Smart devices & lifestyleSmart home
Home automation: smart locks
· Michel Aguilera
As home automation becomes mainstream – a topic that has already been covered in a previous article – today we are going to talk about a very specific subject: smart locks. Indeed, when it is possible to secure your front door or any access to your home in general, which product should you choose? What criteria should you use to choose the right product in terms of access security? A quick overview of the question, with a test of a few products.
Locking up… the connected way!
I looked at various solutions to find a product that would suit me. One of the deciding factors is how far you are prepared to modify your door or change your keys afterwards. There is a very wide variety of complete products that fully replace handles and cylinders. One of these products (still available via Kickstarter) is called Keago:
Using various technologies, this project turns out to be rather interesting. However, it will require you to completely change your door handle and cylinder system.
A short video demo:
Very comprehensive, it also lets you delegate access easily through an app. But for those who do not want too big a change, there are simpler solutions, such as key turners.
For a simpler and less expensive approach, there is Nuki.
A solution with several accessories that can be adapted to almost all types of door cylinders. A short explanatory video:
I noticed that certain door cylinders are not yet available for Switzerland (notably round knobs with a rotating element at the back). The manufacturer announces future availability for Q1 2019.
Finally, here is another manufacturer, which I chose as the solution for my front door: DanaLock v3.
Their product has been praised by several magazines and installers. The big drawback I could mention is that I had to change the cylinder of my door to use it. Fortunately, the manufacturer supplies a secure cylinder with a set of keys (with the option of having further copies made).
A short unboxing and setup video:
As you can see, the system is very intuitive. Since it has to go through an app on a separate device, I am waiting for the Danabridge, which will remove this drawback. I also opted for the Danapad, to make getting started easier and to simply give a code to authorised people.
In short, should you switch to a smart lock?
The subject is currently one of the most discussed on home automation forums, as everyone has their own product and approach. There is of course still a wide range of manufacturers adopting the Z-Wave or Zigbee protocol, but Apple-compatible products (HomeKit) are few and far between and struggle to interact with other non-compatible devices. I would recommend using something that can at least interface with IFTTT (allowing more control) and that is fully remote (no need for a home automation hub with IFTTT). I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Swiss Domotique for their valuable advice and the company Buhler in Courtelary for fitting the hardware and the system in my door.