Elevator access control: low-level and high-level integration
For condo boards, property managers, building owners, developers, general contractors and consultants in Alberta and BC. Trusted by the top 3 elevator companies.
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The quick answer
We design and install both low-level and high-level elevator integrations, so fobs, cards and phones control which floors people can reach. We’re trusted by the top 3 elevator companies, and we work alongside them to plan, connect and test every integration. Low-level is hardwired and works with most elevators, which makes it common in retrofits. High-level links the two systems through software, which suits destination dispatch and many new buildings. The elevator contractor looks after the elevator and all of its life-safety functions; we look after the access control side.
Low-level integration: hardwired floor control
In a low-level integration, a reader in the elevator car (or at the destination kiosk) reads the fob, card or phone, and the access control system tells the elevator controller which floor buttons to enable for that person. It does this through a hardwired output for each floor, connected at a point the elevator contractor provides. The elevator itself never needs to know who the person is: it only sees which floors are allowed right now.
It’s simple, proven and reliable, it works with most elevators, and it doesn’t depend on both makers supporting the same software. That’s why it’s common in retrofits and in buildings with conventional floor buttons. The trade-off is more wiring as the number of floors grows, and less detail in what the two systems can tell each other.
High-level integration: a software interface
In a high-level integration, the access control system and the elevator system talk to each other over a network, through a software interface supported by both makers. The access control system sends who the person is and which floors they’re allowed, and the elevator system can send events back.
There are far fewer wires, floor permissions are easier to change, and it can do things a hardwired link can’t, such as sending a person straight to their floor from a lobby kiosk or giving staff a car of their own. It’s needed for most destination dispatch systems and is common in new construction. It depends on the specific access control platform, its version and licences, and the elevator system all supporting the same interface, so we confirm that early with the makers and the elevator contractor.
Low-level vs high-level side by side
| Low-level (hardwired) | High-level (software) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it connects | A hardwired output for each floor, connected where the elevator contractor provides | A network link through a software interface both systems support |
| Wiring | More wiring as floors are added | Far less wiring |
| Floors | Suits low-rise to mid-rise buildings well; large floor counts mean more outputs | Handles many floors and cars without extra wiring per floor |
| Flexibility | Enables or disables floor buttons | Can pass who the person is, assign cars and send events back |
| Destination dispatch | Sometimes possible with a reader at each kiosk; depends on the system | Usually the way destination dispatch is integrated |
| Retrofit or new build | Common in retrofits and existing elevators | Common in new construction and modernizations |
| What has to match | Very little: it works with most elevators | The access control platform, version and licences, and the elevator system |
What elevator access control is used for
| Use | How it works |
|---|---|
| Secure residential floors | Residents can only press their own floor and the shared floors, such as the lobby, parkade and amenity level. |
| Office tenant floors | Each tenant’s staff reach their own floors, with common floors open during business hours. See multi-tenant offices. |
| Visitor floor access | A resident or tenant answers the video intercom and the visitor’s ride is limited to that one floor. |
| After-hours schedules | Floors open freely during the day and need a fob or phone at night and on weekends. |
| Parkade to lobby | People coming up from the parkade must badge to go past the lobby, so a stranger in the parkade can’t ride to suite floors. |
| Amenity floors | Gym, pool and party room floors open on a schedule or for a booking, and access can be suspended for a resident. |
| Freight and service elevators | Only staff, movers and trades with permission can use them, with a log of who used them and when. |
Working with the elevator contractor
The elevator contractor
- Owns and services the elevator and its controller
- Provides the connection point or software interface on the elevator side
- Sets up and keeps every life-safety function, including fire service recall and emergency operation
- Confirms what the elevator model supports
Our team
- Designs the access control side with the elevator contractor from the start
- Installs the readers, controllers, cabling and software on our side
- Programs floors, schedules and who can go where
- Tests every floor and every scenario together with the elevator contractor, then hands over admin access and documentation
Life safety comes first
Elevators in Alberta and BC are regulated under provincial safety codes and the CSA B44 elevator code, and only a licensed elevator contractor works on the elevator controller. Access control never overrides the elevator’s safety functions: when fire service recall or emergency operation takes over, floor restrictions don’t block it. We agree with the elevator contractor and the owner how floors behave if the access control system loses power or a reader fails, and we test it before handover.
This is general information, not code advice. The elevator contractor, your consultant and the authority having jurisdiction have the final say.
New construction, retrofits and tenders
In a new building, the integration is easiest when it’s planned at the design stage, before the elevator is ordered, so the right interface and licences are specified on both sides and the cable path into each car is arranged with the elevator contractor. See new construction.
In an existing building, low-level control can often be added to the elevator you have. If the elevator is due for a modernization, it’s the right time to plan high-level integration with it.
Going to tender? We can write the elevator integration into a tender-ready design, so every bidder prices the same scope and the split between the security installer and the elevator contractor is clear.
Access control platforms we connect
Many of the access control platforms we install support elevator control, including Kantech, Genetec Synergis and Avigilon. Which integration types, elevator systems and licences are supported depends on the platform and its version, so we confirm it with the maker and the elevator contractor during design. Already have a system nobody supports? Our System Rescue team can take it over, elevators included.
Planning an elevator integration?
Talk to our integration team. We’ll meet your elevator contractor, confirm low-level or high-level and give you a written plan and quote.
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Elevator access control questions
What’s the difference between low-level and high-level elevator integration?
Low-level is hardwired: the access control system enables floor buttons through an output for each floor. High-level is a software link between the two systems over a network, with fewer wires and more flexibility.
Will elevator access control work with our existing elevator?
Usually. Low-level control works with most elevators. High-level depends on the elevator system supporting an interface with your access control platform. We check with the elevator contractor first.
Do we need the elevator company involved?
Yes. The elevator contractor works on the elevator side and keeps its safety functions. We coordinate with them from design to testing, so you don’t have to manage two trades.
Can visitors be sent to one floor only?
Yes. When a resident or tenant lets a visitor in through the video intercom, the visitor’s elevator ride can be limited to that floor, on systems set up for it.
What happens to elevator access control in a fire alarm?
The elevator’s fire service operation takes over, and access restrictions don’t block emergency operation. The elevator contractor sets up and tests those functions.
What is destination dispatch, and does it need high-level integration?
Destination dispatch is when people choose their floor at a lobby kiosk and are sent to a car. Most destination dispatch systems are integrated at high level, so the person’s floors come from their credential.
Can floors be open during the day and locked at night?
Yes. Schedules can open floors during business hours and require a fob, card or phone at night and on weekends.
Can you add elevator control to our existing access control system?
Often, yes. It depends on the platform, the controllers and the elevator. We check what’s there and tell you whether it can be added or what would need to change.
What happens if the access control system loses power?
That’s agreed with the elevator contractor and the owner during design, for example whether floors open or stay restricted, and it’s tested before handover.
Do you work with the major elevator companies?
Yes. We’re trusted by the top 3 elevator companies, and we work alongside them on every integration. You still get admin access and full documentation for the access control side.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Plan your elevator integration
Tell us about the building, the number of elevators and floors, and whether it’s a new build or an existing elevator. Our integration team will follow up.
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