Access control systems are becoming increasingly popular for securing all types of facilities – from offices, through manufacturing plants or cultural institutions, to data centres 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 need constant power supply, because the devices must operate even during power outages. Therefore, the choice of the battery to 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 it consists of;
how to ensure its continuous 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 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 consists of the simplest installations, in which people are identified by means of a numeric or alphanumeric code entered manually.
The second level has an average level of security. It usually identifies authorized persons using a key , today usually electronic. These can be proximity cards, with a barcode, chip or magnetic, 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 work time registration systems (proximating the card records information about the employee's entry and exit from the plant).
Where the level of security must be particularly high, the recognition of authorized persons using biometrics is used. Fingerprint or hand geometry readers, retina or iris scanners, as well as voice recognition technology are used for this purpose.
All types of security require the use of appropriate scanners or keyboards (entry devices) and electromagnetic locks (actuation devices). In the case of more advanced solutions, the installation elements are connected into a computer network that facilitates the management of the KD system and efficient detection of irregularities.
Check out the batteries for KD systems in the Onninen offer
The growing popularity of the access control system is due to its advantages, such as:
preventing unauthorized persons from entering the protected area,- greater safety for people staying in the facility,
- reducing the risk of property or data theft,
- control of the movement of people in the rooms and archiving of this data,
- increased employee discipline,
- easy recording of work time,
- lower operating costs (no physical security staff needed),
- ease of system expansion.
KD systems are used, among others, in banks (identification also applies to remotely serviced clients), office buildings, industrial facilities, hotels, research and development centers, housing estates, parking lots, educational institutions (schools, universities), guard services, production plants, data processing centers and critical infrastructure facilities.
What devices do access control systems consist of?
The set of devices and elements used to make up the access control systems varies depending on the level of protection, but these include:
- electronic combination locks,
- proximity readers supporting ID cards, key rings and other forms of keys,
- biometric readers of various types,
- proximity card programmers,
- access controllers,
- access control centers,
- locks and electric strikes,
- software and mobile applications,
- servers,
- IP controllers,
- power devices (batteries).
An important element of KD systems with higher levels of security is software – applications that allow for the unification of solutions for granting authorizations and the operation of installations from the level of web browsers. There is a growing interest in non-contact solutions , such as mobile applications, QR codes or biometrics. They are safer than access cards, which can be taken over by an unauthorized person.
Additional equipment of access control systems is integrated with CCTV (closed circuit television) devices, intruder and hold-up alarms, intercoms, work time recording systems, elevator control and building automation systems.
Cloud access solutions using smartphones, laptops and tablets are increasingly used for identification. They allow management of access control systems in any location, and cloud software ensures reliable operation even in the event of a device failure – just start another computer, configure a network connection and launch a browser. However, it is important to remember about online security, using encrypted communication and protection against cyberattacks and security protocols.
Batteries for powering access control systems
Access control devices must operate 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 transfer, but above all reliable power supply. This will be ensured by properly selected batteries, which will maintain the operation of the devices for the appropriate time when the power supply is interrupted.
The important parameters of batteries for access control systems include: capacity, which determines the time of maintaining the supply of electricity, 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 glass fibers with high porosity, 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 voltage at the terminals and a longer operating time. They are characterized by resistance to external factors, vibrations and corrosion. They are equipped with VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead) valves that prevent gas leakage during recharging. 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 required 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 a 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 service life of five to nine years. This parameter affects the costs of replacing batteries, in which the capacity decreases over time.
Well-selected "batteries" will ensure the efficient operation of the installation, but - like other devices that make up the access control system - they must be subject to regular inspections , which is why it is worth purchasing a battery tester to regularly monitor their condition.
A wide range of AGM batteries that are perfect for KD systems and alarm installations can be found in the Onninen electrical wholesaler .
Batteries in the Onninen offer
Looking for a battery? Check out a few selected models available from Onninen.
- The Qoltec AGM 6 V 12 Ah battery is made of high-quality materials that ensure cyclical 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 - AGM 12 V 14 Ah battery - also uses AGM technology. This product is distinguished by its large capacity. This battery will provide reliable power supply.
- 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 service life of 6-9 years. This product is equipped with a wide connector.