With the advancement of science and technology, the security of private space is becoming increasingly important to us.
With the rise in popularity of smart homes and apartments, smart locks have become the first line of defense for our personal space.
I’m sure you’ve run into the following issues:
Inadvertently forgetting to bring the key
The key breaks in the lock cylinder, and the door closes quickly.
Keys are more likely to be misplaced by the elderly and children at home.
But now, with the smart door lock, everything is possible.
As a result, the latest smart security door locks offer two compelling benefits: security and convenience.
This article will discuss smart door locks and how to select the best smart locks for your needs.
What is the definition of a smart lock?
What are smart locks, and how do you use them? Smart door locks are distinct from traditional locks in terms of user identification, security, and management.
The traditional unlocking of a lock requires a key, but unlocking a smart door lock is different.
The door can be opened safely and conveniently with a password, fingerprint, RFID card, or even Bluetooth.
Is it worthwhile to invest in smart door locks?
Security and convenience are two benefits of a smart locking system that cannot be overlooked.
All problems relating to “door locks” can be solved with a smart lock system:
I didn’t remember to bring the key.
I can’t open the lock because the key is broken in the cylinder.
After work, he rushes home to clean and greet his roommates, family, and friends.
Families with elderly and children, in particular, are not afraid of misplacing keys or forgetting to lock the door.
Many people are concerned about security: Are there any safe mechanical locks?
Smart door locks are a dimensionality reduction hit compared to mechanical locks, as long as it’s a regular product.
What are smart locks and how do they work?
A smart lock is a door lock that does not require a mechanical key and can be opened without it.
Passwords, Bluetooth, RFID cards, fingerprints, mobile phone APPs, and other methods can be used to unlock the door. The smart door lock can also be controlled remotely using the mobile app.
At the same time, the smart front door lock can connect to your home’s WIFI and send a password or mobile phone command to help visitors open the door when they visit.
Reasons to purchase smart locks include:
While the market for smart door locks has been booming in recent years, this is mainly due to the capital market’s monopoly. As a result, consumers aren’t as enthusiastic about buying smart locks as they think.
It can be divided into the following categories in terms of the reasons for purchase:
(1) Fine decoration standard decoration: Real estate projects are the fastest growing and largest smart door lock market segment.
As fine decor becomes more common, new home accessories such as smart homes and smart locks emerge.
Smart security, for example, is a necessary support facility in bidding for the centralized acquisition of important real estate, and smart entry locks are one of them.
(2) Need to buy: this group of buyers believes in smart entry locks for various reasons, including forgetting to bring the key, being too lazy to get the key, the elderly forgetting to bring the key, and littering out the door is locked.
(3) Consumer purchase motivation: This part of the consumer purchase motivation for smart entry door locks is entirely due to the manufacturer’s marketing and marketing strategies, such as operator packages that include smart locks, buy insurance to get smart entry door locks, door locks with cat’s eyes, and so on.
Attention can also be gained through advertising and marketing. Visual stimuli influence consumers Consumer behavior.
(4) The force forbids the discreet type: smart residences, high-end villas, and how uncoordinated and unbalanced they would be if they retained traditional iron locks.
(5) Fashionista: Techies are always on the lookout for new gadgets. Natural smart home door locks are a must-have entry-level smart home product.
What types of smart locks are there?
Smart locks are divided into categories based on the situations they are used in.
The following four categories are the most common. I’ve put together an image that’s simple to understand:
Types of smart locks and their applications
1). The smart hotel door lock is primarily used in hotels, and its features are relatively unique. In most cases, the only option is to use an RFID card smart hotel lock.
2) Smart apartment building door lock: Rental houses, apartments, Airbnb rooms, and apartment hotels use smart apartment locks.
Passwords, swipe cards, Bluetooth, temporary passwords, and networks are among the more specific features.
3) Smart home door locks: A smart home lock is a smart lock that is installed in a typical home.
This type of lock is more common, and it can be unlocked in a variety of ways.
4) Smart security door lock: The smart security door lock is a smart lock that is specifically designed for villa security doors.
The appearance of home locks is the most obvious distinction. But, simultaneously, its stability will improve, the material will improve, and, of course, the price will rise.
5) Smart office door lock: The smart office door lock is designed specifically for glass doors in offices and is commonly found in shopping malls and office buildings.
6) Smart Cabinet Door Lock: This type of lock is used in various storage cabinets, drawers, cupboards, and other locations.
Material types of smart locks
1) Zinc Alloy Smart Lock: Zinc alloy is the most commonly used material for smart electronic locks on the market. It has a hard texture, a high corrosion resistance, is easy to process, and is simple to form.
2) Stainless Steel Smart Lock: Stainless steel is 304 stainless steel in general.
This material’s toughness and durability make it ideal for smart door locks. To some extent, it can protect the smart electronic door lock from being damaged by violence.
3) Smart Lock Made of Reinforced Plastic – Smart door locks are uncommon because they are not long-lasting.
They’re mostly used in functional locks to prevent signal shielding from metallic materials.
4) Intelligent aluminum alloy door lock: Aluminum alloy has a good overall quality, but it is not widely used, and only a few traders produce it.
5) Smart Copper Door Locks – Copper refers to brass in general.
Brass has a high hardness and durability, but the manufacturing process is difficult, which is why the shell of many smart electronic door locks on the market is copper.
Locks Method Types of smart locks
1) Fully automatic smart lock: The door will open and close automatically as long as the finger is lightly pressed, convenient and quick.
2) Semi-automatic smart lock: After unlocking, the door can be opened by pushing down the handle or by pushing and pulling the handle in a generalized manner.
Smart Lock Types and Unlocking Methods
1) Smart fingerprint door lock: The smart fingerprint door lock is unlocked by verifying the fingerprint, which can be optical or semiconductor.
Optical fingerprint head: Optical recognition is used, unaffected by static electricity, moisture, and other factors but has a low level of security.
Semiconductor Fingerprint Head: Similar to our phones’ fingerprints, it is unaffected by temperature and offers greater security, but it is susceptible to moisture and fingerprint wear.
2) Smart keypad lock with password: The available smart locks have this feature, even if the password is used to unlock the lock.
3) Smart face recognition lock: recognizes your face and unlocks the door.
Advantages: Because each person is unique, it is safer and more convenient.
Disadvantages: Door opening will be affected by recognition and distance, and the camera will use more power.
4) Bluetooth smart lock: Unlock the phone by pairing it with the door lock’s Bluetooth.
Advantages: Unlocking the phone is safer because it will have a password or fingerprint lock.
Bluetooth will use more power, which is a disadvantage. In addition, it cannot be connected or unlocked if it is a long-distance connection.
5) Smart Mobile App Lock: When connected to the network, you can open the lock remotely, but there are security risks because it unlocks as soon as you tap on the app.
6) RFID smart lock: The security of an RFID smart lock with only one function is low. Typically found in hotels.
What gives smart locks their strength?
Treat the situation as it is. The type of power supply you use is determined by the smart lock power supply you select.
The majority of smart door locks are battery-operated. There are two types of smart door lock batteries: dry battery and lithium battery.
a non-wet battery
The smart lock’s dry battery is divided into three sections:
For power, a single set of four AA batteries is used.
Dual group power supply with 4 AA batteries (8 batteries, four in a group, power supply in turn).
A single set of 8 AA batteries was used to power the device.
a single unit AA batteries (four)
This smart key door lock battery power method is the most common; the power supply is reliable, and the power supply’s subsequent cost is minimal.
The 4 AA Battery Smart Key Door Lock battery life is 6-12 months under normal conditions.
However, the industry’s quality varies, and each motherboard’s power consumption varies, generally less than half a year, and they all belong to a product design that is unreasonable or unqualified.
4 AA Batteries in a Dual Group
A hidden leakage hazard exists in this type of smart lock battery power supply!
The original intent of using this type of power supply was to supply a single group of four sections with power. However, it is still a backup method because its energy consumption is excessive and cannot be reduced.
The system automatically switches to the second power supply group when the first power supply group is depleted.
Dual 4 group AA batteries can last up to 12-20 months in a smart lock.
The issue is that you did not remove the low-power battery on time (because you did not know when it was exhausted), and it then leaked! Leaks can erode the product’s appearance or cause the circuit board to corrode, resulting in product failure.
8 AA batteries in a single group
This type of smart lock battery power source is unusual. Instead, it’s primarily used in high-torque power supply applications.
It primarily addresses the issue of insufficient power for fully automatic locks. I’m not aware of any major brand that offers such a power supply. In some areas, small brands are primarily used to replace lithium batteries. But wait, there’s more.
Lithium-ion batteries
To power, the smart locks, use one or two lithium batteries.
Another part of the fully automatic smart lock products uses an older high-power external motor to drive the lock body, resulting in relatively high power consumption.
Eight dry batteries will not last five months, so use a large-capacity lithium or polymer battery with a capacity of more than 3000mAh. This smart lock battery power supply method is primarily used in fully automatic smart locks that have only become popular in two to three years. For stability and durability, please refer to the mobile phone battery.
The explosion of lithium batteries is not a mobile phone patent, and smart locks are also available (dry batteries pose almost no safety risk); watch the video.
The lithium battery in the smart key door lock exploded, as expected.
The high-power motor will be overloaded after being applied to the product, shortening the motor’s life and affecting the overall life of this type of smart lock.
Conclusion: With four dry batteries, this is still the best single-group power supply method. There isn’t one that is universal, reliable, simple to obtain, and inexpensive.
Tips for Using the Smart Lock Battery
Choosing dry battery-powered smart locks is recommended from a scientific and security standpoint for the following reasons:
(1) Dry batteries are mature and stable, with strong brand recognition, and users can easily configure high-quality dry batteries; lithium batteries, on the other hand, are a different story.
Lithium batteries with capacities of several thousand mAh are not cheap, which is why manufacturers include them.
Quality and reliability, as well as user self-discrimination, are all in question. Lithium batteries of poor quality can blister, smoke, or catch fire.
(2) If the lock is semi-automatic, a lithium battery is not required; dry batteries will suffice (unless the smart door lock design is faulty and the power consumption is high).
(3) If you want a fully automatic lock, go with the second generation fully automatic smart home lock, which has a low sound level, low power consumption, and is light and convenient.
Selecting the first generation fully automatic smart home lock is not recommended. The sound is loud, the action is slow, and the power consumption is high.
What should I do if the smart lock’s battery runs out?
The smart lock is designed with emergency unlocking methods in case the power supply is depleted.
(1) If the smart lock’s battery dies, it can be unlocked using an emergency power supply or a mechanical key.
For example, you can use the mobile power bank to turn the smart lock back on through this USB port and then open the door, and individual smart room locks support the mechanical password disc method.
(2) Mechanical key unlocking is supported, and some smart main door locks support automated code disc mode if the electronic part cannot be opened due to failure.
(3) Smart locks also have a low-battery warning feature. When the battery is low, the user will be prompted to replace it with voice, sound, or light. It can be predicted that it will be unlocked at least 50 times based on the reminder.
Price of a Smart Lock:
Because there are so many different smart locks on the market, there are also so many different prices. As a result, the smart lock’s price is roughly split between the smart lock and installation cost.
The cost of various types of smart locks
The cost of the same type of smart lock varies as well. Let’s look at the prices of the various types of smart locks.
On the market, there are many different types of smart locks.
Each type of function is distinct, and some may necessitate the use of specific connections or accessories. Each function provides you with the comfort and security you require, but they are distinct:
Password Door Lock with Smart Keypad Price
Keylocks with alternate keypads or keypads built into the phone for remote entry are examples of this category. There are also cheaper models with only a small keyboard and no wifi.
A keypad password door lock can cost anywhere from $60 to $150.
RFID smart door lock cost
An RFID chip is used to open smart RFID locks. For example, in hotels and apartments, RFID smart door locks are commonly used.
The average cost is between $ 40 and $ 60.
Price of a Smart wifi Lock
These smart door locks can connect to wifi, allowing you to change the access code or check if someone has entered your home from afar.
A wifi smart door lock costs between $ 80 and $ 130 on average.
Bluetooth Smart Lock Price
The Bluetooth door lock has many of the same features as the wifi door lock, including the ability to set a password and unlock the door remotely, and set an automatic lock and unlock schedule.
A Bluetooth smart lock costs between $ 40 and $ 80.
Price of a fingerprint door lock
These smart locks recognize your fingerprint and grant you access using a touch screen. In addition, there are usually backup options, such as a keyboard, RFID, or smartphone access.
Smart fingerprint locks cost between $ 90 and $150.
How do you pick smart locks?
How do you pick the right smart lock for your home, office, apartment, or hotel? Selecting the right smart lock will provide you with a more secure environment and a more convenient user experience.
This section will provide some recommendations for smart lock selection, but first, we must understand the following common misunderstandings about smart lock selection.
But first, let’s look at some of the most common misconceptions about smart locks:
The better the smart lock, the more functions it has.
Fingerprints, passwords, RFID cards, and mechanical keys are the most common unlocking methods for smart home locks.
Of course, there are also combinations of the above-mentioned unlocking methods.
On the other hand, a door lock does not have as many functions as it could have. As a result, it’s difficult, and there are numerous hidden dangers, such as frequent crashes and inconsistent performance.
Some companies will add numerous features to the door lock for customers to believe they are purchasing a highly profitable product when they purchase their smart entry door locks.
As a result, smart home locks are chosen based on performance, particularly security, rather than the number of functions.
The better the smart lock, the more affordable it is.
There are numerous smart security door locks on the market today, with a wide price range.
Some people may believe they all look the same, implying that they must be inexpensive, but many low-cost smart key door locks come without a warranty.
The interior material, on the other hand, is far worse. The risk can be significant if there is a problem and the after-sales service cannot keep up.
A smart security door lock is not a fast-moving consumer lock, in our opinion. Their average lifespan is ten, twenty, or even more years.
As a result, when purchasing a smart key door lock, you should choose to protect the brand in every way possible.
In general, major brands are preferred because they have high visibility, recognition and have been involved in door locks or smart products for a long time.
Too much emphasis on the smart door lock’s appearance
Although the door lock is located outside the door, it can have a decorative effect, but if you ignore the security of an attractive appearance, you will lose everything.
Because of the high homogeneity among smart key door locks, smart lock manufacturers can compensate for the lack of quality by focusing on appearance.
Still, we can choose the door lock to see how it looks, but the quality is more important.
There are a variety of smart lock suggestions to choose from.
The following factors are used to compare and purchase a suitable smart key door lock:
Cylinder for smart locks
The best smart lock cylinder is one made of grade C stainless steel.
The smart security door lock cylinder is a lock’s lifeblood, and its significance is obvious.
A, B, and C are the three levels of the current standard lock cylinder.
In terms of anti-puncture, anti-pry, and anti-technical opening, Level A has the lowest safety rating.
The highest level is Level C, which has a solid anti-break ability.
The anti-puncture blade that comes with the smart lock cylinder is the best in every way.
Second, to avoid certain situations, the fingerprint lock must come with a replacement mechanical key.
The level C lock cylinder has a double row, computer-controlled compound curve groove, and general technology can unlock it in 270 minutes.
It is possible to say that it is the heart of today’s lock with the highest level of security.
Bottom lock cylinder: stainless steel + iron; the price is several times that of a high-quality lock cylinder.
Qualified lock cylinder: the safety function has been passed, but the stability and feel of use, such as the immediate power consumption, the loud sound, and the ease of breaking, are not satisfactory.
A high-quality lock cylinder has a sufficient safety factor, is made of appropriate materials, has a stable structure that is difficult to break and has excellent related performance.
It is not necessary to replace the original anti-theft door if it does not have a central lock.
The reason is the same as the high and low hook: it was initially an Overlord lock, so check to see if it can be used and how much it costs before purchasing.
Material for smart locks
In the preceding classification, the material of smart home locks has been included.
For example, despite its excellent all-around performance, copper is the most expensive due to the lengthy manufacturing process; stainless steel is tough and durable, but its style and color options are limited;
Because the alloy material is simple to process and shape, there are a variety of high-usability styles available, the most common of which is zinc alloy.
As a result, zinc alloy or stainless steel materials are commonly chosen, and the majority of these two types are available on the market.
The semiconductor recognition fingerprint head performs better.
Optical fingerprint heads and semiconductor fingerprint heads are used in fingerprint locks as identification technology. Both have advantages and disadvantages in general.
However, semiconductor fingerprint heads are recommended over optical fingerprint heads in terms of recognition speed and rate. This is because the temperature does not affect the semiconductor fingerprint head.
For business watches, optical fingerprint heads are commonly used.
Optical Recognition Fingerprint Head: This fingerprint head, commonly used in card punch machines, can only register fingerprint surface patterns.
It has a high error rate, and fake fingerprints are easy to fool. It is a low-cost product that has been phased out.
Semiconductor identification uses high-security factors to record fingerprints using temperature, pressure, electric field, and other factors. It has become commonplace in recent years, much like fingerprint unlocking on mobile phones.
The Swedish FPC, which Kadisse and Siemens use, is one of the highest-end chips; other companies produce and sell Samsung chips.
Battery for Smart Lock
Dry batteries and lithium batteries are the two types of batteries used in smart room locks.
Although lithium batteries are relatively high-end, there is a risk of explosion and leakage if the quality is poor; dry batteries, on the other hand, pose no safety risks. Under normal circumstances, the previous battery life of six months is adequate.
As a result, dry cells are preferable.
Dry batteries are simple to obtain, pose no safety risks, and have a battery life of more than half a year.
Lithium batteries: must be charged, which is inconvenient; there is a risk of explosion and leakage if the quality is poor.
Method of unlocking
Based on the first shopping blunder, the more features, the better; generally, there are about four unlocking functions.
There are several methods for unlocking; the most basic and traditional are fingerprint, password, RFID card, and key.
Don’t be greedy; first, make sure you have the necessary skills and consider other advanced features.
The key is optional, and the bottom brackets and keyhole are usually located on the lid’s underside.
Smart lock with a low cost
If you’re on a tight budget, avoid fully automatic smart lock models.
Semi-automatic: To reverse the lock, you must turn the handle after closing the door.
Put the door in the mechanical lock to make it fully automatic.
Fully automatic is better from a practical standpoint, so don’t worry if you forget to lock it.
The body of the automatic lock, on the other hand, has technical barriers.
The best electronically controlled silent, automated technology is not yet well-known. Moreover, the price is prohibitively high; Powered by a lithium battery and mechanically, it is not stable or sufficient, but inexpensive.
Put, excellent automatic costs a lot of money, while a cheap automatic is terrible.
If your smart home door lock has a virtual password, you can use it.
You can add any number of digits before and after the correct password using virtual password technology.
The door can be opened as long as there are consecutive, valid passwords in the entered numbers, effectively preventing the password from being leaked.
The virtual password has a higher security performance than a fixed password because the length can be increased at will, and the password can be changed every time you enter it.
Adjust the door’s thickness.
You must first determine whether your door is suitable for installation before purchasing a smart home lock. For example, what is the thickness of the door, if you can install it, and how do you choose the correct door thickness?
The thickness of the wooden door should, in general, be greater than 4 cm. However, if the iron door is an iron door, there should be a space of at least 3 cm between them.
!! The service must be excellent!
The smart home lock is a high-quality item, and you must hire the best locksmith in Tampa for installation.
According to industry data, more than 80% of smart home door lock sales were made offline in 2020. The service is one of the main reasons. Because whats the point of having a sophisticated locking system without proper installation. The best locksmith we can recommend you for installation is Locksmith Near Me Tampa Bay. If you have any issues, you can visit their website: www.locksmithnearmetampabay.com
