CML Access Control & Electromechanical Systems Flashcards

What is a 'door position switch' (DPS) used for in an access control system?

Answer: Detecting and reporting whether a door is physically open or closed to the access control panel

A door position switch (typically a magnetic contact) tells the access control panel the real-time physical state of the door, enabling propped-door and forced-door alarms.

What does 'anti-passback' mean in an access control context?

Answer: A rule that prevents a credential from being used to enter a zone until it has been used to exit that zone first

Anti-passback requires credentials to log both entry and exit; if a card enters without a corresponding exit record, it is denied re-entry until the record is cleared.

Which door hardware component is responsible for controlling the speed and latching of a door, which can affect the reliability of access-controlled electrified hardware?

Answer: The door closer

An improperly adjusted door closer can cause doors to slam, latch poorly, or fail to close completely, directly affecting whether an electrified latch or maglock engages properly.

What is the purpose of a 'power transfer hinge' on an access-controlled door?

Answer: To route low-voltage wiring from the door frame to the door-mounted electrified hardware through the hinge

Power transfer hinges contain internal conductors that carry low-voltage power and data signals from the frame-side wiring to door-mounted devices such as electrified locks or readers.

A CML is asked to program a standalone electronic keypad lock. After programming, the BEST practice is to:

Answer: Delete or change the factory default master code and provide the customer with a unique master code and user codes

Factory default codes are widely known and represent a serious security vulnerability; deleting or changing them immediately after installation is a fundamental security requirement.

Under NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), which type of electrified locking arrangement is permitted on doors in the means of egress only if it unlocks upon loss of power, activation of the fire alarm, or automatic sprinkler system?

Answer: Delayed egress lock

NFPA 101 allows delayed egress locks (which add up to a 15-second delay) on certain egress doors, but they must release automatically upon fire alarm activation, sprinkler activation, or loss of power.