Access control system installed by a PLC programming company

5 Questions to Help Select the Right Access Control System for You

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An access control system is a huge investment for any company, but installing the right one is essential for getting the most for your money. Here are some questions you should be asking to select the best system for you.

1 – What Level of Security Do You Need?

This depends on many factors, such as the location of the building you want to protect, the number of employees and contractors you have, and the nature of your business. Some industries, such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and electronic component manufacturing, require strict access controls that can’t be maintained by using keys. This can be to protect company secrets, maintain a clean room for production or manufacturing, or follow legal requirements.

Access control system installed by a PLC programming company

2 – How Much Do You Have to Spend?

Access control systems can range in price from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands. You should know precisely how many entrances and restricted areas you want to protect. You also need to consider the features you want the access control system to have. The type of locks, the means of controlling access, and the production of badges or biometric access are just a few options you might want to install within your system. Getting quotes from several vendors and access control system installers is also a good idea.

3 – How Well Does It Work With Your Other Systems?

Burglar alarm and fire alarm systems should work smoothly together to prevent conflict or disaster. Access management systems should be easy to expand for future growth. It also should integrate with your PLC programming system.

4 – What Do Other Companies Think About the System?

It is easy to look at online reviews to see how other customers liked the system. What are some of the problems they encountered with the installation, implementation, or everyday use of the system? What do they like and not like about the system? Reach out to your peers within the industry and ask what access control system they are using.

5 – Is It Easy to Use?

An excellent access control system should be easy to use for both the people using the system every day and the managers who implement and control the system. Complex systems lead to frustrated workers and managers. The access control system should make life easier, not harder.

Answering these questions should help narrow down your choices and guide you to selecting the right access control system.

Let Tri-State Electrical Contractors Handle Your Access Control System Installation Needs

At Tri-State Electrical, we pride ourselves on answering all your questions about your access control system needs. For more information, get a quote for your access control system project by calling at (423) 800-2134, filling out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.

Tool for performing commercial electrical services

5 Tips for Maintaining Commercial Electrical Systems

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Commercial electrical systems are complex and require regular maintenance to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. Although it is always a good idea to have an experienced commercial electrician regularly inspect your system, there are a few actions you can take yourself:

1. Inspect Electrical Appliances and Equipment

You should check your electrical equipment and appliances weekly for signs of wear and damage. Look for frayed wiring and cords, and check the outlets, plugs, and panels for any cracks or warping.

Don’t forget to use your other senses to inspect the equipment. If you feel excessive heat radiating off of equipment or smell hot rubber or plastic, these might indicate an overloaded circuit or damage causing the equipment to run hot. Pay attention if your equipment makes strange sounds or sounds louder than usual. Grinding or scraping sounds can indicate misaligned, damaged, or worn parts within the equipment.

Damaged equipment runs less efficiently, and if the issues are not addressed promptly, it may result in a more expensive repair.

Tool for performing commercial electrical services

2. Read the Manuals

Most commercial equipment and appliances require regular maintenance schedules for lubrication, changing filters, adding fluids, etc. The manuals for your equipment will always have information about its maintenance schedule. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to the letter to prevent problems down the line.

3. Prevent Overloaded Circuits

A lot of commercial-grade electrical equipment requires a lot of power. If you have older circuits and wiring in your building, you might be consuming more energy than the electrical equipment was designed to handle.

Overloading circuits may cause fires or electrocution hazards. Always make sure not to plug in too many appliances into a single outlet or surge protector. And never use extension cords for high-wattage appliances.

4. Maintain Detailed Electrical Maintenance and Repair Records

A detailed record of all maintenance performed on your electrical system is critical for adhering to regular maintenance schedules, identifying chronic or predictable issues with the system, and discovering potential problems that might become more significant problems in the future. Good maintenance records can prolong the life of your equipment, limit downtime and expensive repairs, and inform the commercial electrical company you hire of the system’s current status.

5. Call a Professional Commercial Electrician

Hiring a certified commercial electrical company to manage your electrical needs can also make it a lot easier on yourself.

Let Tri-State Electrical Contractors Handle Your Commercial Electrical Services Needs

At Tri-State Electrical, we pride ourselves on answering all of your questions about your commercial electrical service needs. For more information, get a quote for your commercial electrical projects by calling (423) 800-2134, filling out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.