The Locksmith and security systems are professions that go in a same one direction. Locksmithing was the first technique to secure buildings and areas. It remains so until today. Thus, security systems still rely on locksmith. Nevertheless it introduced electronic techniques to lock or unlock doors
Brief history
Locksmithing is a very ancient profession. Which consists in designing and producing locks and all kinds of hardware mechanism to secure buildings objects or other facilities.
The earliest locksmithing techniques used wooden keys, which moved pins when inserted in the lock. Then after the industrial revolution. Metal locks have been introduced so locksmiths were able to design much better locks and keys.
Locksmith: the basis of security
Every one is aware of door locks and window fittings. Actually, there is a coordination between a door maker and a locksmith to fit the lock in the door or in a window. Otherwise, a locksmith would design or install it or even up grade a lock if more security is needed.
Locksmith and electronic security systems
Alarm systems add a layer of security. It supervises locking doors and windows
Also an electronic security systems come to add an automation on the locking hardware. This allows controlling remotely the opening and the closing doors.
There are many electronic Locking hardware: mag locks. Door strike. Electrified handles. Push bares. a coordination between a locksmith and a security systems installer is necessary to install and make those devices work correctly.
Fail-safe and fail secure locks
An other point to consider when installing electronic locks is fail safe and fail secure devices
- Fail safe locks
Fail safe locks means that its default state is actually unlocked. We should apply power on it to keep it locked during normal business operations. On the other hand, we should interrupt power to unlock and let people in or out.
Maglocks are fail safe locks. In case of fire the power interrupts and doors are unlocked to let people out for security
- Fail secure locks
In the opposite, Fail secure locks default state is locked or secured. So it locks the door when we interrupt power. thus we should apply power on it to unlock and let people in or out.
Fail secure locks keep doors unlocked in emergency cases.
Conclusion
Locksmithing by itself is a security system. It is the basis. Electronic locks and digital security systems have added a new challenge to the profession. Today’s locksmith must know how to integrate traditional lock design with an understanding of electronic lock technology to work and complement electronic security system needs
