Request-to-Exit
The request-to-exit (RTE) device is inside a controlled door and detects a
person approaching the door who wants to exit, and allows the person to exit
without setting off an alarm.
Electrified Door Hardware
These are components within the door or doorframe allowing the door to be
automatically locked or unlocked.
Card Readers
Differences among various access card readers are related to the technology
and the interface with the person requesting access to a facility. Magstripe,
swipe card, and insertion card readers use the same technology. Both proxim-
ity and MIFARE readers are “contactless” technology, operating at different
frequencies, with MIFARE considered a “smart card” technology. Biometric
readers use biological information to verify the identity of a person, and
involve such measures as fingerprint scans, face scans, retina scans, iris scans,
hand structure, voice identification, and other methods.
Other input devices that may be monitored or supervised by the control
panel include:
n Push button—Primarily used for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
applications
n Panic button—Used to notify security of an emergency
n Glass breaks sensors—Notifies security of a breach to windows
n Motion detectors—Typically used in hallways
n Key pad—Key pads receive a code from a person and upon verification
allow access
The host computer or control panel also has output relays that allow the
access control system to interface with other smart building systems (like
lighting control or HVAC) or a local or remote annunciator.
While the cabling for the door hardware (door strike, card reader, door
contact, and request for exit) is typically not part of a structured cable system
(typically two to four shielded twisted pairs, with cable gauges varying from
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