Build Magazine December 2015

Build Magazine 19 Inside the Industry Secured By Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime, might also be specified which means only those products that have passed the stringent tests of Secured By Design should be used. Cabling is also another important issue. Most door entry systems are connected together throughout the building using low voltage cabling. Quite often, the cabling is installed as part of the first fix and sometimes the access control and door entry equip- ment has not been fully specified at this stage. An issue that has become increasingly apparent is the need to know the difference between solid copper and copper coated cables. In most instanc- es, solid copper must be used on access control systems due to the need for these cables to carry current and have a low voltage drop. Copper coated cables such as copper coated steel (CCS) or copper coated aluminium (CCA), although may look attrac- tive when comparing the price between that and solid copper, will have a much higher resistance and therefore will suffer from much greater voltage drop than a solid copper cable. Not knowing this difference can prove costly in the event the system is unable to function correctly due to a voltage drop. Choosing the right system During the planning stages, it is important to under- stand the function of the building and the type of use the system will have. A number of questions need to be considered. For example, which entrances and exits require access control, should the access control be in the form of coded keypads, proximity fob readers or a type of biometric reader, should the door entry include video as well as audio communication, do residents’ handsets require timed privacy, is isolation required in case of damage to the cables, should tradesmen and postmen have a fob or ‘trade’ button combined with PIN to prevent misuse, and how will people exit in an emergency? New door entry and access control systems are constantly being developed so it’s important to keep abreast of the latest offerings. When considering a system, it’s best to talk to the manufacturer who will be able to listen and ask the right questions to help find the one that best suits the site specific requirements. When choosing a system, it is also important to know that it can be modified in the future if the building is expanded or the needs of the residents change. An example would be the increasing use of remote management to link multiple blocks to a concierge, offering residents higher levels of service 24 hours a day without significantly increasing costs. The exit of buildings in particular requires additional thought. For instance, in the event of an emergency how would someone negotiate the access control to exit the building? Solutions to this would normally include fail safe exit devices and links to the fire alarm to automatically release the doors. An appropriate access control sys- tem can also generate reports to show who is in the building at the time of the alarm so you’re aware of peoples’ location in the event of an emergency. Product support is also crucial when deal- ing with a customised solution. Knowing that there is support available either online, via phone or on site, can offer reassurance for the long term. Installing a door entry and access control system is a long term investment and it is important to know that replacement parts are available. The type of door entry system selected will depend on the specific needs of the building and its occupants. Housing associations specifically have a duty of care to protect residents and provide a secure environment and improved quality of life for residents. Choosing an appropriate access control system is therefore crucial to the security and wellbeing of these residents. Many factors are involved in decision making, not least of which is cost. However, it is important to balance cost savings with product performance and ongoing support. As well as considering the specifics of the equipment, it is also extremely important to consider the services offered by the manufacturer of the equipment such as their experi- ence, equipment warranty, technical support and availability of equipment and spares in the long term future. For more information about Videx, please visit: www.videx-security.com or call 0870 300 1240.