Honeywell Security
CCTV & Access Control - Design Guidelines

Selected Extracts from BS EN 50132-7
CCTV Design Guidelines
7.0 System Design Criteria
To minimise response times, cameras, monitors, video recorders, etc. Should be continuously on, and the system should not generate more information than the operators can effectively manage.
7.1 Surveillance Zone Determination Criteria
A CCTV surveillance installation is designed to monitor events of fundamental importance. These events might be hold up theft, sabotage/vandalism, hazard, evacuation, etc.
Typical examples of monitoring applications are:
a) Perimeter surveillance
b) Access control
c) Safety
d) Property protection
7.2 Criteria for Determining the Number of Cameras & their Location
Once zones and objects requiring surveillance have been identified the number of cameras required can be determined by the fields of view of the cameras equipment and system resolution and the nature of the zones to be surveyed. Picture detail should be consistent and adequate for the required level of service.
The operational requirement of the system and its use, as well as site constraints and service access, may restrict the camera location and increase the possibility of further cameras being required.
7.4 Camera Selection
The selection criteria should take into account the following:
a) The camera equipment should satisfy the operational requirement under all specified environmental conditions
b) Safety regulations relating to the site
Points to take into consideration:
a) White balance of colour cameras
b) Electronic iris in relation to picture degrading for highlights
c) Long exposure times in relation to movement blur
d) Spectral sensitivity in relation to the type of illumination
e) External synchronisation
f) Back-up power supply
7.5 Lens Selection
Selection of the correct lens type is as important as the camera selection. A poor lens performance can significantly detract from the overall performance of the system.
7.8 Evaluation of Scene & Illumination
The existing lighting should be evaluated for the level, direction and spectral content. Optimal light sources are those which have a spectrum that best matches the camera imaging device response.
If additional lighting is required, the number, type, siting and power of the light sources should be determined.
7.9 Selection of the Video Transmission System
There are many methods of video transmission and the suitability of a particular method for a given application should be carefully evaluated.
Video transmission may be as simple as a single coaxial cable or as complex as a microwave link or a mix of different transmission means.
Consideration should be given to prevailing and potential environmental conditions in those areas where the equipment and/or cables are to be installed.
7.9.2 Selection Criteria for Video Transmission
Considerations for the selection of a transmission means or a combination of different means are:
a) Bandwidth of the transmission path
b) Signal to noise ratio
c) Signal distortion
d) Distance to be covered
e) Interference immunity
f) Security of communication
g) Constraints in physical installation

Selected Extracts from the BSIA Publication ‘A Specifier’s Guide to the Security Classification of Access Control Systems’
5.1 General
The security of an access control system is determined by:
The type of reader(s) used at the access point(s)
Features employed in the system
The type(s) of access door(s) and locks used
Thoroughness of end user/clients’ security procedures
Generally the type of access control system and reader used at the access point, and the door or barrier designs determine the security level of the system. However, where special features are included in a system the security level may be increased. The end user’s procedures covering matters such as the issue of cards and tags, and the upkeep of the system database etc, should be considered as significant in the overall management of security at any site. The end-user should have well defined, written procedures for the above. Responsibility for the above should be clearly established.
8. Examples of security levels of access control systems
There are many combinations of features that can contribute to the final security level of an access control system. Suggested practical examples of applying security levels are listed below.
Coded entry into a staff common room for a small store - Level 1 or 2
This is a low risk application where coded entry may be preferable as it does not require staff to carry a card or tag. The higher security level may be applicable if the door is heavily used or if staff possessions are left in the room.
Access control used for privacy on an office/meeting room door - Level 1 or 2
When access control is used purely for privacy the construction of the door and strength of locking mechanism are largely irrelevant, provided they are strong enough to cope with the level of use the door is to receive. For privacy purposes a PIN is sufficient, however if a card/tag based system is in use elsewhere in the building it may be convenient to use this on such doors.
Access control for security on a low risk internal office door - Level 2
This represents a typical office door inside a company’s premises and assumes that to get to this door an individual will have to have already passed either a manned reception or a higher security level of external door. The security level of this type of door may rise to level 3 if a card/tag based access control system is to be used throughout the building (for convenience), or if this were an office door in a public building.
Main entrance to a company’s premises - Level 3
A card only solution to a company's main entrance is acceptable provided that there is a manned reception or that an additional lock secures the door when the building is left unoccupied.
Main entrance to a company’s premises, in use 24 hours a day - Level 4
When a building is to be used 24 hours a day, then a card/tag and PIN system should be used during periods where there is no manned security at reception.
Access control into a block of flats - Level 4
A grade 4 door may be necessary owing to the likelihood of vandalism and the heavy and abusive usage the door is likely to suffer in this application. Card and PIN is not necessarily required as many residents may find it difficult to remember a PIN, but the use of a token as opposed to a key greatly increases residents security, as previous tenants tokens can be quickly blocked.
Rear car park entrance to a building - Level 4/4+
Any door in an exposed environment such as this should be of security level 4 construction due to the likelihood of attempted surreptitious entry. External warehouse door for high value storage - Level 4+
Again, this type of door requires high resistance to physical attack, and card and pin should be enforced outside conventional working hours. For high value goods or cash areas the use of a two door interlock should also be considered - this system prevents both doors being opened at the same time and can help reduce opportunist crime.
9. Application of security levels to access control systems
It must always be borne in mind that electronic access control is an important part of an overall security system. Other measures, including systems such as intruder alarms CCTV, manned patrols, and clients' security procedures etc, must be included in assessing the quality of the overall management of site security.


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Honeywell Security Group
Aston Fields Road
Whitehouse Industrial Estate
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 3DL

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