The types of locking mechanisms and many other technologies have changed in their design and functionality over time. The world is evolving and every day we learn about new advances in science and technology. The rapid development of the electronics industry also has an impact on locking mechanisms, which are already becoming more and more popular. Electronic locking mechanisms are a hallmark of modern security, access control and time attendance systems. Used in centralized systems for access control to buildings and premises in building and industrial automation and an integral part of smart home systems.
How can you best protect your homes and property? Electronic locking mechanisms are here to help you. To make the right decision about using such devices, you should know about them as much as possible. Once we have chosen the access control system and working time, we need to go into more detail about the products that will be needed to run the system. One of the important details is the locking mechanism. In the following rows we will look at the types of locking mechanisms, their characteristics and applications, so choose the most appropriate system.
Description of intelligent locking mechanisms.
These locking mechanisms are compact devices with precision design that are mounted on the doors, whether made of metal or wood. Their design suits every kind of doors. A feature of electronic locking mechanisms is the ability to access without using the classic key, using a special card, chip or other form of electronic coded information, that allows you to unlock. After reading the required information, the electrical pulse releases the lock and the door opens.
Or you just have to download an APP on your phone and use its lock control and tracking features. The device detects the access door to the host via Bluetooth and the door opens with a quiet sound. If you have forgotten your phone or its battery has run down, you will unlock with the good old key.
Another option that gives you intelligent locking mechanisms is remote control.You can give access to the house to friends or relatives who have suddenly arrived by using your phone. The program supporting the operation of the device has a logbook, which records each actuation of the locking mechanisms. Access for unauthorized persons can be provided on a regular basis and once. You can set the timer and the door to open at the specified time. The pre-program mode can always be corrected or canceled. And all this is done only using your phone.
Advantages and disadvantages of electronic locking mechanisms.
Electronic locking mechanisms are preferred because of the following advantages:
- Maximum comfort for the occupants of all kinds of property, thanks to the possibility of opening the doors in remote mode;
- High system reliability due to the absence of friction elements relative simplicity of construction;
- Increased complexity in adulteration magnetic cards and keys, high security for unauthorized hacking;
- Intelligent locking is equipped with an alarm system that is triggered at first signs of hacking and instantly sends a signal to the owner or security company;
- Lock when entering the wrong password;
- Resistance to low temperatures, humidity and other environmental conditions;
- Easy integration of locks to access control and time attendance systems of any complexity;
- Ability to identify every incoming person with an opportunity to see the log of the visits;
- Reliable protection from outsiders;
- Children do not wear the keys around their necks оr in their pockets;
- There is no need to worry that someone has lost the key, but a stranger has found it;
- Improved control with access zones for all buildings allowing entry of specific users or guests;
- High level of safety and comfort in use.
They are connected with the following disadvantages:
- The need for a constant power source, as in the event of a power outage, the doors can be blocked;
- Negative response when voltage drops in the grid, the problem is eliminated by installing a stabilizer;
- There is any possibility to hack the device with expensive equipment and very serious knowledge.
Selection and types of locking mechanisms
There are different types of devices to limit and control the access. You can install such solutions on the front door, doors between rooms in non-residential buildings, interior doors, entrances doors to residential buildings, gates, garage doors, commercial and industrial sites. The variety of options and their extensive application have made electrical locking mechanisms very popular. They really deserve the attention of the buyer.
The choice of locking mechanisms depends on what you want to achieve: budget, security, efficiency. In rare cases, when the system is only used to control the time attendance, there may be no locking mechanisms. Then only input and output points are placed. Another question is how many employees will be disciplined after the door unlocking is not dependent on the check-in itself and whether they will be checked at each pass.
Electromagnetic strike
First, we will take a look of electromagnetic strike. It is one of the most common locking mechanisms. Suitable for different types of doors except sliding doors. There are two types of strikers – Fail safe and Fail secure. At the first – Fail safe, the striker stays closed when the voltage is applied. That is, when the system is powered, it stays closed. In dropping the voltage, door will remain unlocked. In the second option, Fail secure is the exact opposite- when supplying voltage of the system, it is unlocked. In this option, if the current electricity stops, our system (the door) will remain locked. We recommend the system always to be supported by emergency power.
Installation of electromagnetic striker locks
The type of electromagnetic strike assembly is critical when choosing a product to use for our system. Typically, it is mounted by fitting into the fixed frame (door frame). When choosing a striker, the door material – wood, glass, metal – must be considered. So, as an electronic device when installing it, we will need to power it. This happens as a wiring from the access control panel to the electromagnetic striker with a two-wire cable. This is often missed when the door and frame are first installed and subsequently makes installation difficult. Many manufacturers of doors and windows can directly install a striker or other locking device when ordering the door, as well as pull out the cables that will be needed for the system.
When setting a double-sided access control system (door opens on both sides with an access control reader), an exit button is usually set. It is a mandatory access control accessory that ensures a seamless exit from the controlled room in a fire or other conditions requiring evacuation. There are two types of emergency buttons for output – with breakable glass or recovery key.
The first safety glass breaks when pressed and the door automatically unlocks. The recovery is done by replacing the glass (it is purchased separately and is a consumable item). The second access control system is restored with a key. This allows manipulations, but it is a cheaper option because no extra glasses are needed for the button. When using an exit button, different wiring scheme is applied.
Bolt Lock
Another door locking mechanism with access control is the bolt lock. It is a plate that is placed on the movable part of the door (no need of wiring) and a mechanism that is mounted on the frame. When closing the door, the mechanism is activated, and a pin (similar to a cylinder) enters the plate. Lock bolt is one of the safest methods of electronic locking. It is very difficult to manipulate.
The stationary part must be wired with a 2-wire cable. There are models of the lock bolt for external mounting and installation. The discomfort in this locking mechanism is that the two parts should be very well fit together to lock. It is not recommended for thinner doors or those that can be displaced. If we install a lock bolt, it is best to provide both an emergency power supply and an additional remote module. It will allow us to open the door if there is a problem with the card or chip’s reader.
Electromagnet
People often use electro-magnet locking mechanisms for access control systems. They are suitable for locking lockers, glass doors, ordinary doors, larger and secured portals. If the access control is one-sided, an exit button is used to break the circuit and release the magnet. If the electric magnets are placed in the evacuation path, they must have a connection to the fire alarm system or be provided with an emergency exit button.
The principle of the electromagnetic lock is based on a powerful magnet and a coil that holds the metal plate. It provides low cost and high reliability. Such systems are not afraid of moisture, allowing them to be used as locking mechanisms at the door or entrance door of an office building.
In response to market needs, we offer increasingly interesting and more comfortable electronic solutions. However, it must remember that when choosing a particular model must carefully analyze individual/different criterion. In addition to the price, you should also consider the way of installation and the material from which the doors are made, as well as their thickness. You should also pay attention to the appearance and location of the locking mechanisms indoors.
However, in order to get a truly reliable device that meets the required specifications, and to provide reliable protection for your home or office, you must know that its production requires high-tech equipment and qualified staff. That is why you should not save quality in this case. Inexpensive fake Chinese suggestions, you will not like, but also it can lead to a lot of disappointment. Buy electronic locks only from reputable companies with a reliable reputation.
