A magnetic-coded lock is a lock device that uses pins in combination with magnets to prevent entry by either non-matching keys by teething or magnetic polarity. Magnetic-coded locks encompass knob locks, cylinder locks, lever locks, and deadbolt locks as well as applications in other security devices. The magnetic-coded lock was invented by an engineer in Nanchang, China. There have been several Chinese patents taken out on this technology. The improved version of this technology is currently on patent pending status granted by US Patent and Trademark Office. Magnetic-coded technology utilizes multiple pairs of magnetic pins with opposing poles that are embedded inside keys and plugs. When a correctly matched key is inserted into the lock, not only are all the mechanical pins pushed into the correct positions, the magnetic pins are also driven to the appropriate level by the magnetic force inside the key. The magnetic pins are made with permanent magnets which means the magnets stay magnetized.
The intensity of the magnet will not decay over time or be affected by other magnetic fields. In order to open a magnetic-coded lock, three criteria must be met: correct teething of the key, magnetic pin locations and poles of the magnetic pins. If any of these three criteria are not satisfied, the lock stays inoperable and cannot be turned. - Magnetic-coded lock key combinations - Conventional pin-tumbler lock combinations - Pairs of embedded magnets. (multiple pairs can be embedded) Anti-picking: The embedded magnetic pins are not exposed to the key way, therefore, no lifting force can be applied to move the magnetic pins. Most standard forms of lock picking are therefore preventable. Anti-bumping: Lock bumping transmits kinetic energy from the key to the drive pins, to split the bottom and top pins. The embedded magnetic technology has no physical contact points between key and magnetic pins, therefore no kinetic energy is transmitted. Key control (advantages): Due to the magnetic cylinder elements embedded in the keys, there is a high degree of key control.
Unlawful key duplications are minimized by limited access to key blanks (locksmiths) and unique magnetic coding in the key that cannot easily be determined by inspecting the target lock. Cost effectiveness: Because the manufacturing process is based on the pin and tumbler platform, the cost of manufacturing is significantly reduced when compared to high security locks with comparable security features. These high security locks often utilize new locking mechanisms which increase the cost of manufacturing. Manufacturing complexity: A special tool set and procedures have to be developed to accomplish the task of embedding the magnets inside both the keys and the locks. Key control (disadvantages): Having a limited supply of blanks can make legitimate duplication of keys, for example after one is lost, more difficult. The same as conventional lock installation. Drilling with a hole saw may be required in doors lacking a hole for assembly. Access control, one of the key components of a comprehensive security solution, comes in many
Essentially there are two components, the lock (i.e. the physical mechanism keeping the door locked) and the access control system (such as a card reader, biometric reader, keypad etc, which opens the lock). In this post we will take a look at the lock component, specifically within electric locks. Electric locks are already widely adopted in the States and much of Europe, and their use is growing fast in Asia too as companies and individuals realize electric locks provide a safe and secure solution for access control. Below are the three main types of electric locks on the market. Taking into account the safety, security, convenience and aesthetics of each type, we'll provide you with an overview of the Most electric locks can be set to function in one of the following ways: Fail-safe:unlockcan still exit through the door enter (or exit) through the door It therefore only takes a loss of power to make a fail-safe lock ineffective. Of course there can
be a battery backup supply installed, but the battery will have a limited lifespan, perhaps not more than a couple of hours, which limits the time available for the power supply issue to be resolved. Fail-secure locks are therefore better for doors which require higher security, but carry greater risk for safety as there could be people trapped inside the building. Accounting for about 80% of the electric locks in use, mag-locks operate by an electromagnetic strip attached to the door frame which aligns with an armature attached to theThe lock can be fail-safe (whereby the electromagnet releases the armature) or fail-secure (whereby the electromagnet attracts the armature) depending on the use and safety Mag-locks are relatively simple to install and are cost effective in terms of procurement and installation. They are also fast to operate and can withstand significant mechanical force. Fail-safe locks, which are most commonly adopted, require a constant supply of electricity to remain locked therefore making them slightly more expensive to run due to continuous electricity
Moreover, if a mag-lock is continuously locked for a long time, it can beAnother disadvantage is that the lock is essentially just a magnet so can be easily tampered with using everyday metal objects. Electric strike locks account for around 10-15% of the electric locks in use. These locks are secured via a mechanical lock within the door and door frame which is connected to an electricity supply, The lock is therefore released if the access control device is activated (instead of using a key in traditional mechanical locks). Like mag-locks, electric strike locks can be set as fail-safe or fail-secure. The major advantage of electric strike locks is that because the lock component works like a standard mechanical lock, the lock can be set such that it can be opened from inside using a handle. An electric strike lock can therefore be set as fail-secure, but still allow people inside the building to exit safely, without needing to install a break glass or release button inside.
Locks can also be installed with a key lock option enabling the door to be unlocked mechanically too (particularly in case of a loss of power on a fail-secure lock). Electric strike locks tend to be more expensive and more complicated to install as they require various components and wiring. Moreover, if the door can be opened with just the handle from the inside (rather than a release button) then it is impossible to track exits through the door on the access control system. Wireless locks essentially work like a strike lock in terms of the mechanics, but the access control element is contained within the lock system on the door itself. It is therefore battery powered and the lock released via wireless technology. Electric locks have fewer components so are cleaner looking and easier to install. they can be easily added to a door at any stage on site construction (unlike wired doors which can be difficult to install after a site is complete). They do not require a break glass or push button device to override the lock like in mag-locks and electric
In addition, wireless locks only use electricity when the lock is being opened resulting in less energy consumption while safe and secure at all times. Although a wireless lock can be slightly more expensive option initially, they require less maintenance making them a cost effective option in the long As a battery powered device, users should be alert and responsive to when the lock's battery is running low, as if not replaced, the lock will not be able to be opened electronically. For a more detailed overview of wireless locks and their capabilities, download this white paper. Before you make any decisions about what lock is best for your site, it's important to first think carefully about what your site requires in terms of safety and security, and to evaluate how risk can be reduced to ensure that security related incidents won’t interrupt your business Another key consideration is the state of the site itself: if you are adding access control to a