Otis Singleton
There are many types of electric locks, from electric strike locks to magnetic locks, and they can be installed on a variety of doors, from cars to homes and businesses. Electric locks are a convenient way to replace keys or add additional home automation features, such as remote locking or unlocking. They can also be controlled and monitored remotely through smartphone apps. Electric locks consist of actuators, which connect the bolt or cylinder to a small motor within the door or frame itself. The motor is then controlled by an electrical impulse, which can be triggered by a card reader, keypad, or wireless remote control sensor. When installing an electric lock, it is important to consider the door's material, security and aesthetic goals, and compliance with fire safety regulations.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Locks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Electric strike locks, magnetic locks, electric door strikes, electrified locksets, pulse locks, bistable locks |
| Functionality | Can be fail-safe or fail-secure |
| Installation | Requires a detailed analysis of the door, its surroundings, and its purpose; may be wired to a power supply and access control controller or reader; may be installed with a backup power supply |
| Control | Can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps, keypads, or wireless remote control sensors |
| Compliance | Must adhere to fire safety regulations and ensure emergency exit accessibility |
| Testing | Should be tested in various situations, such as attempting to open while yanking the door or forcing it open without unlocking |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric strike locks: the most common type of electric lock, these are similar to regular strike locks but are electrified and can be unlocked with electrical impulses
- Fail-safe vs fail-secure: depending on how it's set up, an electric lock can be fail-safe (unlocked when power is cut) or fail-secure (locked when power is cut)
- Compliance issues: fire safety regulations demand that you should always be able to exit a building in an emergency
- Remote control: electric locks can be controlled and monitored remotely, either via an app or wireless remote control sensor
- Installation: a qualified electrician must install electric locks, and it's important to test them out before considering the installation complete
Electric strike locks: the most common type of electric lock, these are similar to regular strike locks but are electrified and can be unlocked with electrical impulses
Electric strike locks are the most common type of electric lock. They are similar to regular strike locks, but with the added feature of electrification, allowing them to be unlocked with electrical impulses. This makes them a convenient and secure option for homes and businesses.
To install an electric strike lock, you will need to wire it to a power supply and an access control controller or reader. Basic electric strikes typically lack wireless capabilities, so ensure you have the correct wiring setup. The electric strike will respond to electrical impulses by locking or unlocking, and the access reader will govern these impulses. You can set up the lock to be either fail-safe or fail-secure. A fail-safe lock is designed to unlock when power is cut, while a fail-secure lock remains locked when power is lost and only unlocks when power is supplied. This feature ensures that in an emergency, such as a fire or power outage, you can still exit the building.
When wiring the lock, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent damage and voiding the warranty. Pay close attention to the voltage requirements and ensure the circuit can handle the lock's maximum load capacity. Additionally, consider using diodes to protect the relay from voltage backflow.
Once the wiring is complete, test the lock by connecting the wires, powering it up, and supplying the correct voltage to the strike. You should hear an audible "click." It is also recommended to test the lock in various scenarios, such as trying to open the door by yanking or forcing it, to ensure its effectiveness and durability.
Electric strike locks offer a simple yet reliable way to enhance security and access control for your doors. With the ability to be wired to modern readers or controllers, they provide a future-proof access solution that suits various applications.
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Fail-safe vs fail-secure: depending on how it's set up, an electric lock can be fail-safe (unlocked when power is cut) or fail-secure (locked when power is cut)
Connecting an electric lock involves wiring it to a power supply and an access control controller or reader. The lock will then be triggered to lock or unlock when prompted with an electrical impulse from the access reader.
When it comes to electric locks, you can choose between a fail-safe or fail-secure setup. A fail-safe lock will remain unlocked when the power is cut, whereas a fail-secure lock will remain locked when the power is out and will be unlocked when powered. The latter setup provides an additional level of security, making it ideal for areas requiring extra protection, such as rooms with valuable data or equipment.
Fail-safe locks are useful for high-traffic areas where people are constantly coming and going, as they allow for easy evacuation during emergencies and provide access for emergency services. However, they may not be suitable for business-critical areas as unauthorised persons can gain access during a power outage.
Fail-secure locks, on the other hand, ensure that no unauthorised access is gained to important areas, even during a power outage. They are also more cost-effective and require less maintenance since they only need power to unlock the door. However, in the event of an emergency, you would need to ensure that people can still exit the building safely. This can be achieved through a mechanical override, such as a regular key, or a manual operation from the inside.
It is important to consider the specific needs of your space and comply with local building codes and regulations when deciding between a fail-safe or fail-secure setup.
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Compliance issues: fire safety regulations demand that you should always be able to exit a building in an emergency
Fire safety regulations demand that people must always be able to exit a building in an emergency. This means that electric locks must be installed with this in mind. Electric strike locks, the most common type of electric lock, can be set up to be either fail-safe or fail-secure. A fail-safe lock is designed to unlock when the power is cut, while a fail-secure lock is designed to lock when the power is cut and unlock when power is supplied. In the case of a power failure, a fail-safe lock will remain open, which can be a safety concern. Therefore, if an electric strike lock is installed on a front door or primary means of exiting a building, it is important that there is still a way to operate the lock manually.
Compliance with fire safety regulations can be achieved in several ways. Firstly, it is important to ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and easy to find. Signage for emergency exits should always be visible, and any markings or paint should be well-maintained to ensure visibility. Maps of emergency exits should be displayed prominently, and employees or residents should be trained on how to locate and use these exits safely. This training should include information on how to operate any electric locks in the event of a power failure, such as using a physical key for emergency backup.
Additionally, emergency exits should be kept clear and free of obstructions at all times. This includes not storing materials, equipment, or tools such as extension cords in front of or near emergency exits, as this could cause tripping hazards and impede swift evacuation. Regular inspections of emergency exits should be conducted to ensure they are in proper working order and can be easily accessed in the event of a fire or other emergency. This is especially important in commercial buildings, where locked doors on exits can cause harm by impeding swift evacuation.
Finally, remote monitoring and control of electronic door locks can be a useful feature in the event of an emergency. For example, if a fire occurs when no one is in the building, emergency services can be granted quick, non-destructive access by unlocking the door remotely. This can help ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and potentially reduce the damage caused by the fire.
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Remote control: electric locks can be controlled and monitored remotely, either via an app or wireless remote control sensor
Smart locks provide a convenient way to control and monitor your locks remotely, either via an app or a wireless remote control sensor. These locks are easy to install and offer several ways to control who can access your home and when.
For example, the Igloohome Smart Padlock 2 and Bridge allow you to remotely monitor and share access to your space. It is durable and has a long battery life, so you can use it outdoors without worrying about the weather. It supports app, keypad, and Alexa voice control.
The Kwikset Halo Touch is another smart and stylish lock that is easy to install and offers whisper-quiet operation. It lets you lock and unlock your door with your phone, Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands, a fingerprint, or a set of traditional keys.
The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint is another excellent choice for a connected lock. It is easy to install and offers advanced features such as timed-based automatic locking and location-based automatic unlocking. It works with various third-party devices and supports voice commands via Alexa, Google, and Siri.
Additionally, the Lockly Flex Touch is a fingerprint lock that looks like a standard deadbolt from the outside, with a small fingerprint sensor underneath. You can also purchase a Wi-Fi hub to control the lock via your phone from beyond Bluetooth range.
Smart locks, especially keypad models, are ideal for rental properties and vacation homes, as they allow for easy access control without the need for physical key exchanges. With a smart lock, you can grant temporary or permanent guest access via an app, providing convenience and peace of mind.
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Installation: a qualified electrician must install electric locks, and it's important to test them out before considering the installation complete
Electric locks should only be installed by qualified electricians. The installation process will vary depending on the type of lock, the door, and the building.
Before installation, a detailed survey of the door, its surroundings, and its purpose should be conducted. This includes the door's material, the door frame, and the building's structure. For example, a metal door with a concrete frame may require a different lock and installation process compared to a wooden door.
The most common type of electric lock is the electric strike lock, which is similar to a regular strike lock but is electrified and can be unlocked with electrical impulses. These locks can be set up to be fail-safe or fail-secure. Fail-safe locks are unlocked when the power is cut, while fail-secure locks are locked when the power is cut. Depending on the setup, the strike or the lock latch moves when an electrical impulse is received.
During installation, the electric strike lock must be wired to a power supply and an access control controller or reader. This controller governs the electrical impulses that lock or unlock the door. It is important to note that most basic electric strikes do not have wireless capabilities and require wiring.
After installation, it is crucial to test the lock thoroughly. This includes basic functionality tests, such as connecting the wires, powering on the lock, and providing the correct voltage. You should hear an audible "click" when the correct voltage is applied. Additionally, it is recommended to test the lock in extreme" situations, such as attempting to open the door by yanking it or forcing it open without unlocking it. Testing the connection to any access control systems is also vital.
It is important to be aware of compliance issues, especially those related to fire safety. Depending on the city and building type, specific codes and regulations may apply. For example, if the electric lock is installed on the primary means of exiting a building, there must still be a way to operate the lock in an emergency, even if the power is out.
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Frequently asked questions
The main types of electric locks include magnetic locks, electric door strikes, and electrified locksets.
Electric locks work by receiving an electrical impulse that triggers a motor-driven actuator that connects the bolt or cylinder to a small motor. The impulse will move the strike rather than the lock latch itself.
Electric locks can be controlled and monitored remotely, allowing you to lock and unlock doors from anywhere in the world. They also provide an extra layer of convenience and safety, as key codes can be changed easily, and you can set automated systems to lock doors at specific times.
