Fail-Safe Versus Fail Secure Systems
A Fail-Safe lock remains unlocked until an electrical current activates the lock.
The power requirement creates a system vulnerability because natural disasters,
storms, or sabotage can create a power failure, leaving an area unsecured.
Requires power to remain active. A Loss of power will unlock door/drawer causing application to remain unsecured until the power comes back online.
Fail-Secure systems require electrical power to release the access control system.
Even in the event of a power failure, the system remains intact, maintaining security until the restoration of power, or a system override releases the lock. Fail-secure locks offer the highest level of security available.
The level of security needed, items secured, fire codes, and compliance regulations impact which system works best in the given application.
Requires power to release the lock. In the event of a power failure, the door/drawer remains locked until someone activates an override.