6 Things You Need To Know About Fingerprint Door Locks
Fingerprint door locks are useful security measures for the more tech-savvy home, office or business. They let you move in and out of a room without the need to fumble about for keys, and they help you better manage security risks by granting access only to those with pre-approved biometrics. Falling prices mean that these locks are actually starting to become as commonplace as CCTV cameras and security gadgets.
But as they say, knowledge is power. Being aware of the various quirks electronic door locks — from the practical implications of using biometric data to the aesthetic appeal of these high-tech security measures — can help you make the most of them. Here are some of the more important ones to keep in mind:
1. They Look Cool As Heck And Make For Great First Impressions.
Fingerprint scanners used to be the stuff of fantasy, or at least accessible only to those with lots of money to burn. Prices for fingerprint locks may be going down with each passing year, but these devices still have the ability to ‘wow’ people when they first see them. Exceptionally useful for offices or businesses that need to make a powerful first impression on clients.
2. Convenience And Security In One Nifty Package.
Unlocked doors are convenient but insecure, while traditional key locks are secure but inconvenient. Biometric door locks offer a combination of the two — granting access only to verified personnel without the need to lock and unlock the door each time they pass through. Excellent for high-traffic entries that need security without hindering people along the way.
3. Hybrid Models Give You More Options.
It’s a much better idea to pick out electronic door locks with multiple options for accessing them. This is where hybrid fingerprint door locks come in. Locks with numeric keypads allow you to quickly share access to other people by giving them the key code and then changing that code when revoking the access rights of those people. Being able to use mechanical keys also helps when the power is out and you need to use the door. A combination of all three add even more security. Simply put, hybrid models give you more options to best suit whatever situation you find yourself in.
4. Physical Security Matters As Much As Electronic Security.
There’s a reason to get your biometric locks from reputable retailers instead of shady vendors that won’t tell you where they get their locks from. After all, even the toughest electronic security measures won’t be worth squat when someone can just break the lock with a crowbar or screwdriver. This is why locks made of tough brass or steel are recommended, as they’re heavier and sturdier than cheaper, lighter aluminum locks. Locks with that use nice, thick deadbolt mechanisms also work better as these are less likely to fail in the face of forced intrusion.
5. Check The Hand Side Of The Lock.
The last thing you want to do is install a brand-spanking new fingerprint door lock and then have to tear it out because it’s on the wrong side of the door. This is usually not an issue for knob-type locks, but it’s a very serious problem for lever-type locks that swing in one particular direction. This is why you need to check which direction the lock will be installed — left-hand or right-hand.
6. Check The FRR And FAR Ratings.
The False Rejection Rating (FRR) will tell you how often the reader will fail to accept a verified fingerprint on the first try, while False Acceptance Rating (FAR) will tell you how often the reader will unlock with an unverified fingerprint. 1% or below is acceptable for FRRs, while 0.0001% is the bare minimum for FARs. Just make sure that you buy your fingerprint door locks from a reputable source though, as bootleggers can put whatever the heck they want on their fake products.
