Access control systems aren’t restricted to exterior doors. They’re also helpful tools to prevent movement around your building. If you have a multi-story building, what’s one thing everyone uses to reach certain floors? The elevator!
If an intruder enters your building, are you worried your elevator security systems won’t “rise” to the occasion? Perhaps you need an elevator access control system. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering an elevator access control system.
What Is Elevator Access Control?
An access control system is designed to validate visitors and either allow or deny entry based on predefined user permissions. You’ll mostly see them as card readers or PIN pads on the outside of buildings to keep people out.
Elevator access control works the same as any other access control system. Users present their credentials and, if validated, the door opens, allowing entry. For an elevator system, the doors don’t open. Rather, the elevator moves to the desired floor.
Suppose you wanted to restrict access to the third floor of your building specifically. You could install an access control system that wouldn’t let the elevator move to that floor without the right PIN, keycard, or other credentials. Anyone without the proper credentials wouldn’t be able to reach the third floor. It’s a great way to limit access to entire floors of your building.
What Makes Elevator Access Control Unique?
Typical access control systems are simple. It’s just an entry device that’s connected to a lock. When the right credentials are presented, the device opens the lock and allows entry. Since elevators have a lot more moving parts compared to a simple door lock, the access control systems need to be a bit more in depth.
Most elevator access control systems need to be hardwired into the elevator control panel. Some systems are simple and can be quickly installed by connecting a few wires behind the elevator buttons. Other, more secure systems need travelling cables that run the length of the elevator shaft.
Because of the more in-depth installation, elevator access control systems are typically more expensive to implement than standard systems—especially if you choose a more integrated system.
Types of Elevator Access Control Systems
Most elevator access control systems don’t look much different than any other door-based system. In fact, they can use many of the same entry devices:
-
Keypads – users enter a PIN for access.
-
Card readers – require a swipe card.
-
Proximity readers – users press credentials (either card, fob, or smartphone) to the reader for entry.
-
Biometric scanners – use fingerprints or facial scanning to validate visitors.
In addition to the standard access control entry devices, there are two types of systems that are elevator-specific:
-
Push-button PIN – This system works just like a keypad but without the pad. Instead of a standalone keypad, users use the elevator buttons to enter their code. For example, if you want to enter the PIN 1234 to get to the forbidden third floor, simply push the first floor, second floor, third floor, and fourth floor buttons in order. The access control system will accept the PIN entry and take you to your destination.
-
Key switch – Elevators with a key switch don’t have extra buttons or card swipes. Instead, they have a slot for a key. Users just insert the key, give it a twist, and they can go to the floor of their choosing.
Which system is right for you will depend on your unique security needs. If you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective security solution, a push-button PIN will likely be the best choice. However, that won’t give you the same level of security as an integrated card reader or biometric scanner.
Four Wall Security: Access Control Experts
Installing an elevator access control system is a great way to prevent people from reaching sensitive areas of your building, but it’s not always easy to find the system that suits your unique needs. With so many features and options, find the system that’s right for you requires a lot of research.
Luckily, the experts at Four Walls are here to help. We’ve helped Brisbane area businesses implement top-of-the-line security systems for decades, keeping their businesses and assets safe. If you need help choosing and installing the right elevator access control for your needs, contact us for a free, no-obligation quote today. Take your security to the next “level” with an elevator access control system!
