Installing An RCI 3590 Prox 'N Lock

Access control can refer to many different requirements and customer requests. A primary feature of mechanical locks is some type of visible keyhole or dial in order to operate the mechanism. The new Prox N’ Lock by RCI solves that problem. No keyway or dial is needed. Unlocking is accomplished by placing either RFID-equipped cards or RCI keyfobs on the face of the cabinet and near the location of the Prox N’ Lock. The outer surface of the drawer or door remains unblemished, showing no indication of the lock system on guard. Up to 50 users can be programmed into an RCI 3590 cabinet lock.

The RCI 3590CRD Prox N’ Lock package contains one 3590 cabinet lock, one standard locking pin, one 3 volt lithium battery, one programming card and two proximity cards. The RCI 3590FOB package is identical except that the two proximity cards are replaced by keyfobs.

Basically the 3590 cabinet lock is installed on the inner surface of the moveable door or drawer. The locking pin is installed on nearby framework inside the cabinet. The RCI 3590 lock contains two locking sockets which allow for either a vertical or horizontal lock installation.

In operation, as the door or drawer is closed, the locking pin enters the socket and a spring-operated bolt automatically engages the locking pin, securing the door or drawer. For unlocking, a properly programmed card is momentarily held close to the face of the door or drawer and near the location of the 3590 lock. A chime will sound as the card is recognized by the lock, indicating that the spring bolt has released the locking pin and the door or drawer can be opened.

Initializing & Programming

Before installing a 3590 Lock N’ Prox cabinet lock, the unit must be initialized and programmed. Install the Lithium battery following the polarity instructions printed in the battery case area. RCI states that the Lithium battery will provide a minimum of 30,000 openings.

Inside a cutout on the rear of the lock body is a small square button. Use a suitable probe to press the button. The lock unit will then make a ticking sound. Within three seconds, place a programming card in contact with the lock body. Two tone signals will confirm that the programming card has been initialized. The programming card can now be used to add or delete user cards or keyfobs.

To add a user card or keyfob: Place the programming card in contact with the lock. The 3590 will make a ticking sound. Within three seconds, place a user card or keyfob in contact with the lock. Two tone signals will confirm that the reading in was successful.

To delete a user card or keyfob: Place the programming card in contact with the lock. The 3590 will make a ticking sound. Within three seconds, place a user card or keyfob in contact with the lock. Two tone signals will confirm that the enrollment cancellation was successful.

If a user card or keyfob is lost or stolen, place the programming card in contact with the lock unit for at least 10 seconds. Multiple beeps will occur as all user cards and keyfobs are erased from memory. Each valid user card or keyfob must then be re-entered using the “add user” instructions.

Lock Installation

No two desks or cabinets are constructed in the same way. The RCI 3590 cabinet lock and locking pin are designed to be installed on two surfaces which meet and are at right angles to each other. On any installation, measure twice, install once. The inner drawer surface for this installation was found to be located 1/2” below the inner cabinet structure where the locking pin was to be installed. The solution was to make a 1/2” thick shim to fit under the locking pin to make up the difference.

Installation instructions included with the RCI 3590 lock recommends installing the lock body first. Use a 7/64” drill bit to drill a starting hole for one of the four retaining screws. Fasten the lock in place making sure it is parallel to the drawer unit. Continue drilling the remaining three holes and install the retaining screws firmly without overtightening.