E-PLEX: Easy; Expandable Electronic Access Control

Aug. 1, 2009
Get card access without wires, software or computers by pairing the E-Plex with LearnLok™.

Besides a tight economy placing constraints on locksmith’s ability to inventory a large assortment of products, and simply stay afloat, an uncertain economy severely impacts the public’s desire and ability to purchase systems.

Kaba has employed intelligent design in the progressive evolution of the Simplex and E-Plex series, so as to minimize the locksmith’s required inventories, and to make upgrades to existing installations to ones with enhanced security features not only feasible but aesthetically and fiscally attractive to end-users.

It means that the locksmith can upsell a client without having to break the news that a total retooling will be required, or that the client’s current equipment represents no equity.

Additionally the constant buzz about new developments in technology scares prospects because they’re afraid whatever they buy today will be declared obsolete before the ink dries on their final payment check.

Although I do not know who coined the phrase about quality never going out of style, it is reassuring to dealers and clients alike that Kaba has a long and excellent track record in access control. The quality of their products, expressed in robust mechanical lock assemblies and constantly expanding options and programming features, means that both your customers’ premises and their investment are secure when they select Kaba .

This article will focus on the Kaba 5700 Series which offers dual-credential capabilities (P.I.N. & Credential), but all the KABA products should be considered to put the 5700 solution into context with other Kaba offerings. All Kaba’s Simplex and E-Plex locks are UL and BHMA certified.

Kaba Access Control’s 5700 series E-Plex locks provide your clients with future-proof feature rich access control, and meet your needs for a standardized solution for a variety of access control security applications.

Kaba Ilco ostensibly started the revolution away from key control to pushbutton access control with its legendary single code SIMPLEX mechanical pushbutton locks which still provide a cost-effective solution for numerous security applications.

The E-Plex Series offers an electronic alternative, with the immediate benefit of multiple user support, plus an ever-growing set of options. The series includes the following models.

E-Plex 5000: PIN only; 100 codes; cylindrical, mortise & panic trim; key in lever; removable interchangeable core; interior or exterior use; passage and entry function; entry and entry/egress control models; optional remote unlock; privacy function; optional knob; optional software and 3,000-event log.

E-Plex 5200: PIN only; 3,000 codes; cylindrical, mortise & panic trim; key in lever; removable interchangeable core; interior or exterior use; passage and entry function; entry and entry/egress control models; optional remote unlock; privacy function; optional knob; software programming; 30,000-event log; scheduling.

E-Plex 5700: PIN only, CARD only or PIN & CARD; 3,000 codes/cards; cylindrical, mortise & panic trim; key in lever; removable interchangeable core; interior or exterior use; passage and entry function; entry and entry/egress control models; optional remote unlock; privacy function;, optional knob; software programming and 30,000-event log; scheduling. Additionally the as is the case with the other E-Plex locks, the 5700 is offered in different configurations:

E-Plex 5770: Electronic PIN/PROX solution for dual-swing doors, parking gates, glass doors, etc., featuring online-type functionality in a stand-alone, easy to install reader housing with keypad eliminates problems and costs associated with issuing, controlling and collecting keys. Provides exterior access control for multiple users using specific PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) and/or PROX Cards

E-Plex® 5786 Entry/Egress

Access Control: Electronic pushbutton/PROX lock; combination access control for both interior and exterior sides of door; exterior access control for multiple users using specific PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) and/or PROX cards. Locking device is American Standard Mortise with 1 1/4” (32 mm) faceplate.

PROGRAMMABLE LOCK FUNCTIONS

E-Plex 5000 Series locks can be configured on-site to perform the following lock functions which are relevant to those defined by BHMA.

Entry Lock: The door is normally locked, and passage can be activated by an authorized user.

Storeroom Lock: The door is normally locked and the passage function is de-activated.

Residence Lock: Normally unlocked (passage mode) until locked from interior with deadbolt, or with exterior key command.

Privacy Lock: This feature is activated from inside, and restricts entry to privileged master or manager level user, or by means of manual key override. This is a particularly interesting mode. It has use in a variety of applications including lavatories, exam rooms, etc. This feature is available on both cylindrical and mortise models.

Remote Unlock (optional): Hard-wired circuit that enable the connection of a switch or wireless receiver for access.

Since each E-Plex lock has its own particular characteristics, the installer must make his selection based on the requirements of the project. For example, the Privacy Function will require a specific lockset, or option to accomplish. Details such as these are what differentiates the security professional and professional security hardware from our less qualified competition.

EASY TO INSTALL, EASY TO MAINTAIN

Even though we are professionals, it does not mean that we want every project to be a challenge. A clean shot is always preferable to extra innings and emotional trauma.

The E-Plex offers the locksmith a wireless installation. Typically a standalone lock will require the passing of wires through the door to interconnect the front faceplate and the rear housing. Realizing that this wire represents a significant point of failure for standalones, and that many locksmiths find wiring problematic, Kaba created a novel means of accomplishing the necessary electrical connection between the front and rear of the unit by incorporating the mounting bolts which attach the assembly to the door.

E-Plex’s Patented LectroBolt™ eliminates running wires to or through the door – no risk of damage from pinched wires that can result in costly callbacks.

The positive voltage is carried to the lock by one through bolt which is covered by red insulating material and the E-Plex is clearly marked so that it is difficult to mess up the installation.

Kaba has standardized the door prep for all its E-Plexes, which helps the installer and saves money too. A common template lets you change from mechanical to electronic – with ease.

The Universal Exit Trim Mount fits most leading brands of exit devices and installs easily on wood or metal doors. Interchangeable knobs and levers again reduce inventory woes, and make last-minute changes easier. The hardware is non-handed / field reversible, meaning it fits both left- and right-hand doors.

Heavy-duty locks are ANSI / BHMA Grade 1 Certified. Both housings are rugged and weather-resistant and can be mounted outdoors, with no installation gaskets required. They come with a three-year warranty and full Kaba technical support.

LEARN-LOK™

Locks are programmed via keypad with LearnLok™ feature or via optional E-Plex Advanced Software (not included), designed to provide easy management of doors and users.

The E-Plex Advanced Software connects wirelessly to the E-Plex lock by using infrared pulses similar to those used by television remote controls. There is no cable to plug into the E-Plex.

Using the software provides full functionality of the particular E-Plex’s feature set, such as scheduling and activity logs as well as the software’s user-friendly graphical user interface.

The new LearnLok feature enables enrolling credential only, credential & PIN, and credential only (as service user) modes and much more right at the keypad without a computer or PDA. It makes the E-Plex competitive for all size facilities.

In many situations, the desired level of security and performance does not initially at least seem to justify the acquisition of the software and the other resources required to deploy it. The industry refers to such applications as entry level, where limitations are exercised in the interests of economy and ease of system deployment and operation.

Often, a user will incrementally upgrade the number of users, the number of doors and the security management requirements as their business grows. They become less intimidated with the equipment, and they begin to realize the potential return on investment they can enjoy with minimal effort. So the new LearnLok feature enables rapid and economical deployment of the E-Plex while poising the client to a future upgrade to the E-Plex Advanced Software.

Upgrading to the software also unleashes additional E-Plex features and capacities which are waiting inside to be released. The menu of LearnLok Pushbutton Programming Commands is extensive and powerful, as described in our chart.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba Access Control, telephone 800-849-9324, web site www.Kabaaccess.com.

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Command

Description

000#

Modify Master User Access Credential

(always 8 digits)

001#

Setup Date: MMDDYY

002#

Time Setup: HHMM

004#

Unlock Time: TT

005#

Passage Mode Timeout Setup TT

006#

Tamper Time Setup TT

007#

Tamper Wrong Try Setup: TT

008#

Buzzer Volume Control VV

009#

Modify Access Code length: LL

099#

Reset to Factory Defaults

100#

Add/Modify User Credential

101#

Add/Modify Manager Access Credential

102#

Add/Modify Service User Access Credential

200#

Delete User Access Credential

201#

Delete Manager Access Credential

202#

Delete Service User Access Credential

299#

Delete ALL Access User Credentials

300#

Activate User Access Credential

301#

Activate Manager Access Credential

302#

Activate Service User Access Credential

398#

Activate ALL User Credentials

399#

Activate/De-Activate Passage Mode

400#

De-Activate User Access Credential

401#

De-Activate Manager Access Credential

402#

De-Activate Service User Access Credential

498#

De-Activate ALL User Credentials

499#

Activate/De-Activate Lockout Mode

500#

Manual Diagnostics

501#

Identify the lock model

900#

Communications Startup