Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers, and possible solutions, to common security issues and frequently asked physical security questions.

Table of Contents

1. What features should I look for when choosing a deadbolt lock?
2. When choosing a CCTV system, is color important?
3. What should I look for when choosing a security professional ?
4. Why should I purchase a safe from a professional locksmith or safe dealer, and not a "big box retailer" ?
5. What is "access control"... ?
6. When is ... ?
7.  

1. What features should I look for when choosing a deadbolt lock ?

A quality, secure deadbolt lock should have at least the following features:

• The bolt (the part that extends into the door jamb) should extend 1".
• The outside collar should be constructed of solid metal, or have a metal reinforcement under the decorative cover.
• The strike (the part that the bolt extends into) should be mounted with at least 2 1/2 inch screws that screw into the framing material behind the door jamb.

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2. When choosing a CCTV system, is color important ?

The importance of color, depends on the intended use of the CCTV system.

• If the intention is for surveillance of low use areas, a stock room, a back storage lot etc., then black and white is probably adequate.
• If the camera or system is used to monitor a cash register, or any area where identification of people is important, color should always be used. A red sweatshirt shows up as gray on black and white film.
• The costs of high quality, color CCTV equipment have plummeted in recent years, you may want to consider color in any event.

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3. What should I look for when choosing a Security Professional ?

A good place to start might be the recommendation of a neighbor or other business. In addition you might check the following;

• You should determine if your State or local government has any licensing or regulatory requirements for Locksmiths, be sure that your choice is in compliance. Some States have no legal requirements.
• You should check with the Better Business Bureau, and your local Chamber of Commerce, for any complaints.
• You might consider if they are members of a local, state or national trade association. Some associations have a creed or code of ethics that members are bound to.

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4. Why should I purchase a safe from a Professional Locksmith or Safe dealer, and not a "big box" retailer ?

The minimum wage clerk who waits on you at the "big box" retailer, more likely than not, is not trained in what specific safe types are required for protecting what types of property, or what risks are being protected against.

• Safes are designed and constructed to perform in many different specific ways, depending on what they are protecting, and what they are protecting against.
  • Fire safes - protect against fire, while they afford some protection against burglary, they are not designed for that purpose.
  • Burglary safes - do a good job of protecting valuables, but a very poor job of protecting against fire.   
  • Media safes - are designed specifically to protect media sensitive to moisture and heat.
• Professional Locksmith and Safe Dealers, are in the business of providing the proper protection for your specific requirements, they are trained in all aspects of safe construction, they know which safes are rated to protect against your risks.
• Professional Locksmith and Safe Dealers, are usually factory authorized for any service or repair that may be needed.

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5. What is "Access Control"?

What is Access Control?

• There are many levels of access control, ranging from an open door to very elaborate bio-metric control devices.
  • Mechanical key-operated lock hardware is the most common access control, if you have a key you can gain access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is no capability for an audit trail, you cannot track who accessed on opening or when. This would be an example of "dumb" access control. If the key is lost or duplicated you no longer have access control.

   

  • From there you could go to a full time guard, this would also be access control, you could have all of the benefits of an electronic access control system.
    • Accountability - Audit trails
    • Convenience - no need to rekey
    • Security - no one enters without permission
    • Control of time and people who can access - who can enter and when, commonly called time zone capability.
    • Time and Attendance - no need for the old time clock.

    This solution would be very expensive.

     

  • Mechanical Push Button lock are used extensively for access control, the limitation is that all users would have the same entry code.

   

  • The next step might be a stand alone battery powered lock, these locks have and are evolving at a very rapid pace, they have many useful features, and are becoming very popular.
    • No hardwiring
    • Range from single to multiple user, some allow groups and management levels.
    • Some can "learn" existing controls. 
    • Units that keep audit trails are available.

     

  • The range of fully integrated access control systems is so broad, that we really can't discuss them all, in any detail. Listed below are some of the features these systems offer.
    • Can integrate with alarm systems, fire alarm systems and CCTV systems.
    • Can be remotely controlled - i.e. via modem and computer.
    • If a card or control is lost - no need to "rekey", you just delete the lost control and issue a new one.

     

  •  The type of system that will be right for your needs will depend on many factors, including;
    • Fire and Building codes.
    • Inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
    • Can wires be run?
    • Does your system need to integrate with your alarm or fire system?
    • How many openings, or buildings are involved?
    • How many users?
    • Types of controls.
    • What type of egress control can be used?

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6. When is ... ?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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