ALOA Access Control Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which access control credential technology uses radio frequency to read a card or fob without physical contact?
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) (Correct answer)
- Magnetic stripe
- Wiegand wire
- Smart chip contact
Correct answer: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
RFID technology reads credential data wirelessly using radio frequency signals between the card/fob and the reader.
Question 2: In access control terminology, what does 'fail-safe' mean?
- The lock unlocks (opens) when power is lost (Correct answer)
- The lock remains locked when power is lost
- The lock alarms when power is lost
- The lock re-locks automatically after access
Correct answer: The lock unlocks (opens) when power is lost
A fail-safe lock is electrically unlocked, meaning it opens (fails to the safe/egress position) when power is removed.
Question 3: What does 'fail-secure' mean in an electrified locking device?
- The lock remains locked (secured) when power is lost (Correct answer)
- The lock unlocks when power is lost
- The lock triggers an alarm on power loss
- The lock cycles between locked and unlocked
Correct answer: The lock remains locked (secured) when power is lost
A fail-secure lock is electrically locked, meaning it stays locked when power is removed, prioritizing security over free egress.
Question 4: Which component in an access control system reads the credential and sends data to the controller?
- Reader (Correct answer)
- Electric strike
- Door position switch
- REX sensor
Correct answer: Reader
The reader (card reader, keypad, or biometric device) captures credential data and transmits it to the access control panel for verification.
Question 5: What is a Request-to-Exit (REX) device used for in access control?
- To signal the controller that someone is legally exiting so the door alarm is suppressed (Correct answer)
- To request entry from outside
- To reset a locked-out credential
- To monitor door position
Correct answer: To signal the controller that someone is legally exiting so the door alarm is suppressed
A REX device (motion sensor or push button) detects egress and suppresses the door alarm to prevent false alarms when authorized users exit.
Question 6: The Wiegand protocol is used in access control primarily for what purpose?
- Transmitting credential data from a reader to an access control panel (Correct answer)
- Encrypting card data
- Programming lock firmware
- Communicating between controllers over a network
Correct answer: Transmitting credential data from a reader to an access control panel
Wiegand is a legacy communication protocol used to send card data (typically 26-bit format) from a reader to an access control panel.
ALOA Access Control Systems 1
Which access control credential technology uses radio frequency to read a card or fob without physical contact?