Safelink Knowledge Library

The relay you require depends on the number of doors in the system and the type of locking devices installed.

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Three or more doors

If your system has three or more doors, use the R13/C relay. Each relay can control up to four doors and can be expanded with additional boards for systems with more than four doors. The R13/C supports both fail safe (power to lock) and fail secure (power to unlock) locking systems.

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Two doors with fail safe locks

If you have two doors fitted with magnetic locks or other fail safe locking devices, use the R12 relay. This relay supplies power directly to the locks and removes power when access is granted. In the event of an emergency, both doors can be released for safe evacuation.

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Two doors with fail secure locks

If you have two doors fitted with fail secure locks, use the R10 relay. This relay applies power to the lock only when access is granted.

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Important

Always use separate door contacts rather than the contacts built into magnetic locks, as separate contacts provide a more reliable indication of the door's true position.

Call us before purchasing if you are unsure for expert advice.

If you have a 2-wire system 

You can normally replace the existing entrance panel with the latest SFERA style panel without replacing the whole system.

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If you have an analogue system 

Bticino recommends upgrading the entire system, particularly for video installations where compatibility with newer equipment is not possible.

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If your system is 4+n audio 

A full replacement isn't always necessary. We've tested an alternative replacement panel that allows many existing 4+n systems to remain in service.

It's important to know that Bitron has ceased trading, an most parts are no longer in production. There are a few products that are still being produced by Golmar, who now own the rights to these items, a few products that can be replaced with an alternative, and the rest arepurely on a "while stocks loast basis".

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Products in production include;

AV1407/001, AV1407/002 & AV1407/010 handsets

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Direct replacements include;

AN 1299 PSU -> Golmar TF-104

Some 4+n Speech units -> Urmet 5150/500 or 5150/510 depending on varient.

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Link to discontinued database?

We've received a number of enquiries about older BPT AZ Series entrance panels, as these are no longer in production.

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For many of the most common installations, the original AZ Series panel can be replaced with a modern BPT MTM Series panel. However, the biggest challenge is usually the difference in size between the old and new back boxes.

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At Safelink, we manufacture a custom surround frame to cover the marks left by the original panel and provide a neat, professional finish when installing the new MTM panel.

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This means you can upgrade your entrance panel without leaving visible gaps or damaged brickwork around the new installation.

From time to time, manufacturers update their product ranges, and Bell System is no exception.

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We regularly receive enquiries from customers looking to replace older 801P, 801S, 801PS and 500 Series handsets, but who are unsure which current model they need.

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In most cases, the correct replacement is the Bell System XL5-LX handset. However, there are several similar-looking variants, so we always recommend checking the exact model you are replacing before ordering.

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If you're unsure, simply contact us with the model number or send us a photograph of your existing handset, and we'll identify the correct replacement for you.

One of the questions we're asked most often is how to connect an intercom system and an access control system so they can both release the same door. A frustratingly simple, yet, yet tricky task, that can become surprisingly complicated depending on the equipment involved.

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Most modern intercom and access control systems include a Push to Exit (PTE) or Push to Open (PTO) input. In most cases, we find that using this feature provides the simplest and most reliable solution.

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The Recommended Method

Rather than having both systems switch the door lock independently, we generally recommend allowing the intercom to trigger the access control system, with the access control system operating the lock.

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This offers several advantages:

• Simpler wiring.

• Reduced chance of wiring conflicts.

• The access control system can still record the door release event.

• The lock is controlled by the access control system's higher-rated relay contacts.

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Shared Power Supplies

If both systems share the same power supply, the wiring can sometimes be simplified even further.

However, great care must be taken when doing this, as incorrect wiring can easily create a short circuit or damage the equipment.

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When a Relay is Required

Some access control systems have a volt-free Push to Exit input, while the intercom provides a 12V switched output. In these situations, a handy little relay such as our R07 provides the perfect interface between the two systems. The intercom energises the R07, which then provides the volt-free contact required by the access control system.

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The result is a simple, reliable installation where:

• The intercom requests the door release.

• The access control system logs the event (where supported).

• The access control system operates the lock using its own relay outputs.

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This is the method we generally recommend at Safelink because we've found it to be the simplest and most reliable solution across a wide range of systems.

Bespoke Parts & Custom Solutions

Safelink has long been known as the company to contact for the difficult and unusual jobs.

Our expertise doesn't stop at understanding different intercom systems. For many years we've also been modifying and customising products to solve problems that standard off-the-shelf parts simply can't.

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Today, we use in-house CAD/CAM equipment to manufacture bespoke replacement lenses for older entrance panels, along with 3D printing technology to produce custom brackets, adaptors and other specialist components.​

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We generally see two main uses for these custom parts:

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Keeping Legacy Systems Going

Sometimes a complete replacement simply isn't practical or economical. A custom-made part can keep an older system operational until the time is right for a full upgrade.

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Making New Equipment Fit Existing Installations

Modern equipment doesn't always fit older panels or back boxes. By designing and manufacturing bespoke components, we can integrate new technology into existing installations without the astronomical costs normally associated with one-off fabrication.

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Whether it's a replacement lens, a mounting bracket or a completely custom solution, we'll always look for the most practical and cost-effective option.

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Click HERE for more...

One of the most common questions we receive is why a newly purchased access fob or card doesn't work straight out of the packet.

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The simple answer is that all access fobs are supplied unprogrammed.

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Technically, that's a slightly misleading term. Every fob already contains its own unique identification number (ID). Rather than programming the fob itself, the controller on site has to be told to recognise that unique ID. In reality, you're programming the controller, not the fob.

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Unless you've purchased a complete new system and specifically requested pre-programmed fobs, your new fobs will need to be added to the system before they will operate the doors.

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Unfortunately, this isn't something we can do for you, as we don't have access to your site's controller.

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More importantly, you wouldn't want us to. If anyone could programme a fob without access to the system, it wouldn't be a very secure access control system!

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Instead, responsibility for managing access usually falls to one of the following:

• The residents' committee.

• The managing agent.

• The building owner.

• The security or maintenance company responsible for the system.

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If you're unsure who manages your building's access control, your managing agent should be able to point you in the right direction.

If you're replacing an existing handset, it's usually best to stick with the same manufacturer and either buy the exact same model or the current replacement for that handset.

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However, there are some situations where alternative handsets can be used.

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Analogue 4+n (5-wire) systems have a degree of cross-compatibility, but choosing the correct replacement depends on understanding the wiring and any conversion required.

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Knowing the exact model of the existing handset makes identifying a replacement much easier. If you don't know the model, a clear photograph of the front and inside of the handset, including the terminal labels, will usually give us enough information to suggest suitable alternatives.

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If your handset uses 2 to 4 wires (reduced wiring systems), or has 6 or more connections, things become much more complicated. In these cases, you'll often need an exact replacement for the system to operate correctly.

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One final word of caution: we've come across many older systems where a third party has modified the handset. This means the wiring inside doesn't match the model number on the label, so appearances can be misleading.

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If you're in any doubt, it's always worth asking before ordering. A couple of photographs can save you ordering the wrong handset.

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Which Handset do I Need?

The simple answer is no. There isn't a door entry panel that's advertised as being truly universal.

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However, much like universal handsets for 4+n analogue systems, there are some panels and speech units that can be adapted to replace a wide range of older systems.

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One of the products we've spent a considerable amount of time testing is the Golmar EL655 speech unit.

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One of its key features is the ability to switch between AC call and tone call using an onboard jumper, making it suitable for many different 5-wire analogue systems. It also offers flexibility in the door release wiring, allowing it to be adapted to a variety of existing installations.

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The EL655 can be fitted into Golmar's own modular entrance panels or installed into one of our bespoke steel panels, allowing older entrance panels to be replaced without changing the entire system.

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We know similar conversions are possible using other manufacturers' equipment. For example, Videx produce conversion drawings for adapting some of their modules to older systems.

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However, we've found the Golmar modules to be more flexible when manufacturing custom replacement panels, which is why they became our preferred solution.

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If you're looking to replace an obsolete entrance panel, contact us with photographs of your existing equipment. We may be able to recommend a replacement even if no direct equivalent is available.

As the demand for higher levels of security continues to grow, we're increasingly being asked about biometric access control systems.

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When most people think of biometrics, they think of fingerprint readers, but there are many other options available, including:

• Fingerprint readers

• Facial recognition

• Iris scanners

• Palm or vein recognition

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These technologies can offer a higher level of security because, unlike an access card or PIN code, your fingerprint or face can't simply be handed to someone else.

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However, there are several important factors to consider before deciding if biometrics are the right choice.

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How Do Biometric Readers Work?

Rather than storing an image of your fingerprint or face, most biometric systems create a digital template based on unique characteristics.

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When you present your fingerprint or face again, the system compares the new scan against the stored template to determine whether it's the same person.

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The challenge is that no two scans are ever absolutely identical.

• Lighting changes.

• Your finger may not be placed in exactly the same position.

• Your face may be at a slightly different angle.

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For this reason, biometric systems don't look for a perfect match. Instead, they work within an acceptable tolerance to balance reliability, security and user convenience.

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Setting this tolerance too strictly can lead to genuine users being rejected. Setting it too loosely can increase the likelihood of false matches. Finding the right balance is one of the reasons why choosing the correct system is important.

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Data Protection

Another consideration is data protection. Biometric templates are considered personal data and their collection, storage and use must comply with the relevant data protection legislation, including UK GDPR where applicable.

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Anyone deploying a biometric system should ensure that appropriate consent, policies and security measures are in place.

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People Change

People aren't static.

• Hands become rough through manual work.

• Small cuts can affect fingerprint readers.

• People age.

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Some facial recognition systems cope well with glasses, hats or facial hair, while others perform better than others in changing conditions.

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These aren't reasons to avoid biometrics, but they are practical considerations when choosing the right technology.

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Are Biometrics the Right Choice?

Biometric readers certainly have their place, particularly where security is the highest priority.

However, it's worth asking what you're trying to achieve.

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Are you looking for:

• Greater security?

• Improved convenience?

• Better control over who enters the building?

• To remove the need for cards or PIN codes?

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In many cases, biometrics are an excellent solution.

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In others, a well-designed card, fob or mobile credential system may provide a simpler and equally effective alternative.

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If you're unsure which technology is best for your application, we're always happy to discuss the options.

Actually... yes, we can supply wireless intercom systems.

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However, a completely wireless intercom isn't quite possible - at least not in the way most people imagine.

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The vast majority of enquiries come from customers who simply can't run a cable between the gate and the house.

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For these installations, we can supply both audio and video systems using DECT wireless technology. While DECT has a limited operating range, we've found it performs very well for most domestic installations.

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We've also recently tested an IP-based solution using a wireless bridge, which has produced excellent results.

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What About Apartment Blocks?

This is where expectations often differ from reality.

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For a single house or a small apartment block, wireless solutions can often work extremely well. As the number of apartments increases, however, traditional DECT and other wireless technologies become much more difficult to manage.

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For these larger multi-resident systems, we're confident that modern IP intercom systems combined with wireless network bridges provide a far more practical solution.

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A fully wireless apartment block system, where everything communicates wirelessly, isn't currently possible in the way most people imagine. However, that's not the only way to achieve a wireless installation.

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Using a cloud-based video intercom system, the entrance panel connects to the internet, while each apartment monitor or resident's smartphone connects via their own home Wi-Fi.

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In this type of installation, the only hard wiring required at the entrance is power and an internet connection.

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Is Wireless Right for You?

Wireless intercoms can be an excellent solution where installing new cables would be difficult, expensive or disruptive.

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Whether you're trying to bridge the distance between a gate and a house, or looking for the best solution for a multi-resident building, the right choice depends on the application, the available infrastructure and what you're trying to achieve.

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If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss the most suitable solution.