Code lock on the door: tips on choosing and operating

 Code lock on the door: tips on choosing and operating

The loss of a key is the eternal problem of the owners of “ordinary” locks. There is no such problem in their code variety. But you still need to carefully choose these devices and strictly comply with the requirements for their use.

Features and principle of operation

The essence of the code lock is quite simple: you need to dial a strictly defined code so that the door is open. The difference between the individual device types is related to how this function is implemented.

It is customary to single out:

  • mechanical;
  • electromechanical;
  • electronic systems.

Regardless, the system will:

  • the locking block itself;
  • code receiver (or dialer);
  • a control system that checks the correctness of the dialed digits (or the design features of a mechanical lock, allowing it to open only if they are correctly indicated);
  • power supply unit (in electronic versions);
  • backup feed system (in electronic versions).

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive sides of the locks unlocked by the code are:

  • no need to have a key with you all the time;
  • the inability to lose this key;
  • the ability to replace one key set key for a whole family or group of people.

Such devices are relatively inexpensive. It is very easy to change the code (if it is disclosed). You can also periodically, for prophylaxis, replace the password to complicate the situation for attackers. But if they recognize the code, they can easily go inside. In addition, having forgotten the password, the owners of the premises themselves will not be able to get into it so easily.

Varieties and subtleties of choice

There are many modifications of code locks that can be put on the front door.The installation method allows you to distinguish between mounted and mortise mechanisms. Attachment option is preferred for business objects. But to protect a residential house or office building, it is much better to use a mortise mechanism.

For your information: only mortise systems are used on the access doors.

Electric door lock is considered more attractive than a mechanical counterpart. The latter has already been thoroughly studied by robbers and other criminals, therefore it does not constitute a serious obstacle for them. In addition, the fewer moving parts, the lower the risk of breakage. But still there is still the proposal of mechanical systems, unlocked when entering the code. If you choose among them, then should prefer roller rather than push-button options.

The fact is that with active use, even the most durable buttons and labels on them are overwritten. One glance is enough to determine which numbers are pressed to access inside.

And sometimes the buttons go down - that's when the house owners themselves run into problems. If the mechanism is made according to the roller scheme, then any number of its revolutions will not leave traces that produce an access code.Yet such a decision can only be considered as an extreme measure.

Electronic locks, unlike mechanical ones, can be placed at a randomly selected point, even if it is removed from the devices that block the door physically. It is almost impossible to break a lock if it is unclear exactly where it is located, and how exactly it is arranged. Moreover, the selection of code by random dialing is very difficult even with the use of laptops.

Choosing a push-button electronic lock, home owners are at great risk - the keyboard problems are the same as in the mechanical method of setting ciphers.

More modern solutions are devices with code recorded on magnetic tapes. To present it to the reading unit, use an access card, key chain or remote control. But in all three cases it is possible to intercept the signal. And if the attackers seriously intend to get to the protected object, then they will be able to decipher any digital passwords. In addition, not even all professionals will take to install these locks.

Enough widespread code devices with a touch way to enter information.There is no need to use different types of screens for this purpose, recognizing the touch. Of course, such a solution is also possible. But a much more practical alternative is that the caps of decorative nails appear to be sensory fields in it. Technically, the input of numbers is realized by means of alternating current.

The disadvantage is obvious - such a system is operational only where there is a wiring or at least a stable autonomous power supply. But this problem does not matter much. In any case, if there is an opportunity to buy a reliable door and a good lock, the power supply will be adjusted.

If you choose a proprietary sensor device, you need to pay attention to how it fits into the design of the door and the surrounding space. This is important for offices and residential buildings.

Not only sensory, but also code locks supplemented by bolts deserve attention. Most often, encoding is done using small disks. They are able to rotate around their own axis, however, there are a number of stable positions. Fixation in these positions is achieved by a special kind of balls.Special grooves on the discs are designed in such a way that it was impossible to pick up the code.

Opening the case, the owners get access to the coded handles. These elements are responsible for reassigning passwords. The bolt device is designed in such a way that the door can be closed both from the outside and the inside.

Preferred models with unbreakable bolt, the length of which coincides with the length of the body. Power-breaking of such locks is the most complicated.

Experience in operating bolt locks has shown that, for at least 15 years, they do not experience significant wear. All basic protective functions are performed as reliably as immediately after installation. At the same time, respectable people who enter the code correctly, do not experience any inconvenience when interacting with the old device.

Experts note that the chances of opening the door by drilling the mechanism are close to zero. Another hacking technique, using a stethoscope, is also extremely laborious and unreliable, from the point of view of the robber.

Application area

You can put a combination lock on the front door in various places:

  • in a private house and cottage;
  • in the entrance of an apartment building;
  • in the office;
  • in stock;
  • on other object where the strengthened and reliable protection is required.

Where there is a large flow of people - in offices and hallways, mechanical combination locks are often used. In these cases, the absence of a need for keys reduces overall installation costs.

Mortise designs are used on doors, the thickness of which varies from 3 to 6 cm. If it is smaller, enhanced security code will not save. If more, the work is overly complicated.

Overhead versions of constipation are used for installation on the doors of secondary outbuildings. To use them to restrict access to the apartment is irrational.

Combination locks can also be placed on interior wooden doors, but this option is not always advisable, because in the space of an apartment you can choose a simpler option.

Lock installation

The installation of a padlock with a code unlocking provides only for fixing its case on the door. Following this, the response panel (a bolt will be placed in it when the passage is locked) is put on the joint. It will take no more than 15 minutes to do all this.

It is noticeably more difficult to put a mortise mechanical lock.First, make markup using templates - they are made with their own hands or taken from the package.

Pattern markup can be performed:

  • marker;
  • a pencil;
  • an awl;
  • in chalk.

When everything is marked up, it should be clear where it is necessary to embed the lock body itself, and where to insert the fasteners. A niche for the main part of the device is prepared with a drill and a chisel. Sometimes they use a special nozzle. At the same time make sure that the body is placed freely, but there were no slightest distortions. When this is done, it is necessary to drill the bolt holes.

There, where the crossbar is displayed, prepare a small notch. It must exactly match the size of the front panel. The panel is placed in the level of the canvas. In other words, its penetration into the canvas or its exit to the outside is not allowed. Then mark out the door jamb, so that you can put a striker plate. One or several bolts are smeared with chalk (when there is no chalk, take soap). The imprint will allow you to make the notch correctly. The approach is the same as when mounting the faceplate. When all is finished, mount the product itself.

Working with an electronic lock can be almost the same as with its mechanical counterpart.But there are some nuances. After fixing the case, you must remove the wire to connect to the power supply and controller. An additional hole is drilled and a cable with two conductors is passed through it.

It is best to place the controller and the power supply unit overhead. In this case, the body is initially mounted, and then the working parts. Most professionals believe that the controller is near loops. But it can not be too far away from the current source. These considerations should be taken into account to the same extent when selecting a suitable position.

Usually the wiring diagram is indicated in the accompanying documentation. If it's not there, you don’t need to reinvent your technique. We must first try to obtain the necessary information from manufacturers and authorized dealers. In any device, the controller and power supply system must be closed. This will help avoid moisture and clogging of dust.

Operation Tips

If it becomes necessary to change the lock containing electronics, it is required to first de-energize it. But to do this whenever a password is lost or a change in the door leaf is needed, should not be.The output is often the recoding mechanism, it also helps to open the locked lock.

Changing the code is highly recommended:

  • after the repair or reconstruction with the involvement of hired workers;
  • in case of loss or theft of records with a code;
  • after long use of one password.

It is usually considered necessary and sufficient to change the code every 6 months. It is often necessary to do this only when leaving tenants or with a sharp deterioration in the criminal situation in the area (city).

Enter in a regular manner the current combination of numbers. Then the plates with grooves return to the opposite position. When new numbers are typed, plates are placed under them, and the design is fixed with bolts.

You should also follow a few simple rules:

  • care for the mechanical part of the combination lock in the usual way;
  • protect electronics from strong shocks;
  • whenever possible, avoid writing the code, and if you cannot do without it, keep it out of the reach of outsiders;
  • carry out all maintenance recommended by the manufacturer;
  • Do not change the design of the lock and do not repair it yourself.

In the next video, you will learn about the H-Gang Touch On electronic security door lock.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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