Not all access points demand equal security. That exterior entrance to your data centre requires significantly different protection than a supply closet. Is it protecting highly sensitive information, valuable assets, or just providing privacy? The security requirements for a medicine room in a hospital vastly differ from those of a rarely used meeting room.
For high-security doors, focus on hardware with robust locking mechanisms featuring strong bolt pins, high lifecycle ratings, high strength and realignment capabilities. Low-security interior doors might prioritize ease of use and aesthetic appeal over protection. By clearly defining each door's function, you'll naturally narrow down to hardware that serves its intended purpose.
I've encountered hundreds of unique door configurations that demand versatile hardware solutions. Take the RCI YD30 Series from dormakaba, it can be installed vertically or horizontally morticed flush into frames, packed out from frames, wood, aluminium or glass-mounted. Always choose locks offering multiple application possibilities to avoid installation headaches.
Locks, believe it or not, are becoming architectural elements that either enhance or detract from your space's design. Ask yourself, or your client, ‘does this hardware complement our existing aesthetic? Can it be customized with finishes that align with our interior design? Will it maintain a sleek profile, or protrude awkwardly from doorways?’ It may not be important to you now, but it might be for a customer down the road, so having customizable options are always ideal.
A bustling office entrance experiencing thousands of daily uses requires dramatically different durability than a rarely accessed storage area. For high-traffic zones with heavy usage, select hardware with lifecycle testing exceeding one million cycles. While lower-traffic areas or medium usage doors might tolerate less robust options, avoid cheap hardware that fails prematurely, it's always more expensive in the long run.
Too often, I see decision-makers fixate on initial price while overlooking long-term costs. Lock prices range dramatically, from budget-friendly manual options to premium electromechanical solutions costing thousands. The critical question isn't "How much does this cost now?" but rather "What value am I protecting, and is this investment proportionate?"
When evaluating total cost of ownership, consider these often-overlooked factors:
First, installation complexity directly impacts labour costs. Second, maintenance requirements vary significantly, premium solutions may need minimal servicing over decades, while budget options often require frequent adjustment and component replacement.
Energy consumption represents another hidden cost that compounds over time. Consider the RCI YD30's remarkable efficiency, drawing just 40mA of current versus a typical maglock's 750mA. At 12VDC, that's roughly $0.71 annually per door compared to $13.40 for a standard maglock. Not staggering numbers in isolation, but for an enterprise with 500 doors, that's an annual difference of $6,345 in electricity costs alone.
Then there's operational longevity. Quality hardware typically delivers significantly more operational cycles before failure, reducing replacement frequency and associated downtime. Again, the RCI YD30 Series has been cycle tested to over 1 million, so you know you’re installing a durable product. When factoring these considerations together, premium hardware often emerges as the more economical choice in the long run.
Over last decade or so, I’ve noted standalone locks are becoming more obsolete as modern facilities demand solutions that communicate with access control systems, surveillance networks, and building management platforms. While these solutions can be very smart and complex, locks that are system agnostic ensure the act of controlling that lock, is a simple process. A lock that requires only power and a switch input allows for complete flexibility and control for any access system.
The ability to retrofit is equally important, can this solution work with legacy systems during phased upgrades? Will it require extensive modifications to your existing infrastructure? The YD30 Series excels here, designed for smooth retrofitting across various architectures. It communicates effectively with leading access control systems, minimizing integration hurdles. This adaptability ensures your investment remains viable through multiple systems and upgrades, extending its useful lifespan considerably.
This critical decision balances security against life safety. Fail-safe locks unlock during power failures, prioritizing emergency egress but potentially compromising security. Fail-secure options remain locked, maintaining security but potentially impeding evacuation. Your choice should reflect both code requirements and risk assessment. The RCI YD30 offers field-configurable operation modes, eliminating the need to stock different hardware types – win – win.
Misalignment and warping are common issues that can affect door security and function. Misalignment occurs when a door no longer fits properly in its frame, while warping happens due to moisture or temperature changes, leading to gaps and improper seals.
These issues can make it easier for intruders to bypass security, strain hardware, and expose the door to environmental damage. A poorly aligned door can also fail to close properly, reducing overall security.
The RCI YD30 Series from dormakaba addresses these problems with its precise re-alignment capabilities of ±8mm (±5/16”), the YD30 ensures smooth operation and long-term security by pulling the door in tight, helping to maintain functionality and protect your property.
Real-time feedback to the control panel is crucial for monitoring door status and ensuring security. The YD30 Series provides continuous feedback, alerting the control panel to critical changes in door and lock pin status. This ensures you can quickly address issues and maintain optimal security without delays or manual checks, improving operational efficiency and peace of mind.
Every access point has unique security requirements based on threat assessments and strength / holding force is perhaps the most critical, or often asked question, I get about any lock.
When evaluating strength requirements, consider both intended and unintended scenarios. How much force might be applied during normal operation? What about during emergency situations or attempted breaches? For exterior doors or those securing restricted areas, seek electromechanical locks with holding force ratings of at least 1,000kg (2,200lb). Another question I often get asked about though is side load. It’s important to be able to get out that door quickly in case of an emergency. This is where the YD30 is in a league of its own. With a collapsing mechanism, the YD30 Series is engineered to release when requested even under significant sideload pressure of up to 1350 pounds.
It's crucial to understand that ‘strength ratings’ typically reflect ideal laboratory conditions. In real-world installations, factors like improper mounting and door alignment issues can significantly reduce effective holding strength. This is why premium hardware solutions include precise installation templates and will realign that door to perfection.
By asking these these ten questions, you'll select door hardware that not only meets your immediate security needs but delivers long-term value and performance, and hopefully saves you a ton of headaches along the way. If you have any concerns about door alignment or are looking for a reliable solution to enhance your building’s security, contact BQT Solutions or your local dormakaba rep today to discuss how our YD30 Series locks can make a difference.
Your Security, simplified.
About BQT Solutions
BQT Solutions (BQT) is a specialist in the development, manufacture and supply of high quality, high security card and biometric readers, electromechanical locks, and related electronic security products. Providing high security solutions to verticals such as Airports, Hospitals, Prisons and Government for over 35 years. BQT is part of Ava Risk Group – a market leader in risk management technologies trusted by some of the most security conscious
