While Native American casinos may differ in business operations and gaming policy, there is one common trait. When it comes to security, no casino is willing to gamble house money. And in an environment where the casino’s front doors are typically open 24/7, the security stakes are even higher.

Security requirements at Native American casinos and resorts are unique in two key areas. Las Vegas casinos hire private security that is tasked with observing and reporting to local law enforcement. Because they are on Federal land, Native American casinos have their own police force, which potentially give security in Native American casinos far more leeway because they are the law. Perhaps the most important point is that the bulk of revenues generated in casinos and resorts are funneled back into the Native American community to improve infrastructure and schools. This makes security a major issue and increases the need for reliable technology.

The crucial interdependence of casino operations and the Native American community welfare has increased the migration to security technology solutions to mitigate risk. While video surveillance is perfect for forensics and monitoring crowds in the gaming areas and around the perimeter of the property, protecting people and assets is the job of door control in the vulnerable business operations areas.

Door interlocks, otherwise known as mantraps, are becoming integral tools for Native American facilities. More advanced and integrated solutions are supplementing the use of a simple, one-room door interlocks in the money areas, becoming more complex as they connect other back-of-house business operations. Solutions that now incorporate multiple-door interlocks, automatic door operators, door annunciators and door-prop alarms, and high-intensity LEDs that can provide immediate door status to security personnel, are quickly replacing cumbersome and less than secure key systems.

Perhaps the bigger issue is that access to these back-office areas often require access by many people, on different shifts, 24 hours a day. Access can be controlled by keys, which have been used by casinos for years. But a single set of keys may be used by over a dozen people in a week. Keys are often signed in and out through an electronic key box. Solid policies need to be in place and followed in the event that a set of keys goes missing. Policies are often very good, but also often not followed for convenience reasons, which is why most casinos have chosen to move past keys to secured door and electronic access control solutions.

Don’t Gamble with Door Security

It is important to understand security protocols and traffic flow to secured areas if interlocking doors are implemented and are integrated into the casino’s access control system. A detailed checklist developed by Dortronics Systems can help with the door interlock project. After defining the primary purposes of mantrap, it is critical to determine the traffic pattern and the door relationships when designing a door interlock system. A door matrix chart can display the floor plan where each door is numbered, and each room labeled to illustrate the required logic. Shared doors between rooms and other doors in these rooms must all be controlled by a common interlock controller. But installation of the common two-door interlock must consider that door switch contacts are usually not hardy enough to switch lock power and can result in an early door switch failure. This could hamper access throughput. Mantraps are an excellent door control solution for high-risk locations such as a cash count-room, but they can lose their effectiveness if the number of people who have access is large. It important that these mantraps are armed with door status switches to monitor traffic and door status.

Maglocks and electric strikes are two more key door hardware devices frequently used in a casino. A combination of both fail-safe maglocks and fail-secure strikes are most often used in the money counting areas. In the case of a power failure where maglocks de-activate, the doors will remain secured by the strikes and mechanical locksets.

Dortronics Casino Solutions

Dortronics offers two options for casinos looking to incorporate user programmable PLC interlock solutions. The 48500 PLC interlock controller is a cost-effective method for operating door interlock and mantrap systems of up to five doors. The fully integrated controller is a one board solution that allows the installer complete control of all operating and configuration options without complex software. Also, any access control system can be used with the 48500 series controllers. The 48900 PLC interlock controller is also a field-configured nine-door interlock device, that is suitable for air locks or security mantraps with two to nine doors that are locked or unlocked. This controller has outputs for traffic lights, door violation alarm and provides three individual timing sequences for propped door time, emergency override unlock time and a REX unlock time.

For gate or swing door applications, the Dortronics 1000 family of industrial strength magnetic locks can be used in harsh environments to secure doors and gates. All Dortronics electromagnetic locks are failsafe, releasing instantly upon command or loss of power. As with any door control system, it is only as effective as its monitoring capabilities. Dortronics alarm annunciators are a crucial element of door security, offering notifications of an active breach. Dortronics makes door annunciators and door prop alarms that include complete alarm systems. These features include delayed egress with built-in keypad access control, audible and visual alarms and anti-tailgate relocking. The complete secured door package should include high-intensity LEDs with the annunciators so alerts can be seen by security personnel in various lighting conditions and bright sunlight. The Dortronics 7200-HWR LED series are weather-proof units that can be used for perimeter access control gates exposed to the weather. If mounted near card readers, the LEDs can be used to clearly indicate when individual doors and/or gates can be accessed.

For emergency operations, casinos can opt for the Dortronics 6510 series of emergency pull stations. Casinos may integrate the pull stations for emergency exit door release with badge in/out access control systems, or door interlock and mantrap-type systems. A variety of colors and text enhance the messaging making these units suitable for signaling an alarm panel in the event of an emergency situation.

Another key door security element being integrated into casino environments over the past 16 months has been touchless access control systems. The specter of the COVID-19 pandemic forced casino operators to rethink access control, looking for options to decrease the spread of contagions. The Dortronics 5278 series of touchless switches are a cost-efficient option for high security that is also safe for staff and customers. The 5278 Series utilizes optical infrared technology. The imbedded sensor picks up motion within a four-inch range of the face plate. A hand wave activates the switch; however, if inadvertently touched the sensor will pick up the motion before actual contact, resulting in normal operation.

Casinos are still in the midst of a crisis as security directors work with owners to assess a recovery path from this pandemic. New health and safety policies and procedures, along with advanced security technology have a mapped a new risk picture. However, door control technology and policy remain the foundation of any solid security program at Native American gaming facilities and resorts.

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The most pervasive and effective physical security solution is to keep cannabis facilities, products and cash locked down using door control technology as the first line of defense. Effectively keeping both customers, employees and assets safe.

Controlling Physical Access

Perhaps the most essential aspect of cannabis business operations is also the most precarious – customer interaction and access to retail areas. This earmarks entry/egress control as a primary priority when implementing physical security measures. Fortunately, there is more door technology on the market today than ever before, including advanced programmable door interlock systems (often called mantraps), which provide very high levels of security. Door interlock systems provide cannabis facilities with a unique form of protection for both customers and employees that is not afforded by conventional access control systems.

In its simplest form, a door interlock system is composed of two doors electronically connected so one cannot open until the other has closed. For cannabis facilities, a mantrap provides highly controlled access to an interior vestibule, where customers and/or employees can be screened automatically or by a security guard before entering the facility. Access is only allowed when the exterior door is closed, preventing tailgating of unauthorized individuals.

For retail locations, a secure entry vestibule solution may be employed. When individual(s) in the interlocked area are approved, the outer door remains  locked utilizing an electromagnetic lock or electric strike and the individuals can proceed through the inner door. Conversely, if an individual is deemed suspicious, an alert can be sounded, and the inner door will remain locked and the outer door will unlock allowing the potential threat to exit the building. This effectively prevents potential problems from escalating inside the facility.

A secure entry vestibule is also an effective solution for employee entrances. An electronic access system controls entry from the outside into the mantrap. Unlocking the entry door will lock the interior door of the Secure Entry Vestibule. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access into the facility. Any number of locking and unlocking configurations can be deployed to best accommodate employee traffic flow using a programmable door interlock controller.

The highest level of security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. Opening any one door keeps all other related doors locked. Restricted Entry & Exit Systems will buffer simultaneous requests for access to prevent two or more doors from being unlocked at the same time. Traffic lights are often utilized to signal when a door is locked or unlocked. This door interlock system configuration is most appropriate for back areas of cannabis facilities where inventory is stored and cash areas are located.

For Cannabis Distribution Facilities, Sally ports can be deployed to control vehicular entry/egress using any combination of overhead doors, gates or bollards.

Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality. Cannabis facilities with a high amount of pedestrian traffic in the morning and late afternoon may want two doors operating during these time periods with the ability to switch to a single door utilizing a key switch during midday or evening hours. Intercom systems can also be added to door interlock systems to allow communications between the individuals inside the “mantrap” and a facility greeter or security guard controlling the system.

For employee access to highly secure areas within cannabis facilities, advanced interlock systems can be deployed with biometrics that read faces, eyes and/or fingerprints to provide highly accurate identity authentication and verification, adding a much higher level of sophistication and security. This prevents lost, stolen or replicated physical access control credentials or even simple key locks to be compromised by unauthorized personnel.

While security is the core priority, a door interlock system deployed at cannabis facilities must also be user friendly and safe, or it can become a logjam for customer traffic as well as a potential source of liability. In an emergency, the door interlock system must enable people to evacuate the facility. For example, if the power fails, an emergency override would ensure that the door can be opened manually. Moreover, safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with the facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency door release. A local emergency pull station may also be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. In every case, local compliance mandates must be carefully adhered to when designing a door interlock system for your facility. Working with a reputable manufacturer and system installer ensures you will get the ease of operation and specific door interlock capabilities and compliance you need, along with high-quality customer support and service.

Door interlock systems are highly cost-efficient and provide a highly effective means of securing cannabis facilities. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics experienced team can provide personal assistance to help you design the door control system that best meets your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit www.Dortronics.com for more information.

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But there also is technology that is increasingly being used by many enterprises – door interlock systems, which are two doors (or more) that are electronically connected so a person cannot open one door until the other has closed. Door interlock systems are a high-level solution for entrance control and access management for numerous types of organizations. 

There are multiple applications and industries that can benefit from door interlock systems. These include casinos, armored car facilities, prisons and police stations, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, secure government and military R&D sites, high-risk retail such as jewelry stores, check cashing facilities, schools and laboratories. For security integrators, the opportunities are endless for a solid revenue stream and new customers. 

How do you get started? Here are 6 best practices for selecting and installing door interlock solutions. 

• Know the types of door interlock systems available. Door interlock systems have different names based on their functionality, and are commonly referred to as one of the following: Interlocks, Mantraps, Sally Ports (for vehicles) Secured Vestibules, and Air Locks. With a door interlock and a mantrap, an individual is granted access through a door to enter an area. Once the first door is closed, a second door can then be opened automatically or triggered by an operator. Sally Ports are interlock systems used to control vehicle entry/egress using garage doors, gates or bollards. Secured vestibules are rooms that guard against electronic surveillance and data leakage. Air Locks are systems with numerous interconnected doors. Opening any door will lock the related doors so that only one door, in a designated area, can be accessed at a time.  

• Determine your customer’s goals. Is the user trying to protect assets and people, control pedestrian traffic, or both? What threats are they trying to mitigate? More than likely, you will need to help them select a system that is appropriate based on all factors. Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality, such as intercom communications, biometrics, or fingerprints. Does your customer want the system to be discreet? Will a security guard operate it? These are examples of questions that need to be asked. 

• Understand your customer’s security requirements. For example, Air Lock Control Systems are lower-security systems frequently used for environmental control. All of the doors are typically unlocked, and access is controlled with traffic lights, in this scenario two or more doors can often be opened simultaneously. A Secure Entry/Free Egress system provides a more secure entrance solution, as a valid access card will unlock the exterior door only if the interior door is closed. Unlocking the exterior door will lock the interior door. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access. The highest security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. 

• Select the proper interlock controller. A critical consideration when choosing a door interlock system is the proper interlock controller. You should understand the number of doors, types of doors and other monitored and/or controlled devices within the facility. There are numerous types of interlock controllers for facilities with as few as two doors or over 100, with features such as emergency door release inputs, panic release, adjustable timers, emergency release unlock, and more. 

• Have knowledge of industry standards and building codes. Door interlock systems are often subject to specific building code requirements, and here, your knowledge can help the user to select the right solution. For example, some municipalities may not allow any doors in a public facility to be locked at any time. Another example is a clean room, where door interlock systems may need to comply with Federal Standard 209E, also known as ISO14644. Even more, life safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with a facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency egress. A local emergency pull station may be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. 

• Understand installation guidelines. These procedures will differ from facility to facility, but local building inspectors should always be consulted before installation of a door interlock locking system to help ensure compliance. For example, there are situations where any locks restricting an exit are not permitted, and where only traffic lights may be deployed to indicate when entry or exit is permitted. 

Choosing a door control system for a facility is of the utmost importance for any security executive, in order to ensure the safety and security of people, property and assets. A door interlock system can provide a highly efficient and effective solution for any security challenge. 

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However, uses have expanded and increasingly, mantraps can be found in everyday life applications. Head over to your local bank and you can see one first hand. You will notice that you have to enter through two sets of doors before actually stepping into the bank.

In fact, many banks place ATMs inside the first set of doors. During the off-hours, you are required to swipe your debit card and provide your pin in order to gain access to the ATM. The interior set of doors are locked during these off-hours. That’s a mantrap.

Beyond banks, there are numerous applications for mantraps that span a variety of industries. The increased use and applications of mantraps is good news for integrators who may be looking for an additional or new revenue stream.

Those applications include:

1. Cleanrooms where contamination to individuals and or experiments are not acceptable. The addition of door interlocks not only assures the cleanroom meets the necessary ISO classifications by enforcing clean air control, but can also add a level of security within the controlled environment of the cleanrooms.
2. Casinos and gaming facilities in areas where cash is handled. For example, Dortronics worked with several casinos that use a field-programmable mantrap controller with a card access system to provide secured entry into the money counting areas. Visual indicators are also supplied for traffic control. The systems are field programmable to allow for any number of secured rooms with multiple doors and may be adjoining with shared doorways between rooms.
3. Armored car facilities to control vehicle entry into the facility and cash transfer from receiving to secured counting areas.
4. Prisons and police stations for transporting detainees through the facility in a secure manner.
5. Medical facilities for patient transport and deliveries. In a hospital that wants to limit access into the mental health areas, mantraps can provide access to two sides of interior and exterior doors. The mantrap prevents the second door from being unlocked while the first door is unsecured. A door prop alarm is used at every secured door to insure that each is properly re-secured after an authorized access. Each door is also monitored can be monitored by a controller that will sound an alarm if the doors have not been re-secured in the allotted time period.
6. High risk wholesale and retail establishments where expensive merchandise such as jewelry is exchanged
7. Check cashing facilities to monitor individuals entering areas where cash transactions take place
8. Schools where access to entrance lobbies and administration areas require added security
9. Laboratory and pharmaceutical facilities where cleanrooms are utilized. Dortronics works with many pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that employ mantrap controls to ensure a sterile environment. Magnetic locks with door position switches were installed on 2-door mantraps. While the doors are normally unlocked, the mantrap controller will lock the opposite door when any door of the mantrap is opened. The second door can only be opened after the first door has been closed.

Door interlock systems provide a unique form of protection not afforded by conventional access control systems that can more easily be compromised using lost, stolen or replicated credentials.

There are numerous commercial and industrial access applications for door interlock systems with as few as two doors or several, as are their use for highly specialized vehicular applications like armored cars or prison carriers. In any case, door interlock systems provide a highly efficient and effective solution for security and environmental control applications, and can be a solid way for you to create additional revenue streams and to increase your client base.

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A few years ago, a man robbed a bank in Omaha at gun point…and almost didn’t make it out of the bank. The alleged robbers are seen on video released by Omaha Crime Stoppers entering the bank, but one of the robbers is flustered by the door, which is operated correctly by “pulling” it open.

The alleged robber has so much trouble with the door that he spends 9 seconds trying to open it with no success. Eventually, the second suspect returns and opens the door for him. The two suspects eventually opened the door and got away.

According to FBI crime statistics, almost 4,000 banks and financial institutions were robbed in 2017. The most popular day to rob a bank was on Friday, between 3-6 pm.

Security technology for banks is transitioning to reduce the amount of bank thefts and related crimes. Back in the day, retail banking used still cameras, and film had to be sent elsewhere for developing while FBI agents, local law enforcement and bank security waited.

Nowadays, banks are using IP video cameras, alarm systems, bait money, guards, electronic tracking devices and more, as the FBI stats show.

Another key technology used to secure banks or financial institutions is door interlock systems that allow only a single door to an area to be accessed at a time. This system can guarantee a very high security level because a second door opens only when the first door has already closed and the person in transit has permission to pass through. Security guards can view who is entering the bank and manage pedestrian traffic.

Integrating door interlock systems with other monitoring devices can increase the security level. For example, a door interlock solution can automatically lock doors if a concealed firearm is detected. Here, an interlock door system provides unrestricted access to an interior vestibule, where customers then pass through a metal detector before entering the inner lobby. Access is only allowed if no metal is detected. Should an individual be deemed suspicious, an alert sounds, and the individual is denied entry into the lobby.

Some door interlocking systems also include intercom communications between the person(s) inside the “mantrap” and a security guard or operator. Advanced systems can also deploy biometric devices that read faces, eyes and/or fingerprints for accurate identity verification, which results in a higher level of sophistication and security.

Hard-wired interlock door systems are also simple and easy to use, and there are a variety of choices to meet various levels of security – all without having to employ the services of the IT department or a programmer. Installation is fast, and the systems allow for customization such as timing functions to meet user’s specific needs.

Banks and other financial institutions require a higher level of security than most commercial sites, given the value of their assets. Interlocked door systems, with the high level of security that they provide, make them ideal for banking and financial applications.

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There are also many different door configurations to satisfy the long list of entry/egress needs at medical and assisted living facilities. This includes: doors that open manually with a handle, knob or push bar; doors that slide, swing or revolve; doors that open automatically with the push of a button or the swipe of a card; doors that can be programmed to open automatically only when another door is closed; doors that are alarmed; and so on. Needless to say, medical and assisted living facilities employ quite an assortment of doors that fall under various classifications, each with specific design criteria.

The physical security and safety of people, property and assets plays a significant role in determining which door control solutions get applied where. The proper selection and deployment of intelligent and reliable door control solutions helps security professionals better manage risk, enhance protection, and comply with mandated ADA requirements. However, deciding on the right door control solutions to meet a facility’s needs and comply with local, state and federal regulations can be complicated.

Here’s a brief overview of the building blocks for most door control solutions:

Electromagnetic Locks are used for swinging doors to provide positive, instantaneous door control. They are inherently failsafe, releasing instantly upon command or loss of power to provide unobstructed egress. Independent of any mechanical type locks, they have no moving parts and are easy to retrofit onto existing doors. Alternately, mortised electromagnetic locks are used where aesthetics are concerned such as hospital lobbies and vestibule entrances.  Electromagnetic locks can also be used to secure cabinets and drawers or pedestrian gates. And because of their confined magnetic field they can safely be used in computer rooms and other electronically sensitive areas within a hospital environment.    

“REX” Push Buttons (Request to Exit) are used in areas where security codes require a readily apparent and easy-to-use door control or electric lock release. They are easy to operate and are available for use in outdoor or harsh operating conditions. They are available with alternate action, momentary action or time delayed action. Proximity activated switches can help decrease the potential to spread contagious diseases since no actual hand contact is required to activate them. LED lights clearly indicate whether doors are locked or unlocked.

Mantrap/Interlocked Doors are commonly configured with electromagnetic locks for security applications. Two-door mantraps are most common, but systems can incorporate many doors when several controlled areas are interconnected. Life safety codes need to be complied with when deploying mantraps to control ingress and egress. This will require that the door interlock systems be interfaced with fire alarm controllers to allow emergency exit. A local emergency pull station may also be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies, or to interface the mantrap system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls.

Door Prop Alarms are used primarily for exit doors. These alarms provide an audible warning sounder at the door, as well as activating an alarm relay to signal other remote monitoring systems.

Panic Devices/Emergency Pull Stations facilitate quick and safe egress from a facility in case of emergency.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in door control for medical and assisted living facilities. The door control experts at Dortronics can help you configure the best door control solution for every entry/egress point in your facility. Just click here to get the conversation started.

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Door interlock solutions, also commonly referred to as mantraps or airlocks, resolve most if, not all of these concerns when implemented properly, making cleanroom management much more manageable. But there are many considerations to consider when looking to implement a new or existing cleanroom door interlock system.

Depending upon the specific designated processes taking place within the cleanroom, door interlock systems can include any of the following capabilities: air system control, traffic control, user feedback indication, touch-free access, emergency override operation, access control, and/or forced door & door prop alarms.

Some cleanrooms require pressurized air systems to maintain a sterile environment. This requires door interlocks to incorporate a timed delay before entry is granted into the cleanroom so that re-pressurization of the interlock can take place. This is often controlled by a simple timer or a monitored pressure switch. While the air is pressurized, traffic indicator lights are typically also employed to alert personnel when pressurization is complete for safe entry.

Some cleanroom locations may not allow any doors to be locked to permit free egress at any time. While this may provide an added degree of safety for personnel working in cleanrooms, it opens up the possibility of unauthorized entry of personnel during critical processes. This is most easily addressed with the use of red/green traffic lights mounted on either side of the doors to indicate when access is allowed. Adding a built-in sounder which annunciates an improper opening can also help minimize such actions. Additionally, with functions like re-pressurization that may be taking place, traffic indicator lights can be used to provide user feedback.

While automatic door openers are frequently used to provide convenient touch-free access, special considerations are required if interlocking door controls are involved. Many door interlock systems with automatic door openers have “open”, “close” and “stop” push button controls for operators supervising personnel entry and egress. These doors typically employ electric locks and cannot be opened manually by personnel looking to gain entry or egress to a cleanroom. When an operator grants cleanroom access to an individual, the first door is unlocked, thus activating the automatic door opener, enabling touch free access. Once inside the interlock, access to the cleanroom area is then dependent on other factors such as repressurization, if required.

Providing a means to override a locked door is common in cleanrooms with a door interlock system in the event that an emergency arises. In such installations, consideration must be given as to how or when the system should be reset, and the doors relocked. Using a latching switch or emergency pull station in the secured room allows the user to unlock all doors or a particular door by activating the emergency button or pull station. The designated doors will remain unlocked until the switch is manually reset to normal. A programmed time delay may also be used to automatically relock the doors after a designated period of time.

Controlled access using card readers, biometrics or proximity devices is provided in secured cleanroom facilities. In addition to tightly controlling when and which individuals can gain access to a cleanroom, access control systems also can provide valuable forensic data on when and how long doors are opened and closed for both security and compliance reporting.

It’s also important to remember that cleanrooms often require cleaning, so all electrical devices need to be sealed and protected from frequent washdowns. Likewise, the locks, lighted devices, etc. must be sealed from moisture. Specially rated devices can be supplied that meet these criteria.

Dortronics Systems is a leading supplier of interlocking door systems. Feel free to contact our team of experts to help guide you through the cleanroom door interlock design process. You can also download our free whitepaper, Best Practices for Selecting and Installing Door Interlock Technology.

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