Gallagher Command Centre Lockout

A Gallagher Command Centre Lockout is a high-level security override that instantly restricts access to a specific area or the entire site in Gallagher access control system. It is typically used during emergency situations, such as a physical security breach, a lockdown event, or a threat that requires immediate containment.

Functionality

When a Lockout is activated, the system overrides standard access permissions. Even users who normally have valid credentials (cards, mobile IDs, or PINs) will be denied entry to the affected readers.

Override Capability: It supersedes “Access Groups” and “Time Schedules.”
Privileged Access: Only users specifically assigned the “Override Lockouts” privilege in their access zone properties can maintain access during the event (e.g., emergency responders or executive security).

Activation Methods

A Lockout can be triggered in several ways depending on the site’s configuration:

Operator Action: Manually via the Command Centre workstation or a mobile app.
Logic Gates / Macros: Automatically triggered by a specific event, such as a panic button press or a fire alarm integration (though fire alarms usually trigger a “fail-safe” unlock rather than a lockout).
Alarm Zones: Linking the lockout to the arming of a specific high-security alarm zone.

Key Configurations

In the software, the Lockout state is managed through Access Zones. You can configure:

Lockout State: The zone enters a state where all normal access is barred.
Release Mechanism: Defining how the system returns to “Normal” mode (e.g., requiring an operator to manually “Acknowledge” and “Reset” the alarm).

WHAT HAPPEN WHEN GALLAGHER COMMAND CENTRE IS LOCKOUT?

When a Gallagher Command Centre Lockout is triggered, the system shifts from its “Normal” state to an emergency “Lockout” state, fundamentally changing how doors and readers behave.

01. Immediate Hardware Response

The most critical changes occur directly at the physical door once the Gallagher access control Command Centre server transmits the Lockout signal to the Gallagher Controllers. Consequently, the system instantly blocks all standard cardholders and denies entry, even for “Gold” access levels that typically enjoy 24/7 access. During this state, the reader usually displays a fast-pulsing red LED pattern to signal the restriction. Furthermore, the Lockout command overrides all active schedules; therefore, even if a door was programmed to remain unlocked for business hours, the controller immediately engages the strike or maglock to secure the entrance.

02. Privilege-Based Exceptions

The system does not necessarily block every user; instead, it identifies specific attributes within an individual’s record to determine access. For instance, only users with the “Can Override Lockouts” privilege enabled in their Access Group can successfully badge through. Organizations typically reserve this level of clearance for police, fire departments, or elite security personnel. Additionally, depending on your specific configuration, a Lockout may suspend Anti-Passback (APB) rules. This ensures that people can exit a zone quickly without the system blocking them for “out of sequence” badge-outs during an emergency.

03. Alarm and Monitoring Station Impact

The Command Centre software interface triggers several actions simultaneously to alert operators. First, the dynamic site plan updates the icon-based map, changing the color of affected doors or zones to a flashing yellow or red “Lock” icon. Meanwhile, the Alarm Viewer generates a high-priority “Lockout Active” alarm, which typically requires an operator to acknowledge the event before the system allows a reset. Finally, the system executes automated macros to manage the environment; specifically, it commands PTZ cameras to move to home presets, sends automated notifications to stakeholders via SMS or email, and interfaces with the PA system to play pre-recorded emergency announcements.

04. Returning to Normal State

A Lockout functions as a “latched” state, meaning that the doors will not automatically unlock even after the emergency, such as a panic button press, concludes. To restore access, a security operator must manually command the zone back to “Normal” through the Command Centre workstation. Before allowing the transition back to the standard schedule, the system performs an integrity check to verify that all “Request to Exit” (REX) sensors and door contacts remain secure.