Here’s a glossary of smart locks and electronic door hardware terms, covering residential, commercial, and access control technologies:
🔐 SMART LOCKS & DOOR HARDWARE GLOSSARY
A
Access Control / Entry Management – System controlling who can enter a door or area.
Access Code / PIN – Numeric or alphanumeric code used to unlock a door.
Access Level / Permission Tier – Defines user privileges in a system.
AD / Active Directory Integration – Connecting smart locks to centralized authentication systems.
Auto-Lock / Automatic Locking – Feature where door locks automatically after a set period.
B
Bluetooth Lock / Wireless Access – Lock operated via Bluetooth-enabled device.
Backset / Lock Body Dimension – Distance from door edge to center of keyhole or latch.
Biometric Lock / Fingerprint Access – Uses fingerprints or other biometric data for entry.
Bolt / Locking Mechanism Component – Metal piece that secures the door.
Bridge / WiFi-Bluetooth Gateway – Device connecting smart lock to Internet for remote access.
C
Cylindrical Lock / Standard Door Lock – Common round lock mechanism.
Cloud Access / Remote Management – Control and monitor locks over the Internet.
Card Reader / Key Card Access – Uses RFID or magnetic cards to unlock.
Deadbolt / Primary Security Bolt – Strong bolt extending into door frame.
Credential / Authorization Token – Key card, fob, or digital identifier granting access.
D
Door Strike / Strike Plate – Metal plate on frame receiving latch or bolt.
Double Cylinder Lock / Keyed Both Sides – Requires key on inside and outside.
Dashboard / Management Interface – Software for monitoring and controlling locks.
Digital Key / Mobile App Access – Unlock using smartphone app.
Door Position Sensor / DPS – Detects if door is open or closed.
E
Encryption / Data Security – Secures communication between lock and controller.
Electromagnetic Lock / Maglock – Uses magnetic field to secure door.
Electronic Lock / E-Lock – Lock operated electronically instead of mechanically.
Emergency Release / Override Mechanism – Unlocks door in case of power or system failure.
Entry Log / Access History – Record of all entries and exits.
F
Fail-Secure / Fail-Lock Mode – Remains locked during power failure.
Fail-Safe / Fail-Open Mode – Unlocks during power failure for safety.
Fingerprint Reader / Biometric Scanner – Scans fingerprints for access.
Face Recognition Lock / Biometric Access – Unlocks using facial biometrics.
Firmware / Lock Software – Internal software controlling smart lock functions.
G
Gap / Door Clearance – Space between door and frame affecting lock fit.
Gateway / IoT Hub – Connects lock to cloud or local network.
Glass Door Lock / Specialized Hardware – Lock designed for frameless glass doors.
Geofencing / Location-Based Access – Locks/unlocks based on user proximity.
Guard Mode / Security Setting – Restricts access to authorized users only.
H
Handle Set / Door Hardware Assembly – Includes handle, latch, and lock components.
Hardware Finish / Surface Coating – Brass, nickel, bronze, or powder-coated surface.
High-Security Lock / Commercial Grade – Locks rated for resistance to picking or forced entry.
Hoop / Round Latch Ring – Part of cylindrical locks holding latch.
Hub / Central Controller – Device coordinating multiple locks in a system.
I
IoT Lock / Internet-Connected Lock – Controlled remotely via Internet.
Intercom Integration / Door Communication – Allows audio/video communication before access.
Install Kit / Lock Fitting Components – Screws, plates, and hardware needed for installation.
Ingress / Entry Point – Door or point of access controlled by the lock.
Interior Lock / Inside Door Hardware – Locks controlling interior rooms.
K
Key Fob / Wireless Access Token – Portable device unlocking electronic locks.
Key Override / Mechanical Backup – Traditional key access in case of electronic failure.
Keypad / Numeric Entry Device – Physical interface for entering PINs.
Knob / Rotating Handle – Standard handle type, often paired with latch.
Knuckle Clearance / Handle Fit – Space needed to rotate handle without obstruction.
L
Latch / Spring-Loaded Bolt – Secures door when closed.
Lever Handle / Door Lever – Ergonomic handle type.
Lock Body / Internal Mechanism – Core assembly housing locking components.
Lock Rating / Security Standard – ANSI/BHMA grade or equivalent rating.
Low-Power Mode / Battery Conservation – Locks reduce energy use to extend battery life.
M
Magnetic Lock / Electromagnetic Lock – Uses magnetic field to secure door.
Mortise Lock / Embedded Lock – Installed inside door cavity for commercial doors.
Master Key / Overriding Key – Key able to open multiple locks.
Mobile Credentials / App-Based Access – Digital keys stored on smartphones.
Monitoring / Lock Status Tracking – Real-time monitoring of lock activity.
N
Network Lock / Connected Lock – Accessed and controlled via LAN/WiFi.
Night Latch / Key-Operated Latch – Locks automatically when door closes.
NFC Lock / Near-Field Communication Access – Unlock via smartphone or card.
Notification / Event Alert – Push alert or email for access events.
Non-Contact Lock / Proximity Access – Unlocks without physical contact.
O
Occupancy Sensor / Motion Detection – Detects presence for automatic access.
Outside Lock / Exterior Door Hardware – Handles and locks exposed to outdoors.
Override Key / Emergency Access – Manual access during system failure.
Operator / Door Automation Mechanism – Motorized component for automatic doors.
Open Duration / Unlock Timer – How long door remains unlocked before auto-lock.
P
Proximity Card / RFID Card – Access card using radio frequency.
Power Supply / Electrical Source – Batteries or wired power for locks.
Push-Pull Lock / Entry Style – Operates by pushing/pulling door handle.
Privacy Function / Bathroom Lock Mode – Interior locks with privacy option.
Pin Code / Numeric Access – Password or code for entry.
R
Remote Unlock / App Control – Unlock door from a distance using app.
Rim Lock / Surface Mounted Lock – Attached on door surface rather than inside.
RFID Lock / Radio Frequency Identification – Uses key card or tag for access.
Rekeyable Lock / Changeable Cylinder – Cylinder can be replaced without replacing entire lock.
Residential Lock / Home Security Hardware – Lock designed for household doors.
S
Smart Lock / IoT-Enabled Lock – Connected, programmable lock.
Strike Plate / Door Frame Plate – Secures bolt or latch in frame.
Security Grade / Lock Strength – ANSI/BHMA or EN lock grade rating.
Sensor Lock / Door Status Monitoring – Detects open, closed, or tampered state.
Scheduled Access / Timed Entry – Locks/unlocks at preset times.
T
Tamper Detection / Anti-Theft Feature – Alerts if lock is being tampered with.
Touchscreen Lock / Digital Interface – Unlock via touchscreen keypad.
Temporary Code / Guest Access – Time-limited PIN or digital key.
Transmission / Data Communication – Sending signals from lock to hub or app.
Threshold / Door Clearance Plate – Bottom door plate interacting with lock/latch.
U
Unlock Method / Access Type – PIN, RFID, biometric, app, or key.
User Management / Access Control Admin – Creating, modifying, and revoking access rights.
USB Programming / Direct Device Setup – Configure lock via USB.
Universal Cylinder / Standard Key Fitting – Fits multiple lock types.
Utility Lock / Secondary Locking Device – Additional lock for enhanced security.
V
Vault Lock / High-Security Lock – Heavy-duty locks for safes or high-value areas.
VPN Access / Secure Remote Connection – For enterprise smart lock management.
Voice Control / Smart Assistant Integration – Unlock via Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.
Visitor Access / Guest Permission – Temporary or limited entry.
Voltage Range / Electrical Specification – Operating voltage for electronic locks.
W
WiFi Lock / Cloud-Connected Lock – Connects to Internet for remote control.
Wireless Keypad / Remote Numeric Entry – For PIN access without physical wiring.
Wiegand / Access Control Protocol – Standard for communicating access devices to controllers.
Weatherproof / Outdoor Rated Hardware – Resistant to elements for exterior doors.
Workstation Integration / Networked Management – Enterprise software managing multiple locks.
X
X-Factor Security / Marketing Term – Refers to enhanced lock features.
XML Configuration / Lock Settings – Some systems use XML for setup and integration.
X-axis / Hinge Alignment – Physical orientation affecting lock installation.
XIP / Execute-In-Place Firmware – Smart lock software execution method.
X-tier Access / Hierarchical Permissions – Multi-level user access control.
Y
Yield / Lock Reliability – Success rate and durability over time.
Yale-Compatible / Standardized Lock – Compatible with widely used cylinders and mechanisms.
Yob Key / Master Key Override – Emergency override key (colloquial in some regions).
Your Access / Personalized Credentials – User-specific digital key or code.
Y-Axis Alignment / Lock Fit – Vertical placement and strike alignment.
Z
Z-Wave / Smart Home Protocol – Wireless communication standard for smart locks.
Zone Access / Segmented Entry Control – Restrict entry to specific areas.
Zero-Touch Setup / Auto-Provisioning – Lock setup with minimal manual configuration.
Zigbee / IoT Communication – Wireless standard for home automation integration.
Zoned Locking / Multi-Door Coordination – Locks coordinated for controlled areas.
Published 17th Feb 2026