Alarm Lock T2: The Electronic Lock That Keeps on Ticking

Mechanical locks are quickly giving way to electronic alternatives that provide features and benefits that conventional locks simply do not offer. If it were simply multiple users, mechanicals can still deal with this by master keying. But the overall price of using this method is far in excess of electronic models, especially when you consider the ongoing cost involved in managing people’s access in a commercial environment on a long-term basis.

“There are times when installing a full-size EAC (Electronic Access Control) system is not practical, especially when you’re dealing with smaller commercial companies with a limited number of doors,” says John Larkin, senior partner with Electronic Systems Consultants of Columbus, Ohio. “In many cases we subcontract the replacement of existing mechanical locks with stand-alone electronic models to a local locksmith we partner with. Not only do these high-tech locks do a superb job in this type of application, but the cost is a lot less [than master keying], which means we get the job and gain a new customer who one might ask us to do something else, like install an EAC system, intrusion alarm, or a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system.”

Aside from partnering with other companies as a subcontractor, as mentioned by Larkin, established locksmiths are certain to have a sizable past customer list who continue to use mechanical locks. Perhaps it’s time to contact them about replacing them with new electronic models, like the T2 Trilogy series manufactured by Alarm Lock, a subsidiary of NAPCO of Amityville, NY.

In this issue of Locksmith Ledger, we’ll take a look at a multiple-user, standalone electronic lock that not only has weathered the test of time, but recently enjoyed a number of upgrades that promise to make it an even better selection for SMB (Small to Medium Business) settings. We’ll also look at how one locksmith managed to stay ahead of the game by accepting the challenge of installing and servicing electronic locks as well as full-size EAC and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems.

Mechanical to Electronic

There are many types of electronic locks on the market –ranging from single-door, standalone models to multiple-door, networkable locking systems. Once a consumer realizes that there are alternatives to the simple mechanical lock, they naturally want to know more about the many benefits that electronic locks have to offer. This process continues as more and more locksmiths and physical security professionals, like ESC’s Larkin, adopt high-tech locking solutions.

“It really doesn’t take much to sell SMB’s on switching from their old mechanical locks to electronic. We usually use the Triology line by Alarm Lock,” says ESC’s Larkin. “In many cases the T2, such as the standalone DL2700, works great, especially where a client has a tool room, computer center, or some other internal area with one or more special doors they need to protect.”

The T2 also comes in a waterproof version for outside, perimeter doors and provides unique codes for up to 100 users (see sidebar on page XX).

Another great thing about the T2 is that it’s battery operated, which means there are no power wires to run.

“The T2  particularly takes five AA batteries to operate. Battery life with the T2 is predicted to be approximately five years thus typically providing 200,000 operational cycles,” says Bob Swoope, Vice President Sales, Alarm Lock, Amityville, NY. “We added to our T2 line, a mortise lock allowing a lesser priced option and those that are T2 users could maintain the same keypad programming as most users have this memorized. The cost savings is about one-third less than its T3 counterpart”

Larkin also points out that another reason to consider the T2 is the fact that the manufacturer recently expanded the line to include mortise and deadbolt versions, as well as exit trim, which can be used with most other major brands of electronic locks. There’s also a slimline version for use on aluminum framed glass doors.

One example where the DL2700LD, a classroom lockdown version of the DL2700, is helpful in saving lives is when a gunman enters the building and begins shooting.

“A classroom version allows the teacher to lock down their classroom door if the situation should call for it,” says Larkin. “It comes with a wireless panic button that will lock down the door when a teacher or someone else finds it necessary to lock the door from a distance.”

“We also have narrow stile locks for glass doors and new mortise locks for high security mortise locking with choice of classroom or deadbolt functions,” says Swoope. “And the new Trilogy T2 Series Exit trim is a welcome addition to the T2 line, adding keyless access pushbutton convenience to any panic exit bar.”

The T2 also comes in a vandal-proof version.

T2 Features and Benefits

The T2 features up to 100 three- to six-digit passcodes, one master code, 10 manager, with 90 basic users, and three one-time service codes. The ‘Master Code,’ as it’s called, is meant for the one, single individual(s) who administers the programming and maintenance of all electronic locks on site.

The 10 ‘Manager Codes’ are reserved for department heads whose job it is to manage users under their immediate care. The programming sheet (see illustration on page XX) shows 10 columns, or ‘banks,’ as specified in the  manual. A manager has control of all user codes under his own block in the programming sheet. This control extends to adjacent banks, providing a manager code is not entered atop those banks.

The three 1X maintenance codes are designed for just that, a one-time application where once the code is used, it disappears from programming. This is an ideal application for delivery men who need access to an outside storage building as well as service men and even a neighbor who may one day have to let a  police officer into your home or business when there’s an alarm and your client happens to be out of town on business or a much-deserved vacation.

The DL2700 also features a 30-second keypad anti-tamper lockout that locks down the door after three failed attempts to enter a valid passcode. Programming options also include a timed entry period of 5 to 15 seconds as well as a pass-time feature of 2 to 20 seconds, which is the period of time the lock remains unlocked after a valid code is entered.

Programming is straightforward, simple, and well explained in the T2 programming guide. First, before you do anything else, you must change the default ‘Master Code.’ All T2’s come with the same Master Code from the factory. There is only one code in your T2 when it arrives and that is the Master Code.

The procedure for programming this and all other manager, service, and user codes hinges on a four-step process:

Step 1. Press the ‘A’ button.

Step 2. Enter the 2-digit location number.

Step 3. Press the ‘A’ button.

Step 4. Enter the new code.

This process is repeated for each type of code entered. Additional parameters must also be programmed into the system, but the process involved is similar.

There’s also a ‘Form C’ relay built into the T2 Alarm Lock electronic lock. A Form C relay provides a common connection along with a NC (Normally  Closed) and NO (Normally Open) so that no matter what the situation may be (i.e. Fail Secure Vs. Fail Safe), the T2 will handle the job.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or visit www.alarmlock.com.