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The Interlock Function in iProtect is an essential security feature designed to enhance access control in secure areas. This function ensures that only one door within a specified reader group can be open at any given time, thereby preventing unauthorized access. By restricting the opening of multiple doors in a group, the interlock function provides an additional layer of security, making it particularly valuable for locations with stringent access requirements, such as data centers, laboratories, and high-security facilities.
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When the interlock function is activated, if one door in the reader group is open, all other doors in that group will automatically lock, and the LEDs of the other readers will blink red and green. This configuration not only safeguards against unauthorized entry but also clearly indicates when one of the doors in the group is already open.
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Before turning on the interlock function, make sure the following requirements are met:
Administrative Rightsrights: Only users with proper access rights can adjust reader groups.
Supported Readersreaders: All readers in the interlock group must be connected to the same controller (and be on the same line).
Door Contactscontacts: Each door in the reader group must have a magnetic door contact. This contact provides feedback to the system on whether a door is open or closed, which is needed for the interlock function to work.
Deadbolt contact (optional): When using a reader configuration with both a door contact and a deadbolt contact, both contacts should be idle (door closed and locked) for the interlock function to be inactive. If either contact becomes active, the interlock function is triggered. As a result, other doors in the group will blink and reject access until all contacts return to idle.
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Since iProtect version 10.04, the interlock function can be set up across multiple lines. See Chapter 7. Configuring the Interlock Function Across Multiple Lines for details. |
3. Steps to Create a Reader Group with the Interlock Function
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Go to the Reader Group menu under access | settings | reader group.
In the tree view, right-click and select Add Reader Groupgroup. Give the group a logical name, like “Interlock Group 1.”
Turn on the Interlock Function by checking Interlocking Reader Groupgroup checkbox. This ensures that only one door in the this group can be open at a time.
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The setting “operator must follow interlock rules” is off by default. If unchecked, an iProtect operator or API user can control doors in this group without interlock limitations. |
Step 2: Add Readers to the reader Group
Click on the + sign next to the newly created reader group to display the reader list.
Select the reader list in the tree-view; a detailed form will appear with a search box for the reader list.
Add the readers who should be included in the interlock group by checking the boxes next to the desired readers. Ensure that all selected readers are on the same controller.
Confirm your selections and save the changes.
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With iProtect version 10.04, the interlock function can work across multiple lines, allowing doors on different lines to share an interlock group and block access when any interlock group door is open.
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To make sure the interlock function works in both directions, set it up the same way on each line, with each line having an output/input link and a virtual reader on the opposite line |
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Add an output on Line 1 that activates triggers whenever a door in within Line 1’s interlock group opens.
Set the output source as to Interlock Reader Group and link ensure it is linked to the correct appropriate reader group.
Create a new input on Line 2. Connect this output to
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the input on Line 2
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, allowing it to detect when any door in Line 1 is open.
7.1.2 Create a Virtual Reader on Line 2
Go Navigate to Installation | Hardware | Line and find locate the door controller for Line 2.
Create Set up a virtual reader on this door controller using by utilizing an available reader port.
Assign the input from Line created in step 7.1.1 as the door contact for this virtual reader.
7.1.3 Repeat Configuration on Line 2 for Two-Way Control
Create an output on Line 2 that activates when a any door in within Line 2’s interlock group opens (See section 7.1.Connect 1).
Create a new input on Line 1 and connect this output to an input on Line 1.Create it, enabling detection of when any door in Line 2 is open.
Set up a virtual reader on Line 1 and set its assign this input as a door contact to the input from Line 2for the virtual reader.
7.1.4 Create Separate Interlock Reader Groups on Each Line
On Line 1, make Create a reader group, activate the Interlock Function, and include both all interlock readers from Line 1 readers and including the virtual reader for Line 2.On Line 2, do the same, including Line 2 readers and the virtual reader for Line 1. (see chapter 3. Steps to Create a Reader Group with interlock Function)
Create an second reader group on the same way for Line 2.
7.2 How It Works
When a door in Line 1’s interlock group opens:
Line 1’s output activates, triggering the input on Line 2.
This tells the virtual reader on Line 2 that a one of Line 1 door interlock doors is open, blocking access to Line 2 interlock doors.
When a door in Line 2’s interlock group opens:
Line 2’s output activates, triggering the input on Line 1.
This tells the virtual reader on Line 1 that a one of Line 2 door interlock doors is open, blocking access to Line 1 interlock doors.
7.3 Testing the Multi-Line Interlock
To confirm that the multi-line interlock works:
Open a interlock door on Line 1 and confirm the Line 2 virtual reader is triggered.
Open a interlock door on Line 2 and confirm the Line 1 virtual reader is triggered.
Try accessing other doors on each line while a door on the other line is open to confirm proper restrictions.
With this setup, the interlock function will restrict access across lines as expected, no matter which line has an open door.
8. System events
The following events that can be shown in the last event overview depend on the situation.
Event ID | Event name | Error message | Description | Is generated by |
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3 | Subscriber card: no access | No access, other interlock door is open | Access denied because another interlock door is open. | Occurs when an access request is made at a reader with blinking red/green light, indicating an open door. |
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are readers flashing red/green?
A: This means a door in the interlock group is open or not locked, so the system is blocking access to other doors in the same group.