Access System - part 1

As previously mentioned, the access system is typically the most misunderstood system related to converting a 24 hour access fitness club. That's probably because part of the access system includes hardware related to the door, and that is generally the domain of a locksmith, not a fitness center owner. But it doesn't have to be that difficult - you'll simply find a qualified local locksmith to handle this part of your installation. All you need to do is understand the basics so you know how to find the right locksmith for the job. In this post, I'll discuss many of the details related to modifying your door to allow member access.

First, there are two main methods of controlling door access - electric strike and maglock. Which one you use will depend primarily on what style of door you have. If given a choice, we always recommend customers opt for installing an electric strike.

The way an electric strike works is that in its locked condition, it is not powered. Once power is applied to the strike by your access system, it unlocks, allowing member entry. This is what's known as "fail-secure". This means for example, if you have a power outage, your facility is secure (locked). Of course, members will always be able to get out of your club, even if power fails - by using a crash bar or exit push paddle. We tell customer to budget around $500 for a typical electric strike installation.

In contrast, a maglock is a "fail-safe" device. This means that if power fails, your door will be unlocked. The way a maglock works, is just the opposite of how a strike works. That is, when power is applied to a maglock, it is locked. It is when power is removed from the maglock (by your access system) that free entry to the club is allowed. Because of the way it functions, a maglock requires other devices to be installed inside the fitness center to allow members to exit. These devices are called requests for exit devices, also known as RFE or REX devices. Often these are motion activated, so that if someone approaches the door from inside the club, it unlocks automatically. Although they are often easier to install, maglocks are generally twice as expensive to install than electric strikes.

Other locking devices are available, and they may be used in unique situations. They include devices such as electrified crash bars, electrified latch pull devices, and more. In any case, most of the alternate devices operate by the same principle of the strike or the maglock, and they are designed mainly to accommodate non standard doors.

Intro to technology

There are 3 main areas of technology that need to be addressed when creating a 24/7 operation:

1. Access Control
2. Surveillance
3. Security

The access control system includes hardware specific to your door, your computer and fitness management software, a card reader and door controller, and various cables and wires linking all of the components together. This system is responsible for allowing members access to your club, depending on their membership status, while keeping non members out.

Surveillance systems provide you with a way to view the comings and goings of your members while your facility is unstaffed. Typically, these are digital surveillance systems, which have begun replacing older time lapse VCR's.

A security system provides a monitored system of panic buttons and necklaces. The security system may also include such things as door sensors, smoke detectors, and glass break detectors.

Each of the three systems mentioned above have several components. I plan to devote a post to each of the three systems, providing a detailed breakdown of each of them. In the next post, I'll discuss everything related to the access control system. This system is generally the one that is least understood by our customers, so I will do my best to make sure I break it down in to easy to understand pieces.