In the doors of homes, stores, or offices it is common to find slide latches installed. These latches are used to complement the lock on the door itself, adding extra security against bumping attacks or other types of manipulations that affect the lock. Apart from this, its effect is often dissuasive, since its presence would imply the manipulation of another security element in the door, delaying the criminal action.
These devices are usually made up of a bar and a bar catch. The part containing the bar, in turn, has a lock to operate the bolt from the outside of the door, as well as a mechanism or button that allows the bolt to be released and operated from the inside of the door. This part is installed in the door itself, being necessary to mechanize the door to be able to pass the cylinder. The bar catch, as its name implies, anchors the bar, being installed on the inner frame of the door.
The effectiveness of these devices lies in their simplicity: a key is all that is needed to operate them, and they can be opened or closed just like a traditional lock. However, this type of device also has some disadvantages:
- Professional installation: as they have a part that is on the outside of the door and another that is on the inside, it is necessary to mechanize the door to place them. They are more frequently used in residential doors, which are usually armored or reinforced, so they require a professional for installation.
- Full replacement: in case of loss of keys, it is necessary to completely replace the bolt, since most of these devices do not allow the cylinder to be replaced because it is integrated.
- Non-concealed arrangement: while this gives the deadbolt its deterrent character, having the lock installed on the outside of the door also reveals its position on the door, making it easier to access.
Watchman Door, a Spanish company with more than 6 years of experience in the access control sector, has extensive experience in the field of property protection. This manufacturer, which continuously seeks innovation and development of new solutions based on its own technology, is committed to keyless technology, that is, to manage and operate all its devices without the need for keys, only with a smartphone.
The wBolt smart lock is presented as the main product of this company, not only for its innovative technology and performance, but also for its complete integration with the Ajax intrusion system, being able to arm and disarm with this system, in addition to managing it with different scenarios.
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly common to manage the electronic devices and equipment around us with our smartphone, as well as to find smart versions of conventional products. In this regard, deadbolts are no exception.
Due to their critical position and use, these devices must have certain features that ensure their correct operation and the safety of people:
- Wireless and manual operation: the main quality of these locks is that they can be operated wirelessly from a smartphone via Bluetooth communication. In addition, some models also have ZigBee communication to connect to third-party alarm panels. However, in addition to wireless communication, they must also have a physical mechanism that allows them to be operated manually, so that they can be managed in the event of a failure or loss of power.
- Emergency opening in case of power loss: from inside the door, the lock can be operated manually, but not from the outside, as there is no physical lock. For this reason, in the event that the batteries that power it stop supplying the energy necessary for its operation, the lock must open automatically in order to gain access through the door where it is installed.
- Physical emergency opening in case of motor failure: if the motor that drives the lock mechanism fails, or if the mechanism itself fails, it must be able to be opened from the outside, which is the most complicated place for its manipulation. For this reason, this equipment must have a series of notches in the bar to make it easier for a professional to operate the bolt in such a situation.
- Sharing with third parties: Due to the lack of a physical lock on the outside, these devices cannot be opened or closed with physical keys. For this reason, these locks must be able to share their opening and closing permissions with third parties, such as family members, guests or temporary employees, via email or other messaging applications.
In addition, these features that smart deadbolts must include overcome the disadvantages of conventional deadbolts.
In conclusion, the range of Watchman Door smart deadbolts available from Visiotech is the best option to complement access control installations, as well as to provide homes, premises, and offices with extra security with full integration with the Ajax intrusion system.