[NSW] Rules for Using Smart Locks in Apartments?

mulimulix on 04/08/2021 - 20:45
Last edited 04/08/2021 - 21:05 by 1 other user

I know this has been discussed a couple of times on here before but I've scoured the past threads and they don't actually make a definitive conclusion.

Basically, I asked my strata manager a year or two back and he said no because it has to be fire-rated and there are only like two models of deadlatches that are approved as such. But when you look into it, I can't actually find anywhere which defines what is required for an apartment deadlatch nor do the descriptions on door locks (smart or otherwise) make it clear if they are fire-rated or not. (Not to mention I didn't trust that particular manager).

From what I've read it seems like the important feature is to be able to open the front door from the inside without any key (or passcode I assume). But many smart locks I see do meet this requirement.

So my question is, does anybody here actually know for sure whether they are allowed so long as they meet this requirement? Or is it even stricter and the traditional Lockwood deadlatch is basically the only thing you can get?

For example, I was looking at potentially getting this Samsung lock.

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  Hybroid on 04/08/2021 - 20:51

  +1

  In a modern apartment building your door may be a fire rated door. It is critical that ONLY an approved secondary lock be installed. If it is a fire rated door ONLY the Lockwood 001 dead lock is approved as a secondary lock. You cannot put ANY other lock on this door such as dead bolts or locking bolts, you will void the fire rating of that door and door frame.

  http://www.olympiclocksmiths.com.au/blog/deadlock-types-guid…

  • 

    mulimulix on 04/08/2021 - 20:54

    I have seen this elsewhere but I can't actually find where this rule comes from. There must be regulation or something that says this because I can't figure out why you can only use this one model of lock when it doesn't seem to do anything different to other deadlatches.

    • 

      Hybroid on 04/08/2021 - 21:00

      +2

      Australian Standard 4145.2-2008, Mechanical Locksets for Doors and Windows in Buildings

      • 

        mulimulix on 04/08/2021 - 21:06

        So you're saying a lock has to say that it conforms to that particular AS for it to be acceptable? I would love to read the standard but looks like you have to pay to obtain it.

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  mbck on 04/08/2021 - 21:10

  +1

  http://www.independentlocksmiths.com.au/news/latest-news/ent…

  Seems like there's quite a bit of rules. I'd imagine the smart locks have too many parts that can fail in a fire. Whereas the Lockwood ones are tested to continue working.

  Shame the docs have to be paid to have access

  • 

    boomramada on 04/08/2021 - 21:13

    +1

    By the time when fire manage to melt the smart lock, you be dead.

    • 

      mbck on 04/08/2021 - 21:16

      +2

      Maybe if the locks are still working, the fire-fighter may still be able to enter the rooms, without having to hack in.

      Also, fire doors prevent fire from coming in. So maybe if the fire dies down, people can still unlock the door and get out, instead of being stuck because the lock is jammed.

      • 

        boomramada on 04/08/2021 - 21:27

        Based on what I witnessed, fire usually travel up words and escape from windows or open vents, or hit the roof and roof collapse. Therefore in a typical house, you be dead from chocking before hit the door handle. Fire don't die down in a typical house either unless there is a fire fighters to put it off.

        • 

          mbck on 04/08/2021 - 21:42

          @boomramada: I'm sure there are many types of fire. And yeah your example may be the case in a free standing house, but it may be different to an apartment. Maybe the fire stays in the corridor. Maybe the fire sprinkler allows the fire to stay somewhat less severe, but enough to damage a smart lock, and not a fireproof lock.

          It's never about completely 0% risk. But minimising issues and increasing chances of survival.

          Your argument is akin to, we are going to die someday, why bother trying?

          • 

            boomramada on 04/08/2021 - 21:56

            @mbck:

            Your argument is akin to, we are going to die someday, why bother trying?

            I didn't said that, all I'm saying is at the point where door handle get hot or melted. We are (profanity).

    • 

      thatonethere on 04/08/2021 - 21:58

      Some smartlocks have temperature detection which sounds an alarm and also unlocks the door… (not saying this is a great compliance method).

      Realistically with smoke/gloves and other PPE etc is it possible for a fire person to use a master key to open the door?

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  Stewardo on 04/08/2021 - 23:55

  +2

  Try seeing it from the building managers perspective.
  If there was a fire and someone died, there would be an investigation that would find door locks didn’t meet codes and he letting people use there own locks was a factor in the deaths.
  The Samsung one might be ok, but the other six people who got there lock off banggood got trapped.
  The other issue is the uniform style of the foyer, which is normally part of the bylaws.

  • 

    mulimulix on 05/08/2021 - 10:07

    No I definitely understand the reasoning. I'm not arguing that. I'm arguing that it's not made clear which locks can and can't be used in apartments and that's probably a big reason why you'd get people installing random locks instead of following procedure like I'm attempting to do.

    • 

      pegaxs on 05/08/2021 - 11:07

      +1

      Locks on fire rated doors needs to be a self latching lock. Most "smart locks" are not self latching and are motor driven.

      In a fire situation, the heat can damage the internals of a smart lock. Batteries fail, gears melt, wiring melts, etc.

      The information you are looking for is easily googled. You can also contact the Australian Building Codes Board or consult the National Construction Codes and Australian Standards.

      the lock must be self-latching and be fire rated in accordance with AS1905.1.

      Just go to the Lockwood website and type 1905.1 in their search bar and that will show you all the fire rated door hardware…

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  Stewardo on 05/08/2021 - 10:33

  It would be the building managers role to make sure the building is compliant, the building would have external companies doing a regular fire compliance audit. I’m not sure why you wouldn’t trust the building manager on this rule. The doors and the locks all need to look the same as well. So if you install your lock they won’t. This would break the strata by laws regarding the appearance of the common areas.

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  friedmaki on 05/08/2021 - 17:14

  +1

  The Carbine 3-in-1 Leverset model is fire-rated.

  https://carbine.com.au/digital-locks/electronic-digital-lock…