ShineACS Wiki Library

Will all key card locks automatically unlock If the electricity goes out?



Will all key card locks automatically unlock If the electricity goes out?


I have a question about my hotel. Now I use traditional door locks for my hotel doors; if I upgrade these old locks with an electronic hotel door lock system,

So, will all key card locks automatically unlock every room If the electricity goes out in a hotel?

Best Answered by





No, hotel key card locks are designed with safety and security in mind, and they do not automatically unlock when there’s a power outage. Here’s a deeper look into how these systems are designed to handle power outages:

  1. Battery-Powered Locks: Most hotel key card locks are battery-powered, which operate independently of the hotel’s main power supply. Depending on usage, these batteries typically last for a year or more and will continue to function normally during a power outage. When the batteries run low, they usually send a signal (like a flashing light or a specific beep) to alert hotel staff that they need to be replaced.
  2. Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure: In the world of electronic locks, there are generally two types of responses to power failures: fail-safe and fail-secure. A fail-safe lock will unlock when power is lost, while a fail-secure lock remains. Hotel room doors use fail-secure locks, which stay locked during a power outage. This ensures guest safety and security.
  3. Emergency Access: In emergencies, hotel staff have master key cards or even physical override keys that can be used to access rooms. This ensures that even if there’s an issue with the electronic lock system, staff can still access rooms if necessary.
  4. Backup Power Systems: Many modern hotels have backup generators or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to maintain essential services during power outages. While room locks might not be directly connected to these (since they’re often battery-powered), other systems like hallway lighting, elevators, and security systems might be.
  5. Centralized Systems: Some advanced hotel locking systems might be connected to a centralized system for monitoring and management. Even these systems are designed with redundancies to ensure that individual room locks remain functional during power outages.

In summary, the safety and security of guests are paramount in hotel design. Electronic key card locks are designed to remain locked and secure even during power outages.

If you’re considering installing or upgrading such a system in your hotel, it’s essential to work with reputable providers and understand the features and redundancies of the system you’re implementing.


Related Questions and Articles


Vincent Zhu

Vincent Zhu Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

Recent Posts

How to Lock Eufy Smart Lock? Comprehensive Details Guide

This guide aims to delve deep into its features, provide insights into its locking and…

4 days ago

Understanding the Differences: RFID vs. NFC

This insightful article explores the key differences between RFID and NFC, their applications, and future…

1 week ago

How to Check the Camera In a Hotel Room Using the Mobile App?

Discover how to detect hidden hotel cameras using a mobile app for your safety and…

2 weeks ago

Unlocking Security: An Overview of the 7 Types of Locks

Explore the seven key lock types for security, from padlocks to biometric systems, in this…

3 weeks ago

How to Reset the Onity Key Machine? Step by Step Guide

Learn to reset Onity key machines with safety tips, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting for common…

3 weeks ago

What to Do When Your Eufy Smart Lock Goes Offline?

Get quick fixes for Eufy Smart Lock issues: Wi-Fi, battery life, security features, and emergency…

4 weeks ago