Everything you need to know about electronic locks (2023)

The security offered by electronic locks extends from the security of the general public to the security of private property. These locks are like all electronic devices and serve a wide range of needs. Everything from residential to the highest government security has been handled with electronic locks. allbest safe makersSelling units with electronic lock. And now most cars have some kind of electronic key system. But what are the dangers of technology? Are you and the things you're trying to protect safer with electronic locks? Not all technology is created equal, and with electronic locks, the keys you use to open them are just as important as the locks themselves. Electronic locks are the "choose your own adventure" of the security world. Combinations of unlocking and locking devices will shape the end result of your protection. It is very important to take personal needs into account as well as the ever-changing landscape of new technologies. New electronic security methods are always being improved and new products are being developed. So how is the market now?

What are Electronic Locks?

Electronic locks are locked or unlocked with the help of an electric current. Electric current is used to power an electromagnet, a solenoid (single coil electromagnet), or a motor. These devices will activate the lock in a failsafe or failsafe manner.

failsafe

A fail-safe lock on the entrance side will open in the event of a power outage or an emergency alarm being activated. This is possible because electrical current is used to keep the door locked and removing power disables the locking mechanism.

Advantage

• Protect workers in times of emergency.
• Allows the safe exit of large buildings with many visitors (gyms, museums, schools, etc.) and the entry of emergency services.

Disadvantages

• With the loss of power, the building will not be safe.
• Pulling emergency alarm will unlock emergency exits with this feature.
• Likely to commit crimes during an actual emergency as well as a staged one.

failsafe

A failsafe lock is the exact opposite of the failsafe feature. It uses electrical current to retract the screw. And in the event of a power outage, the latch will remain in the locked position.

Advantage

• Protect valuables in times of emergency.
• An EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or power outage will not disable the interlocks.

Disadvantages

• It is not ideal for large buildings with many visitors (gyms, museums, schools, etc.) because it prevents emergency services from entering.
• Evacuation can be avoided if used in door locks.

Not all devices can be considered failsafe and failsafe. Most of the time, the operating mode of the device will determine whether the loss of electricity will close or open the door, gate, hatch, etc. For other electronic locks, building codes may restrict the use of failsafe or failsafe. The main types of electronic locks are:

electric strikes

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Electric locks have a spring-loaded gate that manipulates the bolt of the lock. Without the proper entry tool, the gate will remain locked in place. Only with due verification with the porter, loosen and let the screw retract. This type of lock can be failsafe or failsafe, and depending on the building codes in your area and the type of structure, you may have no other option to install. The device is installed on the door frame or, in the case of double doors, on the fixed door (inactive leaf). Most of the time this type of lock is made to get out of the building safely and in most cases it will open from the inside even if it is failsafe. This is done with a manual override such as a button or switch. A key can also be designed to replace the lock from the outside.

Electric lock retraction

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This electronic door lock is designed to be exceptionally foolproof. The device has "retract" in its name to describe that its screw works by retracting when electrical current is applied. The bolt will remain retracted until power is turned off or inhibited. The bolt will remain secure when there is no power, so special precautions must be taken for emergency preparedness. As this is a high security device, a separate power supply is required for a fire alarm to open these doors (if desired or necessary).

electromechanical locks

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This lock is available with failsafe or failsafe features. They get their name from their content and inner workings. A cross section of such a lock will show a screw and gear system which can be manipulated using the lock cylinder and/or an electrical current. In the failsafe version of this latch, the electric current will cause the bolt of the latch to remain extended. In the event of a power outage, the door will be fully unlocked, and in the event of a fire alarm, the door can be set to lose power. The failsafe version will use electrical current to retract the lock and therefore will remain locked until power is restored to the system.

electromagnetic locks

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An electromagnetic is one of the most common types ofmagnetic locks🇧🇷 It uses a magnet that is created when a current is moved through a wire with multiple coils around an iron core or a solenoid (single coil wire wrapped around a metal core). When the current is interrupted, the metal wire is no longer magnetized. Due to the very nature of an electromagnet, it cannot be failsafe, which means that in an emergency or power outage, the doors will unlock. The built-in unlocking function as a result of a power failure (the so-called fail-safe) was the founding idea of ​​the electromagnet. The lock was first manufactured as a commissioned security feature for the Montreal Forum in Quebec, Canada. The problem they were created for was the threat of the doors being locked in an emergency. The fear was that, in the event of a fire, employees would have to go to all the doors and open them, or simply leave all the doors in the building unlocked.

The solution was a door that unlocked in the event of a power loss, and additionally a series of doors that could be opened triggering a fire alarm. When there is no emergency to disable the locks, the magnets can be manipulated with a key that temporarily interrupts the electrical current. After a few seconds, the current will return, and once the door closes, it will magnetically connect to the door frame. This lock configuration is constructed by attaching a metal (usually iron) magnetic plate to the door and the electromagnet to the door frame. The strength of the magnetic force keeping the door closed will depend on how the electromagnet coil is wound and constructed; the strength of the current (how much electricity is being used); and the material around which the coil is wound.

electronic input modes

An electronic lock needs to use an electronic signal to open and close, otherwise it would always be locked or open. The answer is an electronic key. This is not necessarily a key in the classic sense of the word. These keys could be anything from a code to a retinal scan. All devices have their strengths and weaknesses, but a similar strength they all share is how easy it is to grant and deny access. Common electronic entry keys that most people are familiar with includecar key chainsit's himtransponder chips in car keys🇧🇷 With digital keys, there is no need to rekey a lock after detecting a security threat. The required key can simply be changed universally or for a specific lock.

authentication token

They are sometimes referred to as tokens because they are a physical device required to interact with the lock, much like a bus or arcade token interacts with a machine. These authentication devices can be magnetic cards or a digital device that sends an infrared signal. These locks are defined by the need for a line of sight between the user and the lock. You must use the device near the lock.

Advantage

• Devices can be configured to open some ports and not others.
• Locks can be reset to disable any of these devices at any time.

Disadvantages

• Devices can be lost.
• Devices can be damaged.
• Some devices can be expensive to replace.

Access code

A password is a series of interactions in a specific order, with some type of keyboard. This type of electronic lock is very common in mosttypes of safes🇧🇷 The variations of these codes are endless, making them extremely secure against guess-based attacks. The codes can be numbers, letters or even addresses. Color coding can even be used to make the code look like a numerical code when it is actually a sequence of colors. With the infinite capacity to be creative, it makes sense that this method suffers from the problem of human error. Code can be viewed and copied or simply forgotten.

Advantage

• This system only requires memorizing a code and a way to enter it.
• Different codes can be used for different ports as well as master codes that work for all ports.
• The length and number of options can make it very unlikely for you to guess the code.

Disadvantages

• The code can be seen by others and copied.
• The code can be forgotten by those who need to use it.
• Using multiple codes increases the chance that the code will be guessed.

radio frequency device

A radio frequency device or radio frequency identification device (RFID) is similar to an authentication token. The main difference is that the signal can open the lock from further away. You do not need a direct line of sight for this device to interact with the electronic lock. It has similar advantages and disadvantages to the token, with the added trade of an extended interactive range. This type of technology is used inaugust or kevoe similarsmart locks that can be opened with your smartphone(Bluetooth).

Advantage

• The range is larger for the key.
• Devices can be configured to open some ports and not others.
• Locks can be reset to disable any of these devices at any time.
• Let your smartphone be your key.

Disadvantages

• Devices can be lost.
• Devices can be damaged.
• Some devices can be expensive to replace.

Biometry

biometric locksthey're the way people in spy movies and the future lock their doors, but this technology has been around for a while. The new iPhones and the DMV use biometrics like fingerprint scanners, but biometrics are more than just fingerprints. Retinal and iris scans of the eye, facial recognition, and voiceprint recognition are examples of biometric scans. The quality of the sensor will determine the effectiveness of this type of access. If the biometric sensor is too forgiving, it might not protect you at all. On the other hand, if the sensor is very perceptive, a simple glitch can alter the function being read enough to keep it blocked. Most important is a correctly calibrated sensor that allows for a small margin of error.

Advantage

• There are no keys or codes to lose or remember.
• You are the key to your locks.
• The biometric data that the locks accept can be changed at any time without the need to rekey or redo the system.

Disadvantages

• A tolerant sensor might allow a photo of you to open the lock.
• A relentless sensor can keep you out of your own doors/locks.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when considering electronic door locks. With this information, you should now be able to discern for yourself what you need. I always emphasize the importance of practicality and diversity in your safety. Implement methods that work for your personal needs and match the different locks in your home or office. At the root of great security there must be foresight and planning. Anything you haven't considered is something for a thief to exploit.

Preparedness is the root of prevention and protection, especially in the security industry. Electronic locks are a big investment, so they may be better suited for a business than a home, but there's no better personal investment than protecting your property. Remember to be practical with your solutions and think not only about how it protects you, but also how it will affect you and others who will be using your locks. You might not have a problem with having three key codes circulating after using one, but that might be difficult for other people to use. Be practical, be prepared and safe.