What Goes Wrong With Access Control on Commercial Doors?
Most access control complaints are door problems, not software problems. A reader works fine but the mag-lock is mounted on a frame that flexes, so the door does not hold. An electric strike is installed in a frame that was never prepped, so the latch binds and the door will not release. A mag-lock goes on an egress door without fire alarm release or a request-to-exit device, which is both a safety issue and an inspection failure. And when nobody documents which doors fail safe and which fail secure, a power outage becomes a guessing game.
What Is Included in Access Control Installation?
Credential access on commercial doors from a commercial door contractor in Toronto, with every door-side component chosen for the frame and the door's role in egress.
The written CAD spec lists, per door:
- Reader or keypad: Kantech, with FOB credentials
- Locking: electromagnetic lock or electric strike, fail-safe or fail-secure
- Request-to-exit sensor or button
- Door position switch
- Power supply and battery backup
- Fire alarm release on egress doors
- Keyed bypass
- Prep work on frames and doors
Technician confirms specs and price at your free on-site measure.
Types of Access Control Doors
Perimeter entrances
Main and side entrances with readers or keypads, often with automatic operators.
Suite and tenant doors
Office, coworking and clinic suites with FOB access and scheduled unlock times.
Back-of-house and service doors
Staff-only doors, IT rooms and storage, usually fail-secure strikes.
Glass doors
Frameless and aluminum glass doors, usually with mag-locks and careful mounting.
How Much Does Access Control Cost?
| Scope | Typical range per door | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Keypad and electric strike on existing system | $1,500-$2,800 | Strike prep, cabling |
| FOB reader, mag-lock, REX, DPS | $2,800-$4,800 | Power, alarm release |
| Glass door with full package and controller | $4,500-$6,500 | Mounting, controller, programming |
When Do You Need Access Control?
- Keys are lost, copied or impossible to track
- A coworking, clinic or multi-tenant space needs scheduled access
- Insurance or security policy calls for audit trails
- An office refresh is standardizing entry across floors
Access Control vs Hardware Only
If you just need locks and keys, commercial door hardware installation is the simpler choice. If you need credentials, schedules and audit, access control is the right scope.
Codes and Standards
Egress doors keep free egress with request-to-exit and fire alarm release under the OBC and Ontario Fire Code. Rated doors use listed electrified hardware within the label.