identifies authorized persons using a key , today usually electronic. These may be contactless, barcode, chip or magnetic cards recognized by appropriate readers. They can also work similarly to liquidity cards with NFC connectivity. These are the most common solutions, sometimes also used in working time registration systems (by bringing the card closer, information about the employee's entry and exit from the plant is recorded).
Where the level of security must be particularly high, the recognition of authorized persons using biometrics is used. For this purpose, fingerprint or palm geometry readers, retina or iris scanners, as well as voice recognition technology are used.
All types of security require the use of appropriate scanners or keyboards (input devices) and electromagnetic locks (actuator devices). In the case of more advanced solutions, installation elements are connected into a computer network facilitating the management of the AC system and efficient detection of irregularities.
Check out batteries for KD systems in the Onninen offer
The growing popularity of the access control system is associated with its advantages, such as:
preventing unauthorized persons from entering the protected area,- greater safety of people staying in the facility,
- reducing the risk of property or data theft,
- control of the movement of people in rooms and archiving this data,
- increasing employee discipline,
- easy registration of working time,
- lower operating costs (no physical security staff is needed),
- ease of system expansion.
KD systems are used, among others, in banks (identification also applies to clients served remotely), office buildings, industrial facilities, hotels, research and development centers, housing estates, parking lots, educational institutions (schools, universities), guard services, production plants, data processing centers or infrastructure facilities critical.
What devices do access control systems consist of?
The set of devices and elements used that make up KD systems varies depending on the level of protection, but they include:
- electronic combination locks,
- proximity readers supporting ID cards, key fobs and other forms of keys,
- various types of biometric readers,
- proximity card programmers,
- access controllers,
- access control panels,
- jumpers and electric strikes,
- software and mobile applications,
- servers,
- IP controllers,
- power devices (batteries).
An important element of AC systems with higher levels of security is software - applications that allow for the unification of solutions for granting authorizations and installation support via web browsers. There is a growing interest in contactless solutions , such as mobile applications, QR codes and biometrics. They are safer than access cards, which can be taken over by an unauthorized person.
Additional equipment for access control systems includes integrated CCTV (closed-circuit television) devices, burglary and assault alarms, intercoms and work time registration systems, elevator control and building automation systems.
Cloud access solutions using smartphones, laptops and tablets are increasingly used for identification. They enable the management of KD systems anywhere, and the cloud software ensures operation even in the event of a device failure - just turn on another computer, configure the network connection and launch the browser. However, you must remember about online security by using encrypted communication and protection against cyberattacks and security protocols.
Batteries to power access control systems
Access control devices must function reliably. If they fail, they will not fulfill their role, and then there is a risk of unauthorized persons entering the protected facility. Therefore, an important element of such systems is good organization and security of data transmission, but above all, reliable power supply. This will be ensured by properly selected batteries that will maintain the operation of the devices for an appropriate period of time in the event of a power outage.
The important parameters of batteries for KD systems include: capacity, which determines the duration of the electricity supply, and service life, which informs how many years the "battery" will operate. In access control installations , buffer batteries made using AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) technology are recommended. This is an improved version of gel batteries. They use separators in the form of high-porosity glass fibers in which the electrolyte is enclosed. Such devices are tight (they do not let in dirt and air) and can be mounted in any position. With low internal resistance, they provide higher terminal voltage and longer operating time. They are resistant to external factors, vibrations and corrosion. They are equipped with VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead) valves to prevent gas leakage during charging. Therefore, they are perfect for surveillance, access control and alarm systems.
Most batteries offered on the market have a voltage of 12 V, but the selection of this parameter and capacity depends on the size of the KD system (e.g. the number of sensors or control points) and the time necessary to maintain its power supply. The market offer includes, for example, the Qoltec series of batteries with voltages of 6 V and 12 V and capacities of 12 and 14 Ah. They are characterized by long discharge time, high resistance and buffer and cyclic operation. MW Power 12 V devices with a capacity of 7.2 or 9 Ah have a lifespan of five to nine years. This parameter affects the costs of replacing batteries, whose capacity decreases over time.
Well-selected "batteries" will ensure the efficiency of the installation, but - just like other devices that make up the access control system - they must be regularly inspected , so it is also worth purchasing a battery tester to regularly monitor their condition.
You will find a wide range of AGM batteries perfect for KD systems and alarm installations at the Onninen electrical wholesaler .
Batteries in the Onninen offer
Are you looking for a battery? Check out some selected models available in the Onninen offer.
- The Qoltec AGM 6 V 12 Ah battery is made of high-quality materials that ensure cyclic operation and power protection. The product uses modern AGM technology, in which the liquid electrolyte is placed in a glass mat separator. The battery is resistant to vibrations and impacts.
- Another battery - the Qoltec battery - AGM 12 V 14 Ah - also uses AGM technology. This product is distinguished by its large capacity. This battery will provide reliable power.
- The MW Power AGM 12 V 7.2 Ah battery guarantees 5 years of use. This is a product that does not require ventilation, which affects the comfort and safety of use.
- If you want even longer life, choose the MW Power AGM 12 V 9 Ah battery , which has a useful life of 6-9 years. This product is equipped with a wide connector.