UniFi Access - Understand and Manage Elevator Hub

The Elevator Hub (UA-Hub-Elevator) in the Elevator Starter Kit (UA-SK-Elevator) offers flexible elevator access control. It allows interrupting call buttons to prevent unauthorized use or using onboard controllers for direct floor access management.

Control Elevator Access to All Floors

This method controls elevator access by interrupting the call buttons. Users request elevator service by authenticating their identity with an NFC card, PIN, mobile phone, or other credentials. After authentication, they can activate the call buttons. The Access Control Hub then connects the relay contacts between the power supply and the keypad/reader, allowing only authorized users to use the elevator. Once inside, users can freely select any floor.

This method is affordable and easy to install. It operates similarly to access systems for doors but controls elevator access through power buttons instead of door locks. Access Ultra (UA-Ultra), Access Hub (UA-Hub), Door Hub (UA-Hub-Door), Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8), and Elevator Hub (UA-Hub-Elevator) all support interrupting the call buttons.

Control Access to Specific Floors

This method offers precise control over specific floors based on user credentials, requiring coordination with elevator technicians and specialized equipment. It allows users to access only the floors specified in their permissions. For example, a user entering an elevator from Floor 1, based on their access rights, can go directly to Floor 3, bypassing Floor 2.

The Elevator Hub in the Elevator Starter Kit provides a cost-effective solution for this precise floor control.

Elevator Hub Installation Location

The Elevator Hub can be installed inside the elevator cab or in a machine room outside. Installing it in the machine room is common for easier maintenance. See the Elevator Starter Kit Installation Guide for details.

Installed in a Machine Room Outside the Elevator

• Typically installed in a central machine room outside the elevator car
• Easier maintenance with all hubs in one location

To simplify setup, the Elevator Hub uses the UACC-Extender-2wire-PoE technology. This technology allows PoE input to be converted to two-wire transmission, then output as PoE. Users can use existing coaxial cables or twisted-pair low-voltage cable setups as PoE power sources for the Hub and other PoE devices, avoiding the need to run new cables.

Installed Inside the Elevator Car

• Makes maintenance more challenging

Manage Elevator Hub Settings

1. After installing the Elevator Hub, go to your Access application > Dashboard > hover your mouse over a UA Hub Elevator > Manage.
2. In the Overview panel, Click to Unlock the elevator door, manage the paired devices, and view the hub information.
   
3. In the Insights panel, view the elevator door unlock activities.
   
4. Manage the hub in the Settings panel.
   
   • Name: Enter the hub name.
   • Terminal: See this section for details.
   • Access Method Settings: Edit the access methods. 
   • Unlock Schedule: Set a schedule to keep a location unlocked at regular intervals for free access. 
   • Manage:
     • Manual Firmware Update: Enter a URL for firmware updates.
     • Download Support File
     • Locate: The hub will flash its LED to make it easier to locate.
     • Restart: Restart the hub.
     • Remove: Remove the hub from the Access application and reset it. This will also remove the paired readers and cameras.

Manage Elevator Hub Terminals

1. Go to your Access application > Dashboard > hover your mouse over a UA Hub Elevator > Manage > Settings > Terminal > Terminal Manager.
2. Set the Common Settings:
   • Unlock Duration: Specify the number of seconds within which a user must select a floor after a successful access authorization.
   • Terminal Mode: Set the mode to fail-secure or fail-safe.
     • Fail-Secure: The elevator will remain locked during power outages. It must be connected to the hub's NO and COM terminals.
     • Fail-Safe: The elevator will remain unlocked during power outages. It must be connected to the hub's NC and COM terminals.
3. Set the Floor Mapping: Name each relay by entering the corresponding floor name. This allows admins to easily manage each floor's access policies and unlock schedules.
   
4. Set the Emergency Mode to Evacuation or Lockdown. 
   • Tick the Activate This Mode for All Locations at This Site checkbox as needed. This allows all locations of all hubs in the UniFi Access system to enter emergency mode simultaneously.
5. Set the Elevator Position Encoding to Binary, BCD, or Gray.
   

Keep Specific Floors Always Unlocked

In a typical elevator setup, you may want to allow unrestricted access to the 1st floor while limiting access to other floors, like the 2nd or 3rd, to specific users. To keep the 1st floor always accessible, you can:

• Leave the 1st floor unwired to the Elevator Hub.
• Set an All Day unlock schedule for the 1st floor to keep it unlocked for free access at all times.

1. Go to your Access application > Dashboard > hover your mouse over a UA Hub Elevator > Manage > Settings > Unlock Schedule.
2. Select Custom Schedule and set access to All Day from Sunday to Saturday.
3. Set Apply to Floors to the 1st floor.