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Access control vs. security:
de-mystifying push button locks
Karen Hubbard, Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions,
explains why the long-held perception of push button locks as a
security device continues to put people and assets at risk, before
outlining the latest innovation that can help overcome this.
» » PUSH BUTTON LOCKS ARE USED
all around the world, to help protect
assets and people. However, it is an
uncomfortable truth that these products
very rarely offer any real level of security.
Put simply, push button locks are
vulnerable to physical attack, yet it is
typically burglary from opportunistic
thieves that these products need to
protect against. However, a strong
shoulder charge or kick would likely force
open most old-fashioned push button
locks. Push button locks can also be
overridden, because manufacturers do
not supply the product with a code that
differs from the original factory setting.
Consequently, there is a risk that many
push button locks will unlock from the
same code, unless the user has taken the
initiative to change it from the one that
was provided.
Of course, the kind of product required
will largely depend on the remit of the
area being secured. A more traditional
push button lock may be suitable for
simply securing a single room in an office
environment, for example. However,
should this room house a server, then
most organisations would require a much
greater level of security, to stop potential
troublemakers from breaking into the
room and stealing data, or damaging the
server itself.
Many have tried to overcome the
shortcomings of the traditional push
button lock by using two devices on a
single application. For instance, many
will often use a British Standard lock with
a key, plus a low-security access control
device as well. However, operators are
then faced with the task of deciding who
needs to access this room and how many
keys need to be issued, all of which comes
at a cost and presents other opportunities
for security to be compromised.
INTRODUCING CODEGUARD 5
The CodeGUARD is our newest push
button lock, which meets the latest
grade for BS 8607 – grade 5. Providing
an extremely strong level of attack
resistance, grade 5 was introduced
because of the need for a high-security
push button lock, and we are the first
manufacturer to answer this need with a
product that meets this standard.
Both grade 4 and grade 5 of BS
8607 stipulate that products meeting
these standards must be suitable for
‘applications where security, abuse
and usage levels are expected to be
equivalent to BS 3621’, which relates
to thief-resistant locks. The previously
highest grade (4) can only achieve
BS 8607 with the help of an integral
additional locking unit. So, with a grade
4 product, users must lock and unlock
the solution from the inside with a key,
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and then operate the push button from
the outside to unlock a door.
In contrast, a mechanically operated
push button lockset that meets grade 5
standards provides a ‘one-stop’ security
and access control solution; one that
does not require a separate locking unit.
With a grade 5 product, the latch and
lock are integrated and tested together,
without the need for an additional key.
The result is a solution that offers keyless
egress. This means that, when it shuts,
a grade 5 solution automatically locks.
Then, should you need to exit a room, it’s
simply a one-handle operation to unlock
the door.
One of CodeGUARD 5’s key features
is a 20mm deadlocking latch. A typical
physical attack on this kind of device
might be a crowbar placed in-between
the door frame and the lock. However,
CodeGUARD 5 will not succumb to this
kind of force, because of the deadlock
snib that activates when the lock comes
into contact with the strike.
In addition, the security shroud around
CodeGUARD 5 has been designed to
resist attack, while delivering a more
attractive and ergonomically designed
product than its nearest competitor
too. And with 2,000 code combinations
available, all of our products are supplied
with codes different to the standard
factory settings, for optimal security.
Furthermore, should someone leave
a business, all that needs to be done
to secure the site is for the code to be
changed.
Not all push button locks are created
equal. CodeGUARD 5 offers unrivalled
strength and durability, designed and
tested to protect people and assets from
serious, sustained attack.
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