Design Guide - System Criteria
Domestic
A domestic system is usually one that is installed across an access way of a private dwelling. Normally low usage, up to 20 operations a day.
Multi-user
A multi-user system is one that more than one/two families would use. Also an access point to a business premises or light commercial property.
Commercial
A commercial system is one that caters for large commercial traffic and is usually exceptionally wide.
Failure status
The failure status is a critical feature in respect to the long-term reliability of the system and its vulnerability to abuse. It determines whether the system fails “Secure” or “Release” during a power down state.
Fail Secure
Fail Secure means that the system is held locked, usually closed, during a power down/cut. Access is gained by use of a release key or device. This usually means that the operators are direct locking or non-reversible and is common in “Domestic” installations. However any undue force placed upon the gates will be directed to the operators accordingly and subsequent damage is likely.
Fail Release
During a power down state, the system automatically reverts to manual operation. This format is ideal in “Multi-user” installations, where access is more important. Undue force is far less likely to cause damage to the operators. Also Emergency services can gain access more easily and as a result, the life of the system is enhanced accordingly.
Battery back-up
Battery back-up is used in a number of ways, sometimes providing a limited supply for the whole system but, more often than not, by giving a temporary supply to a component e.g. Supplementary locking or an Audio link facility. It is important to remember that the battery will run down so that the failure status should be considered without battery assistance (often a supply fault can be hidden until the battery runs flat).
Logic
The operational logic of the system is the cycle of events in which it runs. There are varied ways in which a system works, but most commonly used is “Fully Automatic Logic” the next is “Semi Automatic Logic”
Fully Automatic
Once the system is given a Command to open, it will time-out and close automatically (most user friendly).
Semi Automatic
Command to open and Command to close is needed with this logic. (Not suitable in multi-user installations).
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