The Main Types of Electronic Access Control Locks and Their Uses

For many centuries keyed locks dominated the lock marketplace. But all of that started to change when electronic keyless locks were introduced into the marketplace. They quickly became popular because they were convenient to use and offer more choices to lock users than their keyed lock counterparts do. As the number of uses they are good for increases and the technology that goes into them gets even better, electronic access locks look to one day surpass keyed locks as the dominant types of locks in the marketplace. Here are some of the different types of keyless access control devices and their uses.

Keypad Locks 

These are currently the most popular type of access control devices that are made. They can be used in a very wide variety of situations. This includes being used on car doors, home entranceways, and commercial building storage areas. Locks like these need a code punched into them in order to activate them into unlocking a door or other type of entranceway. They are popular because they are very simple to operate and the codes on them are easy to change also. This helps keep the security that they offer at a very high level. Even as newer types of electronic access control locks enter the marketplace, keypad locks still remain very popular because of their versatility.

Keycard Locks

Here is an access control device that is very popular for businesses to use. These types of keyless locking devices have a credit card size keycard that is swiped through them in order to activate that lock to open. There is no easier opening lock than these types of access control locks. Why do businesses like to use them so much? It’s because they are an easy type of lock to set up for multiple numbers of users. They are often used to control parking lot access gates, secured areas of companies, and access to storage areas. Businesses also like them because these locks can record data on their employees that can be useful for the company to have. 

Magnetic Sensor Locks

Here is another type of access control lock that is easy to set up for a large number of users. That makes them perfect for use on multi-unit dwellings such as apartments, dormitories, and condos. For these types of keyless entry locks to work, all a person has to do is hold a small object with an imbedded magnetic strip close to the lock in order to open it. The magnetic keys that work these locks are extremely lightweight and portable. Often, they are no bigger than a regular car or house key. One of the biggest drawbacks with these locks as far as business use goes, is they oftentimes do not offer accountability data such as keycard access locks do.  

Radio Transmitter Locks

You may get a strange look on your face wondering what a radio transmitter type lock is. You may also be surprised to learn that you probably use one of these locks every single day of your life. That’s because they are the types of locks used on most automobiles at the present time. If you have a car key that has buttons at the top of it then your car has a radio transmitter lock. The keys used with this type of device are called transponder keys. These keyless locking devices are triggered by means of radio signal transmission. The transmitter key sends a signal to the host vehicle when one of its buttons are pressed. If the host vehicle recognizes the signal it will allow the vehicles anti-theft device to be turned on and off, the doors to be locked or unlocked, and even the trunk to be popped open. These types of locks have taken automobile theft security to a much higher level.

Biometric Locks 

Do you want the latest and best type of access control lock? Then you will want to take a good look at some biometric locking devices. Although there is some very high tech that goes into making them, they are actually quite a simple type lock to program and use. They are already in widespread use protecting such things as cellphones, smart devices, and laptop computers. Biometric locks work by taking a fingerprint or retina scan of an authorized lock user. They offer a higher level of security because no two people have the same retina or fingerprint pattern. 

Who Can Help with Electronic Access Lock Installations and Repairs?

If you are interested in getting any type of access control lock installed your best bet is to call a professional locksmith for help. They will guide you into selecting a keyless access control lock that best fits your needs. They will also have a variety of access control devices so you will be able to find one that nicely fits into your budget too. Locksmiths are also excellent at doing access control lock installations and then testing them for proper operation.

Most locksmith companies will also do free onsite lock consultations in many cases too. That way they can get a good look at where you want your new access control locks to go. This will help them advise you even better on the available types of keyless access devices that will meet your needs. These consultations are usually free and it will give you a chance to get more familiar with the locksmith you are thinking about hiring. You can also ask for a completely free lock service quote at this time too.

Locksmiths are also very good at troubleshooting and repairing any keyless access control devices that you are having problems with. They have the technical know-how to fix any type of access control system and they also carry many spare parts on their service vehicles too. Locksmith service providers like Skokie Pro Lock, LLC out of Skokie, Illinois can even help you out with emergency access control lock repairs 24-hours a day 365 days a year.