For housing societies, developers, building managers and elevator service, installation and sales engineers
Elevator access control helps a building decide who can call an elevator and which floors they can select. It is common in hotels and premium residences, but different buildings need different levels of control. Choosing the right arrangement at the design stage can avoid unnecessary expense and simplify integration with the elevator controller.
Before choosing an access control system, define what an authorised user should be able to do. Should they be allowed to call the elevator, use every floor button, or select only certain floors? These are three distinct arrangements, each with a different purpose.
This article focuses on the level of access granted. The method used to identify a user, such as a card, biometric reader or password, is a separate selection topic.
In this arrangement, authorisation is required to activate the landing call button. Only an authorised user can place a call from that landing.
Useful when The building wants to control who can call the elevator from a particular landing, for example in an area where security staff manage access.
Understand the scope Controlling a landing call does not, by itself, restrict which destination floors a passenger can select inside the car. Those permissions need a separate arrangement if required.
The car operating panel, or COP, contains the floor selection buttons inside the elevator. With complete COP access control, a single authorisation enables the panel, allowing the user to select any floor covered by that arrangement.
Useful when The building needs to distinguish authorised users from other passengers, while allowing authorised users access to all controlled floors.
Understand the scope This arrangement does not assign different floor permissions to different users. If individual users should reach only selected floors, choose floor based control.
Here, each user is assigned permission for specific floors. After authorisation, only the permitted floor buttons accept their selection; other controlled floors remain unavailable to that user.
Some floors can remain open to everyone if the building’s access policy allows it. For example, a common entry floor may be unrestricted. Access to a terrace or other shared area should follow the building’s own policy.
Useful when Residents, hotel guests, tenants or staff need different floor permissions within the same building.
Understand the scope Individual floor control requires a suitable interface with the elevator system. Confirm compatibility and the required configuration before selecting equipment.
Control who can call the elevator Consider landing access control.
Give authorised users access to every controlled floor Consider complete COP access.
Give each user access to selected floors Consider floor based access control.
A building may need more than one arrangement. Start with its operating needs and visitor movement, then confirm how the proposed system will work with the elevator.
The level of control affects both the access control system and its interface with the elevator controller. A simple panel enabling arrangement and individual floor permissions have different integration requirements. Discuss these with the elevator supplier before finalising the system.
Clearly define authorised users, unrestricted floors and visitor access. Ask for a quotation that covers the access equipment, controller interface, installation and configuration, so you can compare the complete project cost.
The right access control system begins with a clear access policy. Decide who should call the elevator and which floors each user should reach, then select the arrangement that meets those needs.
To explore LiftXs elevator access control, share your building type, floor permissions and elevator controller details with Elevatech.
