If you are finding a mag (electromagnetic) lock to be “sticky” or slow to release it is likely that it has a diode connected across the power terminals. Remove it, problem solved. This is a common mistake. The reverse biased diode is supposed to prevent a current spike (often call back EMF) caused by the …
This post partly relates to the ATMOD a Jack Fuse product that houses End of Line (EoL) resistors on a PCB with quick connect terminals. A potential customer recently scoffed at the ATMOD claiming it did not comply with Australian standards. Apparently this customer was under the impression that the standards dictate that resistors must …
Australian Standards – Security Systems – Part 2 EOL Resistor Termination Read More »
Recently I have had much discussion with industry work mates relating to the use, reference and implementation of the Australian standards relating to security systems. The standards that relate to installers are mainly: AS NZS 2201.1-2007 Intruder alarm systems – Clients premises – Design installation commissioning and maintenance. AS 2201.3-1991 Intruder alarm systems – Detection …
Australian Standards – Security Systems – Part 1 Read More »
I have been asked how to power the locks for a fail safe/fail secure door using the PP8FR. Fail safe/secure doors use two electric locks, one to release on fire or emergency and one to stay locked to maintain access control back into the building. Often this is achieved by controlling the negative/ ground connection …
Recently one of my re-sellers had to rush to site with a replacement module for a PP8FR that had a “faulty” output. Fuse one would blow every time power was applied to the board. On inspection I removed the main output terminal plug and found a single strand off copper shorting the output. I brushed …
Many modern alarm and access control panels make use of PTC fuses. These are resettable fuses that over heat and trip if the current/heat gets above a set threshold. I have seen them used to protect main boards, reader power outputs and so on. PTC fuses generally take a little longer to trip than a …
I have noticed a couple of installs where the technician connecting the Jack Fuse Power Port 8FR has made extra work for themselves by either interfacing a VDC fire trip locally with a separate relay or alternatively I have found one or two situations where the DC power supply voltage has been separately wired back …
A pet bug bear of mine is seeing a consultant dictate that ALL access control doors MUST be fail safe & have a fire trip to unlock the door in the event of a fire alarm. In most cases this is incorrect and leads to a lower level of security, exposing the premises to intrusion. …
Recently I have had several enquiries regarding the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in relation to fire trips. Security installers, consultants and clients often have conflicting ideas about what is required under the BCA. This leads to confusion and doubt, access to the BCA is not cheap and therefore it is often not consulted. This …