An addendum that would extend BACnet to support access control systems is being proposed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Proposed addendum F to Standard 135-2004, “A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks,” establishes a standard BACnet object, which represents a door operated as part of an access control system. It presents information and alarms about the door such as its status (open or closed, door open too long, door forced open), and provides means for controlling the door (lock, unlock, etc.), according to the ASHRAE Web site .
This object is the first access control work item to come out of the BACnet committee's Life-Safety and Security Working Group ASHRAE says. The group is also working to develop full support for access control in BACnet, with more extensions to BACnet to follow. The group is working closely with the Security Industry Association to develop common data models and methods for access control systems.
The proposed addendum will be open for public review until Nov. 6.
