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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.

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

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 name, like “Interlock Group 1.”

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

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 Group

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

  2. Select the reader list; 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 group door is open.

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

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 activates whenever a door in Line 1’s interlock group opens.

  2. Set the output source as Interlock Reader Group and link it to the correct reader group.

  3. Connect this output to an input on Line 2 so Line 2 can detect when any door in Line 1 is open.

7.1.2 Create a Virtual Reader on Line 2

  1. Go to Installation | Hardware | Line and find the door controller for Line 2.

  2. Create a virtual reader on this door controller using an available reader port.

  3. Assign the input from Line 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 a door in Line 2’s interlock group opens.

  2. Connect this output to an input on Line 1.

  3. Create a virtual reader on Line 1 and set its door contact to the input from Line 2.

7.1.4 Create Separate Interlock Reader Groups on Each Line

  1. On Line 1, make a reader group, activate the Interlock Function, and include both Line 1 readers and the virtual reader for Line 2.

  2. On Line 2, do the same, including Line 2 readers and the virtual reader for Line 1.

7.2 How It Works

When a door in Line 1’s group opens:

  • Line 1’s output activates, triggering the input on Line 2.

  • This tells the virtual reader on Line 2 that a Line 1 door is open, blocking access to Line 2 doors.

When a door in Line 2’s group opens:

  • Line 2’s output activates, triggering the input on Line 1.

  • This tells the virtual reader on Line 1 that a Line 2 door is open, blocking access to Line 1 doors.

7.3 Testing the Multi-Line Interlock

To confirm that the multi-line interlock works:

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

  2. Open a 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. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are readers flashing red/green?

A: This means a door in the interlock group is open, so the system is blocking access to other doors in the same group.

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