David Corbin

ASSA ABLOY is introducing a new power supply solution — the Securitron AQL Series with real-time monitoring capabilities from LifeSafety Power. The Securitron AQL Series, part of ASSA ABLOY’s Electronic Security Hardware offering, provides efficient, reliable power supplies to support access control systems – from single-door specs to expansive enterprise systems. It improves functionality and efficiency for the end user, saving time and money with real-time data and the ability to remotely monitor and manage the power supply system. “Today’s complex world requires customisable solutions,” said David Corbin, Director of Power Management Strategic Business Unit, ASSA ABLOY. “The diverse portfolio of the Securitron AQL Series is designed for access control systems of all sizes, with added module options to upgrade your system as needed. We are proud to introduce our first power solution to harness the reliability of ASSA ABLOY and the leading-edge technology of LifeSafety Power.” Proactive Network Monitoring The NetLink Network Communication Module, which is compatible with the Securitron AQL Series The NetLink Network Communication Module, which is compatible with the Securitron AQL Series, enables remote supervision and control of power. It can identify problems proactively by monitoring performance, scheduling system and battery tests and reporting in real-time on the health and status of power and the battery set. With active network monitoring, integrators can provide managed power services to end users, who can monitor their access control system, make real-time decisions about their facilities and perform preventative maintenance. Technicians can remotely assess and resolve problems before being dispatched into the field, reducing onsite service calls and labor expenses. Expanded Enhancements for More Control Securitron AQL Series modules allow for further expansion and improved functionality of the power supply system and the ability to scale with any environment. Upgrading is easier with snap-in-style standoffs, color coded fast-on connectors and multi-voltage readiness. With integrated fire alarm interface (FAI), Securitron AQL Power Supplies keep people safer in the event of fire alarm activation by controlling what happens to doors, devices and accessories. The Securitron AQL Series is backed by the industry leading no-fault, no questions asked MagnaCare® lifetime warranty.

Across the security industry, power supplies are too often an afterthought and the first item in an access control system to be value-engineered. However, when the power supply fails on a high-end access control device, the system becomes a very expensive paperweight. Fortunately, there are now power supply units available that can enhance system reliability by providing remote diagnostics and real-time reporting and analytics. There is also a mistaken perception that all power supplies are the same, says David Corbin, Director of ASSA ABLOY’S Power Management Strategic Business Unit. Access control and security applications Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications The fact is, a properly designed unit for today’s market must have a wide input range, a myriad of features, interface to network, have adequate transient protection, good surge capability and a demonstrated quality level for mission critical reliability, he says. “Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications,” says Corbin. “From heavy snowstorms in the Midwest and East Coast to the two million Californians that experienced unprecedented power outages, extreme weather conditions have created chaos for millions over the past few months. These events have resulted in students being locked out of schools, hospitals darkening and electronic keypads or card readers shutting down. With events like these on the rise, and an increased reliance on the technology we use to get in and out of the spaces we occupy, power supplies are critical for keeping systems up and running and people safe and secure.” ASSA ABLOY's LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems Installing right power supplies ASSA ABLOY has a range of products within the power supplies category, including LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems. ASSA ABLOY’s acquisition of LifeSafety Power in September expanded the company’s offering of smart integrated access control power solutions for OEMs, integrators and end-users. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies, and eco-friendly, linear, plug-in and solar power supplies, as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE). Access control is crucial to security and life safety, says Corbin. And without power, any protective system is useless. When the right power supplies are installed correctly, the system will have built-in backup power that will be triggered during an outage. Dependable power supplies, with regularly replaced and appropriately sized backup batteries, are critical to keeping occupants safe in an emergency event. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies Periodic testing of the battery When it comes to extreme weather conditions, the result of a power outage can lead to hazardous situations for employees, patients, residents and students, he says. Buildings that require power to gain access can leave people stranded outside or locked inside. “When access controls are disabled, intruders can easily enter buildings without notice, affording the opportunity for interruptions to power distribution, water supplies and other necessary public utilities,” says Corbin. Preparation for the next big power outage should include the sizing of power supplies to the system requirement with a reasonable safety factor for foreseeable system expansion and a battery set that is sized for operating the system for a period of time greater than the planned requirement, he says. Using a ‘smart’ power supply provides early warning of an impending failure; and consistent, periodic testing of the battery set keeps the system in peak operating condition. Predictive maintenance of access control Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control Redundancy ensures that power remains available in the event of a failure, regardless of whether it is a blackout situation or a failure of the power supply itself, says Corbin. “In critical power installations where redundancy is vital, the system must have a properly sized and maintained backup battery,” says Corbin. “Additionally, further redundancy can be achieved via products like our Helix systems that provide for seamless switching between two different power supplies in the event of an electrical failure of one of the power supplies.” Corbin also notes there is a growing want and need for more data and analytics in the access control field. End users increasingly expect access control systems to be able to integrate with building information systems. Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control and building systems. For example, intelligent power supplies can identify problems before they happen – such as performing periodic, automated battery tests and then notifying a central monitoring location and/or a facility manager of a battery that needs replacement. Lock operation can also be monitored on a real-time basis for failure or impending failure of a secured door opening, he says.