A How To: Access Control to 2 doors with 2 keypads working in Sync

I’ve talked a lot about Access Control and how you can best incorporate it within your home or small business. More than anything, I want to educate people on the many benefits an Access Control system can bring to their home or office and how easy it is to purchase and install.

One setup I’ve always thought was critical to the small business environment is the two door system. While there are complex, advanced and costly systems that might provide access control to two doors, you can get most if not all features, for a modest price, by selecting two “Two Relay Output” Access Control keypads and set them up for two doors.

Check out this simple diagram and give it a shot.

With two Access Control Keypads you can:

• Authorize accessibility at two entrances to different groups of people. Assign a set of codes via Door 1 and a set via Door 2.



• The connection shown in this image guarantees that while the Door 1 keypad is being activated the Door 2 keypad is inhibited and vice versa.



• A simple micro switch sensor mounted on the door frame will send the keypad the door status (open or close) and an alarm pacifier tone will indicate that the door is open



• Install inside next to the exit door a low cost push button switch (key symbol) for egress or quick activation of the electric strike for fast exit.

Features and Benefits of the Access Control Keypads shown here:

• Direct 12-24V AC/DC Operation



• Over 100 Million Code Combinations



• 110 User Codes with 4-8 Digits



• Single Lock or Inter-lock Application



• Operates Fail-safe or Fail-secure Locking Device



• Door Lock Inhibit Authorization



• 2 Independent Outputs programmable in Start/Stop (toggle) mode or timer mode from 1 to 999 seconds.



• Door Forced Open and Propped-up Warnings



• Auto or Manual Code Entry



• Output Activation Announcer



• Pacifier Tone Inhibit Control



• Key Activation, Duress and Tamper Outputs



• Door Auto Re-lock after Valid Access Prevents Tailgate Entry



• Egress Input for Door Remote Triggering



• All Features are Keyboard Programmable



• Energy saving features: Keypads light intensity brightens when touching the keypad and dims to low light seconds after data entry is complete



• Non-volatile Memory in Power Failure



• Flush or Surface Mount



• In case that master code is forgotten or lost you can reset to factory default code



• And the best part the system shown here will cost you less than $150

Note: This blog entry, like all of our entries, is for information only. If you are not well versed in installation, please hire a professional. ILUS Electronics is not responsible for improperly installed equipment. If you would like our technical support or advice, just send us a note at support@iluselectronics.com

How do I select an electric strike lock?

You may have already noticed that I have spoken a lot about Access Control Systems. Well, these systems would be nowhere without the electric strike locks that work with them and are the ultimate guards of access. Since most folks are not trained locksmiths there might be a little anxiety about selecting the appropriate strike lock for.

It’s a pretty simple process with just a three points to cover. Review it and feel free to let me know if there is some lingering confusion.

1. Fail Safe or Fail Secure
Electric Strikes are divided into two main groups Fail Secure and Fail Safe

Fail Secure – The door or gate will be unlocked when Power is applied to it.

Fail Safe – Electricity is applied constantly to electric strike to keep the door or gate locked. To unlock the electricity is removed.

The Fail Secure electric strike is used primarily in private residences and small offices while the Fail Safe electric strike is used more in public buildings such as hotels, hospitals, and office buildings, securing an automatic unlock of the door in the event of a power failure.

2. AC or DC Electric Strike
Electric Strikes are also divided into two other groups: those that are operated by a DC (Direct Current) Voltage and those operated by AC (Alternating Current) power.
When AC power is applied to an electric strike it generates a buzzing noise for the duration that the voltage is applied, providing by default an indication to the person at the door that the door is open. When DC Voltage is applied to the electric strike it will generate a click and will remain open for the duration that the voltage is applied.

All Fail Safe Electric Strikes operate from DC power sources while for Fail Secure strikes the AC power is more common.

3. Mortise or Cylindrical
Mortise Locks are usually common to older home or buildings and can be identified by the key being above the handle (knob) and a long rectangular plate at the edge of the door. Cylindrical Locks are the most common and are identified by the key inside the Knob (or door handle). The center of the handle is inline with the center of the lock and strike.