IDAC 101 - Common Concepts and Foundation

Course Overview

New to the 2026 catalog, IDAC 101 is a foundational course that establishes the essential knowledge shared by both Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) and Physical Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS). Rather than covering each domain separately, this course focuses exclusively on the core concepts that underpin both platforms—low-voltage electrical fundamentals, system architecture patterns, wiring and termination methods, sensor technologies, and the input/output logic that drives all electronic physical security.

With a full day of instruction including hands-on exercises, students build a rock-solid foundation that makes advanced coursework far more effective. The measured pace and practical labs are designed to help knowledge stick well after students leave. Students will get a comprehensive overview of common components and will get hands-on experience with many of them.

What You'll Learn

Low-Voltage Electrical Fundamentals

Key Electricity Concepts for Physical Security Applications
Voltage, Current, and Resistance in Low-Voltage Installations
Power Supplies, Circuits, and Common Wiring Configurations

System Architecture: The Shared DNA of PACS and PIDS

Both Platforms as Embedded Systems: Central Controller Boards Connected to Remote Low-Voltage Devices
Input Devices, Output Devices, and Programmed Logic
How Modern PACS Often Functions as a Superset of PIDS Capabilities

Sensor Technologies Common to Both Platforms

Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors
Magnetic Reed Switches and Door/Window Contacts
High-Security Sensors and Specialty Devices
Hands-On Experience with Common Sensor Components

Wiring, Terminations, and Field Installation

Common Termination Types Encountered in the Field
How Systems Are Designed, Wired, and Installed
What Red Teamers Need to Recognize During Reconnaissance

Current-Sensing Loops and Supervision

How Input Devices Use Current-Sensing Loops
End-of-Line Resistors (EOLR): What They Are, How They're Used, How to Identify Them, and Their Limitations
Supervised vs. Unsupervised Circuits

Identifying PACS and PIDS in the Field

Visual Hallmarks and Characteristics of Installed Systems
Recognizing System Presence During Physical Assessments

Business Drivers and Design Constraints

Why Physical Security Controls Are Designed the Way They Are
Cost, Compliance, and Operational Factors That Shape Implementations

Hardware Kits

Lab Fee ($100) — PACS-PIDS Input/Output Demo Kit

Required for all students.

Demonstration Input/Output Components
Sample Wiring and Termination Materials
EOLR Configuration Samples

Field Kit ($350) — Demo Electric Strike and MagSquare 600 with Slipper

Required for virtual students; optional for in-person attendees.

Demo Electric Strike
MagSquare 600 Electromagnetic Lock Demo Unit
Slipper/Shim Demonstration Tool

Field Kit Plus ($450)

Optional upgrade for a comprehensive home lab.

All Field Kit Contents, Plus:
Demo Standalone Keypad

Prerequisites

None — this is the entry point for RTA's PACS and PIDS curriculum. No prior experience with physical security systems is required.

Course Progression

After completing IDAC 101, students are prepared to advance to PACS 201 (Physical Access Control Systems) or the PIDS 2xx series (Physical Intrusion Detection Systems). Students must complete this foundational course before enrolling in any 200-level coursework.