The electronic deadbolt is becoming a more popular residential auxiliary lock. Part of this increase may be a result from the use of a passage function entry lockset or handleset, as access into the home is controlled just by the deadbolt. Another could be the younger generation is much more electronically comfortable than their parents and grandparents.
The deadbolt lock provides a significantly higher level of security than a comparable keyed knob, handle or leverset. However, the disadvantage of a mechanical deadbolt lock is that the key is required to both lock and unlock the lock from the exterior side of the door. From personal experience, it is difficult to educate people to lock a deadbolt lock using a key when leaving.
Thus, one major advantage of an electronic deadbolt is that in can be operated without the key.
Electronic deadbolt locks come in many styles. For this article, we will discuss the Rytan ePASS IV Electronic Deadbolt. This standalone, 10-button keypad electronic deadbolt has a one-inch throw bolt that deadlocks in position. The ePASSIV memory is retained during battery change, eliminating the necessity of having to reprogram the lock during loss of battery power. A 9volt battery provides power to this electronic lock.
Installation
Door prep for the Rytan ePASS IV Electronic Deadbolt is a 2-1/8” cross bore opening with a one-inch diameter edge bore opening. Rytan recommends drilling the edge bore opening a minimum of 3-1/2” deep. The non-handed lock has an adjustable 2-3/8” to/from 2-3/4” backset bolt. The default main code is six characters and each lock can be programmed with up to nine secondary codes.
10-Button Keypad
The ePASSIV keypad has both numbers and letters. Be aware, the letters are not arranged as on a telephone keypad as they contain all 26 letters of the alphabet. This aside, parents can set the access code to any six letter word that is part of a family's vocabulary. A word is much easier for a child or older adult to memorize than an arbitrary six-digit number.
Some basic warning regarding choosing a number code: Never use the address, zip code or telephone number of the residence/building. As an additional precaution, do not use known birth dates. However, the name of an elderly relative is less likely to be known by potentially undesirable persons.
As a code is being entered, each time a keypad button is pressed, the lock confirms the action with an audible and light signal. When the main code or a secondary code has been entered correctly, the LED flashes twice and the bolt can be retracted for approximately ten seconds. After approximately ten seconds, the lock relocks and the bolt cannot be extended or retracted from the exterior.
To prevent unauthorized access, after four consecutive invalid codes have been entered, the keypad is blocked for five minutes.
Changing the default code
The default main code is 1-2-3-4-5-6. To change this code, press and hold the “0” key until a double signal sounds. The LED in the bottom left corner of the keypad will illuminate and remain on during the programming procedure. Enter the current main code, and a double signal will sound. Enter the new six-digit code. Enter the new code a second time. The code has been changed.
Important: Always record the key codes when changing the combination. If the key codes are lost and cannot be recalled, the lock cannot be reprogrammed.
Adding a secondary code
Press and hold the “1” key until a double signal sounds. The LED will illuminate and remain on during the programming procedure. Enter the main code. Enter the position of the new code (1-9). A double signal will sound if the position is free. Enter the new six-digit secondary code. Re-enter the new secondary code. The new secondary code has been added.
A suggestion is to program the ninth position as the secret or master code. This code is not used or given out. It is remembered in case all of the other codes are lost.
Removing secondary codes
Press and hold the “3” key until a double signal sounds. The LED will illuminate and remain on during the programming procedure. Enter the main code. Enter the position of the code (1-9) to be deleted. A double signal will sound if the position has been deleted. A long signal indicates the position was unoccupied.
Note: Always change the codes with the door open. Test to be certain the lock operates before closing the door.
The battery compartment is on the exterior side of the door. Replacing the battery will not erase the codes. The ePASSIV will emit a series of signals during the opening process, indicating the battery needs to be replaced.
The Rytan ePASSIV comes with a one-year warranty.
For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or Rytan, Inc., 455 Maple Avenue , Torrance , CA 90503 . Telephone: 800-447-9826. Web site: www.rytan.com.
