The Jack Fuse Power Port PP4F will no longer be stocked by our wholesalers. The PP4F was a four-way direct expansion module for the PP8FR. With the addition of the much more cost effective and smaller PP10HD to the Jack Fuse range we see little reason to continue the PP4F. Data and install notes will […]
Product end of life notice: PP4F Read More »
Voltage drop issues in security systems can be avoided with some simple calculations leading to correct cable selection. Theory We power electric locks and other devices via sheathed copper cable. This cable has a known resistance per meter and the electric device will require a known current. The resistance causes the voltage to drop as
Security Cable Voltage Drop Part 2 Technical Calculations & Solution Read More »
Cable voltage drop refers to the lower potential available at the far end of a cable run compared to the potential available at the power supply end. Voltage drop in access control systems is often ignored until it presents a problem and can be difficult to diagnose. The effect of voltage drop is most often
Security Cable Voltage Drop Part 1 – Explanation and Diagnostics Read More »
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
Mag Lock Slow to Release? 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
Fail Safe/Secure with PP8FR Read More »
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
Fuse on PTC action Read More »
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.
Free Handle Exits & Fire Trips Read More »
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
Electric locks & Fire Trips Read More »
This is the first post on the Jack Fuse blog, the blog will feature Jack Fuse product updates, technical articles and general posts to do with the electronic security industry.