Integrating access control and fire detection

Integrating Access Control and Fire Detection

Most fire jurisdictions require that all doors are automatically unlocked during a fire alarm emergency to ensure a fast exit for those inside the building and a fast entry for the firefighters to do their job. This means the door locking methods (typically electric strikes or electro-magnetic locks)—that are powered and controlled by an Access Control Unit (ACU)—must be kept unlocked during a fire alarm emergency. Fire relay is key product to execute this operation.

What is a fire relay or Output Module?

A output module or control module or fire relay is a switch that sits between the fire system control panel and the power source to the door locking methods. While there are different types of fire relays and different ways to configure them, the job of a fire relay is simple: when there’s a fire alarm, the fire relay unlocks the selected doors.

In an access control system, the fire relay is typically installed inside or near the ACU, and connects the ACU to the fire alarm control panel—as shown in this diagram. Any brand Access Control System can be integrate with Fire, some brand have dedicated port on controller, someone not. You need to verify before getting order. Below arrangement we have test in our experience centre.

Installing a fire relay can be expensive. Follow these tips to get the best pricing.

Lack of a fire relay is one of the most common and expensive surprises we see during customer site surveys. If you’re working with an existing building fire system and it doesn’t already provide a fire relay, you’ll need to get a quote from your building’s fire system provider to install one. 

Unfortunately, the cost of installing a new fire relay can vary significantly. We’ve seen fire relay quotes ranging from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000, but there are ways to negotiate for the best pricing. It’s best to include a fire relay as part of your lease agreement with your building management company. If that’s not an option, ask them to negotiate for a fire relay with the building fire system provider on your behalf. Your building management company will likely get better pricing.

If you are building out a new space, you can make a fire relay a part of the general contractor bid so it’s included in the fire alarm system design. Similar to the building management company, your general contractor who is in a position to give repeat business to the fire system provider is more likely to obtain better pricing. Before ordering verify contractor confidence and related document.

Each every manufacture has this module or relay to operate 3rd party equipment Like: Access Control, PA system, Fire Damper, Smoke Damper, AHU etc. If you have Edwards Fire Panel, then only Edwards’s module will be work with proper programming same as Notifier, ESSER, Autronica, GST, Gent any addressable fire brand. If you are not confirm lets contacts us we will guide you free of cost.

The control outputs from a fire alarm control unit can also be sent out on a signaling line circuit (SLC) to an addressable output module, which can open or close a contact based on information sent from the fire alarm control unit on the SLC to the COMM terminals. This is beneficial because multiple output modules can be controlled by the same SLC, which can control each module separately. For example, all output modules controlling all of the door hold opens in a building could be on the same SLC, but based on the specific input to the control unit, only specific doors can be closed. If all of these modules were on the same control circuit, the control unit would only be able to close all the doors.

Video Surveillance in Parking Lots

Video Surveillance in Parking Lots a short Note 

Parking lots can benefit greatly from the security provided by Video Surveillance. Did you know that 80% of crimes at offices, malls and other retail outlets take place in the parking lot? Parking lots have unique security needs – with risks for both owner and customer. A comprehensive video security system can help protect both your property and your customers, helping your business remain competitive and your customers satisfied.

Benefits of Installing CCTV in Parking Garage:

Prevent theft – Many thieves see parking lots as potential gold mines – miles and miles of cars or personal property that they can take. Visible security cameras can help deter thieves from breaking into cars on your lot, and can help aid law enforcement in identifying criminals who do rob cars on your lot. Cameras can also help prevent theft of store property – shopping carts, outdoor displays, tables and chairs, landscaping, etc.

Improve image – Customers are undoubtedly the most essential aspect of many businesses. Keeping your customers happy and giving them a sense of safety and peace of mind when they're shopping at your business establishes a sense of trust and loyalty.

Liability issues – It's inevitable that an accident will happen in your parking lot. Whether it's a car crash, a slip, or an errant shopping cart denting cars, video surveillance is an easy way to avoid costly liability cases.

Remote monitoring – Advances in security camera technology have made it easy to check up on your parking lot security cameras at any time of day, from anywhere in the world. A system of IP Cameras managed by a NVR (Network DVR or Network Video Recorder) transmits your footage over the internet so you're never far away. This technology gives you the power to act quickly on security issues from anywhere.