Page 16 - Security Today, October 2020

As a rule, security fobs are used to prevent unauthorized build- ing occupants from entering a doorway while ‘non-secure’ relay output receivers are designed to make it easier for any building occupant, including persons with disabilities, to enter a doorway.
Since the design of a non-secure fob and receiver are less com- plex to design and build, and they do not require an access con- trol system to operate, ‘non-secure’ fobs are an affordable and highly reliable activation device to use in our fight to prevent the spread of germs.
Access Control Card Readers
As discussed above, secure hands-free access control devices, including key tags, fobs, and card readers, are an excellent way to eliminate the need to manually activate a door opening. In many cases, an access control system may already be installed in a fa- cility and automating a door opening will only require a small system change to add this functionality.
The access control market is currently undergoing a major shift in the use of BluetoothTM enabled mobile credentials – soft- ware applications that turn a smart phone into a secure credential that is recognized by an access control system. This is a low cost, easily maintained solution that eliminates the need for each build- ing occupant to carry around a unique tag, fob or card.
‘State of the art’ manufacturers now offer mobile-ready card readers for use with any access control system, with the option to recognize system users with smart phone, key tag and card cre- dentials on the same reader.
Low-Touch Push Plate Switches
It is not always necessary or even desirable to install a sensor, wireless receiver, or card reader to reduce the spread of germs. Any door activation device that can be operated without the need to touch the device with a hand can serve the same purpose. Thir- ty-six inch tall push plate switches are a good alternative because they can be easily operated with an arm, elbow, hip or foot.
Originally developed to comply with state and provincial building code requirements for high/low push plate switches (that are installed at the height of a hand and a wheelchair foot), 36” tall push plate switches are also able to contribute to the reduc- tion in the spread of germs.
New Equipment Solutions
We are in the early days in our response to COVID-19. Virtu- ally all of the low voltage device and system solutions that are currently on the market were introduced long before the pandem- ic became known.
All manufacturers are now investing heavily in the develop- ment of the next generation of equipment solutions that will aid us in our fight against the spread of germs. It is incumbent upon each of us to be informed of the latest initiatives and to actively participate in the adoption of practical new solutions that pro- vide better health protection to building occupants.
David Price is the vice president of communication and corporate development at Camden Door Controls.
16
1020 | SECURITY TODAY
COVER STORY
Toa55/Shutterstock.com