The Evolution of Building Security
Security is continuing to evolve. It has been evolving since cavemen befriended wolves, learned how to make a weapon and figured how to roll a boulder out from the front of the cave. Blocking the cave entrance was the easy part.
In the 1860s, Linus Yale Jr. received two patents for what would become the modern pin tumbler lock cylinder, which consists of spring driven top pins, master pins and bottom pins operating across a housing with cylindrical plug. The patented lock used a flat key. Over time, lock manufacturers including Yale & Towne began manufacturing pin tumbler lock cylinders, introducing brass key blanks with their own keyways and key blade profiles. As the use of pin tumbler lock cylinders increased, skeleton key operated locks were relegated to the interior doors. Skeleton key mortise locks were updated to accommodate mortise style pin tumbler lock cylinders.
New locks were developed using the pin tumbler lock cylinder including Segal (rim) Locks and the Schlage Cylindrical Lock. Different pin tumbler lock cylinder bodies, keyways and key profiles were developed to satisfy the demand for residential and commercial applications including master keying.
Companies needed key simplification; carrying a ring of keys was a drag. For convenience, master keying gave business people the ability to limit access and have a general understanding of who would go where, while permitting those individuals who needed greater access to carry just one or a few keys.
To meet the master keying demands, just about every lock manufacturer introduced sectional keyways, starting in the 1920s, which are similar blade profiles with varying thicknesses that create different operating keys and master keys. The thinner key profiles are designed to fit into more than one different sectional keyway. Using the sectional keyways expanded the number of key changes that could be incorporated into a master key system by making use of the keyway hierarchy (tree). At the top of the sectional keyways is the Top (Absolute) Master Key. Then the middle levels could either be master keys or change keys. The lowest level contained change keys. Each manufacturer determined the number of levels of their sectional keys. For additional levels of mechanical access control, locks can be provided with restricted or patent keyways and keys.
Because of standardization through associations and organizations such as Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI), most lock cylinder styles became interchangeable between lock manufacturers. One company’s keyway specific lock cylinder can be used with other lock manufacturers’ locks. This eliminated the need to replace entire locks to upgrade to restricted or patented keyway lock cylinders.
In the 1970s, the deadbolt lock gained acceptance as the second lock on the door. Even then, security was just a word as the bolt has just a one-half inch throw. Most locksmiths would not duplicate restricted keys, not because of rules or laws but because it was the right thing to do.
Electromechanical locking door hardware beginnings were in the 1950s/1960 s and involved using electric strikes and employee controlled push buttons in retail businesses. Prior to that, the electric strike ("electric door opener"), which was patented in the late 1800s, was used to provide remote access on the front doors of multistory walk-ups (apartments). When a guest walked up to the front door wanting access, he or she would ring up the apartment. The renter would press a momentary button near their front door to temporary power using house current the electric door opener's coil assembly, unlocking the front door lock, providing access. This convenience eliminated having to walk to the door and physically provide access. However, the apartment would usually not know who wanted entrance unless they had view of the front door.
During this time, the hydraulic operators were gaining momentum in high traffic areas including hospitals, department stores and supermarkets. These swing door operators requires significant safety components including railings, mat sensors/switches and warning signs. The lock options for these powered doors were in most instances, the Adams Rite pivoting deadbolts using when the business was closed. Over the years, sliding door operators were introduced.
The security evolution that started in the 1960s was component based hardwired using later incarnations of the "electric door opener," electric bolt locks and early keypads. As a general point of reference, touch-tone telephone dialing appeared in 1963. Early access control keypads operated relays and when the correct code was entered, the 120VAC current would release the lock mechanism. Electromechanical security begins mainly with government buildings, military, and institutions and commercial facilities that are involved in some way with government. They are the early innovators.
A partial list of manufacturers that offer electric strikes include:
- Adams Rite
- Bea
- Best Access
- Dynalock
- effeff
- HES
- Hager
- Rofu
- Rutherford Controls (RCI)
- Schlage Lock Company
- Security Door Controls (SDC)
- Trine
- Von Duprin
In the 1970s and early 1980s, electromechanical access control expanded to include electromagnetic locks, electrified locks and card readers. The mid-1970s brought development of the electric hinge. Early credentials included Magstripe, Barium Ferrite and Weigand Cards. The advent of the "card" significantly increased the level of security in a number of different directions. They permitted a larger number of users, faster access, and personal codes. It became harder for a person to share their access credential.
Electromechanical locks included the solenoid operated cylindrical and mortise locks, directly stopping the trim from being able to retract the latch. The first locks had back boxes with the solenoids mounted in them and linkage running to the lock case. In 1981, Architectural Control Systems Inc. (ACSI) installed the solenoid into the lock case of Precision and/or Sargent & Greenleaf mortise lock bodies. Lock manufacturers began offering these products. Corbin, Russwin and Emhart began offering their ECL product line. In 1983, ACSI gained UL Listing for their electric mortise locks and 1984 they received their UL Listing for their electric cylindrical locks. Electrified lock hardware could be controlled by a keypad or card reader. The card reader provided a higher degree of access control.
Electrified mortise and cylindrical locks provided an alternative option to the electromagnetic lock or the electric strike. There more choices for security, but it was necessary to run wires from the jamb into the door.
Electrifying locks gave some early innovators the ability to create electromechanical locks incorporating the access control portion with the mechanical portion. The result was the hardwired electromechanical lock and the battery operated mechanical lock. In addition, some of the companies would retrofit customers’ locks, eliminating having to purchase new locks.
A partial list of companies that offer electrified mortise and/or cylindrical locks includes:
- Architectural Control Systems Inc.
- Best Access
- Cal-Royal Products Inc.
- Command Access Technologies
- Corbin-Russwin
- Hager Companies
- Marray
- Rutherford Controls (RCI)
- Sargent
- Schlage Lock Company
- Security Door Controls (SDC)
- Yale
Standalone battery operated, electromechanical locks were developed in the late 1980s/1990s. These early integrated electromechanical locks contain a keypad, modified cylindrical lock and the electronics. Many can be programmed at the keypad. Integrated locks were configured for cylindrical, mortise and exit trim.
The OmniLock 50 was the first model I was given the opportunity to write about. The lock had 50 User Codes and five code levels: General User Codes, Supervisor Codes, Service Code, Submaster Code, and Master Code.
In 1994, Alarm Lock introduced the Trilogy DL2700, which more than doubled the number of codes. The T3 was introduced in 1998, bringing with it audit trail, scheduled automatic lock/unlock events, and significantly increased user codes. To simplify programming the lock, in addition to keypad programming, the lock could be directly connected to a PC or data could be transferred from your PC to the T3 lock via the Alarm Lock DTM, a handheld Data Transfer Module.
Continuing with Alarm Lock, Trilogy models equipped with Proximity Readers were introduced in 2001. From the first introduction in 1994, integrated electromechanical locks dramatically increased the number of user codes and expanded the access control capabilities. In 2009 Alarm Lock introduced their Networx Lock, a wireless integrated electromechanical lock that uses gateways (access points) to wireless transmit data to and from the computer and locks (up to 64 per gateway) using Wi-Fi (802.11B/G). Multiple access points can be deployed in a building in order to accommodate the locks. In 2013, Alarm Lock introduced the Networx Smartcard. In 2014, Alarm Lock introduced IME - USB Radio, which allows wireless programming from laptop to Networx and Architect locks without touching every lock, just having the laptop within about 100 feet of the lock.
In 2009, Schlage introduced their contactless smart card reader for the AD lock. Within 18 months of the introduction, Schlage launched the multi-technology reader that would read both proximity and smartcard.
During this period, hardwired electromechanical locks were introduced where the wiring provided not only power, but also the ability to upload and download data. Most of these locks use the RS-485 communications protocol. An example of this is the Schlage/Von Duprin Value Integration Platform (VIP). The VIP locks were available as mortise, cylindrical or exit trim. They were introduced in 2004.
A hardwired access control system remains powered 24/7/365 as the locks have a continuous source of power. To this day, hardwired RS-485 communications protocol access control systems without Internet conductivity provide the highest level of security including instantaneous global lockdown and battery free operation.
Over time, wireless electromechanical locks reached closer to the hardwired electromechanical locks to provide the capability to communicate with all of the lock from the PC, eliminating "door to door" programming. The cost of installation drops significantly as the lengths of wire runs became significantly shorter. The cost of the lock itself is somewhat more expensive because of the additional electronics.
Wireless technology provides the possibility of networkwide global emergency lockdown and unlock commands. This is determined by the functionality of the lock and the programming provided by the software. Additional benefits include the capability of knowing the battery conditions for each lock. This saves time and money because only the locks whose batteries need changing can be changed.
The next evolvement of integrated electronic security is browser-based access control system software. The software provides the advantages of using the Internet to communicate with access control systems. Multiple buildings can be in different cities, states or countries.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an alternative to dedicated (RS-485) wired and wireless by making use of a company’s existing Local Area Network (LAN) for power and data. PoE can eliminate much of the cost for power supplies and running cable. Additionally, since PoE locks and components are hardwired, benefits include instantaneous global lockdown and no battery replacements. The disadvantage is since the LAN is used by other computers, the security level is nowhere near the dedicated hardwired access control systems.
The maximum power for the PoE 802.3at standard is up to 25 watts at the Powered Device (PD). Before setting up an access control system, determine the amount of power required for the components or integrated lock at each opening. PoE capable components include electric strikes, electrified mortise and cylindrical locks, electrified exit devices, integrated electromechanical locks, credential readers, electromagnetic locks and exit trim. To lower the current required, power booster interface modules can be used with existing electrified door hardware to improve operation at distances and reduce overall power consumption.
Cal-Royal has just introduced their PL7000 UL Listed, standalone Grade 1 electromechanical entry lock. The Commercial Phone Lock meets or exceeds the ANSI A156.2 Series 4000 requirements. This weather resistant PL7000 lock has a clutch mechanism for the exterior lever, which allows for rotation of the lever when locked without retracting the latch. The lock and levers are non-hand, permitting field configuration to accommodate the handing of the door. A six pin tumbler solid brass "C" keyway is standard. In addition to the standard backset, Cal-Royal offers a number of different options.
This battery operated, non-networked electromechanical entry lock can be operated using contactless MIFARE compatible smartcards, NFC-capable smartphones and tablets using the Key Butler app or key. Using the Key Butler app, the PL7000 electromechanical lock has one Administrator Code and up to 127 Client Codes using any combination of smartphone and/or smartcard. The Administrator Code manages the lock and the registered Client Codes for one or more locks. Each phone lock is capable of maintaining up to 1023 audit trail entries and up to 10,000 audit trail entries on the Administrator smartphone. The Administrator smartphone downloads and uploads information by tapping the lock. For more information, go to the Key Butler Web Site: www.keybutlerapp.com/manual.html
Technology is rapidly changing. To help control costs, Alarm Lock and Schlage have introduced field upgrade kits. Alarm Lock introduced their Field Upgrade Kits for cylindrical and mortise lock standard Trilogys to Networx Trilogys. Upgrade kits are designed to replace the components to create a Networx model, reusing the existing levers, cylinder, lock body & strike plate. For more information, contact the factory.
The Schlage AD Series wireless and hardwired locks modular design provides a way to integrate new technologies over time without having to replace the lock. Upgrades include readers and networking options without having to remove the lock from the door.
A partial list of lock manufacturers that offer integrated commercial electromechanical locks include:
- Adams Rite
- Alarm Lock
- Arrow Lock
- Cal-Royal Products Inc.
- Code Locks
- Corbin-Russwin
- Kaba Ilco
- Lockey USA
- Sargent
- Schlage
- Stanley Security Solutions
- TownSteel
Today’s Challenges
The implementation of security is changing rapidly. At a recent meeting discussing the security requirements and wishlists for a medical facility in the planning stages, several relevant topics were discussed. Suggestions included:
- Adding security to the public access exterior sliding glass entry doors.
- Exterior sliding doors should be bullet resistant glass and armored doorframes.
- These doors should be incorporated into the access control system so they can be locked down in an emergency.
- Access control system configured to provide targeted lockdowns on specific floors, sections or areas to limit unnecessary problems in unaffected spaces.
- Badge readers to secure restricted items other than narcotics in cabinets, drawers, refrigerators and patient bedside carts. The Pharmacy Department believes that financial and time benefits would result from shrinkage saving and time savings eliminating the need to unlock and lock a cabinet, etc. Plus with having an audit trail, the staff would be more diligent in documenting what they took, as well as waste. And yes, it would be a deterrent to those who had other intentions.
- Provide each visitor, client and patient with an ID card that limits the access to specific floors and areas within the facility. Entering the correct room would provide an audit trail event. Not entering the correct room within a specific time frame would create an alert. Leaving the facility would also provide an audit trail event.
- Limited number of persons permitted entrance.
Some of these suggestions may seem futuristic or even somewhat paranoid. However, the level of violence and disregard of laws seem valid argument in this direction. This is why it is important points to discuss with the owner/agent the levels of security for controlling access not only for today, for the not to distant future.
One important consideration is when running wire, how many leads are sufficient. If there may be a possibility of video surveillance or other hardwired products, it is significantly cheaper to run wiring with additional leads to satisfy the likely needs, than having to run additional wiring later.
When discussing a potential job, start with the type of access control the building/office, etc. has now. What is good and not so good about the existing system? This will give some understanding to what will make your customer happy and unhappy. Most people have a general idea of what they want their new access control system to do. Discuss the benefits of each system possibly including mechanical master keying, and standalone, wireless, PoE and dedicated hardwired options. The wants of the owner/agent must be considered when discussing the access control levels.
The best door hardware for securing buildings varies by the location of the building, the existing doors, what items of value or danger are contained within the buildings, building or portion of the building and the financial commitment. Security needs for banks, jewelry stores and liquor stores are different than the security for a barber shop. With self-standing banks, liquor and jewelry stores, I have seen all ranges of security from mechanical locks to electronic access control using man-traps and bullet resistant acrylic and glass panels.
There is no one size fits all. Providing security is a combination of the actual hardware and the end user’s peace of mind.
In some regard, the levels of electronic access control are similar to keyed different and the various options of master keying. Keyed different can provide the highest level of security as only one key bitting will operate a specifically coded lock. Just about every cylindrical lock, mortise lock and exit device trim can accommodate patented, burglary resistant, high security lock mechanisms.
When considering master keying as an option, using rotating constants correctly eliminates removing a lock cylinder and having a change key to decode the master key. A properly designed rotating constant master key system lock cylinder will never have all of the Absolute Master Key depths.
When discussing security levels, discuss the possibility of multiple credential requirements for more sensitive areas. The owner/agent should consider one or more credentials before making any final decisions. The access control system being discussed should be able to be configured to require one credential at specific doors and multiple credentials at other doors.
Electromechanical lock choices can be integrated or component based. Another point to consider is whether to replace existing lock hardware or possibly electrify the hardware that meets the overall level of security especially if the system will be hardwired. This can be an option that benefits the owner/agent and you, as most system integrators do not have the knowledge of electrification. Electrifying existing mortise, cylindrical locks and exit devices will require providing power transfer from the jamb to the door. Wireless integrated locks are easier to install and do not require a power transfer.
Important: Some integrated electromechanical locks require a cross bore opening for wiring harness transfer larger than what is permitted on a fire rated door. If you are replacing the locks on a fire rated opening, make sure the electromechanical lock does not exceed limitations or if discovered will likely void the fire rating.
Another point to consider is where the access control begins, preferably at the building front door or when the employees drive into the parking lock. Companies that have their own parking lots surrounding the building can install electronic access control that operates with employee badges. Having access control beginning at the sidewalk can provide companies with the ability to better track individual employees. Parking lot access control requires specialized readers for passive credentials to permit the ID card to be within a foot of the reader not just inches. The cost factor must be considered and running cable out to the entrance or setting up sufficient security for hardware are important considerations.
Probably the most important consideration is to make sure the existing door hardware is operating properly. A sagging or warped door that does not close and latch defeats the best access control system. Make sure all doors, closers and latch mechanisms operate whether the door is opened fully or less. Some businesses have removed excessive exterior doors. Some companies have added secondary doors for non-business hours protection. Others have added electromechanical access control and at the same time increased the level of security at the doors.
Create a checklist of options to discuss with the owner/agent. When the "wish list" is completed, check with the lock manufacturers and the software companies to be certain the access control system will meet the job requirements.
Another consideration is video surveillance that can be incorporated into the access control system. Even if video is not a near term investment, it may be worthwhile to make sure the software can include video surveillance.
In addition, security personnel are requesting more capability for audit trail events. Integrating badge access to cabinets, drawers, refrigerators, and so on with the access control software will quickly become critical. At this time, many access control software programs are not capable of incorporating specific manufacturers’ products. Having custom software written to upgrade your system can be expensive.
Many companies have stayed with mechanical master key systems because they still provide the level of security that meets their needs. It is not uncommon for master key systems to be used for decades. Company owners and people who have a stake in a company will not lose keys.
At this point in time, only a small percentage of companies have electronic access control, providing excellent opportunities. In addition, offer your customers a maintenance contract to inspect the facility on a regular basis.
Author's Note: Thank you from Jerry Levine to all of the companies and individuals who helped fill in the gaps in historical portion of this article.
