Keypad Door Locks - Product Spotlight

Automatic locking systems restrict access to properties or to certain areas within a facility. Our recent blog on maglocks talks about one type of electronic locking element of those entry systems but here we focus on one option for the part that grants access, a door keypad.

Keypads are a modern and convenient way to secure your property. For businesses where multiple employees need access to the premises, it eliminates the need to keep track of keys and change locks when an employee leaves. With a keyless entry system you don't have to worry about losing or forgetting your keys, or providing a visitor or service provider with a physical key.

Doors with keypad code locks can be used to secure storerooms or offices, provide external locking, or manage access and the movement of people throughout a building. Traditional mechanical locks can also do this but digital access can save institutions money as there are no physical keys that need to be cut, and no replacement cylinder barrels are required when access rights change.

Types of Keypad Door Locks

Access control keypads have a variety of features and functions. They can be fitted to one door as a standalone unit, or installed as part of a larger networked system, or smart home system.

Here we have listed the main differences to consider when selecting a keypad for your project or facility:

• Surface or flush mounting

• Narrow stile applications

• Mechanical digital keypads or electronic keypads 

• Stand alone or networked systems

• 12V or 24V, AC or DC

• Code entry, code and proximity access, or code and biometric keypad

• Varying code length options

• User capacity

• Single code options or multiple user codes

• Differing output relays

• Internal and external doors

• Different IP ratings and optional rain covers

Our product catalogue has this useful IP ratings chart below that explains what the two digits denote. You can download or order a hard copy of the catalogue today.

Choosing the Right Keypad

We stock a selection of high quality keypad units to suit different budgets. This next section provides information on the main brands we stock and the various models within their ranges.

ACT and Vanderbilt Keypads

Vanderbilt Industries, formerly Bewator, are known worldwide for what is perhaps our best selling keypad, their V42. Watch our latest video below for a 360° view of this Vanderbilt V42 keypad unit. It suits a single door, has the capacity of two four-digit codes, is IP54 rated for internal or external use, and has backlit buttons so can be used in low light conditions.

Their V44 Duo is also IP54 rated but has the increased capacity of thirty codes, and is programmable for two doors. The Vanderbilt V44 allows for different codes for the two doors or the same code, and features a tamper switch for alarm connection.

Alongside the V42 and V44 Duo, Vanderbilt developed the simple to install and easy to use ACT range of push button locks. The ACT 10 keypad is IP55 rated, supports 10 user codes and has 2 output relays. This model is vandal resistant and caters for door monitoring, Interlock, and fire alarm input.

The ACT 5 keypad is also IP55 rated with 10 user PIN codes but suits 1 door, not 2. We have a series of How To videos on our YouTube channel that cover amongst other things, how to change the numeric code, and how to set the auto backlight. The ACT5e model has proximity access in addition to the code entry of the standard ACT5, so it can be operated by proximity fobs or proximity cards.

RGL Electronics Door Keypads

The RGL KP range conveniently features three look-alike keypads with the same overall dimensions but a range of functions across the models, all of which allow for 500 unique users:

• KP1000 - keypad only

• KPX1000 - keypad & built-in proximity reader

• KPX2000 - keypad & built-in proximity reader + input for a separate Weigand reader

The heavy duty KP50 and KPX50 models are IP66 rated and vandal resistant, making them ideal for external installation to gates or barriers. The KP50 is a keypad only, whilst the KPX50 is compatible with 125KHz EM fobs and cards for additional proximity function. If you need a keypad for a narrow door style, then look no further than the KPX75, which also has proximity access and is IP65 rated.

Securefast Keypad Locks

The APX series of keypads from Securefast include the IP68 rated APX-14 and APX-16C. Both models have a capacity of up to 2000 users, feature a lock delay of 1-99 seconds, and support proximity fob access. The main difference is that the APX-14 has a smooth touch screen compared to the standard backlit keypad of the APX-16C.

Keypad door locks are also a great option for rentals spaces or properties. You can set up a code for visitors and guests and change it when they leave, so the next guest doesn’t have access to the property. With a smart keypad lock like this Deedlock APX-14T model, you can see if the premises is accessed during the rental period with remote audit trail viewing as it has Bluetooth/WiFi operation via Tuya app.

Paxton Access Control

Paxton is synonymous with keypad coded digital locks and access control. We stock their K75 Compact TOUCHLOCK keypad in black or stainless steel. It is both a control unit and reader in one, can be used internally and externally, and has a capacity for up to fifty 4-8 digit codes. The installation instructions and programming instructions are available to view and download in the product manuals section.

In conclusion, access control keypads can be quick and easy to install, providing added security to internal or external doors as keyless locks have no physical credentials that could be lost, stolen, or damaged. With a wide range of options to choose from, including smart keypad locks, there is a keypad to suit every access control need. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home security or manage access to your business, a keypad door lock is a great solution.

Our Keypad Quick Guide below is a handy reference of the products mentioned above, which can also be found in our product catalogue.