If you’ve installed electrified locks, you know they’re not your average deadbolt. These systems combine mechanical components with electrical power to control access. Great for security, but it also means there’s more that can go wrong.
And when they do? You’re getting the callback.
From misaligned strikes to voltage drops, electrified locking systems demand regular maintenance to stay reliable. Whether you’re an installer, facility manager, or security pro, keeping these locks in top shape is the difference between a smooth-running system and a security headache waiting to happen.
Understanding Electrified Locking Systems: What’s Under the Hood?
Before diving into maintenance, it’s important to understand the basic components of electrified locking systems. These typically include:
- Lock Mechanism: Could be an electrified mortise lock, cylindrical lock, magnetic lock (maglock), exit trim, exit device or electric strike.
- Power Supply: Provides the necessary voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V) to operate the lock.
- Control System: Manages access, often via an access control panel, remote switch, or software.
- Wiring: Connects the lock to the power supply and control system.
- Credential Reader: Devices like keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners that authenticate users.
These systems can be configured fail-safe or fail-secure, essentially deciding whether doors unlock or lock during a power failure. One wrong choice, and you're looking at a potential security nightmare.
Common Issues That Lead to Callbacks
Even the best electrified locks aren’t invincible. Here are the most common troublemakers that'll keep you on your toes:
Power Supply Failures: Voltage drops are the silent killer. Long wire runs or insufficient power can make your lock unreliable. One minute it's holding secure, the next? Nothing. That's why voltage is king, and dropouts are your worst enemy.
Wiring Issues: Frayed, corroded, or improperly installed wires are like the gremlins of the electrical world. They love to create those phantom intermittent failures that'll drive you crazy. One moment everything works perfectly, the next - total system failure.
Mechanical Wear: Just because it's electrified doesn't mean it's immune to good old-fashioned wear and tear. High-traffic areas are particularly brutal. Latches, bolts, and other moving parts take a beating, and they'll show it. Think of it like the suspension on a work truck - constant use means constant stress.
Environmental Issues: Dust, moisture, extreme temperatures - these are the silent assassins of electronic components. Outdoor installations? Environmental exposure can do some damage. It's like trying to keep your tools pristine on a construction site. Good luck!
Software Nightmares: Integrated access control systems come with their own special brand of headaches. Outdated firmware, configuration errors - these can shut down your entire system faster than you can say "IT support."
Best Practices for Maintenance
Routine maintenance can prevent many of these issues and extend the lifespan of electrified locking systems. Here's our no-nonsense checklist:
Inspect Wiring Regularly
- Check for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections.
- Ensure wires are properly routed and protected from physical damage.
- Measure voltage at the lock to confirm it meets manufacturer specifications, accounting for voltage drops over long distances.
Test Power Supplies
- Verify that the power supply delivers consistent voltage and current.
- For battery-powered locks, replace batteries proactively (e.g., every 6-12 months, depending on usage) and test backup power sources.
Clean and Lubricate Mechanical Components
- Remove dust and debris from lock mechanisms using compressed air or a soft brush.
- Apply a manufacturer-approved lubricant to moving parts like latches or bolts to reduce friction but avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt.
Check Alignment
- Ensure the lock aligns properly with the strike plate or armature (for maglocks). Misalignment can cause excessive wear or failure to lock/unlock.
Update Firmware and Software
- For networked systems, keep firmware and access control software up to date to address bugs and improve performance.
- Test the system after updates to confirm functionality.
Perform Functional Tests
- Regularly test the lock’s operation with all credential types (e.g., cards, codes, fobs) to ensure consistent performance.
- Simulate power loss to verify fail-safe or fail-secure behavior
Best Practices for Retrofits
Retrofit installs aren’t plug-and-play. Small oversights can turn into big callbacks. Here’s how to keep things clean, reliable, and built to last:
Make Sure the Door Works First!: If the door doesn’t open and close smoothly mechanically, electrifying it won’t fix anything. Check for binding, sagging, or misalignment before wiring up.
Use Proper Hinges - Not for Load Bearing: Power transfer hinges are for wiring, not holding up the door. Make sure structural hinges are doing their job so the power hinge doesn’t fail early.
Don’t Split the Pair: Replacing one door in a double-door setup? Make sure that each leaf has dedicated 2-18ga wires and avoid inconsistent operation.
Account for Voltage Drop: Always measure voltage at the lock, not just the panel. Long runs = potential drop. Use the right wire gauge and don’t guess. If you have a drop, some power supplies have a voltage adjustment on their main board.
Know Your Load: Old doors, high-traffic areas, or warped frames add stress. Make sure your hardware is duty-rated for the job.
The key to servicing electrified locks? Know the system inside and out, check the simple things first, and always verify power before assuming the hardware is the problem.
Stay Ahead of Lock Failures
Servicing electrified hardware isn’t just about keeping doors working, but keeping everything running smoothly so you don’t have to go back and fix what should have been right the first time. A few simple checks, a little preventative care, and you can avoid those all-too-common electronic failures before they happen.
At Command Access, we design our hardware with the installer in mind. Tough, reliable, and built for real-world use. We know you’ve got better things to do than deal with unnecessary callbacks. Need some guidance on your next project? We’ve got your back. Just give us a call.