Resources
Data tables, glossary terms, and reference materials
23 articles
Cloud vs. Local Smart Locks: The 10-Year TCO & 'Hidden' Exit Costs
Most buyers analyze 3-year costs. We analyze 10. Discover why the 'Hardware Refresh Cycle' and 'Per-User' fees make Cloud systems 300% more expensive than you think.
SaaS Value Metrics: Is the 'Smart Lock Tax' Worth It? (2025 Analysis)
Why pay $6/month for a lock you own? We break down the 'Access as a Service' model, calculating the exact ROI of PMS integrations, liability protection, and operational efficiency.
Understanding Signal Strength (RSSI): Why 'Full Bars' Is A Lie
Why does -70dBm mean 'Good' for Wi-Fi but 'Critical' for Zigbee? We decode the logarithmic math of RSSI vs LQI and why Signal-to-Noise Ratio matters more than raw power.
RF Interference Materials: The 'Silent Killers' of Smart Home Signals
Why does your lock fail when the bathroom door closes? A physics-based guide to material attenuation (dB Loss) for 2.4GHz vs 900MHz signals. Stucco, Mirrors, and Metal explained.
Locksmith Labor Rates 2025: Commercial vs Residential Cost Breakdown
Don't get sticker shock. We analyze 2025 national averages for Trip Charges, Fresh Installs, and Commercial Retrofits. See why a 'Simple Swap' can range from $125 to $500.
Hidden Installation Costs: The 'Budget Killers' of Smart Lock Projects
Identifies the top 5 unexpected costs that blow up smart lock budgets. From door alignment issues to Wi-Fi bridge redundancy, learn what salesmen won't tell you.
IoT Protocol Power Draw: Why Your Smart Lock Batteries Die So Fast
Why does Wi-Fi kill batteries in 3 months while Zigbee lasts 18? We break down the physics of TX/RX currents, Connection Overhead, and the 'Sleep Ratio'.
Understanding Quiescent Current: The Vampire That Kills Batteries
Why 'doing nothing' is the hardest job for a smart lock. We explain Standby Leakage, Vampire Draw (µA), and why your batteries drain even if you never open the door.
ANSI/BHMA Grading Standards: Decoding Smart Lock Durability
What is the difference between Grade 1, 2, and 3? We break down the cycle tests, sledgehammer impact ratings, and the A156.25 electronics standard.
Fire Ratings & Smart Locks: The UL 10C Guide
Can you put a smart lock on a fire door? We explain UL 10C Positive Pressure testing, the risks of retrofitting, and why 'Fire Rated' does not mean 'Fire Proof'.
Anti-Pick & Anti-Bump: The Physical Security Glossary
Burglars don't play fair. We explain Lock Bumping, Drilling, and Picking, and the specific smart lock features (sidebars, spool pins) that defeat them.
Smart Home Protocol Specs: The Ultimate Technical Cheat Sheet (2025)
Direct technical comparison of Z-Wave 800, Zigbee 3.0, Thread, and Wi-Fi 6. We compare frequency, bandwidth, max nodes, security encryption, and mesh capabilities.
Mesh Topology Explained
How your smart lock talks to your hub through other devices.
Fire Ratings & UL Codes: When Smart Locks Can (and Can't) Be Used
Fire inspectors are failing smart lock installs correctly. Learn about UL 10C, 20-minute ratings, and why you cannot modify a fire door for a smart lock.
ADA Compliance Checklist: Smart Locks for Accessibility
US Federal Law requires locks to be accessible. We explain the 'No Pinch/No Twist' rule, handle shapes, and mounting heights required for ADA compliance.
Standard Door Dimensions: The Pre-Purchase Measurement Guide
Will it fit? The definitive guide to Backset, Bore Size, Door Thickness, and Stile Width. Don't drill a hole until you read this Table of Standards.
Lock Anatomy: Deep Dive
Understanding the key components of a deadbolt assembly.
ADA Compliance & Smart Locks: The Complete Guide (Rule 404.2.3)
Is your keypad legal? We explain the 'Startlingly Simple' test for ADA compliance in smart locks, mounting heights, and why round knobs are illegal in rentals.
Wire Gauge & Voltage Drop: The 12V/24V Smart Lock Guide
Why does your magnetic lock fail? It's probably Voltage Drop. We explain how to calculate AWG wire thickness for 12V and 24V cable runs.
Door Alignment Guide: Fixing the 'Jamming Deadbolt'
Why does your smart lock say 'Jamming'? It's usually not the lock; it's the door. Learn the Lipstick Test and the 3-Inch Screw trick.
Smart Lock Encryption: AES-128, ChaCha20 & The Future of Security
Is your smart lock hackable? We explain the difference between AES-128 (Zigbee) and ChaCha20 (Matter), and why 'Bank Grade Security' is a meaningless marketing term.
Smart Home Privacy Guide: The 'Data Minimalism' Checklist
Is your smart lock spying on you? We explain 'Data Minimization', Local vs Cloud storage, and how to read a Privacy Policy like a lawyer.
Z-Wave Range Troubleshooting: Fixing Offline Locks
Is your smart lock showing 'Offline'? We explain Z-Wave Mesh, the 4-Hop Limit, and why you need a Repeater (and where to put it).