What we do on security and access control jobs
Security systems fail most often because of the basics: a camera on an undersized power supply, a door strike wired without a proper fail-safe arrangement, or cable run in a way nobody can trace later. We focus on getting the infrastructure right, then install the equipment on top of it.
Our work typically includes:
- Network cabling and PoE for IP cameras, readers and intercoms
- Dedicated circuits and power supplies for recorders, controllers and lock power supplies
- Supply and installation of CCTV cameras and network video recorders
- Access control readers, controllers, exit buttons and door hardware wiring
- Electric strikes, magnetic locks and their interface with the fire system where required
- Video and audio intercoms for building entries and gates
- Boom gates, roller doors and gate motors that need power and control wiring
Licensing for security installation in QLD and NSW
Security installation has its own licensing framework, separate from electrical licensing, and the rules are not the same in Queensland and New South Wales. Depending on the work, the state and the system, some tasks may need a security licence as well as an electrical or cabling qualification.
Because we work on both sides of the border, we always recommend clients ask about licensing at the quoting stage, especially for monitored alarm systems or anything that involves security advice. We will tell you plainly what we do, and where a specialist security provider needs to be involved we are happy to work alongside them, handling the power, cabling and building works while they look after programming and monitoring. Our article on electrical licensing across the QLD and NSW border covers the general picture for electrical work.
CCTV for commercial sites
A useful CCTV system starts with a clear idea of what each camera needs to see. Before quoting we walk the site and look at entries, loading docks, car parks, cash handling areas and blind spots, and ask how footage will be reviewed and by whom. Camera position and lighting matter more than megapixels. A good camera pointed at a bright doorway at night will often record little more than silhouettes.
We install IP cameras on network cabling, which allows power and data on one cable and keeps the system expandable. Recorders go in a secure location with dedicated power and, where possible, on a UPS so recording continues through short outages. Where camera coverage depends on better external lighting, we can look at that at the same time through our commercial lighting service.
Privacy and signage obligations for CCTV in workplaces and public-facing areas vary with the site and the state. Business owners should check their obligations before installation, particularly for cameras that cover staff areas.
Access control and electric locking
Access control replaces keys with cards, fobs, PINs or phone credentials, and lets you add or remove access without re-keying. The electrical side is where most of the risk sits. Doors on egress paths must still let people out in an emergency, and locking hardware often needs to release when the fire alarm activates. We wire strikes and mag locks with the correct fail-safe or fail-secure arrangement for the door, fit exit buttons and emergency break glass units where needed, and coordinate the fire interface with the fire contractor and building certifier.
For multi-tenant buildings and strata complexes, we can set up common entry doors, lift and car park access, and intercoms that call through to individual tenancies or units. Our strata electrical page covers how we work with body corporates on common property systems.
Planning security into a fit-out or new build
Security cabling is much easier to install before ceilings and walls are closed in. On new builds and fit-outs we run cable to every planned camera, reader and door position during rough-in, even if some devices will be added later. Conduit to external camera positions and gate motors is set out early so it does not become an afterthought.
We work from the security layout if one exists, or help you put one together with your builder or project manager. All the cabling follows the same labelling scheme as the data cabling, so the security network and the office network are documented consistently.
Upgrades, faults and existing systems
Plenty of businesses have older analogue CCTV, a patchwork of locks or a keypad nobody remembers the code for. We can assess what is there, reuse cabling where it is in good condition, replace failed power supplies and recorders, and migrate to IP cameras in stages to spread the cost. Common faults we find include failed power supplies, corroded external connections in salt air, water entry at camera housings and doors that have been re-wired without regard for egress.
What affects the price
Every job gets an upfront written quote. Cost depends on the number of cameras and doors, the equipment specification, cable run lengths, mounting heights and access equipment, whether conduit or trenching is needed outside, and whether work must be done out of hours. Stefan runs the jobs himself, and at handover you receive a device schedule, labelled cabling, user instructions and compliance certificates for the electrical work.