What is a "door contact" in electronic access control?

A "door contact" is primarily defined as a device that detects the status of a door. This means it can determine whether the door is open or closed, which is crucial for effective electronic access control systems. When integrated into an access control system, door contacts provide real-time feedback on the condition of the door. This information can trigger alarms, logging events about door usage, and ensure that security protocols are followed by alerting if a door is held open longer than permitted.

In electronic access control, knowing the door status contributes to overall security management, allowing system operators to monitor entry points effectively and respond to unauthorized access attempts. Understanding this functionality emphasizes the importance of status detection in the wider context of security and access control systems.