Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1132978
July/August/September 2019 I 29 In the past, analog hard wired ACS testing often involved presenting a card at the door to see if it unlocked. Today, requirements for testing ACS have become significantly more complex due to multi- system integrations and code changes. The extent of commissioning required at each project will be different depending on the owner's needs. Some owners do not anticipate a high threat or foresee a risk of losing valuable assets and want only minimal functional testing. They may view commissioning as a necessity imposed by corporate policy and contract for minimal services. Owners who have experienced problems with previous access control integrations into building systems or assess a vulnerability to potential loss from a threat or event are more likely to contract for extensive services. Intelligent building systems with IP edge access control devices operating on a LAN may have corporate network specifications that require commissioning. As part of the building life safety systems, many ACS are required to release doors upon activation of the fire detection and alarm system. Where electronic ACS are integrated with the fire detection and alarm system, two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards may be applicable: • NFPA 3, Standard for Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems • NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing Commissioning of the electronic access control system at fire doors may already be included in the commissioning of the fire protection and life safety systems. While NFPA 4 does not mandate integrated testing, it provides minimum requirements for integrated testing where such testing is required by another code, standard, design document or by an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The advantages of commissioning ACS include: • Certainty that physical measures at doors and gates operate as intended for the building occupants • Verification that electronic building systems are integrated to function properly when intended • Assurance that patches and updates are applied and cybersecurity measures are functional • Ability to create operational training, policies and procedures for staff • Compliance with codes It is the responsibility of the owner to understand the functionality of the access control system and develop a sequence of operations with the designer, installer and integrator. Given the liabilities associated with electronic safety and security (ESS) systems, the owner may contract for commissioning an evaluation of the systems' hardware and software to ensure that the access control system meets the owner and building operator's requirements. Many steps may require examination during design, installation and testing of an access control system depending upon the quantity of systems integrated. The following activities may be included in full commissioning of ESS systems: 1. Designation of an individual to lead commissioning process activities 2. Clear documentation of owner's project require- ments for each passage (door) in the project, delineating the basis of design for systems controlling access to those passages, and updating documents during design and construction 3. Development of security strategies and incorporation of security system testing and commissioning requirements into the construction documents 4. Development and utilization of a commissioning plan 5. Review of contractor submittals 6. Verification that the installation and performance of ACS meet the owner's project requirements and basis of design. Functional performance testing should include confirmation that local police and fire department requirements are met. Testing should ensure that notifications are received by the proper staff and alarm annunciations are sent 7. Completion of a commissioning report