Glossary

Term	Description
Door Forced	A door that has been entered without using the proper method of entry. This usually is determined by the change of the DPS state without a relay or valid card read at the door or portal being monitored for activity.
DOTL	Door Open Too Long: A door has been in the open state longer than the programmed maximum time allowed. This is one of the most common alarms in a system. A DPS (door position switch) is used to determine if the door is opened or closed.
Double pole, double throw, (DPDT)	A term used to describe a switch or relay output contact form (2form C) in which two separate switches operating simultaneously, each with a separate normal closed contract and a common connection. This form is used to make and break two separate circuits.
DPS	Door Position Switch: A switch used to determine the position of a door. They usually are a magnetic reed switch which are triggered by a magnet installed in the top of a door. When the door lines up with the switch in the closed position the switch provides a dry contact signal back to the system.
Dry contract	Metallic points making (closing) or breaking (opening) a circuit. The switch circuit must have its own source of power and is merely routed through the dry contacts.
Earth Ground	The portion of a circuit that is connected to a buried metallic object such as a grounding rod or water pipe.
Egress	Passage through an opening in the exit direction, especially passage that leads out of a structure.
Electric Strike	A door unlocking device that is installed in the door jamb and that works in conjunction with a mechanical lock or latch mechanism.
Electrified Lock	A mechanical locking device that has been modified to allow an electric circuit to lock or unlock it.
Electromagnetic Lock (Magnetic Lock, Mag Lock)	A device that locks/unlocks an opening without moving parts, using pure electro-magnetic attraction.
Energize	To apply power.
Event	A report of an action that takes place within the system, such as a door being opened, a person going through a portal, a time zone being active or the security system being armed.
Facility Code / Site Code	In card access, a portion of the identifying characteristic of an access credential that is common to a group of users in secured facility.
Fail-safe	An electric lock that automatically unlocks with any power interruptions.
Fail-secure	An electric lock that requires power to unlock.
Fire door	A door that has been certified as a fire and smoke barrier. Special rules govern fire doors, including permissible hardware that can be installed.
Form C contact	A relay or switch mechanism that contains three terminals (normally open, common, and normally closed).
Ground	A conducting connection between an electrical circuit and the earth or other large conducting body to serve as an electrical ground, thus making a complete electrical circuit.
ICM	Compass Intelligent Controller Module
IIM	Compass Intelligent Input Module