Blog & News

Showing 9 - 16 out of 142

    Electromagnetic Door Closers: Swing Free vs....

    When considering purchasing and installing an electromagnetic door closer , you need to ensure that the hold open or swing free function suits the door, location, and how the door needs to operate. It is also important that the door closer has all the required certifications to meet current building regulations. There is a lot of specific terminology when it comes to <span...
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    Types of Relays for Access Control Systems

    Relays are among one of the most important yet often overlooked components in access control systems. Whether you are an installation company working with these systems daily, or a new to the industry learning how the pieces fit together, access control relays play a vital role behind the scenes.  Put simply, relays act as bridges between devices, allowing one piece of equipment to safely control another. They are used so extensively that most people encounter them every day without realising it.   From...
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    Choosing the Right Cables for Access Control...

    When designing or installing an access control system, attention often centres on the visible hardware such as readers, controllers, locks, and power supplies. Yet one of the most critical elements frequently goes overlooked: the cabling that ties the entire system together. Using the wrong type of cable can lead to signal issues, reduced system reliability, premature equipment failure, and costly troubleshooting later. This guide covers 5 common cable types used in access control systems and explains how to...
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    Emergency Break Glass Units – A Troubleshooting...

    An emergency door release (EDR) is a critical component of  access control systems. Commonly installed next to electronically locked doors or gates, it provides a manual method to release the door in case of power failure or access system malfunction. When activated, the  EDR either interrupts or supplies power to the lock, depending on the type of locking mechanism, allowing...
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    Understanding Break Glass Unit Types

    When it comes to building safety and access control, emergency break glass units, often referred to as emergency door release (EDR) devices, play a crucial role. These green call points allow people to manually unlock electronically secured doors in an emergency. What Is an Emergency Break Glass Unit? An emergency break glass unit (or EDR) is a safety device typically installed next to electronically locked doors/gates. In the event of a non-fire emergency, such as an...
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    From the Tools to Technical Expertise

    Meet Josh, our new Access Control Technical Manager at Door Controls Direct. With over a decade of hands-on experience and a passion for problem-solving, Josh brings both technical know-how and a people-first approach to everything he does. From hospitals to schools, his career has taken him into some of the UK’s most sensitive and complex environments, always with the same goal: creating safer, smarter, more secure spaces. In this interview, Josh talks us through his journey from coffee runs and cable pulling...
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    Maglock Troubleshooting Guide

    A properly functioning maglock is crucial for maintaining door security and protection. When your maglock malfunctions, it can create serious safety risks, making prompt troubleshooting essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through common maglock issues, step-by-step maglock troubleshooting tips, and expert advice to keep your  maglock working reliably and your property secure.  Why Your Maglock Isn’t Locking...
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    Door Controls Direct X dormakaba – Would You...

    Fire door safety may not be front of mind for many individuals, organisations, or facilities, but in the construction industry, we have never been more aware of its importance. Alongside campaigns like Fire Door Safety Week, owned and managed by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), there are numerous others rightly drawing attention to the systemic issues around the low standards of passive fire safety measures across a range of built environments. This is where you’ll find Door Controls Direct X dormakaba....
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Showing 9 - 16 out of 142