EAC Fire & Security recently completed an access control installation at a new soft play centre in Bournemouth, fitting a magnetic locking system to the entrance gate to provide controlled access while maintaining emergency release facilities.
The customer required a practical solution that would allow staff to manage access to the soft play area, while providing convenient exit options and integration with the building’s existing fire alarm system.
Our engineers installed a magnetic door lock (maglock), ACT5e access control keypad, touch-free exit button, emergency door release unit and a slimline reception desk release button.
The system was also connected through a fire alarm interface, allowing the magnetic lock to release automatically upon fire alarm activation.
Installing a Magnetic Lock on the Entrance Gate
The main requirement was to secure the entrance gate to the children’s soft play area while allowing staff to control access.
We installed an electromagnetic locking system, commonly known as a maglock, onto the entrance gate.
Unlike a traditional mechanical lock, a magnetic lock uses an electromagnet and a metal armature plate to hold a door or gate in its closed position when energised.
When the appropriate release signal is received, the magnetic lock is de-energised, allowing the gate to open.
This type of system can be suitable for premises where access needs to be managed, including nurseries, leisure facilities, offices and other commercial buildings, provided the necessary escape and safety arrangements are in place.
Find out more about our access control installation services.
ACT5e Keypad for Controlled Entry
To provide a convenient way of controlling entry, we installed an ACT5e access control keypad near the entrance gate.
The keypad allows authorised users to release the magnetic lock by entering an access code.
This provides a straightforward method for managing entry without relying on a conventional key.
For a busy soft play centre, keypad-controlled access offers a practical way for staff to manage entry to the designated area.
Touch-Free Exit Button and Emergency Door Release
An important consideration when installing magnetic locking systems is ensuring that occupants can exit safely.
As part of this installation, our engineers fitted two separate release devices.
Touch-Free Exit Button
A touch-free exit button was installed on the inside of the controlled area.
This allows users to activate the normal door release without physically pressing a button.
Touch-free controls are particularly useful in busy public environments where multiple visitors may need to operate the exit throughout the day.
Emergency Door Release Unit
We also fitted a green emergency door release unit alongside the touch-free exit button.
This provides a separate manual means of releasing the magnetic lock in an emergency.
Emergency release arrangements are particularly important for electrically controlled doors and gates, where safe evacuation must be considered as part of the overall installation.
Reception Desk Release Button
To make the system convenient for staff, we installed an architrave-style slimline push button at the reception desk.
This allows reception staff to release the entrance gate without needing to walk over to the keypad or gate each time someone requires access.
It provides a simple way to manage visitor movement during normal opening hours.
The slimline design also makes the button suitable for installation in areas where space is limited.
Fire Alarm Interface for Automatic Gate Release
A key part of the project was integrating the new access control system with the building’s fire alarm.
Our engineers connected the system through a dedicated fire alarm interface, configured to release the magnetic lock when the fire alarm activates.
This means that, in the event of a fire alarm activation, the entrance gate is designed to unlock automatically rather than relying on someone entering a keypad code.
Fire alarm integration is an important consideration when installing electrically controlled access systems on escape routes.
The correct arrangements depend on the building layout, fire risk assessment and applicable safety requirements.
EAC Fire & Security provides both fire alarm installation and access control services, allowing us to coordinate these systems as part of a security installation.
Access Control Power Supply and System Installation
The installation also included a dedicated power supply enclosure with a 12V 7Ah backup battery, along with the necessary cabling and control connections.
Our engineers installed and connected the locking equipment, keypad, release controls and fire alarm interface as part of the new access control arrangement.
The combination of these components provides the soft play centre with several ways to control and release the entrance gate.
Completed Access Control Installation in Bournemouth
The new soft play centre now has a magnetic locking system installed at its entrance gate, incorporating:
- Magnetic lock for controlled gate access
- ACT5e access control keypad
- Touch-free exit button
- Emergency door release unit
- Slimline reception desk release button
- Fire alarm interface for automatic unlocking
- Dedicated access control power supply
The installation provides staff with convenient day-to-day control of the entrance gate while incorporating separate emergency release arrangements.
This project demonstrates how different security and life safety systems can be integrated to meet the practical requirements of a commercial premises.
Access Control Installations in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset
EAC Fire & Security provides professional access control installations for commercial properties, offices, leisure facilities, nurseries and other premises throughout Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding areas.
Our services include magnetic door locks, keypad entry systems, electronic access control, door release buttons and integration with fire alarm systems.
We also provide ongoing maintenance and repairs for existing security installations.
You can see further examples of our work on our recent jobs page.
Looking for an access control installation in Bournemouth?
Whether you need a single magnetic door lock, a keypad entry system or access control integrated with your fire alarm, EAC Fire & Security can help.
Contact EAC Fire & Security to discuss your requirements or request a quotation.
