HAI Offers Electronic Access Control for the Home

Home Automation Inc. (HAI), developer of home-control systems for the mass market, is getting into the access control business. The company is launching a system comprised of proximity cards and readers, door strikes, and software for logging comers and goers.

"We're starting to see door strikes in residential applications," says HAI chief Jay McLellan, who keeps his own proximity card in a wallet.

In his case, the card reader is "mounted at butt level," so he needs only to wave his tush at the door for access.

While access control systems for commercial applications abound, HAI's version is tailor-made for homes. The installer need not run AC wiring to the door-mounted components. Instead, they are powered over Cat 5 through a hub that plugs into any AC outlet.

The Cat 5 runs from the hub to the card reader. A small-gauge wire connects the reader to the door strike for both power and communications.

The access control system supports 16 door strikes and 99 users. It integrates with HAI's Omni family of controllers to log access events, namely, who entered the premises and when. In addition, a card-swipe can trigger other HAI events such as arming and disarming the security system, or setting the user's individual "I'm Home" scene – perhaps playing a preferred playlist, setting back the thermostat and lighting a pathway to the bedroom.

Users can be granted privileges based on time of day and day of week as well as any other desired events.

A four-door system, including cards, card readers and door strikes, is expected to retail for less than $2,000. The HAI Omni control system (required) is sold separately.