Commercial or Residential Door Security Systems
6 Types of Commercial or Residential Door Security Systems
Doors have always been useful for our security and peace of mind. The first locks were invented over 4,000 years ago in Egypt and have become an essential part of living in growing societies. Of course, when you have a business, security is one of your top concerns. The types of devices used for security doors and entryways on commercial buildings and schools in Fort Worth Texas, should be sturdier than anything found on the front door of your residence. There are seven main methods of securing the entrances to a municipal building, school or place of business:
Card Readers
Keypad Controls
Radio Transmitters
Magnetic Locks
Phone Entry Systems
Loop Detectors
Along with repairing commercial-grade doors in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, Door Doctors also installs these sorts of security systems. Because these systems are closely integrated with the door itself, our 60+ years of door repair experience gives us the expertise to install them, test them and ensure their reliability. To get an idea of which would be best for your building, it helps to have a decent understanding of how each one of them works and what places and situations they’re best suited for. Keep in mind that each of these unique methods can be used in combination with one another for additional security.
Swipe Your Card!
One of the most common ways to secure any type of door is the ubiquitous card reader. This system obviously relies on usually magnetic cards issued only to specific individuals. It also has flexibility in allowing different people to have different levels of access and even at predetermined times. You may need to allow certain people access to certain rooms within one location. The three most commonly seen ways that the cards can be read are by barcode, magnetic strip, or RFID. The magnetic strip technique has the card-holder swiping the card horizontally or vertically through a card reader. Bar codes are sometimes more efficient and speedier. In this case, the card only has to be held very near to the card reader to be scanned. An RFID card doesn’t need to be displayed at all to be read. This type of card would be best for situations with drive up gates where it’s more difficult to get close to the card reader itself. All types of card readers have the added benefit of keeping tabs on who is accessing what and that data is available usually with software from your security monitoring company.
Keypads
Keypads use a basic numeric or alphanumeric keypad for access. There can be a single password or a unique number for everyone who is given access. This approach is usually applied to similar situations as those that rely on card readers which we read about above. This type of security system has the excellent advantage over a card reader in that someone can’t gain entrance by using a lost or stolen card and also that those allowed access will likely require less customer service upon losing their cards or fobs.
Radio Transmitters
Radio Transmitters are typically used to open automatic garage doors and similarly large doors. Pressing the button on the transmitter remote sends out a signal to either an automatic opener or in some cases, a security person can be notified to open the door manually. The person needing to gain entry can push a button well ahead of time to avoid delays as often the radio transmitters have a wide range. In inclement weather, this can also come in handy by permitting the signaler to remain inside their vehicle.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are the latching mechanism typically used in tandem with other more high security systems such as the ones mentioned above. Magnetic locks have advantages over more old fashioned mechanical locks. Since they have no moving parts they will last longer and require less maintenance. Additionally, there’s far less chance of it getting stuck and requiring a locksmith, making it a better investment in the long run. Magnetic locks can also use electromagnetic sensors that can be powered by your building’s electrical system for easy or by a separate battery for security in the face of a power outage. This feature makes it ideal for emergency exits. Magnetic locks ares sometimes thought of as being weaker than traditional locks, but actually have been known to hold up to 1,300 lbs of force.
Phone Entry
Phone entry systems require a live person to let anyone else in. The main difference in these and Closed Circuit Television Systems is that instead of a visual ID, a voice ID is used. It has an advantage over a CCTV system by making it possible to assign code words to anyone using this system. It also tends to be less expensive than CCTV.
Loop Detectors
Loop detectors are designed primarily for vehicle entry in gates or garages. Loop Detection systems consist of a wire loop beneath the ground embedded in pavement. This loop has an electrical current sent through it that creates a magnetic field around it. When a vehicle passes over the loop, a secondary magnetic field is produced by the steel in the vehicle. This secondary electric field interferes with the current in the loop. The change in the current is sensed by a monitor that then opens the door or gate. You might not have heard of this system, but you run into quite often.
Contact Door Doctors to learn more about our door security installation services. Or request service or a free estimate today!