Electric door lock

MrCostington

Hi,

I'm wondering where I might get something like this in Dublin, I rang them and they are trade only.

https://www.rspl.ie/productdetails_/access-control-locks-electric-locks/S50RIMS

It's for my elderly mother, the carers want me to put in a key safe on the wall, I'm not happy with that, people seeing them using it, and opening it with a hammer and screwdriver.

I'm looking for the type of lock that's common in offices where you push a button to exit. I'd have it operated by a keypad outside - I can do the electronics/electrics myself.

Thanks!

awec

The lock type you're thinking of is not really suitable for domestic use. You will need an electronic lock that can also be unlocked with a key, since I am assuming you will want to still be able to access the house if there is a power cut.

Yale do locks that are battery powered so the power cut thing isn't an issue but not sure I'd be a big fan of a battery powered lock in this sort of situation.

MrCostington

Thanks, I was planning on battery backup though.

OP is this so your mam doesn’t lose her keys or is it for her own safety/security?

as per awec yale electronic locks might suit? They’re designed for residential houses whereas the ones you describe wouldn’t really be.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121471984#Comment_121471984

To be fair Yale locks actually have two backup options!

If your power fails, AA batteries kick in & if they fail you can connect a 9v battery instead.

I think there are some models which also allow you to use a key as a last resort. They are very scarce to fail though and would be widely used in South Korea for example.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of mass complaints from Korean folks locked out of their houses due to power outages so I don’t think it’s worth worrying about!

10-10-20

A lot of those suppliers will require you to be PSA certified before they'll sell. The only way you can get some reasonable locks like that is on Amazon. 🙄

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121472061#Comment_121472061

Presumably it's so carers etc can access the house when needed. It might be a different carer every day so you can't just give someone a key, people usually install lockboxes by the house and give the carers the code.

If it were me and you're happy with batteries I'd just get one of the Yale ones. Screwfix sell them.

Obviously you'd want to be sure your mother won't have any issues remembering the code.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058326194/electric-door-lock

A good telephoto will pick up the keypad, and you may find as I have that someone will write the code beside the unit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121472100#Comment_121472100

The Yale smart locks don’t use codes they are operated by either a key fob or your phone 😎

MrCostington

Hi sorry for the delay in getting back.

Yes, I want it so different carers can access. As I said, I'm not happy with a keysafe stuck on the wall, I'm sure they are easy to break into.

What I wanted to do was retain the existing lock like this one

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/yale-77-traditional-night-latch-polished-chrome-plated-60mm-backset/78737

but have it operate a microswitch that will unlock the door, so my mother does not have to remember a code. But also have a keypad for the carers.

I can't find the yale electronic lock several have mentioned, could someone link to it please?

I don't think the homecare company would go with a smartphone operated system as I assume it would require every carer to install an app.

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121483030#Comment_121483030

Something like this fitted to frame may work.

Beware opening in or opening out and be sure it can't be easily forced or bypassed

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surface-Yale-Release-entry-systems/dp/B0066PTXHE/ref%3Dasc_df_B0066PTXHE/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309865130761&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1912432118600462692&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-718975098661&psc=1&mcid=c18c7f9b5bdc3fef84b1be6136d911f5

If you want DIY fine, but you may be better getting a good installer who can support or be on call. The blue keypads seem popular and ideally you need the electronic brains inside the house with a small battery backup.

You should at least get a quote or two from access control specialists. You don't want a dodgy install that is unreliable. You may also want to install a door closer to ensure door is shut each time.

OP as the keys safe goes it would be as easy to get into that as it would be to kick the front door in like?

If someone wants to break in a key safe or electronic lock won’t stop them.

Also if every carer will have a key for the safe why can’t they just get a copy of the house key instead?

Cinderella2000

Op- huge gap in the market for the scenario you've described. I'm in the HomeCare industry facing it daily with family.

Most families don't use lockbox, for the same reasons you're not inclined to. They are very few.

I've yet to meet a carer who refused to take the house key. That said, I know carers would PREFER not to be in possession of a key to someone else's home, for fear there is a burglary.

Industry standard currently is client opens door themselves (has its own risks) or carer has a key. Ideally, neighbour will hold key also. Carers are fantastic at ensuring any cover carer has the key/gate codes etc.

It's the houses where Carers don't have a key (ie persons locked in and unresponsive/can't get up after falling) that have issues in emergencies. Of course the door will be kicked in if required, but not by your carer.

Remember no matter what you do, insure your mum can escape through that door with no delays of any sort.

And you're right, an app on Carers phone is a non runner.

MrCostington

@Cinderella2000 Thanks for that. I've been looking after my ma now for 5 years but she got really bad in the last few weeks. It's amazing the ill thought out cr*p that's out there, little things like an ultra simple clock, so I made this below. As I hinted in my OP I'm actually qualified in electronics and software, maybe there is a business there?

Had to go with a keysafe in the end due to not finding anything suitable and time pressure

youtheman

I fitted one of these to my rear door. Unlikely that anyone will be looking over my shoulder to see the code. Would this work?

MrCostington

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121564485#Comment_121564485

Unfortunately not. My mother would not remember the code, as I stated in a post after my OP I will retain the key lock to open the door