The traditional mechanical cabinet lock is not going away. There are many users of this type of lock and many applications that require a mechanical lock operated by a key. However, as the features and benefits of electronic cabinet locks are reviewed by facilities, there are many applications where an electronic cabinet lock is preferred over a traditional mechanical lock. The following is a sampling of criteria when considering an electronic keyless cabinet lock.
Convenience. Since most electronic cabinet locks require some sort of PIN code, there is no need to fumble around looking for the key: the users’ PIN codes are always with them.
Maintenance costs. Eliminating mechanical keys will eliminate occurrences of lost or forgotten keys by facility personnel. Going to a keyless system greatly reduces costs associated with duplicating new keys and re-keying locks. The initial investment of an electronic keyless cabinet lock can pay for itself very quickly under this scenario.
Flexibility. A keyless electronic cabinet lock has the ability to be programmed into modes that can accommodate different applications. For instance, a mechanical cabinet lock can only have one user key, where an electronic cabinet lock can have many user codes. Installing an electronic lock on a locker and programming that lock into what is called daily/shared use, allows individual users to secure the lock to their PIN code – once opened, code is deleted and the electronic lock is ready for a new code.
CompX RegulatoR®
The CompX RegulatoR® and the CompX StealthLock® offer convenience, reduce maintenance costs and add flexibility to securing cabinets for new or retrofit applications. The RegulatoR is available in two versions: self-locking and manual locking.
The self-locking version features the patented SlamCAM®, a spring loaded latching mechanism, which allows the user to close the cabinet door or drawer without returning the knob to the locked position.
To operate the self-locking RegulatoR, users enter a valid code on the membrane keypad and press enter. The correct code allows the knob and SlamCAM® to be rotated simultaneously 90 degrees into an open position. Since the knob is spring-loaded, simply releasing the knob returns the SlamCAM® back into latching position.
The SlamCAM®, which is also spring-loaded, operates very similar to standard entry door hardware – users just need to push the cabinet door or drawer closed. This feature eliminates the guess work in determining whether or not a cabinet door or drawer is locked.
The manual locking version uses conventional steel cams to secure the application and allows users to rotate the knob into the unlocked and locked position. Manual locking version can be programmed into daily/shared use, also known as locker mode. A unique supervisor code allows for simple administration of the lock without additional hardware such as key fobs. Once the RegulatoR is programmed into shared use, the lock is in an unlocked position. This enables users to program their own code into the lock and secure their belongings. The same code opens the lock. Once the lock is opened, the code is deleted and remains in the open position until a new code is entered and the process is repeated.
Both versions include two AAA batteries which provide for 75,000 openings, a low battery indicator, and convenient external battery access for easy removal and installation of batteries. The RegulatoR’s easy-to- clean membrane keypad is extremely durable and provides a smooth, crevice free surface. Nineteen user codes and one supervisor code come standard on all RegulatoR models.
RegulatoR is available in four different keypad configurations – left hand, right hand, bottom vertical and top vertical – and uses a ¾” mounting hole and a smaller, secondary attachment point. Three cylinder lengths are available for material thickness up to 1-7/16”. Both versions are manufactured in two standard finishes – matte black and satin chrome – and custom colors and finishes are available as an option. RegulatoR can be installed on just about any material and is intended for interior use only.
RegulatoR is ideal for healthcare, education, lockers, laboratory, retail display and office furniture environments. Applications include supply cabinets, patient room cabinet/lockers, fitness and club lockers, office furniture and many more.
CompX StealthLock®
The StealthLock® is also an electronic keyless cabinet locking but differs from RegulatoR in that StealthLock uses radio frequency to transmit PIN codes from the transmitter pad to receiver latch or latches. Each receiver latch can be programmed to receive one user code and one supervisor code. The supervisor code is needed to program the receiver latch or latches, delete and add user codes, and operate the receiver latch.
The StealthLock SL-100 kit includes all the components necessary to secure one opening: transmitter pad, receiver latch and strike, and an installation tool that makes installation of the receiver latch and strike extremely simple on new and retrofit applications – no level or tape measure required. Insert four AAA batteries into the receiver latch, and users can go from opening the box to operating the StealthLock® in 10 minutes. The receiver latch’s minimum .437” thickness easily installs on drawers with 1/2” slides. All hardware except the transmitter pad is located inside the application providing a clean, hardware-free appearance while still providing security. StealthLock is not designed to operate on metal furniture.
Have more than one opening to secure? The innovative StealthLock® allows multiple wood cabinet doors and drawers to be operated from a single keypad as long as the transmitter pad is within 15-20 feet of the receiver latch. Adding receiver latches to an existing StealthLock system reduces overall costs by using an existing transmitter pad while installation and programming are accomplished in minutes. The receiver latches can be programmed to open/close with the same code or each receiver latch can be individually programmed to specific codes and modes.
Available in two versions - standard and dedicated - StealthLock® fits many different applications. Standard version allows a transmitter pad to operate any receiver latch and is used in installations where there is limited use of other StealthLock transmitter pads, such as a home office.
If a condition exists where there will be many StealthLock transmitter pads in a small area, such as a locker room or where users are within close proximity of each other, install the dedicated version. The dedicated version pairs a transmitter pad to a specific receiver latch, or latches, using a unique transmitter ID. Employing the dedicated version eliminates other users from gaining entry on the odd chance that more than one user has selected the same PIN code.
Adding to StealthLock’s versatility, there are four modes of operation available on both versions: self-lock, passage/manual, shared/daily use, single use.
Self-lock mode allows the user to program the receiver latch, or latches, to automatically re-lock 10 seconds after unlocking. Or you can program the receiver latch to relock between two and 60 seconds. In this mode users enter the PIN code to open the application without having to enter the same PIN to secure the application. Self-lock mode is widely used when cabinets must be secured 24/7 such as in healthcare applications.
In passage/manual mode, users must enter the PIN code to unlock and lock the receiver latch or latches. This mode gives the user total control of the operation of the receiver latch, or latches.
Shared/daily use mode allows the user to choose the code for one close/open cycle. In this mode, the receiver latch is in the open position, allowing user to place personal items inside a locker or other lockable compartment. User closes the locker door and enters a PIN code (four to eight characters in length), presses the lock icon and closes the door. To open, user enters same code and presses the unlock icon gaining access to the locker. Once the unlock icon is pressed, the StealthLock clears the most recent code and is now ready for a new PIN code.
The single user mode allows for one, pre-programmed user PIN code to operate receiver latch or latches, and can be programmed to self-lock mode or passage mode.
Last note on StealthLock’s versatility, once a mode is programmed, that mode can be easily switched to another mode that better fits a new use of the application. For instance, a locker door that had been programmed for shared/daily use can be easily changed to single use.
Since the StealthLock is battery powered, there are a couple of auxiliary power options to consider. If there are no 120VAC outlets in proximity to the StealthLocks, the RL-APC-9VJ-10 provides emergency power to the receiver latch. Simply connect one end to one of the two ports located on the receiver latch, and bring the other end with the 9V terminal connector to the back of the cabinet and expose it on the outside of the cabinet just enough so that it can be used. By having the terminal exposed, a 9V battery can be connected and with the proper PIN code, the receiver latch can be powered open. Utilizing 120VAC outlets with the RL-AP1 power adaptor allows for continuous power to the receiver latch and it’s recommended that batteries be installed for back up purposes.
On installations where there are multiple receiver latches, power cords are available, in multiple lengths, that can “daisy chain” up to ten receiver latches and powered by either the 9V power cable (RL-APC-9VJ-10 )or the power adaptor (RL-AP1).
The RegulatoR and the StealthLock are two of many access control solutions offered from CompX Security Products. Applications requiring card readers, audit trail capability, and network connectivity are best satisfied with the CompX eLock product line.
For more information or to request a demonstration, call 847.752.2500 or visit http://compx.com/products-regulator.html, http://stealthlock.com or http://compxelock.com.
