What are building entry systems?
Building entry systems include intercoms, call boxes, and entry phones that allow people to communicate for access or assistance at doors and gates.
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Building and Gate
Entry Systems
Discover how POTS replacement solutions, like Ooma AirDial®, can ensure your building and gate entry systems stay connected when copper phone lines are decommissioned.
TALK TO AN EXPERT ABOUT POTS REPLACEMENTKey considerations for property owners and managers:
Door unlock fail-safe
Doors and gates must automatically unlock during power loss to prevent entrapment and allow immediate access for emergency responders.
Automatic unlock for emergencies
Doors must unlock instantly during emergencies, including fire alarm activation, to allow immediate exit and responder access.
Communication accessibility guidelines
Entry systems must be accessible to all users, with reachable controls, clear two-way audio, visual confirmation, and simple operation.
Emergency responder access
Responders must be able to open doors and gates instantly without credentials or assistance, using a fail-safe override that works even during outages.
Inclement weather resilience
Systems must withstand outdoor conditions—rain, heat, cold, and storms—using sealed, weather-rated, corrosion-resistant equipment.
Communication for help
Systems must provide reliable, immediate access to a live person with clear two-way communication, even during power or network failures.
Benefits of keeping your entry systems compliant:
- Life safety and emergency readiness: Ensure doors and gates unlock automatically, communication works, and first responders can enter immediately when seconds matter most.
- Legal and liability protection: Meeting code requirements reduces the risk of violations, lawsuits, insurance exposure, and costly enforcement actions.
- Operational reliability: Drives fail-safe behavior, backup power, and monitoring so entry systems keep working during outages and emergencies.
- Accessibility and equity: ADA-compliant entry systems allow people with disabilities to request access or help independently and with dignity.
- Inspection confidence and faster approvals: Pass inspections more smoothly, preventing delays, rework, and occupancy issues.
- Future-proofing: Prepare entry systems for evolving codes, carrier shutdowns, and infrastructure changes.
Typical use cases for building and gate entry systems
Apartment and condo entry:
Visitors use intercoms or call boxes to contact residents for access.
Gated communities:
Vehicle and pedestrian gates control access while allowing emergency entry.
Office building entrances:
Employees use credentials while visitors request access via intercom.
Hospitals and clinics:
Controlled entry protects patients while ensuring emergency access and ADA compliance.
Schools and campuses:
Entry systems manage visitor access and enhance security during school hours.
Parking garages:
Entry and exit gates integrate with intercoms for assistance and payment issues.
Keep your building and gate entry systems compliant when copper phone lines go away
Ooma AirDial, the industry-leading POTS replacement solution, provides everything you need to replace copper phone line support for your building and gate entry systems.
Governing bodies for building entry systems
Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
AHJs oversee building entry systems as they affect life safety, egress, and emergency access. They enforce adopted codes and determine whether entry systems meet local safety and compliance requirements.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
The DOJ has jurisdiction over building entry systems through its enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires public and commercial facilities to provide accessible entrances and communication for people with disabilities.
Building Inspectors & Code Enforcement Officials
These individuals oversee building entry systems as they affect life safety, egress, and accessibility. Their authority comes from adopted building and fire codes that require entry systems to operate safely during emergencies.
State Fire Marshals & State Building Authorities
These agencies approve equipment, issue state-specific certifications, and establish requirements that local inspectors must follow, often applying stricter standards for systems that impact emergency access, evacuation, and public safety.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets requirements for emergency unlocking, fire alarm integration, and reliable emergency communication that are enforced by local authorities.
FAQs
What are gate entry systems?
Gate entry systems control access at vehicle and pedestrian gates, using intercoms, call boxes, or credentials to allow secure entry and emergency communication.
Can Ooma AirDial replace POTS lines for building entry systems?
Yes. Ooma AirDial replaces copper phone lines while preserving the device connectivity. AirDial allows you to keep your existing communications devices.
What happens to building entry systems when copper phone lines are retired?
When copper POTS lines are shut down, entry systems that rely on them can stop working or become unreliable, creating safety, access, and compliance risks.
Will AirDial work with my existing entry system?
AirDial supports a wide range of unique and legacy entry devices, allowing existing intercoms, call boxes, and entry phones to continue operating as designed.
How reliable is AirDial for building entry systems?
AirDial uses dual ethernet and LTE connectivity with automatic failover, helping ensure entry system calls complete even during network disruptions.
What happens during a power outage?
AirDial includes battery backup to maintain service during power interruptions, supporting life-safety communication requirements.
Is AirDial suitable for outdoor entry systems and gates
Yes. AirDial features a rugged, NEMA enclosure designed for reliable operation in outdoor and harsh environments.
Can building entry systems be monitored remotely with AirDial?
Yes. AirDial's Remote Device Management portal allows teams to monitor system health, receive alerts, and manage multiple entry systems from a single interface.
How does AirDial help with inspections and compliance?
AirDial supports inspection expectations by providing reliable call completion, line supervision, and visibility into system status, helping entry systems remain inspection-ready.