Security Systems & Electronic Locking Devices Flashcards

Which communication protocol is most commonly used by access control panels to communicate with card readers in commercial installations?

Answer: Wiegand

Wiegand is the industry-standard protocol for connecting card readers to access control panels, transmitting card data as a series of pulses.

An electromagnetic lock (maglock) requires continuous power to remain locked. What is this locking mode called?

Answer: Fail-safe

Fail-safe (also called fail-open) means the lock releases when power is lost, allowing free egress during emergencies such as fire alarms.

Which type of electric strike is designed to work with mortise locksets and allows the latchbolt to retract without turning the lever?

Answer: Latch-retracting strike

A latch-retracting electric strike uses a powered mechanism to retract the latchbolt, enabling egress without mechanical lever actuation.

What does REX stand for in the context of access control systems?

Answer: Request to Exit

REX (Request to Exit) sensors detect when someone approaches a door from the secure side, shunting the alarm and unlocking the door for egress.

A biometric fingerprint reader fails to recognize an enrolled user's finger. What type of error is this?

Answer: False Reject Rate error

A False Reject Rate (FRR) error occurs when a legitimate enrolled user is denied access, also called a Type I error in biometrics.

Which ANSI/BHMA grade rating indicates the highest performance level for electrified hardware?

Answer: Grade 1

ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the highest performance classification, required for high-traffic commercial and institutional applications.

What is the primary purpose of a door position switch (DPS) in an access control system?

Answer: To monitor whether the door is open or closed

A door position switch provides real-time status of whether a door is open or closed, enabling door-held-open alarms and audit logging.