Access Control Systems Checklist: What to Know Before You Buy

Buying access control systems is easier when you know what to check before ordering. The reader or keypad is only one part of the setup. The door, lock, power supply, exit device and safety requirements all need to work together.

This checklist is designed for installers, electricians, facilities managers, landlords, business owners and domestic buyers who know they need controlled access but are unsure which products to choose.

For many standard single-door projects, access control kits can simplify product selection. For more complex doors, outdoor entrances or multi-door buildings, you may need to choose individual components.

Use this guide to plan the job before you buy.

Start with the Door, Not the Reader

A common mistake is choosing the keypad or fob reader first. In practice, the door should guide the whole specification.

The correct hardware depends on the door material, frame, opening direction and how the door is used each day. A timber office door will not always need the same lock as a steel warehouse door, aluminium shop entrance or glass door.

Before buying access control systems, check the following:

• Is the door timber, metal, aluminium or glass?
• Is the door internal or external?
• Does it open inward or outward?
• Is the frame suitable for a maglock, electric strike or release?
• Is the door used as an escape route?
• Is the door already fitted with a working latch or lock?
• Does the door close properly every time?
• Is there space to fit brackets, readers, buttons and cabling?
• Will the hardware be exposed to rain, dust or heavy use?

If the door does not close correctly, the system may not work reliably. Door alignment, hinges and closers should be checked before installing new access control hardware.

Internal Doors

Internal office doors, store rooms, stockrooms and staff-only doors are often more straightforward. A keypad or fob reader with a suitable electric lock or release may be enough for many projects.

However, you still need to check:

• Door material
• Lock compatibility
• Frame condition
• Exit route requirements
• Power supply location

External Doors

External doors need more care. Outdoor readers and keypads should be suitable for the environment. Moisture, temperature changes, sunlight and dust can affect equipment that is not designed for external use.

For external doors, check:

• Weather rating of the keypad or reader
• Lock suitability
• Cable protection
• Door and frame strength
• Safe exit method
• Whether the door is exposed or sheltered

Escape Route Doors

If the door is part of an escape route, safety must be planned before products are ordered. A secure door still needs to allow safe exit when required.

This may involve:

• Emergency release devices
• Break glass units
• Fire alarm interface
• Fail-safe locking
• Free egress hardware
• Professional installation advice

Security should never prevent safe exit.

Decide Who Needs Access

Once the door is confirmed, the next step is to decide who needs access and how access will be managed.

Different users may need different levels of access. A small shop may only need access for staff and a cleaner. A warehouse may need staff, supervisors, contractors and delivery teams. A landlord may need access for tenants, agents and maintenance workers.

Common user groups include:

• Staff
• Tenants
• Contractors
• Cleaners
• Managers
• Visitors
• Temporary users
• Delivery teams
• Maintenance engineers
• Letting agents
• Family members in domestic settings

For each door, ask:

• Who needs access every day?
• Who needs occasional access?
• Who needs temporary access?
• Who should not have access?
• Does access need to change when staff, tenants or contractors leave?
• Is one access method enough, or are different methods needed?

This will help you choose between PIN codes, fobs, cards, video entry or a more managed system.

Choose the Access Method

The access method is how users request entry. The most common options are keypads, fobs, proximity cards, video entry and PC-managed systems.

The best choice depends on the number of users, the level of control required and how often access permissions change.

PIN Code/Keypad

Keypads are simple and cost-effective. Users enter a PIN code to release the door.

They are often suitable for:

• Small offices
• Staff-only doors
• Store rooms
• Stockrooms
• Workshops
• Domestic outbuildings
• Low to moderate user numbers

Keypads are easy to use, but PIN codes need proper management. If a code is shared, written down or not changed when someone leaves, security can weaken.

A keypad may be a good choice when:

• The user group is small
• The door is not high risk
• Codes can be changed when needed
• You want a simple access method without fobs or cards

Avoid relying on one shared code for too long. Regular code changes are good practice.

Fobs or Proximity Cards

Fobs and proximity cards are useful when several people need access. Each user can be issued with a credential, which can usually be removed if it is lost or not returned.

They are often suitable for:

• Staff entrances
• HMOs and rental properties
• Warehouses
• Schools
• Gyms
• Managed offices
• Retail stockrooms
• Communal doors

Compared with physical keys, fobs are easier to manage. If someone leaves, you can normally remove their fob from the system rather than changing the lock.

Fobs or cards are a strong option where:

• Users change often
• You need better control than a shared PIN
• Lost credentials need to be removed quickly
• Several people use the same door
• You want a faster entry method for busy doors

Cards may be useful where staff already carry ID cards. Fobs are often practical for tenants, staff and general users.

Video Entry Plus Access Control

Video entry can be useful where visitors need to be identified before access is granted. It is commonly used at:

• Main entrances
• Office reception doors
• Schools and nurseries
• Apartment blocks
• Commercial premises
• Visitor-facing gates or doors

Video entry can work alongside access control systems. For example, staff may use fobs for daily access, while visitors press a call button and wait for authorised release.

This approach is useful when you need to manage both regular users and unknown visitors.

PC-Based Management

PC-based or networked management may be suitable for larger sites or buildings with more controlled administration.

It can help where:

• There are multiple doors
• There are many users
• Access permissions change often
• Different user groups need different access levels
• A site manager needs central control
• The building needs more detailed access management

For smaller single-door projects, a standalone keypad or fob reader may be enough. For larger commercial sites, networked management may provide better control.

Choose the Correct Locking Method

The lock is one of the most important parts of the system. Choosing the wrong locking method can cause poor performance, installation issues or unsafe operation.

Common locking options include:

• Maglocks
• Electric strikes
• Drop bolts
• Electric releases
• Shearlocks
• Specialist door locks

The right option depends on the door and how it is used.

Maglocks

Maglocks use magnetic force to hold the door closed. They are widely used on many controlled doors, but they must be installed correctly.

They may be suitable for:

• Staff entrances
• Internal doors
• Communal doors
• Stockrooms
• Office doors
• Certain commercial entrances

When choosing a maglock, check:

• Door material
• Frame type
• Opening direction
• Available fixing space
• Holding force required
• Whether brackets are needed
• Safe exit requirements
• Emergency release needs

Maglocks need good alignment between the magnet and armature plate. If the door drops, warps or does not close properly, the maglock may not hold as intended.

Electric Strike

An electric strike works with a latch. When access is granted, the strike releases the latch so the door can open.

Electric strikes can suit doors with compatible mechanical lock cases. They are often used where the door needs to retain a latch-based locking arrangement.

Before choosing an electric strike, check:

• Existing lock type
• Latch position
• Frame depth
• Door handing
• Fail-safe or fail-secure requirement
• Fire and escape route considerations

Not every door can accept an electric strike without adjustment.

Drop Bolt

Drop bolts are often used on certain aluminium or glass doors, depending on the installation. They are not suitable for every door and should be selected carefully.

Check:

• Door type
• Floor or frame fixing position
• Alignment
• Safety requirements
• Exit method
• Power requirements

Electric Release

Electric releases are commonly used with some door entry and access control setups. They release the locking point when authorised access is granted.

They can be practical for suitable latch-based doors, but compatibility must be checked before buying.

Fail Safe vs Fail Secure Considerations

Fail safe and fail secure are important terms when selecting locks.

• Fail safe means the lock releases when power is removed.
• Fail secure means the lock remains locked when power is removed.

The right choice depends on the door, building use and safety requirements.

For escape routes, fail-safe operation may be required. For some secure areas, fail-secure operation may be preferred. This is an area where professional advice is often needed, especially in commercial and shared buildings.

Door Compatibility

Before buying a lock, confirm:

• Door material
• Frame condition
• Opening direction
• Fire rating where relevant
• Escape route status
• Existing lock or latch
• Door closer condition
• Weather exposure
• Frequency of use

A reliable access control setup starts with the right lock for the door.

Plan Safe Exit

A controlled door needs a safe and practical way for users to leave. Exit hardware should be planned at the same time as the reader and lock.

Do not leave exit devices as an afterthought.

Common exit options include:

• Press to exit button
• No-touch exit button
• Emergency door release
• Break glass unit
• Free egress hardware

Press to Exit Button

A press to exit button allows users to release the door from the secure side. It is widely used on controlled internal doors and staff entrances.

It may suit:

• Offices
• Stockrooms
• Staff-only areas
• Store rooms
• Workshops
• Internal controlled doors

Choose a button that suits the level of use. High-traffic doors may benefit from more robust hardware.

No-Touch Exit Button

No-touch exit buttons use a sensor instead of a physical press. They are useful in areas where hygiene or ease of use matters.

They may suit:

• Healthcare settings
• Food preparation areas
• Gyms and leisure sites
• High-use commercial doors
• Offices with frequent traffic

They can reduce wear because users do not need to physically press the button.

Emergency Door Release

An emergency release allows the door to be released quickly in an emergency. This is important for many controlled doors, especially where safe exit is critical.

Emergency release hardware should be considered for:

• Escape route doors
• Communal entrances
• Commercial premises
• Education buildings
• High-occupancy areas
• Doors with maglocks

Break Glass Unit

A break glass unit provides emergency release in a clear and accessible way. It is often used alongside maglocks and other access control hardware.

The exact requirement depends on the door, building and safety plan.

Free Egress Requirements

Some doors need free egress, meaning users must be able to leave without needing a code, fob or authorised release.

This is especially important on escape routes. If the door is part of a fire exit route, check the required exit method before buying hardware.

Check Power Requirements

Power is essential for dependable access control systems. A reader, keypad, controller, lock, exit button and any accessories must all receive suitable power.

An undersized or unsuitable power supply can cause faults, intermittent operation or lock failure.

Before buying, check:

• Voltage
• Current draw
• Lock power
• Reader power
• Controller power
• Backup battery options
• Cable distance
• Number of connected devices
• Indoor or protected mounting location
• Future expansion needs

Voltage

Most access control hardware will specify the voltage it needs. Common access control products may use 12V DC or 24V DC, but you should always check the product specification.

Do not assume all components use the same voltage.

Current Draw

Locks, especially maglocks, can draw more current than readers or keypads. The power supply must be able to support the total load.

Add up the current requirements of:

• Lock
• Reader or keypad
• Controller
• Exit device
• Additional accessories
• Any backup or monitoring equipment

If the supply is too weak, the system may become unreliable.

Backup Battery Options

Some sites may need backup power so the system can continue operating during a power cut. This depends on the door, lock type and building requirements.

Backup power may be useful for:

• Commercial entrances
• Communal doors
• Security-sensitive areas
• Sites with frequent power disruption
• Doors where controlled access must continue

Battery backup should be matched to the power supply and expected load.

Cable Distance

Long cable runs can affect voltage and performance. Plan the cable route before buying and check whether the chosen power supply and cable size are suitable.

Consider:

• Distance from power supply to door
• Route through walls, ceilings or trunking
• Protection from damage
• Access for future maintenance
• Whether the cable route is practical on site

Good cabling is part of a reliable system.

Decide Whether an Access Control Kit Is Enough

For many single-door projects, access control kits can make selection simpler. A kit groups key components together, reducing the risk of missing important parts.

Access control kits may be suitable for:

• Small offices
• Shops
• Stockrooms
• Workshops
• Staff entrances
• Store rooms
• Plant rooms
• Bin stores
• Bike stores
• Domestic outbuildings where compatible

A typical kit may include:

• Keypad or reader
• Controller
• Electric lock, release or maglock
• Power supply
• Exit button
• Fobs or cards, depending on the kit

For standard single-door installations, access control kits can be a practical and cost-effective starting point.

However, a kit is not always the right choice. Separate components may be needed for:

• Unusual door types
• External gates
• Multi-door buildings
• High-use commercial entrances
• Specialist locks
• Fire or escape route doors
• Higher user counts
• Sites needing centralised management
• Outdoor installations requiring weather-rated hardware

Before choosing a kit, check that it suits the door, lock requirement, power needs and exit method.

If in doubt, it is better to check before ordering than to find missing or incompatible parts during installation.

Access Control Systems Buying Checklist

Use this checklist before buying access control systems for a single door or wider site.

Final Pre-Purchase Checklist

Before placing an order, confirm the following:

• Door type confirmed
• Door condition checked
• Lock type selected
• Reader or keypad selected
• Exit device selected
• Emergency release considered
• Power supply selected
• User numbers known
• Indoor or outdoor rating checked
• Cable route planned
• Installation method reviewed
• Fire or escape route requirements checked
• Product compatibility confirmed
• Future user changes considered
• Product support available

Taking time to work through this list can help avoid common problems, including incompatible locks, missing exit hardware, poor power supply selection and unsuitable readers for outdoor doors.

Why Buy from Door Entry Online?

Door Entry Online supplies practical access control and door entry products for trade and domestic customers across the UK. The range includes the main components needed for many single-door and small-site access control projects.

You can source:

• Access control systems
• Access control kits
• Keypads and card readers
• Key fobs and proximity cards
• Maglocks and electric releases
• Door exit devices
• Emergency release products
• Power supplies and accessories
• Door entry and video entry equipment

For straightforward doors, access control kits can make product selection easier. For more complex doors, individual components can help build a setup that matches the site.

Browse Door Entry Online’s access control kits or contact the team for help choosing the right setup.

Conclusion

Choosing access control systems is not just about picking a keypad or reader. The door, lock, power supply, exit hardware and safety requirements all need to be considered together.

Start with the door. Confirm who needs access. Choose the correct entry method. Select a lock that suits the door. Plan safe exit and reliable power. Then decide whether an access control kit is suitable or whether separate components are needed.

With the right planning, you can avoid compatibility issues, improve security and build a system that works reliably from day one.

FAQ: Access Control Systems Buying Checklist

Q1: What should I check before buying access control systems?

Before buying access control systems, check the door type, lock type, number of users, access method, power supply, exit device and safety requirements. You should also confirm whether the hardware is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Q2: Are access control kits suitable for beginners?

Access control kits can simplify selection for standard single-door projects because the main components are grouped together. However, the door, lock type, power requirements and safe exit method still need to be checked before buying.

Q3: Do all access control systems need an exit button?

Many controlled doors need a safe exit method, such as a press to exit button, no-touch button or emergency release. The exact hardware depends on the door, building use and safety requirements.

Q4: Can I use a maglock on any door?

No. A maglock must be suitable for the door type, frame, opening direction and safety requirements. Door alignment and safe exit hardware are also important. Some doors may be better suited to an electric strike, release or another locking method.

Q5: What is the most important part of an access control system?

The whole system must work together, but correct lock selection, reliable power and safe exit are especially important. A good reader or keypad will not solve problems caused by the wrong lock, poor door alignment or an undersized power supp