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A office access control system includes a reader (card, tag, or fingerprint) and an electrical safety/security switch, depending on the door’s requirements. Without a backup battery, a power outage will activate the safety/security switch, rendering the security switch inactive – therefore, a backup power supply is not optional; it’s an integral part of the system design.
A poorly designed access control system becomes apparent at the worst possible moment – when the lights go out, and no one knows if the door will open on its own, or if someone will be trapped inside. This guide explains the components of the system, so the decision isn’t solely in the hands of the installer at the time.
The three components of a point of access.
Every access control point has three components that are determined together, not separately.
| Piece | What is he/she doing? | Typical options |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Identify the person. | Proximity card, tag, fingerprint, PIN |
| Electrical panel | Work to open the door / Or release the door. | Fail-safe (opens without light) or fail-secure (closes without light). |
| Electric backrest | Maintains the system running during an outage. | Battery located directly on the sheet, or UPS on the main panel. |
Fail-safe or fail-secure: a decision that cannot be improvised.
This is the part that’s often overlooked. A simple sheet/plate. fail-safe It automatically opens in the event of a power outage: this is for doors that are part of an evacuation route, to ensure that no one gets trapped if the power goes out. A simple panel. Fail-secure It does the opposite: it remains closed and without power, and it’s the one appropriate for access points where priority is to ensure that no one enters without authorization, such as a server room or a vault.
Choosing the wrong option isn’t a minor technical detail: on an evacuation route, a fail-secure door panel without a backup can leave a door blocked just when it’s needed to escape.
Why the electrical backup isn't an option.
Neither of the plates resolves the problem on its own. Without a backup battery, the fail-safe opens during any outage (resulting in a loss of access control during that time), and the fail-secure leaves people unable to enter. With a backup battery integrated into the plate itself, or with the point connected to the building’s main UPS, the system continues to function as if nothing has happened.
In Magallanes, where power outages are not uncommon, this is always checked during the technical visit: if the premises don’t have a reliable electrical backup, we discuss it with Ditap Energía before installation, to ensure we don’t install a system that will stop working during a power cut.
Card, tag, fingerprint, or PIN: how to choose a reader.
The first thing a person encounters upon entering is the reader, and each type of reader presents a different cost and challenge to address.
| Reader | Advantage | Risk to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity card | Affordable and quick to recover if lost. | It can be lent to another person. |
| Tag or keychain | Just like the card, it’s more resistant to daily wear and tear. | Same risk: it can be lent out. |
| Fingerprint | It cannot be easily copied or reproduced. | It doesn't work with wet, dirty, or gloved hands. |
| PIN (numerical code) | It doesn't require bringing anything physical. | The key can be shared or forgotten. |
In practice, most offices in Magallanes use cards or tags for general access, and reserve fingerprint scanning for the most sensitive areas of the building, such as the server room or vault.
What about the visitors and temporary staff?
A well-configured access control system doesn’t force a choice between “everyone gets in the same way” or “no one enters without a permanent card.” Temporary credentials, with expiration dates, can be generated for a contractor working for a week or a supplier visiting once a month. The access log remains equally comprehensive: which credential entered, at what time, and for how long it was active, without mixing occasional visits with permanent staff.
What to ask before installing.
- Is this door part of an evacuation route? If it is, a fail-safe mechanism is non-negotiable.
- Is there a backup battery in the unit, or does it only rely on the building’s electrical grid?
- Is access log data saved, and can it be consulted later?
- How many doors require control, and do all of them go to the same log?
Our service
At Ditap Seguridad. Install access control. A portion costs $250,000 per point, including the reader, panel, and wiring. We will determine whether the system should be fail-safe or fail-secure during the technical visit, based on the door type. If the point doesn't have electrical backing, we will inform you of this *before* installation, not after a power outage.
September 2026 editorial archive. The figures are historical references, not current prices or service commitments. Please refer to a proposal tailored to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a card, a tag, and a fingerprint?
The card and the tag are similar in cost and usage. While the tag prevents someone from simply borrowing a credential, it’s slightly more expensive and doesn’t work when wet or with gloves.
Can you find out who entered and what time?
Yes, it’s part of the system: every access is recorded with the date, time, and credential used, without relying on paper-based records.
How long does the backup battery last for the panel?
Typically, between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the model. It is checked during scheduled maintenance to prevent it from failing during a prolonged outage.
