Guide resource
Door Position Sensors explains a decision that can materially affect security, safety and administration. Use it to prepare for a site assessment, then have the final design checked against the building, door and operational requirements.
Define what the contact can—and cannot—prove
A door-position sensor reports whether its magnet and switch are within the designed relationship. It can support door-open, forced-door and held-open logic, but it does not prove that the lock is secure or that the latch has engaged. Where locked status matters, use appropriate lock monitoring as a separate signal.
Place and protect the sensor for the actual opening
Recessed contacts may provide a discreet result in suitable timber or metal assemblies; surface contacts can simplify retrofit and servicing. Gates, roller doors and exposed openings may require robust, wide-gap or environmentally rated devices. Avoid locations where door movement, flex, cleaning or routine impact will shift the magnet.
Coordinate drilling and cabling with fire-rated doors, glass assemblies and specialist hardware. Do not damage an approved assembly merely to hide a low-cost contact.
Program events around normal human movement
After authorised release, allow enough time for the person and door to move before declaring a held-open condition. A forced-door event should distinguish an opening without a valid access sequence from a contact or controller fault. Tailor timing for accessible doors, loading entrances and high-traffic periods.
Test position, timing and investigation evidence
Verify secure closed position, slow closing, partial opening, authorised entry, forced opening, held-open timing and cable/device fault supervision where supported. Confirm the event contains a useful door name and time, and that staff know what physical check to make before resetting it.
Maintain the reference position
At maintenance, inspect the door before moving the sensor. Hinge wear, closer adjustment, frame movement or gate sag can change the closed position even when the contact remains electrically healthy. Record the designed gap and alignment, then investigate repeated nuisance events as possible door-condition evidence rather than repeatedly widening tolerances until the alarm disappears.
Door Position Sensors questions
What decision should the door position sensors guide support?
For Door Position Sensors, use it to record the relevant door, user, administration and failure requirements before equipment is selected. It is a planning aid, not a universal compliance certificate.
Does the door position sensors guidance apply to every opening?
For Door Position Sensors, no. Door construction, traffic, egress, fire significance, accessibility, environment and other building systems can change the appropriate design.
What site information is needed for door position sensors?
For Door Position Sensors, provide numbered doors, photographs or plans, user groups, operating hours, credential preferences, interfaces, known building constraints and expected changes.
Who should review a decision based on door position sensors?
For Door Position Sensors, the client and security designer should review it, with IT, building, fire, electrical, privacy or specialist contractors involved where their responsibilities are affected.
What should be tested after applying door position sensors?
For Door Position Sensors, test authorised and denied use, normal exit, physical closure, monitoring, relevant power or communications conditions and any integration from original event to operator outcome.
Discuss your access-control requirements
Share the door locations, approximate user numbers, site plans or photos, integrations and expected growth. Serious Security can prepare an itemised proposal after the requirements and site conditions are assessed.
Request an itemised access-control quote Sydney: (02) 8734 3250 Melbourne: (03) 8513 0799
