AST Digital Magazine August 2017 Digital-Aug | Page 38

Volume 15
August 2017 Edition
minimum 2 lanes for each entrance, assum-
ing space available. One lane would be ADA
compatible in most cases.
2. Is our space limited in terms of width and
depth? In some cases you can accommodate
for the lack of real estate by utilizing slim cabi-
net type (slim lanes) in your design. Some-
times in older buildings the lack of available
space will requires some creative design (ask
your vendor for engineering resources). lane control, scheduling, monitoring and diag-
nostics.
• MCBF – Mean Cycles Between Failure – in-
dependently tested under controlled verifi-
able conditions ensures life of the product.
Generally an MCBF between 5 & 10 million
indicates trouble free operation for 10 or 20
years. The manufacturer’s confidence in their
MCBF is demonstrated by their warranty (i.e.;
5 year warranty)
Taking the above data into consideration, we ap-
ply the following formula. National & local regulations must be
considered.
How many card holders are in the building popu-
lation including contractors and daily ADA regulations, the International Building Code
(IBC), and fire emergency egress codes like
NFPA 101 & 72 will impact system design.
visitors, on a daily basis? Let’s call that total
number C.
Next, simply divide C by 500.
C/500 = L
The result L is the number of recommended
lanes.
Know your ABC’s.
We hear a lot about ratings and certifications for
electronic security products, such terms as UL,
IP, and MCBF.
What do they mean to us as we design a turn-
stile/PEC system?
• UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certification –
Assures safety both electrical and mechani-
cal. Satisfies local jurisdiction concerns. Look
for a product that is certified as a system, not
just for certain components. Turnstiles and
related systems are certified to other UL325
or the more specific UL2593. Both are con-
sidered as standards for turnstiles and gate
type products.
• IP – Network Ready – Allows for immediate
or future tie in with company networks and in-
formation systems. Some manufacturers pro-
vide real-time access via a closed network to
Make sure your system design is in compliance
with all applicable codes.
In addition, the local AHJ and the building’s in-
surer may have their own interpretations of na-
tional codes requirements which may also affect
system design and layout.
At a very minimum, all lanes must provide egress
to persons without prior knowledge, and often-
times alternative exists must be available beside
the turnstiles.
You will want to consider architectural and corpo-
rate culture in your design
Quite often your corporate culture and your ar-
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