Locker Room Talk: Access Control Arrives

Locker locks are physical barriers and access controls that are an evolving product group as demands for concise targeted protection increase in commercial, education and corporate markets. Lockers meant to protect valuables at gyms are well-known, but other uses include chemical storage, employee lockers, controlled-substance lockers, evidence storage and no-contact merchandise pickup lockers.

In the past, lockers were controlled by mechanical disc or more-secure pin tumbler cam locks, interchangeable key plugs or keyless combination locks. But because more-valuable assets require more-extensive security, electronic locker locks came into common use.

The contents of lockers transitioned the locker lock from a security function to a safety function. Lockers used to conceal weapons, explosives and other contraband jeopardize the welfare of innocent people. So, proactive security management demands the enhanced features that are provided by new technology, which makes the locker an active part of an electronic access control (EAC) infrastructure.

The skills required to specify and deploy these locks are well within the realm of locksmiths.

The importance of this market is reflected in the abundance of electronic locker locks. What follows is a small sampling.

Master Lock Electronic Built-In Locker Lock

The Electronic Built-In Locker Lock elevates the experience for facility managers and users with its modern design, advanced performance and low maintenance. It’s suited for health clubs, gyms, spas and country clubs, as well as other industries where high performance is expected, such as universities and health care.

The Electronic Built-In Locker Lock boasts innovations that include an easy-to-use display screen for intuitive operation, long battery life to reduce operating costs, anti-jamming features for reliable security and the capability to accommodate single-user and multiuser settings.

The Electronic Built-In Locker Lock, which is powered by a CR123A 3-volt lithium battery that can last more than three years,  provides facility owners with reduced battery purchases and replacement labor. The screen shows vacancy status, provides real-time code-entry feedback and indicates lock status clearly. The lock has a low-battery warning icon and can be configured easily for single-user or multiuser settings.

The Electronic Built-In Locker Lock withstands high-moisture environments common in locker rooms. Its bolt mechanism also responds to common jam conditions, such as bolt obstruction and back pressure caused by overstuffed lockers. If the lock isn’t locked securely, a jam sensor alerts users via visual and audible error notifications. When it’s unjammed, the lock automatically resets to the correct state.

To access the locker, users simply create a personalized code. Facilities can open a locker with the lock’s unique backup master code or with an optional administration key.

We contacted Master Lock for more information about locker locks:

Locksmith Ledger: What locker locks do you have?

Master Lock: Master Lock offers an extensive portfolio of locker locks to end users and facilities. Master Lock’s portfolio includes its classic portable locker locks, built-in locker locks, multiuser locker locks and, more recently, electronic locker locks. The company also offers models to comply with the [Americans with Disabilities Act] requirement that 5 percent of new locker spaces be accessible to those with disabilities.

LL: What are the markets for locker locks?

ML: Our locker locks span a gamut of markets, including schools and universities, gyms, clubs and spas, as well as businesses that offer locker space for employees.

LL: What features make electronic locker locks worthwhile to upgrade mechanical models?

ML: In our case: long battery life, an easy-to-use display screen that includes low-battery notification and video and audio jam alerts that deploy if the bolt is obstructed.

LL: How can locksmiths benefit from offering electronic locker locks?

ML: Locksmiths have the opportunity to broaden their range of security solutions offered to new customers and channels, such as facility managers at health clubs, gyms and spas; managers at collegiate and recreation facilities; and architects or general contractors.

LL: Where can locksmiths obtain your products?

ML: Master Lock’s Electronic Built-in-Locker Lock and other locker locks are available from locker lock distributors, locker OEMs and distributors, and security hardware distributors.

More info: www.masterlock.com

SALTO XS4 Locker Lock BLE

SALTO has been a leader in providing electronic access control for lockers with the XS4 locker lock, but the new version adds Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) functionality.

The SALTO BLUEnet access control system is networked through Bluetooth and is designed specially for lock applications where real-time control is required. Control and management of all access points can be done remotely and in real time.

The SALTO BLUEnet Wireless engine allows the operator to monitor live access control events and provides the ability to unlock the locker lock, change the opening mode, activate a lockdown, monitor door status or change physical access rules in the access plan through ProAcess SPACE access control management software or SALTO KS cloud-based access control.

The XS4 Locker Lock BLE also allows for battery-status management and audit-trail recovery, again in real time.

Users also can:

• Disseminate a blacklist on lockers.
• Update firmware through the wireless infrastructure.
• Perform an emergency opening.

The XS4 Locker Lock BLE has an ergonomic design based on the same housing and mechanical mechanisms of the original version. A locking thumbturn makes for easy use, even with wet hands.

The outer thumbturn, which has a red and green indicator to indicate the availability of a locker, has an electronically managed release. The XS4 Locker Lock BLE is ready to install into preexisting doors, and it comes standard with BioCote antimicrobial technology.

More info: www.saltosystems.com/en-us/

Codelocks KitLock KL1100

The new KitLock KL1100, which is a radio-frequency ID (RFID) smart-card access control lock, has a modern, contemporary look through its stylish, slimline front plate.

Two modes allow card authorization to be managed locally or remotely, so the KL1100 is suited for applications that have a large quantity of lockers and want to issue and manage cards from a reception desk, such as gyms, hospitals, hotels, schools and universities.

The KL1100 is easy to install, operate and manage. It has a powered latch that enables intuitive “push shut” closing. It’s available in a Metallic Silver or Gloss Black finish.

In stand-alone mode, the KL1100 requires a keypad Programmer (sold separately) for adding or deleting cards and managing lock functions locally. It handles up to 50 user cards per lock. In remote card authorization (RCA) mode, cards can be created and managed remotely through a computer by using the Codelocks Card Management Client (CCMC) software and a Smart Card Reader. It supports up to 250 locks within a lock group and multiple user cards per lock.

The KL1100 can be set to public or private mode. In public mode, the user presents a compatible card to an available open lock, which locks the lock. Only that user card, or a registered Technician/Master Card, can unlock the lock. The lock remains open, ready for the next user. This function is for short-term, multiple-occupancy applications.

In private mode, the same preregistered cards are used repeatedly, with the lock automatically locking after each opening.

In addition, the KL1100 provides audit-trail data through the use of an RCA Audit Card, which uploads the audit data to the CCMC software when presented to a smartcard reader. The reader is included as standard with all purchases of a CCMC software license.

Features:

• 13.56-MHz RFID cards, sold in multiples of 10
• Auto-Open at X Time means the latch automatically retracts at a predefined time if in a locked state
• Auto-Open after X Hours means the latch automatically retracts after a set amount of hours from when  locked
• Dual Authorization requires any two authorized cardholders to present their card within 5 seconds of each other for the lock to unlock.

More info: www.codelocks.us

LockeyUSA EC790 Electronic Locker Lock

The EC790 Electronic Locker Lock is designed specifically to fit the industry-standard layout used on most steel lockers in the United States “out of the box.”

The EC790 installs in seconds and makes replacing traditional locker hardware easy. It has a simple click-together fit, with two nuts to secure the lock, and is designed to work with a locking bar lifter.

The EC790 Electronic Locker Lock is ADA-compliant and has Public, Private and Remote Allocation System (RAS) modes available, as well as a manual-key override.

Features:

• 2 AA batteries, up to 80,000 operations
• LED low-battery indicator

More info: lockeyusa.com

CompX RegulatoR

The RegulatoR push-button lock can be installed easily on new or retrofit applications.

It’s available in two versions: self-locking and manual locking. The self-locking version features a SlamCAM spring-loaded latch, which allows the user simply to close the locker — no need to return the knob to the locked position to lock it.

Daily / Shared Use Mode allows for revolving user codes, so multiple users can use the RegulatoR without having to reprogram the lock each time. Twenty codes are allowed per lock.

The lock’s battery compartment is easily accessible from the outside, and the lock has a low-battery indicator.

Features:

• Uses 3/4-in. dia. mounting hole
• 2 AAA batteries, up to 75,000 cycles
• ADA compliant
• Satin chrome or matte black finish
• Three cylinder lengths: 7/16, 1-3/16, 1-3/4 in.

More info: www.compx.com

Lowe & Fletcher Pulsar Wet Area RFID Lock

The new Pulsar Wet Area RFID Lock is IP-65 rated and suitable for wet, high-humidity and chlorinated environments, so it’s suited for pools, water parks and beaches. This lock can be used in a shared/public-use mode popular in those settings.

Being a standalone lock powered for 80,000 cycles by AA batteries, lock installation is simple. Programming is quick and performed at the lock — enrolling up to 30 cards, key fobs or wristbands.

A unique steel key override system provides supervisory control in every circumstance.

More info: www.loweandfletcherinc.com

HES K100 / K200

The HES K100 and K200 by ASSA ABLOY are flexible integrated solutions for extending access control to secure swinging and sliding locker doors.

The K100 is powered by two AA batteries and uses local 2.4-gigahertz wireless communication between the lock and an Aperio hub to bring access control to lockers where audit trail and real-time monitoring are required. It’s intended for doors of up to 2-1/4 inches thick. The hardwired K200 (12/24V) has Wiegand communication to connect with existing access control systems and deliver similar features on doors of up to 1-1/2 inches thick.

The K100 / K200 comes with locked-state monitoring and has optional mechanical key override and 150 pounds of holding force. Both models support HID multiCLASS SE card technologies.

Features:

• K100: 2 AA lithium batteries (est. battery life 50K cycles), low-battery monitoring
• K200: ElectroLynx connectors for plug-and-play connectivity
• Optional Medeco X4 SFIC cylinder key override and two keys (1 control, 1 user)

More info: www.assaabloyesh.com

Tim O’Leary is an experienced security consultant and a regular contributor to Locksmith Ledger.