- Key Cards
Meaning: A keycard is a security token that grants you access through electrically-powered doors. These systems require a keycard reader (installed on the door) and you gain access by either tapping your card on the reader (proximity reader), swiping it (swipe reader), or inserting it (insert reader).
With keycards, users no longer need to insert a metal or traditional key into a tumbler lock to gain access. Instead, there is an embedded access credential on the keycard magstripe, or as a chip in the card itself, and this is read by the keycard reader each time you attempt an unlock. If the unique code on your card is recognized by the reader, permission is granted for access.
Defination: A key card is a small plastic card which you can use instead of a key to open a door.
A keycard lock is a lock operated by a keycard, a flat, rectangular plastic card with identical dimensions to that of a credit card or American and EU driver’s license. The card stores a physical or digital pattern that the door mechanism accepts before disengaging the lock.
There are several common types of keycards in use, including the mechanical holecard, barcode, magnetic stripe, Wiegand wire embedded cards, smart card (embedded with a read/write electronic microchip), and RFID proximity cards.
Keycards are frequently used in hotels as an alternative to mechanical keys.
The first commercial use of key cards was to raise and lower the gate at automated parking lots where users paid a monthly fee.
Keycard systems operate by physically moving detainers in the locking mechanism with the insertion of the card, by shining LEDs through a pattern of holes in the card and detecting the result, by swiping or inserting a magnetic stripe card, or in the case of RFID cards, merely being brought into close proximity to a sensor. Keycards may also serve as ID cards.
Many electronic access control locks use a Wiegand interface to connect the card swipe mechanism to the rest of the electronic entry system.
Newer keycard systems use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology such as the TLJ infinity.
Types of card readers
A mechanical keycard, with “bumps” that operate pins inside of the lock (similar to a pin tumbler lock)
1. Mechanical
Mechanical keycard locks employ detainers which must be arranged in pre-selected positions by the key before the bolt will move. This was a mechanical type of lock operated by a plastic key card with a pattern of holes. There were 32 positions for possible hole locations, giving approximately 4.3 billion different keys. The key could easily be changed for each new guest by inserting a new key template in the lock that matched the new key.
In the early 1980s, the key card lock was electrified with LEDs that detected the holes.
A keycard with a magnetic stripe
1. Wiegand cards
Since the keycode is permanently set into the card at manufacture by the positions of magnetic wires, Wiegand cards can’t be erased by magnetic fields or reprogrammed as magnetic stripe cards can. Many electronic access control locks use a Wiegand interface to connect the card swipe mechanism to the rest of the electronic entry system.
1. Magnetic stripe
Magnetic stripe (sometimes “strip”) based keycard locks function by running the magnetic stripe over a sensor that reads the contents of the stripe. The stripe’s contents are compared to those either stored locally in the lock or those of a central system. Some centralized systems operate using hardwired connections to central controllers while others use various frequencies of radio waves to communicate with the central controllers. Some have the feature of a mechanical (traditional key) bypass in case of loss of power.
1. Passive RFID[Radio-Frequency identification]
RFID cards contain a small chip and induction loop which the transmitter on the keycard reader can access. The main advantages with RFID cards is that they do not need to be removed from the wallet or pass holder – as the keycard reader can usually read them from a few inches away.
Types Of Keys Used In Hotels
1. Guest Room Key’s
2. Master Keys
3. Grand Master
4. Emergency Keys
5. Floor Supervisor Key
How do they work to unlock hotel doors?
Magnetic stripe cards have a magnetic layer or a strip which contains minimal information for the user. Typically, the user access number is the most identifiable information. Personnel at the hotel desk will imprint the user information at check-in and usually set a time limit for its use until checkout. The door lock is triggered once the magnetic strip is read and verified by the hotel door card reader.
An example of a hotel punch card
1.Guest Room Key
The hotel guest room key is normally issued to open only one room for which it was intended, viz. individualised key for each lock. If the guest room lock is in shut-out mode the guest room key can neither open it nor lock from outside of the room.
2. Master Key
A master key is designed to open a set of several locks. These locks also have keys which are specific to each one (the change key) and cannot open any of the others in the set. Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks.
For example, master keyed pin tumbler locks will have two shear points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key.
3. Grand Master
Key operates all locks in the Hotel. Including laundry and linen rooms.
- Emergency Key
The emergency key opens all guestroom doors, even when they are double locked. It can be used, for example, to enter a room when the guest needs help and is unable to reach or open the door. The emergency key should be highly protected and its use strictly controlled and recorded; it should never leave the property. One procedure for emergency keys is to have them locked in a safe or safe deposit box and signed out by the individual needing one. The log should be dated and signed by the individual taking the key.
- Floor Supervisors Master Key
Key operates all sections on the floor/ floors supervised by the particular supervisor.
- Housekeeping Staff Master Key
Key operates all rooms serviced by particular room maid or housekeeping staff.
Important Key Control Procedures:
• Security of keys is essential from the moment they arrive on site.
• Keys should be stored separately and securely.
No unauthorized person should be allowed access to any key, either to examine or handle it, since a photograph or impression can be taken in few seconds and duplicate subsequently made.
• Keep a log book of all keys signed out.
• Establish protocol for distribution of keys.
• Use keys that do not identify the property’s name, address, logo, or room number.
• Perform an annual key audit
• When keys are lost or stolen, the locks should be changed or rotated to another part of the property.
• Authorised employees should remind guests to return keys at check-out.
• The loss or suspected compromise of a key should be reported immediately and, after due investigation, a decision be made as to whether or not the lock should be changed.
• Place well-secured key return boxes in the lobby, at exit points of the property, and in courtesy vehicles.
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