On locks which have an audit feature, data about lock openings and other activity is recorded in the lock body’s memory, and can later be retrieved. Generally, retrieval of audit data requires PC software and peripheral equipment, to download the data from the lock. In some cases, if the lock system has a display, some information can be viewed using the keypad screen.

In lock systems with very basic audit facility, the lock openings are recorded in order of occurrence, without information about the time and date that the openings took place.

RTC stands for Real Time Clock. In lock systems with a comprehensive management audit, there is an internal clock in the keypad, with a secondary lithium-ion back up battery which keeps time and date. The audit data is therefore written to the lock’s memory with the time and date shown on the keypad. RTC audit is the most accurate (As long as the keypad’s clock is kept at the correct time).

In lock systems that have a time and date audit, there is a counter within the lock that measures the amount of time that passes between each audit event (openings, adding users etc.) A time and date for each event can therefore be calculated using the PC’s time and date. This method is subject to some inaccuracy in the case of a power loss, because the counter stops measuring the time, or in case the PC’s time and date is inaccurate.

DST stands for Daylight Savings Time, and means that in a lock system which has an internal clock, the time is changed automatically for summer-time and wintertime. Depending on the lock, this either needs to be programmed as an algorithm, or the specific dates must be programmed into the lock, which in some cases is undertaken at the point of manufacture.

Using unique human body information as identification. Can in theory be anything that is unique to each person, but usually means fingerprint.

The specification for certain types of lock bolt as to the force that can be exerted against opening or closing the bolt. In some cases the measurement is of the maximum force that can be applied when the bolt is secure. In most instances the measurement is relevant to the mass (In grams and kilograms) of the boltworks that can be pushed or pulled by the bolt. The bolt force measurement is specified in Newtons.

This may refer to a connected system such as an alarm, monitoring the status of the bolt as to whether it is open or closed. It may refer to a special feature of some electronic locks which allows the keypad to sound a warning if the bolt has been left open for a specified period of time. It may also refer to the possibility of wiring a door switch into the lock so that the lock’s audit (and/or any connected system) can record both the position of the bolt and the door.

Moving mechanisms within safe doors which interact with a safe lock to either secure or open the door.

In lock systems which have an internal clock, clock drift refers to the clock eventually running slow (or sometimes fast) as compared with real time. Clock drift occurs in any electronic device which does not have a connection to a central server to maintain the correct time. It also occurs in wall clocks and watches, but is not often observed due to the fact that time is manually changed every 6 months for daylight savings time. In lock systems which have Automatic DST, there is not the 6-monthly manual time change and therefore over time, the clock can run out of sync with real time. It is advisable to periodically check the lock’s time to ensure ongoing accuracy.

Similar to holiday locking periods, on locks where a timelock schedule is in operation, closing periods are dates which can be programmed to prevent access on what would normally be an open period, such as for public holidays.

Means the same as disable, codes can be temporarily denied or disabled, for example, whilst a user is on holiday.

A feature in some lock systems which requires that a code is changed after a set period of time, or that a code self-deletes if it is not used after a set period of time.

Shortened version of combination lock. Generally used to refer to mechanical combination locks operated by turning a dial, but can also be used to refer to electronic combination locks.

Means the same as open window – the period of time after Time delay has elapsed, during which a code may be entered to open the lock.

Also known as a Fob, a Dallas key is a computer chip housed in a metal or plastic casing, which can be associated to a user, requiring a physical key in addition to a code to open the lock system. In some lock systems, the key can be used without a code, if the user is in dual mode with a code-holding users. A Dallas key may also be used to program locks and download audit.

A device that enhances the locking of the safe and is triggered by an unauthorized or attempted opening or breach. A dead re-locker is usually independent of the boltworks and sits “passive” until an attack takes place.

A safe lock which has a rectangular bolt. The bolt is moved with a spindle connected to either a knob, handle or keypad. When the keypad is turned, the bolt is retracted, and so the keypad must be turned back again to move the bolt into the closed position. Deadbolts are often connected to boltworks.

A term used to describe a deadbolt lock, which has a rectangular bolt. The bolt is moved with a spindle connected to either a knob, handle or keypad. When the keypad is turned, the bolt is retracted, and so the keypad must be turned back again to move the bolt into the closed position. Deadbolt locks are often connected to boltworks.

In the context of user management, disabling a code means that it is temporarily made inactive and is not valid to open the lock. The code can be re-enabled at a later stage.

For the lock to unlock, 2 separate pairs of credentials need to be given to the lock. There is a maximum time limit within where the 2nd credential need to be given, otherwise the lock will remain locked even after the 2nd credential is entered. Used when 1 person is not trusted alone. Can be used in combination with Delayed opening and OTC. Dual Mode is sometimes also called 4-eyes Principles and Dual Control.

Duress is triggered by a user to signal that they are under threat. Duress can usually be activated by changing the last digit of the PIN code, or a hidden gesture in the mobile app. For Tecno products with Duress enabled, if the user changes the last digit in their PIN to +/-1, Duress is triggered.

Stands for Input/Output, similar to interface, and refers to a device fitted to a lock system, or terminals built into a lock, which allow for other devices such as alarm systems to be connected.

In lock systems where timelock is in operation on a weekly schedule, this feature allows the lock to be timelocked until a specified time in the future, and overrides the weekly schedule. Useful for holidays or temporary closures when the lock does not need to be accessed. The feature is also referred to as block the lock in some lock systems.

The same as interlock. A feature of multiple lock systems, which prevent locks being opened if another lock in the system is already open.

Allows the lock system to interface with other security systems such as alarms. It can enable communication such as disabling the lock if the alarm perimeter is breached, or allowing a silent signal to be generated to the alarm system if a user is coerced into opening a safe, with the use of a special Duress code.

The same as interblock. A feature of multiple lock systems, which prevent locks being opened if another lock in the system is already open.

Stands for Local Area Network, and refers to a network of devices connected together in one physical location. Some safe locks can be networked and connected to a LAN for administration.

A safe lock which has an angled bolt, fitted with springs, similar to the latches used on doors. It is turned to open with a spindle in a similar way to a deadbolt lock, and the springs force it to close again immediately. When the safe’s door is closed, because of the angled and sprung bolt, it retracts on the strikeplate and then secures into the closed position.

Stands for Liquid Crystal Display, and is the method used for display on most safe locks with display.

Tumblers in a key operated safe lock which are individually coded, and individually moved by the bits of a key when the key is turned. When the levers are correctly aligned, the lock can open. The greater the number of levers, the higher the security because there are more possible codes.

A device that enhances the locking of the safe and is triggered by an unauthorized or attempted opening or breach. A live re-locker is directly connected to the locking mechanism and “actively” moves with it during openings.

Describes the physical lock fitted to a safe, as distinct from other parts of a complete lock set such as the keypad or battery boxes.

Describes a complete set of components ready to install, which would include at least the lock body and a keypad, key(s) or dial.

Stands for Loss Prevention Certification Board, a UK test and certification body who certify security products.

A user in a lock system who has administrative control, such as managing other users (Adding, deleting, disabling) or amending other features on the lock system, such as Time delay.

A user in a lock system who has administrative control. Depending on the lock, the Master can or cannot open the lock, and can amend other features on the lock system such as timelock values. In some lock systems the terms Master and Manager are interchangeable.

The same as a motorbolt lock. A safe lock which has a rectangular bolt which is moved with a motor, and does not require a spindle to turn.

A safe lock which has a rectangular bolt which is moved with a motor, and does not require a spindle to turn. Motorbolts are often connected to boltworks, and are often sprung so that the springs force the bolt to close when boltworks do not hold it in the open position.

If timelock is in operation, open periods are the times when timelock is not active, and the safe can be accessed by users with a valid code.

If Time delay is in operation, the open window is the period of time after Time delay has elapsed, during which a code can be entered.

In lock systems where timelock is in operation, an opening extension allows for an extension to the normal end of the open period.

Stands for One Time Code and is a feature on some safe locks allowing single use opening codes to be generated by software, valid for use on an associated lock.

Some electronic lock systems have back-up key operation. In the event that the electronics fail, the lock can be opened with an override key.

A designated user who is able to override Time delay if it is in operation, and open the lock immediately.

If incorrect codes have been entered repeatedly, the lock system will go into a time penalty (Generally 5 minutes) to prevent a brute force attack (Repeatedly testing codes).

Stands for Personal Identification Number, and refers to the individual codes used to open electronic safe locks.

Describes a feature of certain electronic locks, which means that every internal component is duplicated so that there is a backup in the event that a component fails.

A device which provides a secondary level of locking in the event that the primary level is compromised.

With an interface as part of the lock system, if a signal is received by the interface from a connected alarm system, the lock will prevent certain functions from being carried out.

With an interface as part of the lock system, if a signal is received by the interface from a connected alarm system, the lock will be prevented from opening.

With an interface as part of the lock system, if a signal is received by the interface from a connected alarm system, and Time delay is in operation, users can override Time delay and open the lock immediately.

The process of resetting a lock back to its factory settings. Reset generally requires a special device and access to the lock body (Meaning that the safe door must be open).

In some lock systems, a period of time after the last closing can be specified before the lock can be opened again.

Another term for a swingbolt lock.

A secure box designed to protect valuables from theft and sometimes fire.

The ability to reset a lock system to its factory settings with the entry of a special code.

Also known as duress, if a user is coerced into opening a safe, they can enter a special variant of their normal code which generates a silent signal to a connected alarm system.

One code can open a lock, generally used to distinguish from dual mode where two codes are required to open a lock.

The same as a latchbolt lock.

A coil of wire used as an electromagnet. When electrical current is applied after a correct code has been entered on a lock, the coil compresses and releases blocking elements, allowing the lock to be opened. The use of solenoids was disallowed on locks certified to EN 1300 standard in 2009, and motors were instead adopted as the standard method to release blocking elements.

Often used interchangeably with latchbolt and slambolt.

A deadbolt lock which is fitted with springs, which force the bolt into the closed position.

A cover that is either fitted over, or built into the design of keypads and combination lock dials to prevent others from viewing the code being entered or dialed.

A high security room designed to protect valuables from theft and sometimes fire.

A safe lock which has a quarter-circle shaped bolt which is pushed back into the lock’s body by boltworks.

Refers to a type of interface with an ethernet port, which allows a lock system to be connected to a network enabling remote access for administrators.

A feature which requires a period of time to elapse before the lock can be opened.

Similar to the opening extension.

Similar to the open period if a timelock schedule is in operation, or the open window if Time delay is in use.

A feature which allows for a weekly schedule to be programmed into the lock, which prevents valid codes being used to open the lock at specific times.

Allows a lock system to have a weekly timelock schedule that applies to certain groups of users.

Stands for Underwriters Laboratory, which is an American test and certification body.

Individuals who use a safe lock.

A high security room designed to protect valuables from theft and sometimes fire.

A German test and certification body, who certify security products and safe locks to the EN 1300 standard.

Stands for Wide Area Network, and refers to a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area.

Tumblers within a mechanical combination lock which are turned with a dial.