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Electric locks with no power, what should they do?

  • 18-06-2009 2:14pm
    #1
    JohnBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,342 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    What is the default scenario for electric locks on door when the power goes?

    we had a power cut here in the office yesterday and the keypad on the door wouldnt work, but the electromagnet held it closed. no biggy as we have another door.


    but the boss has a bee in his bonnet over it, and I'm supposed to look into it. (it's his frickin building)

    anway, what should electric locks do when the power goes? open or stay closed.


Comments

  • #2
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Keep a fire ax nearby?
    Thats the last resort but it is an effective one.


  • #3
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    All doors on escape routes must be always openable in direction of escape without the need for a detached key or code .

    That electric lock should definitely open in a power cut . And in case of power cut when the building is unoccupied - another lock needs to be in place to cover that scenario . That lock too must be openable without a detached key or code .

    You need to call good locksmith


  • #4
    Carpenter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Carpenter


    Hi
    It should be linked back to the fire alarm


  • #5
    JohnBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,342 ✭✭✭JohnBoy


    you know it could well be linked to the fire alarm, as far as I know all the security was organised by the one company.

    I suppose we'll have to test that some evening.


  • #6
    maxwellhouse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 ✭maxwellhouse


    1. you need to establish what type of lock it is?

    Is it one of those cluncky rectangular ones that act as a Magnet to pull the metal tight towards it to keep it locked?
    If yes then this lock must have a breakglass unit at the door which when broken the power is cut directly from the lock. This Green break glass unit MUST be there. There should be no problem once this is in place.

    Probably what happened is the supply to the Keypad was different to the Lock generally access control systems would have a number of 12/24 v supply's maybe one supplys the electronics and the other supplys the lock. if one supply fails perhaps the electronic's then the one to the lock is still active? Or if the total building lost power one of the supply's may have had a battery and the other may not


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  • #7
    okmqaz42
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 612 ✭✭✭okmqaz42


    It depends on the nature and use of the building.
    You can install fail secure locks-when the power fails the door will stay locked. Generally used on main entrance doors or internally in banks and the like.
    Second you have fail safe locks-when you have a power cut the door should open-provided that here is no battery back up.

    It sounds like you have a fail secure lock with no battery back up for the keypad, install a green BGU or have a set of backup batteries installed in the psu if the door needs to be safe.

    Just for good measure-do a fire drill(required by law twice a year) and make sure that all electronic locks along the escape route open. you dont want to be locked inside a building when it's on fire:eek:


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