Vending Machine Protection

Description and Purpose

Vending machines offer a number of challenges. Often placed in unattended public areas, they are subject to intrusion and vandalism. There are a number of ways that a machine is attacked. The system can sense heat from a torch, machine tilting and removal, door open, and proper temperature range.

Solving Intrusion Issues

There are a number of critical issues that are solved with an intrusion detection system.

Heat Detection: Sometimes, intruders use cutting torches to make entry into the machine. By including a heat detector, the system can detect sudden changes in heat, effectively sensing this type of entry.

Door Position: When unauthorized entry occurs, entry is often made through the door. The system uses a door position sensor to detect when the door is opened.

Machine Removal: Often, machines are dragged away from their designated location. By installing a floor contact onto the ground, and aligning a magnet on the bottom of the machine, the system can sense if the machine is tilted or moved.

Operating Temperature: In the event that the machine loses power or the cooling system fails, machine products can spoil or become undesirable. By including a temperature threshold sensor, the system can send a message if the machine is too warm or too cold. This allows maintenance persons to be notified so that the machine can be quickly restored to service.

Connections and Considerations

The table below refers to the drawing in Figure 1. If you are using this document on line, click the model number in the table below to see more information.

Where to use Vending Machine Security

There are many facility types that include intrusion detection systems in the building systems. Some examples of these facilities include airports, schools, lobbies, auditoriums, cash payment centers, banks, retail stores, laboratories, pharmacies, and public processing centers.