Access control systems are a critical line of defense for securing your commercial or residential property. Oftentimes operators focus on components like card readers, credentials, and lock hardware; and overlook the essential door contact sensor. This unassuming device plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting door status to the access control systems.
A door contact sensor alerts a control panel when the door is open, helping to keep your property secure. Mechanical door sensors send “closed” signals to the access panel when the door hits a button installed in the door frame. Door contact sensors are a key component of access control systems.
What is a Door Contact Sensor?
A door contact sensor (also called door position switch or door release) consists of two components — a sensor and a magnet. One piece is installed on the door frame, while the other is installed on the door itself. When the door is closed, the two pieces are in proximity, which creates a continuous circuit.
When the door opens, the two components separate, breaking the circuit. The access control panel detects this change in state as a “door open” condition. Some door sensors use mechanical components, while others are magnetic reed switches.
Why Are They Important?
Door contact sensors enable several key access control capabilities and allow you to closely monitor your property’s entry points. These devices can detect in real-time when someone opens a door and if they’ve left it ajar. Additionally, the sensor can notify the system after an elapsed period, allowing you to promptly investigate potential security risks.
Rently’s Smart Home system allows you to view a detailed log of which doors were opened, by whom, and at what time. This level of visibility provides a clear picture of property activity for peace of mind. Door contact sensors are just one piece of a home security system. Operators can also use devices such as window contact sensors, video doorbells, security cameras, and alarms to create the ultimate smart monitoring solution.
Smart home technology lets you control properties from a distance so your staff doesn’t need to be on-site.
Types of Door Contact Sensors
Proper sensor selection and installation are critical for reliable operation. Improperly installed or misaligned sensors can fail to detect door movement accurately. There are several contact sensor designs, and it’s important to know which of them best suits your needs.
- Surface-mounted sensors attach directly to the door/frame with connecting wires. These are usually the easiest to install.
- Concealed sensors fit into the door/frame channel, with only small magnets visible.
- Recessed sensors sit flush in routed channels for a clean, hidden look.
Some kinds of contact sensors can be used for windows as well as doors. This allows for even more detailed monitoring, so you can be confident that your property is secure
Door Contact Sensors and Access Control Devices
Some access control devices, such as keypads or access panels, include contact sensors as part of the system. For example, Rently’s Access Panel with Intercom fully integrates contact sensors with one unified platform. The diagram below shows the typical installation of Rently’s Access Panel with Intercom and door contact sensor
You can also connect every contact sensor to its associated Access Panel directly from your Rently Manager Portal. Mapping the contact sensor to a Rently Access Panel Armed door is easy and makes your property even more secure. You can connect every contact sensor to its associated Access Panel and customize the door-held-open alert directly from the Rently Manager Portal.
Conclusion
While door contact sensors are relatively simple devices, they are the “eyes and ears” of an access control system. A smart lock can keep unauthorized individuals out, but on its own it can’t monitor the open/close status of doors. Rently’s Access Panel with Intercom allows the system to provide real-time awareness, initiate action when needed, and maintain detailed audit logs of door events.
Rently’s Access Panel with Intercom is the ultimate solution for property managers and residents. It makes controlling access to shared spaces easy for any property type. Whether you’re enhancing security at front gates, or managing access to amenities like the pool, gym, and gated garages, our solution has you covered.
Learn more about how Rently can help you control access to your properties, schedule a demo today!
