Friday, August 15, 2014

What's the difference between Redundant Locking Systems & Dual Locking Systems?

What's the difference between Redundant Locking Systems & Dual Locking Systems? Which one is better?  Why would you need one or the other?

I get these questions a lot and the first part of the answer is simple:

"Redundant Locking Systems" have two separate ways to open a singular lock.  


"Dual Locking Systems" have two separate locks, and both must be unlocked independently of one another.

In order to know which one is better or determine if you need a redundant or dual locking system, you need to understand the functions of each.

Redundant and EMP Proof Lock
Dual lock system for safes and vault doors
"Redundant Locking Systems" use an either/or approach to opening a singular lock.  You can open the lock with either the digital keypad or the rotating dial function. The idea is that you can use the simplicity of the Digital Lock for fast access on a regular basis but, in the case that the Digital Function should malfunction or your battery expires you will still be able to get inside of your safe or vault door by using the Dial Function. The Redundant Locking System is the locking system that you will need in the case an Electromagnetic Pulse or "EMP" knocks out your electronic/digital lock, because you will still be able to open your lock using the dial. If for what ever reason you don't trust Digital Locks but still want the simplicity of using one (with a back up plan of course...) then this is the lock for you.

In a "Dual Locking System" there are two separate

locks...both locks must be opened independently of each other in order to be able to retract the locking bolts and open the door on your safe or vault door.  Commonly known as a "Partners Safe," where the "Partners" each have their own combination. The Dual Locking System would require both partners be present  in order to open the safe adding an added level of security to a company's safe or vault door.  This also works when partners don't trust each other.  If you are a company owner and the book keeper or manager need access to the safe during the hours of the day when you are around, this is the way to go because you can give a combination to that person and while you are there the safe can be accessed by whomever you trust and when you lock your portion of the safe/vault door even that person is locked out. 

A properly set up Dual Locking System is more secure than a Redundant Locking System for a couple of reasons.

1.  A Dual Locking System requires two separate locks and a Redundant Locking System uses only one lock.

2.  I can't speak for my competitors, but here at Vault Pro we set up multiple re-lockers for each lock on a Dual Locking System essentially doubling the number of re-lockers in the system.

Any number of different locks can be used in a Dual Locking System. Most common is the Dual Rotating Dial Locks or the Rotating Dial Lock & Digital Lock.  You can also use Biometric Digital Lock & Dial Lock, Dual Digital locks (both combination numbers have to be punched simultaneously...pretty tricky for one person), or just about any other combination of locks you desire.

Which is better depends on your situation. Call and we'll be happy to discuss the best option for you.


Thanks for visiting.

Tony

Vault Pro USA

www.vaultprousa.com