We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Security

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Cipher Lock?

Mary Elizabeth
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 74,322
Share

A lock refers to a number of types of device for securing a door. While there are combination locks, smart card locks, and keyed locks, the mechanism known as a cipher lock is opened with a programmable keypad and — according to definition — is not a true lock. There is also a specific type of cipher lock called a Cypher Lock®, which was developed by Continental Instruments, now a division of Napco Security Group.

The U.S. Army distinguishes the use of cipher locks and keyed locks, stating that the purpose of keyed locks is to maintain physical security, while the purpose of cipher locks is to control access, limiting either unannounced intrusions or unescorted entry to particular areas of a facility that are sensitive. Cipher locks are used to control access to areas such as airport control towers, computer rooms, corporate offices, embassies, areas within financial institutions, research and development laboratories, and storage areas holding weapons, controlled substances, etc.

A cipher lock may have four or five pushbuttons, depending on the manufacturer. Even with five pushbuttons, the code may be one to five digits. When the cipher lock unit is set up the code is programmed and shared with authorized personnel. It can be changed at any time.

Cipher locks are available in a variety of metallic colors and can be equipped with either a knob or a lever. The system may be mechanical, as is the case with the cipher locks made by Simplex or electronic, as is the Cypher Lock®. An electronic system allows for unlocking the door from a location within the room when a visitor who does not have the code arrives.

The Cypher Lock® in particular can be combined with a set time for opening the door as well as a battery standby system. Three types of alarm system are available. A burglar alarm interface is available to indicate when the door is breached. An error alarm can reveal someone who tries to guess the code. Finally, a hostage alarm can be triggered to indicate that entry was made under duress.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary Elizabeth
By Mary Elizabeth
Passionate about reading, writing, and research, Mary Elizabeth is dedicated to correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to writing articles on art, literature, and music for EasyTechJunkie, Mary works as a teacher, composer, and author who has written books, study guides, and teaching materials. Mary has also created music composition content for Sibelius Software. She earned her B.A. from University of Chicago's writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont.
Discussion Comments
By anon986711 — On Jan 27, 2015

Most people have never seen a cipher lock. They just call any locking device with buttons a cipher lock. Are all padlocks "master locks"? Kind of like how "Band-aids" is a brand name, but everyone calls all elastic bandages "band-aids".

By anon932924 — On Feb 13, 2014

Can the electrified cipher lock function with batteries only?

By lovealot — On May 26, 2011

The part of the article that I thought was interesting was where the author talked about the electronic type of door equipped with a cyber lock. A person in the room could actually let someone in who didn't have a code. The door can be unlocked from any place in the room. I wonder how the people in the room could know for sure who was requesting to come in? It seems like it would be a secuty issue.

By BoniJ — On May 24, 2011

@anon156778 - I was wondering the same thing. I goggled cipher locks and came up with numerous sites that explained the steps you need to take to change a cipher door lock. There are about eight steps to follow.

First you need to release the passage feature of the lock. The turn key/knob needs to be in a vertical position. It's a fairly simple procedure.

By anon156778 — On Feb 28, 2011

When the combination is forgotten, how is the combination reset?

Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Passionate about reading, writing, and research, Mary Elizabeth is dedicated to correcting misinformation on the...
Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-cipher-lock.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.