Our popular series on the 1851 SITO/City & Guilds qualification, which we ran from December 96 to December 97 was a commentary on the first two modules in this off-the-job learning programme. It covered Module 1 (Electrical & System Principles) and Module 2 (Intruder Alarm Systems). In this continuation of the series, this report, gives commentary on the concluding two modules, Module 3 (Access Control) and Module 4 (CCTV). It can be used both as a training guide for students starting on a career in security installation or as a "refresher" for experienced engineers.
Access control unit 4 (conclusion) Welcome to the final paper on Access Control. In this session, to conclude the series, we'll be taking a look at the service and maintenance of systems.

Preventative maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance is essential to the continued operation of an access control system.

As the name implies, preventative maintenance should be a thorough check that each element is operating and will continue to operate as it did when first installed. This means that you should ensure that there have been no changes to the use or environment in which the system operates that could have a detrimental effect on an element's or system's performance.

What are the types of things that should be checked when carrying out preventative maintenance?

1 Check that the system conforms with the specification.

2 Note any changes in use or environment of the system.

3 Check operation of all system components, recording any variations.

4 Bring to the customer's attention any damage, failure or items likely to cause a subsequent failure and, where appropriate, repair or replace any failed or deteriorating components.

5 Agree any variations from specification with the customer before leaving the site.

Let's take a look at these steps in some greater detail.

Check systwm conformity

A conformity check is made to ensure that the system and all elements are operating as per the specification. This will normally entail a walk around the site ensuring that items are where they should be and are in an operational condition.

Such a check is reliant upon full documentation of the site being available for use. Any variations from the specification should be recorded in the appropriate documentation.

Changes in use and environment

One possible source of variation from the installed specification is where the customer has changed the use or environment of a particular section of the premises.

Changes in use may result in the original design being compromised. Such alterations may require changes to doors controlled or monitored to ensure the perimeter of a controlled area remains secure.

Environmental changes such as dust, damp and extremes of temperature may impair the equipment's performance and should also be checked.

All variations from the specification should be noted on appropriate documentation, both on site and in company records held at the office.

Checking system components

Once system components, locations and conditions have been examined for conformance to specification, their operational capabilities should be checked and the results of tests recorded.

All routine service activities should also take place at this time.

As a minimum, the following five areas should be checked:

1 Token readers and keypads

2 Door hardware

3 Control equipment

4 Power supplies

5 Interconnecting cabling

Experience tells us that faults in access control systems occur in approximately the following proportions:

Token readers & keypads 7%

Door hardware 86%

Control equipment 3%

Power supplies 2%

Interconnecting cabling 2%

Now let's take a more detailed look at what types of activity we should undertake when servicing equipment in each of the above areas.

Token readers & keypads

All token readers should be checked to ensure that they read tokens correctly and consistently and that sufficient voltage is supplied to them. Where possible, a selection of different valid and voided tokens should be used during the test and the results compared against printed or logged records.

For non-contact token readers, the reading ranges of the tokens should be established and compared against the installed records. Where active tokens are used, the test token itself should be fitted with a new or fully charged battery.

If practical, keypads should be tested to ensure that all keys operate correctly. If this is not possible, feedback from the users should be sought to confirm correct operation.

A record of all tests undertaken and the results achieved should be recorded, with a note of any defective or deteriorating components for later rectification.

At this stage, any routine servicing activities specific to the reader or keypad should be undertaken. For magstripe readers, this will involve cleaning the reader heads with proprietary solutions and equipment, while keypads should be cleaned or individual keys replaced to avoid any obvious signs of use.

Door hardware

All locks, door closers, sensors and exit push buttons should be operated to ensure correct and consistent operation. All components should also be checked for alignment and wear and tear, which may be indicative of future problems. Moving parts should, if appropriate, be lubricated with graphite-based lubricants rather than oils.

Where signs of wear are present, check the doors and door frame for warping or other defects that may influence the operation of the access control components.

All locks should be checked to ensure the correct voltage is supplied to them and that suppression diodes remain in position.

The correct operation of door open and door lock timers should also be confirmed against the specification, together with a record of tests and test results made for later reference.

Control equipment

The operation of all control equipment should be confirmed as correct, in particular VDUs. These should be checked for flicker and low contrast, while printers should be checked to ensure all messages are printed clearly and accurately. If necessary, replace printer ribbons or toner cartridges.

All software features and automatic functions should be checked for correctness and site staff consulted to determine any problems that may have occurred in the past.

Where there is equipment capable of signalling to remote locations (such as monitoring centres) provided, the communications link should be established by arranging for test signals to be sent and, where appropriate, received.

Power supplies

The power supplies are a vital element of any access control system and will have a significant impact upon the operation of the system if they fail or deteriorate. It is, therefore, important to check and double check that the supply output and battery back-up (where used) is correct and that the change over from mains to battery operates.

Interconnecting cabling

Examine the condition of all systems wiring and terminations, especially those subject to flexing such as centenary cables and cabling to and from doorways.

Where systems wiring has been damaged or worn, investigate and fix the cause before repairing – otherwise the problem may recur.

Where possible, measure and record cable core and insulation resistances, and compare the results against the installed specification. Where problems have been known to occur on system elements, particularly with communications, check systems cabling for possible sources of interference – such as screen damage, EMI, earthing and voltage referencing problems.

Make a checklist

As usual, with so many different items of equipment to check, it is possible that some vital tests may be overlooked. To reduce the chances of this happening, it's a good idea to create a detailed checklist of activities that need to be carried out. On the previous page is an example of such a checklist for maintenance of various parts of an access control system.

Maintenance Checklist

Initial checks/activities 1. Check customer’s fault log and site documentation are present and up to date. 2. Identify any additional customer requirements and take appropriate action. 3. Check if building alterations have affected the system effectiveness. 4. Ensure there are no outstanding works to be completed. 5. Identify any operational difficulties the customer is experiencing. 6. Ensure any access equipment is suitably safe and available for use. 7. Ensure any required access authorisations are obtained. 8. Obtain from the customer an understanding of site Health and Safety issues (Fire, First Aid, etc). 9. Check printer logs for any past faults or failures. Door checks 1. Check securing of all locks and strikes. 2. Check alignment between the lock and strike is acceptable. 3. Ensure that the lock snib is not jamming hard up against the strike plate when the door is closed. 4. Check the operation of all emergency releases/mechanical overrides. 5. Check the operation of any interlocking systems in operation. 6. Check door, frame and hinges for wear, movement or warpage. Report problems to the customer. 7. Check lock and strike for excessive wear. 8. Check the condition of any flexible cabling to the door. Lubricate the lock and strike for smooth operation. 9. Ensure the door closer is operating correctly, and adjust as necessary. 10. Check all magnetic contacts are in the correct state when door is open/closed. 11. Check voltage and earthing arrangements for all electrical devices. 12. Check operation of all preset timers. Reader checks 1. Check reader slot for obstructions. 2. Clean cardreaders as necessary and check condition of anti-tamper screws. 3. Check operation of cardreader. 4. Check operation of cardreader heater (if fitted). 5. Check voltage and earthing arrangements. 6. Check all reader terminations/ribbon cables. 7. Check condition of cardreader seal, replace if required. Power supply checks 1. Check all output voltages and currents. 2. Check the age and condition of batteries and replace as required. 3. Check all connections are secure and that terminals are clean and greased. 4. Check all fuses are of the correct value. 5. Check earthing arrangements conform to specification. Control equipment 1. Clean all equipment as necessary, both internally and externally. 2. Where removable links or switches are used to configure system parameters, check they are correctly configured. 3. Check audio and video equipment for sound and picture quality. 4. Check VDU contrast and brightness for best viewing conditions. 5. Check operation of any programming devices. 6. Check that screens and cases have single path earths. 7. Check communications between distributed components. 8. Check all integrated circuits (ICs) are fully inserted. 9. Ensure that all equipment is free from dust and damp. 10. Check that any ventilation slots are clear of obstructions and that cooling fans are operational. 11. Check all ribbon connectors are securely connected. 12. Check operation of anti-passback. 13. Check pushbuttons and indicators operate on keypads, controllers and access points. Central unit (if present) 1. Log on to system using engineer’s code. 2. Check all appropriate system functions available. 3. Check alarm/message text is correct for doors and reader alarms. 4. Check readers are reporting status correctly. 5. Check all peripheral devices are attached and reporting correctly. 6. Check operation of anti-passback (if supplied). 7. Check card details are reported correctly when used. 8. Backup complete history logs (Archives) using new floppy disks. 9. Backup system configuration (if required) using new floppy disks. 10. Log off system and store backup system/history disks safely. 11. Clean floppy disk drive using a drive cleaning kit. 12. Switch off computer and clean internally using a pressurised air cleaner. 13. Restart computer and ensure that it automatically executes start-up commands. 14. Log on to computer and ensure that communication to peripheral devices is restored. Printer (if present) 1. Perform a print test and ensure it is both accurate and acceptable. 2. Check ribbon/toner for quality and print density. 3. Check printer tractor drive for belts and paper locking hinges for wear and correct operation. 4. Ensure all media handling switches are set correctly. 5. Set page and Top of Form correctly. 6. Replenish paper as required. 7. Discard old printouts and store new printouts in a safe location. Cabling 1. Check that all cable terminations are secure and correctly seated. 2. Check that all cables are attached by securely clamped plug-and-socket connections of adequate rating. 3. Check data cables are correctly screened. 4. Check all ribbon connectors are securely connected. 5. Check exposed systems cabling for damage. 6. Check weatherproofing arrangements for cables entering from outside. 7. Check catenary cables for signs of damage, stress and wear.

Source

Security Installer

Postscript

Well, I do hope that the past twelve months' articles covering some of the basics of access control have been useful. I've certainly enjoyed writing them and look forward over the coming months to providing a guide to some of the basics for CCTV.