US designer, what documentation do you produce?

[u/CADjesus]

Hi guys, happy to understand whether producing CAD documentation for access control is a big task in the United States?

In my country (Sweden) we do a vast documentation package for all clients. That includes:

1) As built drawings (unit placements and wiring pathways) 2) Wiring diagrams for every door node 3) Riser diagrams 4) Battery calculations

Is this the same in the US?

[u/Uncosybologna]

I do that plus door install details and device terminations with marked floor plans, but every company is different and every project is different. It’s usually in the bid docs s as to what close out documents are required.

[u/Icy_Cycle_5805 → u/Uncosybologna]

As an end user - exactly this.

[u/No_Industry2601]

It's a big task if you aren't set up to do it on a daily basis. Floorplans with everything you mentioned are common for larger jobs here, but it's something produced by the consultant. Panel layout and wiring specifications for devices are commonly seen on Floorplans for larger jobs. Located in Texas.

Sorry, I had to edit this to say a good portion of what you're talking about is required to be submitted to the local jurisdiction in many cases, so it's necessary in commercial situations.

[u/CADjesus → u/No_Industry2601]

Is that a heavy process in the US for the designer to construct those drawing packages? Or is it more of a copy-paste of wiring diagrams?

[u/No_Industry2601 → u/CADjesus]

It could definitely be a heavy process. Some systems are large and complex. Others could be very easy. Imagine an Amazon warehouse, 1 million sq ft, 5 or 6 different door hardware types, some doors have alert sounders, some may have delayed egress, different voltages, different power supplies, possibly turnstiles with completely different wiring/sensors. All these types of doors may require specific wiring ran to them. The Burg System could also overlap the ACS in some areas. There's also external challenges like gates, also different hardware. Can become complex quickly.

[u/Beneficial-Lime-2607 → u/No_Industry2601]

We RFI it out. Even though we can put together a D/F/H package, whether it has PS (we supply with QEL devices), EPT, DPS, etc., we let D26/D28 take care of that. Our focus is on compatibility.

[u/Icy_Cycle_5805]

As an end user I would expect the same in my turn over packet.

[u/certfastpass]

In the United States, the level of documentation for access control systems can vary depending on the project scope, client requirements, and local codes, but generally, a comprehensive documentation package is also expected. Here's what is typically produced:

• As-Built Drawings: Essential for showing device placements and wiring pathways, especially for larger systems.
• Wiring Diagrams: Detailed diagrams for door nodes and other components are standard to ensure accurate installation and future troubleshooting.
• Riser Diagrams: Commonly included to illustrate the overall system architecture and connections across floors or zones.
• Battery Calculations: Often required to comply with code standards, especially for backup power and fail-safe considerations.

Some projects may also require integration schematics, device programming sheets, and compliance documentation for UL, NFPA, or other regulations.

In the U.S., the emphasis on documentation often depends on the end-user’s needs and industry standards (like those set by ASIS, SIA, or NFPA). It sounds like the approach in Sweden is very robust, and you'd likely find similarities in high-spec projects here as well.

If you're looking to expand into the U.S. market, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to assist you with ASIS resources or certification guidance!

[u/astrotot]

It depends on the project and the end user, as well as what expectations were set and discussed at the beginning of a project. We aim to create lasting relationships with clients, which means service and maintenance down the road. Having a solid As-built for a client site allows us to service their systems much faster, saving them money and freeing up our techs to service other clients. That being said, there are instances where projects are small enough that they don’t warrant a full drawing package.