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What are Elevator Key Cards? Common Types of Elevator Key Cards
In the context of increasing urbanization, ensuring security and optimizing the resident experience in buildings is becoming increasingly critical. In this regard, elevator key cards have emerged as an advanced solution, not only enhancing safety levels but also providing convenience for users. So, what are elevator key cards? How many types of elevator key cards are there? … Detailed information in the following article by IT Nam Viet will help you understand this issue better.
What are Elevator Key Cards
What are Elevator Key Cards?
Elevator key cards are considered a form of programmed ‘key’ controlled by a card reader. They are used to control elevator access in office buildings, apartment buildings, and other buildings where optimal security is required. Each key card is registered with specific floors that the user is authorized to access. This helps restrict movement to unauthorized floors, enhancing building security management.
Elevator Key Cards
To put it more simply, an elevator key card is a card that contains an electronic microchip to identify and store user information for elevator access. At the elevator doors or inside the cabin, there is a sensor card reader that communicates and verifies the validity of the information stored in the card.
Structure of Elevator Key Cards
An elevator key card consists of three basic components:
Inner layer: This layer contains an electronic chip, which may be an RFID chip (for RFID key cards), and a radio wave receiving antenna loop. Each RFID chip is programmed with a unique user’s information, ensuring that no two cards are identical.
First protective layer: This layer protects and secures the position of the inner layer.
Outer layer: Typically made of hard plastic or ABS plastic (for keychain-type elevator key cards), covering both the front and back of the card, protecting it from external impacts.
Structure of Elevator Key Cards
Operating Principles of Elevator Key Cards
Elevator key cards operate using wireless technology to communicate and verify the validity of the key card. This means each key card is assigned a unique identification code. Inside the elevator cabin, an RFID card reader is installed. Users swipe their card on this fixed reader for verification, after which they can use the buttons on the elevator control panel.
Specifically, the process of using an elevator key card:
The user brings the RFID key card close to the reader, and the card’s antenna receives a signal from the reader, transmitting its identification information to the reader.
The card reader “checks” the information and compares the data on the system. If valid, the elevator doors will open.
If the key card is accepted, the card reader sends a result to the access control system, which performs corresponding actions such as opening the elevator doors, recording access times in real-time, and controlling access to various floors.
Operating Principles of Elevator Key Cards
Common Types of Elevator Key Cards in Use Today
Currently, there are many types of elevator key cards available on the market, with the following three being the most common:
Low-Frequency RFID Elevator Key Cards
Low-frequency RFID cards typically use 125kHz radio waves, have a short reading range, and provide effective access control. The stored data usually consists of 4 to 14 digits. The advantages of this type of key card include its low cost, no-swipe requirement, ease of use, and time efficiency. However, compared to some other types of elevator key cards, low-frequency RFID cards have lower security and can be copied using specialized equipment.
These are contactless, high-frequency elevator key cards with good security, allowing for up to 100,000 read and write cycles. The cards communicate with the reader via NFC communication technology, with a reading distance of less than 10cm and an operating frequency of 13.56 MHz. These cards can be integrated for both elevator and door access use, among other applications.
These are multi-application key cards that can be configured with either RFID or NFC communication technology. Keyfob key cards are designed to be compact and aesthetically pleasing, easily attachable to keychains, providing convenience for users.
Keyfob Elevator Key Cards
Benefits of Using Elevator Key Cards
The application of elevator key cards brings numerous practical benefits to building security management. Specifically:
Elevator key cards restrict elevator access, allowing only authorized cardholders to use the elevators, which prevents unauthorized individuals from entering the building, ensuring building security.
Elevator key card systems can be configured to control access by floor, area, or time, minimizing and preventing unauthorized entry and exit, and deterring ill-intentioned outsiders.
The system records building entry and exit information, making it easier for building management to monitor and control elevator usage.
Elevator key cards are also a powerful tool for managing user flow, ensuring maximum convenience for everyone, especially during peak hours.
By implementing elevator key card systems, buildings are subject to strict control, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and reducing potential risks.
The use of RFID key cards enhances the building’s professional and modern image, providing peace of mind to residents.
In particular, elevator card access systems provide building system managers with an automated way to optimize building operating costs effectively.
Benefits of Using Elevator Key Cards
However, despite its benefits, elevator key cards also have some limitations, such as: each card is assigned specific access rights, meaning a card for one floor can only access that floor, significantly restricting movement between floors; in cases where the card is forgotten or a relative visits without a card, elevator access is impossible; and so on.
How to Copy Backup Elevator Key Cards
Currently, RFID card copying is commonly performed for two prevalent card types: 125kHz RFID cards and 13.56MHz RFID cards. Accordingly, you can copy RFID key cards using various specialized devices, such as the XZCOPY3 machine, the 300-CD machine, or handheld RFID copiers. You can refer to the following article for a more detailed understanding of the process: “Simple and Easy Steps to Copy RFID Cards“.
Precautions When Using and Storing Elevator Key Cards
When using elevator key cards, there are several key points to remember to ensure the cards operate stably and effectively:
Ensure the card is swiped at the correct reader position, maintaining a reasonable distance between the card and the reader, depending on the characteristics of the specific card.
Do not bend or fold the card, as this can damage the electronic chip.
Avoid exposing the elevator key card to sharp objects that could cause scratches.
Avoid placing the card in environments with excessively high temperatures or humidity, as this can significantly affect the card’s lifespan.
Keep the card away from metal objects, as metal can cause electromagnetic interference, affecting card operation.
Precautions When Using and Storing Elevator Key Cards
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Key Cards
Do home elevators need to use elevator key cards?
Home elevators are typically mini elevators, small in size, and rarely require security control. However, for homes that combine residential and business functions, equipping an elevator key card system is essential to minimize unauthorized access.
Can elevator key cards be used in multiple buildings?
Generally, elevator key cards are programmed for a specific building and CANNOT be used in other buildings.
Can elevator key cards be copied?
It is known that RFID key cards for elevators have high security, are encrypted, and are managed by the building’s access control system. However, nothing is entirely certain, and card copying is possible. Therefore, when using them, avoid lending your elevator key card to others, always keep it in a safe place, and prevent it from being lost.
What should I do if I lose my elevator key card?
In that case, the first thing you should do is immediately notify the building management. They will deactivate the lost key card and issue you a new one.
IT Nam Viet: Your Trusted Provider of RFID Elevator Key Card Solutions
IT Nam Viet has been establishing its position in the Vietnamese RFID market. With over 10 years of experience and a team of skilled technicians, IT Nam Viet is committed to providing customers with genuine and reliable RFID card solutions, RFID tags, RFID card readers, RFID scanners, and more, meeting all current user needs.
All products distributed by IT Nam Viet are guaranteed 100% for quality, with full documentation and manufacturer-regulated warranties. We listen to customer needs and provide tailored solutions that fit both functional requirements and investment budgets. IT Nam Viet is ready to offer 24/7 customer support, anytime, anywhere.
The above information from IT Nam Viet has hopefully helped you understand what elevator key cards and RFID elevator cards are. If your business needs consulting on RFID or barcodes, don’t hesitate to call us immediately at Hotline (+84) 962 888 179.
My name is Le Nam Viet, currently FOUNDER & CEO of Nam Viet IT Company, I graduated from Ho Chi Minh Polytechnic University. I have more than 3 years of experience providing RFID chip technology solutions, RFID scanners, barcode labels and barcode readers. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge with readers.
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