What is the function of the access control power supply? How to choose?

Although the access controller is the core part of the access control system, the power supply is also a link that cannot be ignored to ensure the stability of the entire system. 

Is it better to choose a linear power supply or a switching power supply? 

The advantages of linear power supply: are stable performance and no interference such as high-frequency ripple. the Disadvantages of linear power supply: heat generation, and low energy utilization. There is no choice of a super powerful power supply.

Advantages of switching power supply: It is convenient to use a high-power power supply for centralized power supply, and it shows better cost performance when the price of raw materials continues to rise. Small size and lightweight. There are many makes and models to choose from. 

Disadvantages of switching power supply: If the quality of the power supply is not good, the high-frequency ripple is not easy to control. For some access controllers with poor anti-interference ability, it is easy to cause the access controller to crash, resulting in the situation that the door cannot be opened. 

My point of view and suggestion: I think you can choose both. If you choose a switching power supply, it is recommended to choose a controller that requires better anti-interference.

How much power is suitable for choosing a power supply? 

Most of the access control systems use a 12V DC power supply, so the power of the power supply can be evaluated through the rated current parameters of the power supply. Considering impact resistance and long-term stable operation, the following suggestions are made:

If you choose a linear power supply, if a controller is calculated with 4 electric locks, it is recommended to choose a nominal 5-7A note:

For power supply selection, the larger the power and rated current, the better, and there will be no major side effects. If it is lower, it will not work. In the market, there are many irresponsible power supply manufacturers who falsely mark up the rated current and power of their products. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy a branded power supply.

Application and Selection of Power Supply in Access Control Alarm System

1. Measure the actual output power of the power supply

There are many devices involved in the power supply in the access control alarm system. In order to ensure the normal and stable operation of each device, the power supply needs to have enough power to supply power to each device. When purchasing a power supply, pay special attention to the nominal value of the power supply, and it is best to test the actual parameters on the spot because some cheap access control power supplies on the market often fail to reach the nominal value in practical applications, which seriously affects the access control system. The normal and stable operation of the alarm system. When purchasing a power supply, it is recommended to choose a power supply manufacturer with up-to-standard technical parameters, reliable quality, a good reputation, and suitable for access control and alarm systems. At present, in some access control manufacturers, the power supply is sold together with the controller. Generally speaking, such manufacturers consider the actual application of the project in the selection of the power supply and have a better guarantee for the overall quality of the system.

A simple method to test the output power of the power supply: add a load corresponding to the output power of the power supply (such as cement resistance) to the power supply, run it for more than 48 hours, measure the actual output voltage and current of the power supply with a multimeter, and compare it with the nominal value to obtain Check whether the output voltage is stable after adding load? Is the heat generation normal? If possible, it is best to install and test run on-site.

2. Effective lightning protection

Judgment on whether the product has lightning protection:

① Visually check whether there is a protection circuit design on the power supply. (This method is suitable for those who have researched circuit hardware).

② Find out whether the manufacturer has technical accumulation in lightning protection technology, such as the actual demonstration of product reliability. Lightning protection test reports of related products, etc.

3. Wide temperature range

The temperature adaptation range is between -40 degrees to 85 degrees, which can meet the requirements. Specific test methods can be provided by the manufacturer or can be specified in the terms of the contract in terms of quality assurance to ensure their legitimate rights and interests.

4. Intelligent charging and discharging management of the backup battery

The charge and discharge management function of the power supply is mainly to avoid damage to the battery due to overcharging of the battery, and it will not cause the system to be unstable due to excessive charging current and pull down the current supply of other devices due to recharging after overcharging.

5. Fault isolation, avoiding the damage of individual equipment and affecting the overall stability of the system

Due to the diversity of access control and alarm system hardware devices, it is bound to involve one power supply to provide a unified power supply to multiple devices. At this time, it should be noted that the purchased power supply should have multiple output terminals for independent power supply output, and the power supply should be able to intelligently judge the output Current, this can solve the problem of centralized power supply of one power supply or when a certain power output fails, it will not affect the power supply output of other roads, even if one power output is directly short-circuited, it will not affect the output of other ports. Of course, the power supply will not be burned out because of a short circuit in one port.

6. Wide voltage range, stable power output

Mains voltage fluctuations often occur, either high or low. Therefore, the power supply must be able to adapt to the fluctuation of the mains voltage in a wide range, and the output voltage can be stably output at 12V, so as to avoid the unstable power supply caused by the fluctuation of the mains voltage and affect the normal and stable operation of the access control system.

7. About the choice of switching power supply and linear power supply

In the actual project application, whether to choose a switching power supply or a linear power supply, many engineering friends have no way to start. In fact, as long as you grasp two points:

① For projects in hot southern regions, if you choose a linear power supply, it is recommended not to put the linear power supply and other equipment in the same equipment box, because the linear power supply has a large loss and heats up very badly, and other equipment in the same equipment box, if Untimely heat dissipation is likely to cause unstable operation of other devices. And if the linear power supply is equipped with a dedicated box, it will bring some cost increase.

②The low-cost linear power supply generally does not have the battery charge and discharge management function, which can easily cause damage to the battery.

Author: Written by Anna Zhang from S4A INDUSTRIAL CO., LIMITED