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Fail Safe vs Fail Secure: Choosing the Right Lock for Your Needs

PDK Fail Safe vs Fail Secure

When choosing locks, understanding the difference between fail safe vs fail secure is essential. Fail safe locks unlock during power outages, ensuring safety and easy exit. Conversely, fail secure locks stay locked, maintaining security. This article will explain these differences, their pros and cons, and help you decide which lock suits your needs best.


Key Takeaways

  • Fail safe locks unlock during power outages to ensure quick exits, while fail secure locks remain locked to maintain security, each serving distinct purposes in safety and security.

  • Choosing the right lock type depends on the environment: fail safe locks suit high-traffic areas needing rapid egress, whereas fail secure locks are ideal for sensitive zones requiring maximum protection.

  • Integrating both fail safe and fail secure locks within access control systems enhances overall safety and security, allowing for a balanced approach to building security needs.


Fail Safe vs Fail Secure: Understanding the Right Lock for Your Needs

Fail safe and fail secure locks are pivotal in modern security systems. Electric strike locks can be configured as either fail safe or fail secure electronic locks, allowing customization for specific security needs. For example, a fail safe lock on an office door ensures easy egress during emergencies, while a fail secure lock on a server room door maintains security during power outages.


When choosing between fail safe and fail secure locks, consider safety needs, security requirements, and access frequency to determine the most appropriate type. This approach ensures the locks provide security while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.


What are Fail Safe Locks?

Fail safe locks unlock during power failures, facilitating fast exits during emergencies. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas where quick evacuation is necessary. During a power outage, fail safe electromagnetic locks allow free movement through doors for emergency personnel and people fleeing hazards.


These locks are commonly used in high-traffic areas like office and lobby doors, where quick exits are crucial. Magnetic locks are a popular application of fail safe locks, known for their efficient operation in emergencies.


However, avoid using backup batteries when installing fail safe locks to ensure their safety function operates correctly. This ensures that during power failures, the locks will perform as intended and facilitate safe egress.


What are Fail Secure Locks?

Fail secure locks stay locked during power failures, enhancing security for sensitive areas. During a power outage, they remain locked from the outside but can be manually unlocked from the inside, ensuring occupants can still exit if necessary.


The default state of a fail secure lock is locked, providing maximum security. These locks are typically installed in high-security areas, hazardous zones, and locations containing sensitive information, such as server rooms. They are also used in fire-rated and stairwell doors where added protection is needed.


In emergencies, first responders may need a key to access areas secured with fail secure locks, highlighting the need for a manual key override. Despite their enhanced security, fail secure locks can still provide safe exits for occupants from the inside during power failures.


Choosing the Right Lock for Different Scenarios

The choice between fail safe and fail secure locks depends on specific security needs and scenarios. Fail safe locks are typically used in high-traffic areas, while fail secure locks are better for securing sensitive areas.


Using a combination of both types balances convenience and security. Selecting the right locks might require fail-safe options for emergency responders and maximum security for sensitive areas.


High Traffic Areas

Fail safe locks are ideal for high-traffic areas, allowing easy exit during emergencies and facilitating smooth egress. They are commonly used for main entry points, including doors in offices and lobbies.


Fail safe locks should be used in high-traffic areas to ensure quick exits during emergencies, minimizing risks and enhancing safety.


High Security Zones

Fail secure locks are recommended for locations requiring strict access control and protection against unauthorized entry, providing added security for sensitive zones.


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Fail secure locks are often used for sensitive areas such as IT rooms, requiring mechanical overrides for access. For securing sensitive areas, fail secure locks with manual key overrides and adequate emergency exits are recommended.


Fire Safety Considerations

Integrating fire alarm systems with locks facilitates safe evacuation by overriding lock mechanisms. This can result in unlocking regardless of the lock type during fire alarm activation. Egress must be granted whether a lock is fail safe or fail secure to ensure safety during emergencies.


Crash bars can enhance egress safety on fail secure doors during power failures, providing a manual release option. This ensures that even during power outages, occupants can safely exit the building.


Integrating Fail Safe and Fail Secure Locks in Access Control Systems

The two main categories of electric locks are fail safe and fail secure, each serving distinct security functions. Integrating both creates a unified security solution that enhances overall building safety. Fail safe locks enhance accessibility and safety in emergencies, while fail secure locks bolster security in sensitive areas.

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The wiring of an access control unit, like PDK’s Red Cloud Node, can significantly influence the lock’s fail behavior, determining whether it remains locked or unlocked during power loss. Proper wiring ensures the desired fail behavior is achieved consistently. An access power controller, like PDK’s Red Controller line, is crucial in managing the fail behavior of locks, receiving inputs that dictate reactions to power fluctuations.


A robust access control system accounts for potential failures to maintain operational integrity. Integrating manual key overrides in fail secure locks strengthens security protocols in sensitive areas. Technology in access control systems allows for door status monitoring, enhancing responsiveness and management of both lock types.


Consulting with Professionals

Consulting access control experts ensures compliance with building regulations. Building codes often require fail secure locks on fire doors to ensure they remain closed under fire conditions. Professionals can assess your specific security requirements based on your environment.


Incorporating backup power sources helps maintain the locking mechanism’s security during power failures.


Summary

In summary, understanding the differences between fail safe and fail secure locks is crucial for selecting the right lock type for your needs. Fail safe locks are ideal for high-traffic areas where quick egress is necessary, while fail secure locks provide enhanced security for sensitive areas. Both types have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on the specific security requirements and scenarios.


By consulting with professionals and integrating these locks into a comprehensive access control system, you can ensure the safety and security of your building. Make informed decisions to balance convenience, safety, and security effectively.


Reach out to learn more about PDK's cloud-based access control system and why it’s the best future-proof access control option for your business.


 

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the main difference between fail safe and fail secure locks?

The main difference between fail safe and fail secure locks is that fail safe locks unlock during power failures to ensure safety, whereas fail secure locks remain locked to uphold security.


Where are fail safe locks commonly used?

Fail safe locks are commonly utilized in high-traffic areas like office doors and lobby access doors, ensuring security while allowing for easy access.


Can fail secure locks still provide a safe exit during power failures?

Fail secure locks can indeed provide a safe exit during power failures, as they can be manually unlocked from the inside. This feature ensures that individuals can leave safely even when the lock loses power.

 

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