Commercial vs. Residential: Not All Door Hardware is Made the Same

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By Ryan Kaullen, Field Services Manager at Kenton Brothers

One of the biggest requirements that our clients have is their employee and customer safety. This goes hand in hand with the door hardware that is being used. I am going to compare two things in this article; Commercial Grade Hardware vs Residential Grade Hardware and Grade 1 Hardware vs Grade 2 Hardware. All have their proper applications and it’s important to understand when and where they should be used.

Commercial Grade Hardware vs. Residential Grade Hardware

Commercial vs. Residential: Not All Door Hardware is Made the SameCommercial grade hardware is built to withstand areas with higher amounts of traffic than residential buildings require. Essentially what you put on your home isn’t the same as what goes on the front door of a highly used commercial space. Along with commercial hardware being heavier duty,  most commercial buildings have specific requirements when it comes to meeting certain specifications such as UL Listings, ADA compliance, or other life safety conditions.

Residential hardware is made for homes where they won’t get as much wear and tear. Some businesses have used residential hardware in their spaces, but this causes several issues.

1) Warranties by the manufacturer of the residential hardware can be voided because it’s installed in a commercial space.
2) They won’t hold up and will need to be replaced frequently.
3) They don’t meet the life safety requirements of many commercial buildings.

Installing the correct hardware on commercial buildings is incredibly important. The hardware lasts longer, helps with safety and security, and keeps you in compliance.

Grade 1 Lock Grade 2 Lock

Grade 1 Hardware vs. Grade 2 Hardware

When you dig deeper into commercial grade hardware, there are two levels you really want to look at: Grade 1 and Grade 2.

Grade 1 hardware not only meets building requirements for commercial spaces, but it also provides a higher level of security, withstands heavy usage and helps guard against vandalism. Grade 1 hardware can be used anywhere but on exterior openings. They can also be used in doors that protect rooms containing items of high value like IT closets.

Grade 2 door hardware meets light commercial requirements and is a level above residential door hardware. These locks are great for offices, closets and other applications that don’t require heavy usage. Grade 2 hardware is more economical compared to Grade 1, but will last longer than residential hardware.

When selecting the grade of hardware for your facility, your choices may vary from door to door. The type of usage and other factors play into these decisions. It is extremely important to understand where the different grades make good choices. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kenton Brothers so we can help with your facility needs!

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.

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By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.In a lot of ways, the requirements to install a commercial security camera are usually pretty easy to accomodate. 90% of the time we need just one wire that is smaller than your pinky finger. We can install that wire inside, outside, in conduit, or even stretch it between poles. We used to have limits on how far away a camera could be installed, but with new wire technologies and PoE extenders (Power over Ethernet), distance is rarely an issue. However, there are still times when you just can’t get a wire to where you want to install a camera.

The next best option is to at least have a power source. With a constant power source, we can at least power the camera and hopefully connect it to a wireless or fiber network to get the signal back to a base station. Kenton Brothers has installed numerous cameras where the only resource we had was power. Entire city blocks are blanketed with a wireless network for this type of security situation.

But what is the solution when you have to have a camera, but don’t have power and can’t get a wire there?

Solar Power

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.Solar power is not a new thing. It’s been around for decades. The hard part about solar is not the technology or the calculations, the hard part about solar is deploying it. Solar panels work by charging a bank of batteries when the sun is out and then using the batteries to power equipment when it’s dark.

First, of course, is knowing the load that will be running on the circuit. Second, is knowing which solar zone you’re in. (This is a measurement of how much sun you can expect in the area you will be deploying solar.) Last is knowing how long you need to be able to tolerate not having any sunlight. Based on all of that information, you or your solar system provider can determine how big the solar panels will need to be and how many will be needed to support periods of time without sunlight.

Solar Kits

A solar kit comes with solar panels, a solar controller, and batteries. What isn’t commonly thought of is the size of the panels and the weight of the batteries. For a recent project at a lake, our single 300-watt panel was about 3′ by 5′. This large surface area acts like a sail in the wind . If installed on a pole (the most likely type of installation) you have to account for the wind when specifying the size and strength of the pole. Likewise, the batteries that were needed for this installation weighed almost 120 pounds!

Using solar panels on poles provides a way to install cameras where there is no wire and no power. The solar panels can support the power requirements of the camera(s) as well as communication equipment like point to point or wireless. (It would also be possible to record locally to the camera or a weather hardened server, but a bit more challenging to get to that data.)

As you can see in these project pictures, the end result is a sturdy, self contained, solar powered security camera with a wireless data connection. And it’s high enough off the ground to avoid tampering.

If you have a unique situation where you aren’t sure how to get power and connectivity to a camera, give us a call. We will have the products and techniques to solve your problem!

Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue. Installing a camera without wires or power? Solar to the rescue.

Place of Worship Security: The Basics

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By Mike Krohn, Project Manager at Kenton Brothers

Place of Worship Security: The BasicsWhere do you feel safe? Home? Work? In your car?

What about church? Do you feel safe in your place of worship? You should, right? After all, the church goes out of its way to create an inviting, warm, open-arms atmosphere to attract as many people as possible to worship and hear the Word. Whether you live in the big city, or a smaller community (as I do); attend a mega church with its own coffee shop or attend a burgeoning church in a rented building or school, we all want to relax and feel our place of worship is safe and secure.

Let’s face it, we live in an ever changing, constantly evolving world, which moves faster every single day. What were once hard-line standards and accepted practices are now being reimagined to accommodate current ideas and interpretations. Nothing is exempt from this, not even religion or the church. Sometimes, change and evolution are a good thing. But often, growth and change are painful and difficult to accept. This can lead to feelings of rejection, animosity, and unfortunately, even sometimes violence.

This year, my church will hold a global general conference and will be discussing some very controversial, if not popular topics. The way we worship may have to change. Many denominations are experiencing these same challenges. Many of us will adopt new opinions and attitudes and accept these changes. However, many people may view this as a slight to deeply engrained feelings about how they were raised in the church.

As a former law enforcement officer, security professional and facility director, I have worn many of the hats assigned to these issues. The energy behind our faith is strong and so are the feelings about how it should change. I’m fond of saying that where there is passion, there is energy; good or bad. In the case of a church where dozens or thousands of people will be gathered at any one time, this causes us to think more seriously about security at our houses of worship.

A Team Effort

The decision to increase security infrastructure and/or to have a security team or safety team is a complex effort, not to be entered into lightly or without the prerequisite foundational concepts being discussed. Again, this may change some well-established customs at your place of worship.

Physical infrastructure improvements rarely raise too many eyebrows, and the use of cameras, alarms, access control and projectile film have all become affordable, and often come with insurance benefits and discounts. As I said previously, while going from no security to physical site improvements and a safety team can be complex, we can and should make every effort to keep the team creation and operation as simple as possible.

Questions that need answers.

Place of Worship Security: The BasicsIs the congregation and board willing to make these changes?
Do they agree there is a need?
Are there people in the building willing to take on the responsibility?

 -OR-

Are we going to hire out law enforcement/security professionals to keep us safe?
Do we have the infrastructure and equipment needed to create and equip this team?
What will this look like to the community? To the congregation?

Let us dive in and assume the idea of a safety team has been raised at your place of worship.

Q1. What comes first?

A1. A security assessment! This can be done by local law enforcementpublic safety staff, by an insurance company, or by a private security integration company (I am partial to Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!)

The assessment will go over items such as are exits clearly marked, how many points of entry to the church are there? Are there areas where people can be secured in the event of an incident/weather calamity etc? Where is the church located in the community? What is the crime rate in the local area? Where will people park and walk towards the building? How many people will be in the building at one time? Are there stairs, elevators etc.?

Q2. What equipment, if any, do we need?

A2.  Communication tools! Two-way radios are almost a necessity. Flashlights, vests or identification badges are a solid idea to make these people readily identifiable when the need arises.

Q3. What operational changes are needed at our facility or building?

A3. Without being on your particular site, this is a more difficult question to answer, but common concerns range from creating traffic flow and parking lot designations with guided attendants, to limiting entry through certain doors at certain times. A general rule is one designated point of entry with attendants after services begin, or just prior. The remainder of all doors should be secured.

Q4. How do we prepare for an actual incident?

A4. Define the roles each member will have. DONT ASSUME ANYTHING! Practice! The teams should all know each other’s roles, and practice actual incident response from various approaches. Again, work to make these simple and realistic. Plans should be inclusive of every age group, from children to the elderly, and all levels of mobility from ambulatory to those who need assistance or wheelchairs.

Involving your local emergency responders is always a great idea. Invite them to tour the facility, see your video systems, doors and safety plans. Invite them to do an assessment, (sometimes they simply cannot for liability reasons) or just seek their input on your first or next training day. As a former SWAT commander, I can tell you, we were ALWAYS looking for places to train! WIN-WIN!

Finally, please remember this is NOT a comprehensive list or manual. These are just some thoughts to get the conversations going. Please seek out the professionals in your area, do the research, and work through this with the idea that the process will have a natural evolution as the church and community changes with the world around it.

If you’re interested in reference materials, they are out there!

There are so many great articles and books. I recommend:

“Evil invades Sanctuary – The Case for Security in Faith-Based Organizations” by Carl Chinn
“Defending the Flock – A security guide for church safety directors” by Kris Maloney

CISA.gov has a suite of resources for faith based organizations also. “The Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities”. The first in a series of impending related documents geared toward industry partners—are a set of physical security practices that houses of worship and related facilities can use to reduce security risks to their congregations. You can find them here.

Please stay safe, be well and and if we can help, please call us at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!

ISC WEST Update: Axis Communications shows off new advancements!

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By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

Axis Communications set the bar high at ISC West this year with a robust offerings of product advancements. Axis walked away with a lot of hardware from this year’s conference. We will delve into the new features and uses of three remarkable Axis Communication devices and their advancements: the AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera, AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera and the intelligent AXIS D2210-VE Radar. From advanced video surveillance to innovative radar technology, these devices are advancing the way we approach security.

AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera:

The AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera is a powerhouse of surveillance technology. Combining sharp video and two-way audio with actionable analytics, this all-in-one device helps improve safety, security, and operational efficiency. It offers a great solution for remote monitoring and communication while safeguarding privacy. Designed from the ground up for use in healthcare the Q9307 is much more than a camera, it’s an all in one platform designed with efficiency in mind.

Check it out in action here:

All-in-one audio-visual monitoring device

  • https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/5 MP video with two-way audio.
  • Preinstalled audio and video analytics.
  • Remote monitoring while safeguarding privacy.
  • Withstands chemical wipe-downs.
  • Cost-efficient all-in-one device.
  • 4K Sensor: Delivers high-resolution video footage with exceptional detail.
  • Advanced Image Processing: Ensures clear and crisp images, even in low-light conditions.
  • IR Illuminators: Provides visibility in complete darkness for round-the-clock monitoring.
  • Remote Zoom and Focus: Offers flexibility in installation options for various mounting positions.
  • Support for Analytics: Enables advanced features such as motion detection and audio detection for proactive security measures.
  • Versatile Installation: Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, adaptable to different environments.
  • 5 year warranty.

AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera: Protecting a variety of staff members in real time

Wearable cameras deter bad behavior and positively influence the public and camera wearers alike. Axis W110 Body Worn Camera brings these benefits to the workplace for sectors like retail, healthcare, transportation, and more.

AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera makes employees feel like they’re not alone. It deters violence and false accusations and contributes to a sense of well-being in the workplace. An indicator light and voice message on activation let people know it’s recording. It’s compatible with Body Worn Live for live streaming. It captures reliable forensic evidence and documents compliance thanks to sharp images and voice-enhanced audio-in. Plus, nearby wearables can be activated automatically when one person turns on their wearable camera. That – together with pre-buffering of up to 90 seconds – helps you capture all of what really happened from multiple angles.

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/The AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera provides security personnel with a powerful tool for documenting incidents and enhancing situational awareness. Compact and lightweight, this body-worn camera can be easily attached to uniforms or vests, enabling hands-free operation without impeding mobility.

Equipped with high-definition video recording capabilities and a wide-angle lens, the AXIS W110 captures clear and comprehensive footage of on-the-ground situations. Its rugged design ensures durability in challenging environments, while features such as GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance accountability and streamline evidence management processes.

Ideal for law enforcement, security patrols, and frontline responders, the AXIS W110 Body Worn Camera empowers personnel to capture critical evidence, de-escalate volatile situations, and uphold safety and security standards with confidence.

  • Lightweight and compact (75 × 55 × 19 mm).
  • Flexible mounting options.
  • Open standards for easy integration.
  • True end-to-end encryption.
  • Signed video/firmware, secure key storage.

Check it out here:

AXIS D2210-VE Radar: Revolutionizing Perimeter Protection

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/The AXIS D2210-VE Radar represents a paradigm shift in perimeter protection, leveraging advanced radar technology to detect and track intrusions with unparalleled accuracy. Unlike traditional motion sensors, which are prone to false alarms triggered by environmental factors, this radar device offers reliable detection capabilities in all weather conditions and lighting environments.

With a detection range of up to 100 meters and customizable detection zones, the AXIS D2210-VE provides comprehensive coverage of large outdoor areas, such as parking lots, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure facilities. Its integration with video management systems enables seamless collaboration between radar data and visual verification, enhancing response times and reducing false alarms.

By combining radar-based detection with intelligent analytics, the AXIS D2210-VE delivers proactive perimeter protection, allowing security teams to identify potential threats early and take decisive action to mitigate risks effectively.

https://kentonbrothers.com/conferences/isc-west-update-axis-communications-shows-off-new-advancements/AXIS D2210-VE offers a 95° field of detection and can detect, classify, and track humans up to 60 m (200 feet) and vehicles up to 90 m (295 feet). And, with road monitoring profile enabled, the detection range for vehicles increases up to 150 m (492 feet). The radar also provides the exact position of the detected objects. AXIS D2210-VE can be used stand-alone for non-visual monitoring while safeguarding privacy. Or it can be used to steer a PTZ camera for visual verification. Furthermore, with smart coexistence functionality, it’s possible to combine up to eight AXIS D2210-VE radars in close proximity. And, you can even expand the installation with up to six AXIS D2110-VE radars and customize your detection area depending on your needs.

  • 60 GHz radar for area and traffic monitoring 24/7.
  • 95° coverage to detect, classify, and track objects.
  • Area and road monitoring profiles.
  • Monitor vehicle speeds up to 200 km/h (125 mph).
  • Easily connect using PoE out and edge-to-edge.
  • Compact design with integrated LED strip.

Check it out here:

Axis continues to support the changing needs of their customers worldwide.

As the security threat landscape continues to evolve, Axis Communications remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering advanced devices that empower organizations to safeguard their assets, protect their people, and mitigate risks effectively. From high-performance dome cameras to revolutionary radar technology, Axis devices are reshaping the landscape of security, providing users with the tools they need to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security is a proud partner with Axis Communications. Every member of our Security Consultant team is certified by Axis to represent their line. Let us know how we can support you!

Supercharging intercoms as part of your commercial security setup

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By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

Supercharging intercoms as part of your commercial security setupI get a lot of questions about intercoms and what can be done with them as part of a robust commercial security system. Most companies secure the entrances and gates to their facility. Intercoms provide a balance between security and accessibility for visitors. Unfortunately, there can be a lot of confusion around intercoms. Including intercoms in your security setup is valuable, but you have to start with the end goal in mind. If you start down the wrong path, you may not get exactly what you want, or it might not be as easy to implement and use as you had hoped.

Intercom Options

Let’s break down your intercom options so that you can “start with the end in mind”.

First, you need to think about the door or gate where an intercom will be installed.

How much space is available for mounting? Sometimes, you may only have a thin mullion to mount to, or you might have a height restriction on a gate pedestal.

Second, will you need to have hardware options for the guest to use like calling security vs Human Resources or others?

Supercharging intercoms as part of your commercial security setupDo you need a directory listing so the visitor can call the host like what you would typically see in an apartment building? Most people want a camera on the intercom so they can see the guests, but some intercoms exist without a camera as well. The most commonly used intercom options are 1 button, 5 buttons, or a directory. Less commonly used options are a keypad, Bluetooth reader, and an induction loop.

The next thing to think about is how you want to answer the intercom.

This one is a little more in-depth but can be broken down into four options. You can mix and match as needed:

  1. Answer the intercom at a fixed location like a reception desk. You can have multiple fixed locations where an answering station like a 2N Indoor touch or a desk video phone can be placed.
  2. Answer the intercom with a mobile device. You can allow your people to roam and still be able to answer the intercom or even answer when away from the office. This is done through a mobile application or a softphone. The only thing required is network or internet access for the intercom and answering devices.
  3. Answer in an application you are already using. Several video management systems allow intercom interaction through their interface. Milestone, Genetec, and Hanwha Wave all allow you to record the video at the intercom and answer when the button is pressed. Gallagher Access control also allows you to answer and route intercoms, which is rare in the access control world.
  4. By connecting the intercom to some kind of Voice over IP (VOIP) system you can dial any phone number in the world. You do lose the video capabilities of the intercom, but you gain access to any possible number. This option is mostly used in apartment complexes or condos where you don’t want to use option 2.

The last thing to be thinking about is how you want the answering station to ring.

Supercharging intercoms as part of your commercial security setupYou can have several answering stations ring at the same time, you can have calls roll over when there is no answer. You can have calls routed to one answering station during a specific time and then call another answering station during a different time. Again, you can mix and match stations that ring together, roll over, and timing.

With the rise of VOIP intercoms, we have gained even more expertise, capabilities and flexibility when it comes to intercoms in your security mix. But, with flexibility, comes complication. If you need help figuring it all out, let us walk you through it.