4 ms·

If you have your own home, or perhaps a very forgiving landlord, an electric door strike is much superior to a servo twisting a lock. eg, this one is $40 http:

If you have your own home, or perhaps a very forgiving landlord, an electric door strike is much superior to a servo twisting a lock. eg, this one is $40 http://amzn.com/B003TN1HAM http://amzn.com/B003TN1HAM It won't interfere with the regular operation of the door, and can be operated by a simple relay -- the more complex mechanical bits are handled for you. You may also be able to use an electric deadbolt with keypad like http://www.amzn.com/B0045Y1LNM http://www.amzn.com/B0045Y1LNM with your existing keys, or even the existing outer facade so it isn't obvious to a passerby (say, your landord) that you've swapped it out.

damian2000 13y ago
Yes, and the one configured as fail secure is probably the most popular. When power fails, it automatically locks: applying the 12V power opens the strike. The only downside is installation cost? isn't it a job for a locksmith to install, especially when your existing strike faceplace is metal. Also, you'd need some power hooked up to it, on the inside of your door frame. I have this one, which I bought from a local electronics supplier - AU $29.95 - http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA5077 http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA5077
- pkaye 13y ago
  Probably a fire code violation if a power loss prevents you from opening the door to escape.
  - ossreality 13y ago
    How many home locks are not openable from the inside?
  - damian2000 13y ago
    Assuming your door has a traditional door knob & lock fitted as well, an electric strike doesn't prevent you opening the door when its in the locked position. The way an electric strike unlocks a door is by swivelling a part of the strike plate away. When its 'locked' its really just like a regular door with a fixed strike plate, as per this diagram ... http://www.hometips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/doorknob_lock_parts_diagram.jpg http://www.hometips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/doorknob_...
- toomuchtodo 13y ago
  Keep in mind, DC strikes only click, AC strikes buzz. I recommend the DC strikes if situation permits.
thebostik 13y ago
Thanks for sharing this, did not know something like this existed and it looks very easy to build on.

damian2000 13y ago

Yes, and the one configured as fail secure is probably the most popular. When power fails, it automatically locks: applying the 12V power opens the strike. The only downside is installation cost? isn't it a job for a locksmith to install, especially when your existing strike faceplace is metal. Also, you'd need some power hooked up to it, on the inside of your door frame. I have this one, which I bought from a local electronics supplier - AU $29.95 - http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA5077 http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA5077

pkaye 13y ago
Probably a fire code violation if a power loss prevents you from opening the door to escape.
- ossreality 13y ago
  How many home locks are not openable from the inside?
- damian2000 13y ago
  Assuming your door has a traditional door knob & lock fitted as well, an electric strike doesn't prevent you opening the door when its in the locked position. The way an electric strike unlocks a door is by swivelling a part of the strike plate away. When its 'locked' its really just like a regular door with a fixed strike plate, as per this diagram ... http://www.hometips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/doorknob_lock_parts_diagram.jpg http://www.hometips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/doorknob_...
toomuchtodo 13y ago
Keep in mind, DC strikes only click, AC strikes buzz. I recommend the DC strikes if situation permits.

thebostik 13y ago

Thanks for sharing this, did not know something like this existed and it looks very easy to build on.