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Korea #1 Digital Lock
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Summary: Alkaline type batteries (eg. Energizer Max) should be used and changed every 8-10 months as a rule of thumb.
Summary: Alkaline type batteries (eg. Energizer Max) should be used and changed every 8-10 months as a rule of thumb.
- How often to change batteries?
Gateman and most Samsung locks require 12 months cycle battery replacement (based on 10 entries a day using alkaline type batteries). To reduce risk of battery corrosive liquid leaks, go on a more diligent 8-10 months cycle and do not leave batteries in the lock beyond one year. Remember to check for battery liquid leaks every 6 months. Digital locks are designed to give you low battery warnings (a melody and/or visual indicators) but they are last minute warnings so change earlier!
[Additional notes: The battery cell expands near the end of it's power due to chemical changes. The risk of battery liquid leaks rises towards the end. Err on the safe side and replace batteries earlier than later] - What batteries type to use?
Use alkaline type batteries. These batteries have the word "alkaline" printed somewhere on the battery body. If the prints are too small for you to read, go with Energizer Max because they are easy to find.
What not to use: You should not use carbon-zinc batteries eg. Eveready brand because these run out of power 3-4 times faster than alkaline batteries. Battery power also dips dramatically near the tail end and low battery indicators may be missed. Eveready "Super Heavy Duty" is an example of carbon-zinc type battery. The wordings may lead you to believe it is super heavy duty but the low price tells you the truth.
[Additional notes: You do not need expensive lithium batteries because digital locks are not high currents discharge devices like your flashlight, cameras etc. You should not use rechargeable batteries because the manufacturer says so] - How many batteries and what size?
Most locks have requirements for just 4 pieces AA size batteries.
Some locks allow up to 8 batteries: the additional 4 pieces could be useful if your lock is optionally equipped with remote control or bluetooth option. If they are not fitted with those options, then the rule of thumb is: 4 batteries are enough. - What brand of batteries?
We are not intimately familiar with every battery brand and their supply chain. We suggest only Energizer Max, because they are easy to find. You can put on your thinking hats and rationalise along the following lines to minimise chances of poor quality battery:
- buy from high traffic outlets (supermarkets, petrol kiosks) on the assumption that the batteries have not been on the shelf for a long time (alternatively read the expiry dates on the batteries)
- avoid heavily discounted batteries or batteries priced very low - What if you are locked out due to very low battery power?
Amost all digital locks comes with battery low indicators and also external battery power application. When battery power is low, the lock will play a melody when it operates. There is usually a visual indicator as well. If you are caught in a low battery situation, you can get a 9V battery from the supermarket and apply that on the outer body of the digital lock (refer to manual). Some small footprint locks or locks from China may use micro-USB ports.
