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Installation Manual | AVW-20241029 iProtect Access / Security | Functionalities | interlock function

1. Introduction

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.

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.

This manual contains detailed step-by-step instructions for setting up the interlock function, along with guidance for testing and troubleshooting.

2. Preparations Required

Before turning on the interlock function, make sure the following requirements are met:

• Administrative rights: Only users with proper access rights can adjust reader groups.

• Supported readers: All readers in the interlock group must be connected to the same controller (and be on the same line).

• Door contacts: 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.

3. Steps to Create a Reader Group with the Interlock Function

Step 1: Create the Reader Group

1. Go to the Reader Group menu under access | settings | reader group.

2. In the tree view, right-click and select Add Reader group. Give the group a logical name, like “Interlock Group 1.”

3. Turn on the Interlock Function by checking Interlocking Reader group checkbox. This ensures that only one door in this group can be open at a time.

Step 2: Add Readers to the reader Group

1. Click on the + sign next to the newly created reader group to display the reader list.

2. Select the reader list in the tree-view; a detailed form will appear with a search box for the reader list.

3. 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.

4. Confirm your selections and save the changes.

4. Testing and Validation

To check that the interlock function is working correctly:

1. Open a door in the reader group and try to open another door. The system should block access to any other doors in the group while the first door is open.

2. Close the first door and confirm that the other doors in the group can now be opened.

3. Repeat these steps for all doors in the interlock group.

5. Reader Behavior and User Feedback

When the interlock function is active, readers provide feedback to show door status:

• If one door in the interlock is open, all other readers in the group will blink red/green, letting users know that access to other doors is temporarily blocked.

6. Troubleshooting the Interlock Function

If the interlock function doesn’t work as expected:

1. Check Door Contacts: Make sure magnetic door contacts are working correctly, as the system needs them to detect door status.

2. Verify Configuration: Review the reader group configuration to ensure all settings are correct and all readers are assigned to the correct group.

7. Configuring the Interlock Function Across Multiple Lines

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.

7.1 Step-by-Step Instructions for Multi-Line Setup

7.1.1 Configure Output and Input Connections on Line 1

1. Add an output on Line 1 that triggers whenever a door within Line 1’s interlock group opens.

2. Set the output source to Interlock Reader Group and ensure it is linked to the appropriate reader group.

3. Create a new input on Line 2. Connect this output to the input on Line 2, allowing it to detect when any door in Line 1 is open.

7.1.2 Create a Virtual Reader on Line 2

1. Navigate to Installation | Hardware | Line and locate the door controller for Line 2.

2. Set up a virtual reader on this door controller by utilizing an available reader port.

3. Assign the input 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

1. Create an output on Line 2 that activates when any door within Line 2’s interlock group opens (See section 7.1.1).

2. Create a new input on Line 1 and connect this output to it, enabling detection of when any door in Line 2 is open.

3. Set up a virtual reader on Line 1 and assign this input as a door contact for the virtual reader.

7.1.4 Create Separate Interlock Reader Groups on Each Line

1. Create a reader group, activate the Interlock Function, and include all interlock readers from Line 1 including the virtual reader. (see chapter 3. Steps to Create a Reader Group with interlock Function)

2. 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 one of Line 1 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 one of Line 2 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:

1. Open a interlock door on Line 1 and confirm the Line 2 virtual reader is triggered.

2. Open a interlock door on Line 2 and confirm the Line 1 virtual reader is triggered.

3. 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.

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.