Digital Door Locks – What are they & When To Use them

We look at what digital door locks are, the advantages of using them, how you can improve your business security and using digital locks in your home.
This page also covers advice on what type of doors that digital locks can be fitted on.

What are digital door locks?

Digital door locks provide a low cost, easy to install security solution for buildings that require a reliable means of access control but where the allocation of keys or cards is unpractical due to the volume of people entering and exiting the building

They also provide a keyless way to enter business premises, homes & schools without the need for always having to carry a set of keys.

Expert Advice – Ask a Locksmith

There are 2 main types of digital lock:-

Electronic – required power (either mains or battery)
Mechanical – no power required, mechanically operated push button locks (recent British Standard BS8607 generated to test these sorts of locks)

Entry using an electronic card reader system

What type of Electronic digital locks are there?

• Electronic keypad – just a enter a code to gain access
• Biometric – e.g. Fingerprint recognition
• Smart Cards – mostly used in hotels and office building

What type of doors can a digital lock be fitted on?

Depending on the model chosen, digital door locks can be installed on a range of doors, including timber and multi-point UPVC.

• UPVC Doors
• Timber and Wood Doors
• Aluminium and Glass Doors
• External Doors

Suppliers will offer ranges to suit each level of security, from those used for low priority internal door installations through light, medium and heavy-duty options.

The most robust digital door locks will be capable of withstanding all but the most violent attacks and will provide many years’ reliable service, even when installed on external doors and when subjected to heavy traffic or extreme use.

Some electronic locks have an override system

Advantages of using a Digital Door Lock?

• No use for keys – spare key cutting no longer needed.
• Not having to deal with lost keys – simple keyless entry.
• Perfect for homes, as nurses/carers can access the property by inputting the code as normal,
• Also, family members can use their own key and don’t have to worry about changing codes.
• Fast access – some use remote controls, so you can quickly access the property when if its raining
• Can be used with existing door lock fittings
• Internal and external use
• Ideal for use in the home, offices, flats & apartments, schools/colleges/universities & restricted areas

Where are digital locks used the most?

They are typically used in public buildings such as hospitals, offices and schools, which can have a number of digital locks located throughout the building to secure different areas, or for domestic properties where numerous carers or nurses need independent access.

Digital door locks provide perfect keyless entry

Benefits compared to key & electronic locks

There is little that can go wrong and consequently, digital door locks can last for many years.

As their operation is so straightforward compared to ‘high tech’ electronic access control options such as biometric fingerprint readers.

ADVANTAGES

• Digital door locks are quick and easy to fit as they are completely self-contained,
• Require no additional hardware
• Ideally suited for small budget systems. 

Digital Locks are very quick and easy to fit

Digital Door Locks can be reprogrammed at any time 

The fact that digital door locks can easily and quickly be reprogrammed means that security can be instantly reinstated if compromised or if there is a changeover in staff.

USED IN SCHOOLS TO CONTROL ACCESS

• More practical than issuing students & teachers with keys
• Codes can be updated at the end of each school term to reinstate security
• Can prevent entry to students and teachers who may have left.

The same applies to home security, as carers and nurses usually work shifts and if a member of staff leaves the organisation, the code can be changed instantly.

Set free entry throughout the day & code only entry out of hours

Some applications may only require security at particular times, in which case the digital door locks can be set to free passage throughout the day, and then be programmed for code-only entry outside of normal office hours to provide security for those remaining in the building.

For more information on digital door locks visit Securikey website here