What Types Of Digital Locks Are There?

Traditional locks require the moving parts of the locking mechanism and a physical key. There are obvious limitations with this type of lock because, as we know, keys can get worn and lost, and the locking mechanism can be affected by the ingress of dust and dirt, so it is not so effective and may become damaged. So digital locks are the 21^st century solution to home and workplace security.

Rather than using a physical interaction to open the lock, ie. using a key, a digital lock is activated by a digital signal, which is effectively communicating with the lock and telling it to open. This is why digital locks are also called keyless locks. This is a much simpler method of ensuring security and has many advantages. However the types of locking mechanism used are more traditional and have been widely used for many years with keys.

Types of digital locks

• Mortice locks – this is where the locking mechanism is cut into a small pocket in the door, and hence is usually used in wooden doors. Mortice locks typically have a latch and a bolt. There are two types of mortice lock commonly used; a pull and push mortice lock uses a deadbolt to lock the door and is activated, as you might expect, by a pull or a push motion. The second type of mortice lock is a lever handle mortice lock, this has the look of a more traditional lock and simply uses the lever handle to push down and open the door.
• Deadbolt lock – this is a sleek and compact type of door lock that usually sits above the handle in the door and has a bolt which is activated by the digital signal. The bolt is usually either steel, bronze or brass and on some designs will extend longer into the door to provide even more security.
• Rim lock – the rim lock is typically used on metal doors because it is paired with a bracket attached to the door frame, rather than cut into the door itself.

How to activate a digital lock

What makes a digital lock suitable for different users is how it is activated, rather than the lock itself, although of course the lock design does have a big influence on how much security you will have. Digital locks can be activated in many different ways, these include:

• Keypad lock – a keypad is located on the door, into which the user will input a unique PIN number or passcode. This can be restricted to only authorised people and the method of activation (ie. the number or code) can be changed as needed.
• Electronic Keypad lock – The functionality of electronic locks provides major benefits over mechanical ones, and unlike other access control solutions, the digital locks do not require complex wiring, ID cards or external power, making them cost effective for many applications. Additional functionality such as one time user codes make electronic digital locks a cost effective entry level access control solution.
• Keycard or fob lock – a card similar to a credit card, or a small plastic fob will contain a means of passing on a unique digital signal that is paired to the locking mechanism. These can still get lost, but are easier to store in a wallet or attached to car keys or a belt loop, and they won’t get damaged because there is no physical contact needed.

The advantages of digital locks

Once you have decided on the type of digital lock that works with the activation method that suits your home or business, you will enjoy many advantages, such as:

• It is quicker for a line of several people to access through a digital lock than using a physical key method
• There are no front-of-house people required
• Access can be controlled on a 24/7 basis so digital locks are good for people arriving for night shifts and for out-of-hours deliveries