The Hidden Security Risk: What You Need to Know About Tailgating

 February 4, 2025 0 Likes 1010 Views
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Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, is a common yet often overlooked security risk. It happens when an unauthorized individual gains access to a secured area by following closely behind an authorized person. While it can be as harmless as holding the door open for someone to be polite, it can also be as dangerous as an intruder exploiting this courtesy to breach your facility.

Why Tailgating Is a Threat

A man swipes his access control card and walks in a door while a woman waits to tailgate him into the secure building

Even a single instance of unauthorized access can put your business, employees, and sensitive information at risk. Whether it’s a malicious actor entering to commit theft or an unvetted individual compromising private data, the consequences of tailgating can be severe. That’s why addressing this security vulnerability is crucial for any organization that values safety and confidentiality.

How Tailgate Detection Systems Work

Tailgate detection systems enhance your access control by monitoring secured doorways. These systems typically use vertical rows of infrared beams to track the number of individuals passing through in one or both directions. If more people pass through than the access system recognizes, the system triggers an alert.

With customizable options, these systems can sound alarms locally or notify security teams remotely, ensuring a swift response without disrupting your workplace.

Where Tailgate Detection Makes an Impact

Tailgate detection systems are invaluable in a variety of industries, providing an extra layer of protection where it’s needed most:

  • Financial Institutions: Safeguard cash, vaults, and sensitive financial records.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Secure patient records, research labs, and pharmaceutical storage.
  • Pawn Shops & Sporting Goods Stores: Protect firearms and ammunition from unauthorized access.
  • Government & Law Enforcement: Control access to secure areas, records, and control centers.

Strengthen Your Security Today

Tailgating might seem like a minor oversight, but the risks it poses are anything but small. By integrating tailgate detection systems, you can secure your facility and prevent unauthorized access without sacrificing convenience.

Invest in peace of mind—because keeping your doors secure is about more than just locking them.

Understanding the Difference Between Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Locking Devices

 January 17, 2025 0 Likes 1462 Views
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When choosing electrified locking devices for your facility, it’s essential to understand the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure options. These terms determine how a lock behaves during a power outage and play a critical role in access control and safety compliance.

Fail-Safe Locks: Unlocked Without Power

magnetic lock / fail-safe

A fail-safe locking device unlocks when power is lost. It requires power to remain locked, ensuring that in the event of a power outage, occupants can exit or access specific areas as needed.

Common Uses

  • Fire-Rated Stairwell Doors: Allows people in stairwells to seek refuge on certain floors and enables first responders to access necessary areas during emergencies.
  • Access-Controlled Interior Doors: In some jurisdictions, fail-safe locks are required to prioritize safety and accessibility.

Key Consideration

While fail-safe locks enhance safety during emergencies, they may compromise security by leaving doors unlocked during power outages.

Fail-Secure Locks: Locked Without Power

advantex electric dogging device / fail-secure

A fail-secure locking device remains locked when power is lost. It requires power to unlock, making it ideal for maintaining security during power outages.

Common Uses

  • Main and Employee Entrances: Ensures unauthorized individuals cannot enter the building without a key or access credential.
  • Perimeter Doors: Maintains security for exterior access points.

Key Consideration

While fail-secure locks provide better security, they require careful planning to ensure compliance with emergency exit requirements.

Choosing the Right Locking Device

Building Codes and Safety Regulations

  • Building codes require that occupants can always exit freely during emergencies, even if the doors are locked. This is why exit devices and fail-safe trims are commonly used on emergency exits.
  • Ensure you consult local regulations to determine whether fail-safe or fail-secure devices are required for specific doors.

Power Consumption

  • Fail-Safe Devices: Require continuous power to stay locked, increasing energy consumption and operating costs.
  • Fail-Secure Devices: Use power only during unlocking, making them more energy-efficient.

Security Needs

  • Use fail-secure locks for perimeter doors to prevent unauthorized access during power outages.
  • Consider fail-safe locks for doors that prioritize life safety, such as stairwells or emergency exits.

Specialized Solutions

Certain hardware products, like electric latch retraction exit devices, offer a hybrid approach:

  • Fail-Secure During Power Outages: These devices lock securely when power is lost.
  • Latch Retraction: Allows doors to operate easily during normal business hours.
  • Energy Efficiency: They consume power briefly during activation, minimizing energy costs.

Detex Products

ProductFail-Safe or Fail-Secure?During loss of power, product is…
Electric StrikeFail-Safe (Field Selectable)Unlocked
Electric StrikeFail-Secure (Field Selectable)Locked
Electromagnetic LockFail-SafeUnlocked
Electric Lever TrimFail-Safe (Field Selectable)Unlocked
Electric Lever TrimFail-Secure (Field Selectable)Locked
Electric Latch Retraction (ER EX)Always Fail-SecureLocked
Electric Dogging (ED)Always Fail-SecureLocked

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right locking device involves balancing security, safety, and operational efficiency. Fail-safe and fail-secure devices serve different purposes, so it’s essential to evaluate your facility’s needs and regulatory requirements before making a decision.

By understanding these options, you can ensure your building is both secure and compliant, no matter the situation.