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- Securevision - Serving Singapore since 2006
Keeping Your Doors Locked
The Electromagnetic Lock (EM Lock) is the most common type of lock used with the Card Access System. It is much cheaper and easier to install compared to other locksets. It can be used for glass doors, wooden doors and even metal doors and gates. And with the correct mounting brackets, you can install them on doors that swing out or swing in.
An electromagnetic lock is made up of two main parts: an armature plate made of a magnetic material and a metal plate surrounded by a coil of wire which can be magnetized. When current is passed through the coil, the metal plate becomes magnetized and strongly attracts the armature, locking the door.
The strength of an EM Lock is measured by the holding force in-lbs. The typical range is 600 lbs, 800, 1200 lbs and 2400 lbs. Most doors use a 600 lbs lock. 800, 1200 and 2400 lbs EM Lock are more typically used for metal doors and outdoor gates.
All EM Locks are “fail-safe” meaning that in the event of a power failure, it will release the door. Therefore it is a common practice to connect the EM Lock to a power supply with a backup battery. The backup power will keep the lock energized for up to 4 hours.
From a security perspective, it is better to mechanically lock the door after office hours even though you have an access system. This is to ensure that even in a power failure situation, the door is still locked.
Some people may question the usefulness of the door access system if you still have to depend on the physical-mechanical lock.
The door access system ensures that only people who are authorised can enter and in the event of a networked system, the data of who enters and at what time will be stored for future investigation, provided there is the power to keep it working. The battery backup can sustain its operations for 4 hours and if needed, we can increase the battery backup capacity. But if there is a sustained power failure or shutdown, and that period exceeded the backup period, the door will still be left open. Hence it is good to lock the door mechanically particularly over the weekends or long holidays.
Singapore’s Security Specialist for Burglar Alarm | CCTV | Door Access | Intercom | Auto Gate
Block 1013 Geylang East Avenue 3 #02-142 Singapore 389728 (Opposite Paya Lebar MRT)
