Terminology

A

Access Control search for term

Access control is a system which enables an authority to control access to areas and resources in a given physical facility or computer-based information system.

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B

BACnet search for term

BACnet is a communications protocol for building automation and control networks. It is an ASHRAE, ANSI, and ISO standard protocol. BACnet was designed to allow communication of building automation and control systems for applications such as heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control, lighting control, access control, and fire detection systems and their associated equipment. The BACnet protocol provides mechanisms for computerized building automation devices to exchange information, regardless of the particular building service they perform.

Biometric Identification search for term

This is a type of identification which uses features of a person's body to be used as identification, rather than PINs, cards, or keys. Common biometric identification methods are finger prints, hand or palm prints, and even retina scans. Biometric identification is typically favorable in high-risk situations, and can be combined with keypads and cards.

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D

Digital Video Recorder search for term

This is a type of recording device which stores video digitally onto hard disks. The advantage of DVRs over traditional VCRs is that video quality never degrades, and there are never any tapes to replace or keep track of. Further, video data can be searched very easily whereas searching traditional VCR cassette tapes can take hours. A DVR can also be referred to as a network video recorded or NVR when it supports recording from IP cameras over a data network. Hybrid DVRs can record video from both analog cameras and IP cameras.

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F

Fire Alarm search for term

An active system of sensors and audio/visual mass notification devices used for detecting the presence of fire, smoke and intense heat and alerting occupants of a building to the presence of a life safety threat. Fire systems can detect or initiate discharge of sprinkler water or other fire suppressant. Fire alarm systems typically require a remote monitoring service which can summon fire rescue teams in the event of a fire. They can also initiate shutdown of HVAC systems, activation of smoke evacuation systems, and even trigger lighting controls and access control system to unlock doors to ensure a safe and speedy exit of building occupants.

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G

Green search for term

Energy sources that are non-polluting, renewable, and sustainable, consisting of solar energy, wind turbines, bio-fuels, and geothermal. Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

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H

HVAC search for term

Short for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC is used to refer to the mechanical systems which heat, cool, filter and control humidify of the air in a space to maintain occupant comfort or prevent damage to equipment or property from exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Components of HVAC systems can include air handlers, ventilation systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, chillers, boilers, and heat exchangers in large commercial systems as well as smaller DX (direct expanding) and heat pump systems used in homes.

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I

Intrusion Detection search for term

Commonly referred to as a security system or burglar alarm, an intrusion detection system may consist of sensors and audible or silent alerting devices used for local and remote monitoring of doors, windows, gates, fences, open areas, and other possible entry/exit points within or around the perimeter of a home, office building, or other property for the purpose of providing deterrence or notification of a security breech. When monitored by a remote monitoring service, an intrusion detection system can alert law enforcement as soon as a security breech occurs.

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K

Keypad search for term

Keypads are used in security and fire systems and are typically the primary interface into the system (i.e. arm, disarm, silence, bypass, sensor and system status indications). Keypads typically have number buttons form 0 to 9 and a small number of other specialized buttons, along with an LCD display for viewing feedback, input, and other status indications. Some can be elaborate with full-color displays, icons, and sounds.

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L

LON (LonWorks) search for term

A networking platform specifically created to address the needs of control applications. The platform is built on a protocol created by Echelon Corporation for networking devices over media such as twisted pair, powerlines, fiber optics, and RF. It is used for the automation of various functions within buildings such as lighting and HVAC.

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M

Magnetic Lock search for term

A magnetic lock, more commonly referred to as a "mag lock", is a type of lock used in an access control system which uses magnetic force to keep a door secured. This means they require power in order to operate and keep a door locked, which also means they always "fail safe" during loss of power. In fact, mag locks use more power than any other door lock, but they are also very secure since they can be mounted entirely within the secured area, making tampering more difficult.

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N

Network Video Recorder search for term

See Digital Video Recorder

NFPA search for term

National Fire Protection Association, is an organization who's mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Read more about NFPA here.

NICET search for term

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, an organization which provides an independent evaluation of technical knowledge and experience, through certification, among those working in the fields of engineering technology; define and support career paths for engineering technologists and related disciplines; and ensure recognition and continued professional development of certified individuals. Read more about NICET here.

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P

Proximity Card search for term

Proximity card, also known as RFID card, is a generic name for contactless integrated circuit devices used for security access systems. Proximity cards are the same size and shape as a regular credit card, and may even have the users picture, company logo, or other identifying information and may also be worn conspicuously as an ID badge. Contained within the proximity card is a coil which, when placed close to a card reader, energizes the embedded chip, which then transmits the card's unique code to the reader. Proximity are virtually impossible to duplicate, are inexpensive, and easy to void or replace.

Proximity Reader search for term

An access control device which uses a contact-less card to electronically identify a person defined in the access control system for allowing or denying access to an area. They are usually mounted next to a door or other entry point, can be mounted outside or inside, and may also be used to restrict exits. A proximity reader is nearly impossible to circumvent because of the encryption required for them to communicate with the master access controller, and may be integrated with other identification equipment, such as biometric scanners or key pads.

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S

Scramble Pad search for term

A scramble pad is a type of keypad which uses back-lit number buttons which are in a random sequence each time the keypad is activated. Also, the backlit numbers are only discernable when looking straight at them. This type of keypad makes it extremely difficult for a third party to observe PIN entry because the numbers won't be in the same place the next time the keypad is activated.

Strike Lock search for term

In an access control system, this type of lock is used in place of a normal strike plate (the plate in the door frame where the door latches) and uses a small, magnetic action to lock or unlock a door. A strike lock can be configured to either "fail safe" (unlock during loss of power) or "fail secure" (stay locked during loss of power). The mechanical design of a strike lock makes them very resistant to tampering, but also susceptible to wear and tear since they contain moving parts.

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V

Video Surveillance search for term

This is a type of active monitoring which employs video cameras to enable remote monitoring of an area. Video surveillance typically involves monitors in a central room for live monitoring by trained security personnel, pant-tilt-zoom (PTZ) controls for moving cameras, and recording hardware, such as a digital video recorder (DVR), to store video for later review. Vide surveillance systems can be integrated with intrusion detection and access control systems to record both unauthorized and authorized entry/exit activities, as well as point-of-sale (PoS) systems to overlay sales transactions onto live and recorded video.

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