Suppose you’re overseeing a building’s security when suddenly there’s a power outage. Do the doors stay locked, trapping people inside? Or do they swing open, leaving your assets vulnerable? The type of lock you choose—fail-safe or fail-secure—could mean the difference between safety and disaster.

Many business owners and property managers ignore this important decision until it’s too late. A lock that stays closed during an emergency could trap people inside, while one that opens by default might jeopardize security. 

Without understanding the differences, you could be endangering people or assets. That’s why we put together this guide—to help you understand fail safe vs fail secure locks, how they compare and operate, and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.

What Are Fail Safe Door Locks?

Think of it like an elevator—when there’s a power failure, it stops working but has emergency measures in place to ensure safety. Similarly, fail-safe locks unlock during a power failure, so people can exit without being trapped. 

These locks remain locked as long as they receive power. During a power outage, they automatically unlock, allowing free passage. While this is safe for individuals during emergencies, it is unsafe for a building with valuables. 

For this reason, fail safe locks are generally used for main access points (like office doors or lobby), not doors for protecting assets or equipment. Furthermore, you must present a credential—such as a fob or a keycard—to open a fail safe door when there’s a power supply. 

This credential interrupts the power flow, which triggers the door to unlock. Generally, fail safe locks are used in places that prioritize life safety. Additionally, they are used with magnetic locks since they operate with a power supply.

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2. Digital Watchdog

Digital Watchdog is a leading provider of advanced surveillance solutions with over 3 decades of experience in developing customizable IP video management products. It offers a comprehensive range of IP products and end-to-end HD over Coax surveillance solutions to help businesses across different industries create tailored network video solutions compatible and accessible across multiple devices. This versatility and applicability across so many sectors have significantly added to its reputation. 

Features

• Smart Motion Search - Search for recorded archives or an entire year from specific pixels camera views. 

• PTZ control - Access synchronized user and configuration data in real-time to ensure failure in your size system.

• Multi-system switching - Switch between multiple systems within minutes through the DW cloud or saved connections on the server.

• Cloud system merge - Connect your DW Spectrum systems to the cloud and easily merge remote sites within minutes.

Pros

• Delivers clear images even in near-total darkness due to star-light plus technology
• Lower cost of ownership due to  speedy and scalable deployment 
• In-depth documentation for technical support

Cons

• Limited support for centralized management 
• Initial setup cost can go up as you would need specialized hardware and software configurations

3. Eagle Eye Networks

Eagle Eye Networks is a video surveillance company that provides AI-powered analytics, cloud management, and bandwidth optimization for better surveillance capabilities. It ensures that even with limited bandwidth, you don't lose real-time monitoring and enjoy reliable surveillance without overwhelming your network resources. These solutions serve multiple industries including restaurants, retail, multi-family housing, education, hotels, car dealerships, parking facilities, banking, and community colleges.

Features

• 911 camera sharing - Share selected security cameras to pass urgent updates to first responders in emergencies.
• Cloud VMS reports - Transform raw data of your surveillance infrastructure into actionable information to view the status of all your connected cameras.
• 2-way audio - Connect remotely with staff through your surveillance system and immediately alert specific areas for safety and security warnings.
• Smart video search - Search across multiple cameras for people objects or vehicles without any extra cost or installation.

Pros

• No call queues for customer support
• Lifetime replace and repair coverage (depends on subscription plan)
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• Setup costs can be high for small businesses
• Limited offline functionality
• Analytics are extensive but not flexible for businesses that need customization

4. Gorilla Technology

Gorilla’s platform provides real-time video analytics with a special focus on integrating AI into urban infrastructure. These solutions include facial recognition for up to 100,000 biometric profiles, license plate recognition, behavior analytics, and vehicle analytics. 

It is also widely recognized for its security convergence solutions that blend digital and physical security measures to protect assets across multiple industries. These technologies easily integrate into existing systems – a versatile functionality for enterprises and cities to enhance safety and quality of life.

Features

• Post event (AI investigator) - Accelerate crime-solving by quickly analyzing video footage from multiple sources to identify people, vehicles, and relevant events.
• Intelligent video analytics recorder - Get real-time video analytics and alerts by analyzing CCTV footage for better security and operational efficiency.
• Edge video management system - Use a combination of AI-powered video analytics and video management systems for real-time monitoring, alerting, and in-depth reporting. 
• iCCTV - Monitor and analyze video feeds from thousands of cameras in real-time and get alerts for enhanced security. 

Pros

• Comes with a customizable AI Toolkit to address unique project requirements
• Optimized bandwidth usage for scenarios with limited connectivity or where reducing network traffic is necessary

Cons

• The niche market focus may not be well suited for smaller businesses or those belonging to different industries

5. Milestone VMS

XProtect by Milestone VMS is a comprehensive video management software to manage, monitor, and record video footage from multiple cameras and security devices. It can integrate with more than 14,000 devices and 1000 third-party applications and with tools like Smart Map and advanced video analytics, you can track/analyze objects and people across different cameras to detect suspicious activities. The platform allows for adaptive streaming (automatically adjusts video quality depending on viewing setup), neither the bandwidth strains nor the video quality suffers.

Features

• GIP mapping - Access precise geo-navigation within the BMS to visualize camera locations and other security devices on detailed maps. 
• Motion detection - Get triggered automated responses when motion is detected and activate alarms to automate other systems like lighting or door access.
• Smoke and fire detection - Early detection of fire hazards to Trigger emergency responses and preserve video footage for post-incident analysis.
• Voice recognition - Detect and analyze specific voices or commands to trigger specific actions within the system or improve security by identifying authorized personnel based on their voice.

Pros 

• One of the best reputations in the industry for ease of use and intuitive interface
• Easy migration from a different software to the system
• Option to create different views for instant access to the information

Cons

• The licensing structure is quite complex to navigate, especially for businesses that need to scale up or down frequently
• Doesn't work well on normal configuration computers; requires high processing power 
• Pricing per camera is quite high compared to other options in the market 

6. Irisity AB

Built with 20 years of experience, IRIS+ is an AI-based video analytics platform developed by Irisity AB on a highly scalable IoT architecture. It supports deployment across cloud, on-premise & hybrid setups, and can easily detect any unexpected behavior or events.  

Known for its Anomaly Detection, IRIS+ continuously learns typical patterns in a motioned area to consistently improve detection and response to unusual occurrences in designated areas. The platform is built on Kubernetes-based architecture, which facilitates easy scaling and automated management of complex applications.

Features

• AI agents - Get instant alerts for unlimited detection areas and targets with the ability to schedule when detection should be active. 
• Unattended objects - Identify and trigger alerts if an object is left behind or unattended for a specific duration.
• Crowd counting - Advanced BI dashboards to analyze overcrowded areas and accurately count data for large crowds.
• Grouping - Spot and send alerts when a large group of people are gathering at a specific point and staying there for a definite length of time at a close distance from each other.

Pros

• Has a lower cost of ownership as it comes with automated backups, upgrades, and 24/ network
• AI agents are customizable which provides a more flexible licensing model

Cons

• Learning how to manage Anomaly Detection can be a challenge as it is an advanced functionality

7. Genetec Inc.

Genetec offers Omnicast – an integrated IP-based video management system designed to manage complex video surveillance requirements. It works on intelligent streaming technology that lowers bandwidth usage and storage needs and offers built-in tools for data protection with end-to-end encryption. This ensures data security and availability at all times even if your system experiences failures. Since it is built on an open architecture design, you can easily integrate multiple cameras and security systems if you prefer not to stick with one vendor. 

Features

• Evidence management - Automates identification, storage, retrieval, and sharing of video evidence without compromising integrity and chain of custody.
• Crowd estimation - Estimate the size of crowds in real time for enhanced crowd control and public safety management.
• People counter - Count and keep track of the number of people passing through specific areas to evaluate foot traffic patterns.
• Visual watermarking and digital signature - Embed watermarks and digital signatures to avoid any scenarios for tempering and unauthorized use of assets. 

Pros

• One of the few tools that offer a combination of both server-based and edge-based analytics, which gives more flexibility
• Users have frequently appreciated the ease of use

Cons

• Maintenance costs are quite high
• Technical assistance can be improved

8. Rhombus

With over 3000 global users, Rhombus has gained noteworthy momentum as a user-friendly security management platform that enables quick deployment from any location. This is powered by a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable connection, which lets you install and get started within 5 minutes of the installation. With its centralized system, you can manage multiple camera sensors and access control for an effortless single-pane-of-glass experience. 

Features

• Audio analytics - Detect unusual audio levels, noise fluctuations or events like glass breaks for deeper insights into specific events.
• Facial recognition - Identify and verify people by analyzing their facial facial recognition in footage for better security and tracking.
• Color search - Search for specific visual details like clothing or vehicle colors across security footage to pinpoint specific activities or people.
• Unusual behavior detection - Identify and alert to any behavior that doesn't usually happen as it might indicate potential security risks or suspicious activities. 

Pros

• Users have appreciated easy deployment
• Camera setting customization is quite detailed, which makes it easy to optimize for different lighting conditions 

Cons

• The live stream service sometimes works slow
• Each category has a limited number of camera models 

9. Videoloft

Known for its cloud storage capabilities, Videoloft is a video surveillance software for enterprise multi-site monitoring that employs AI and machine learning to monitor and respond to potential security risks. One of its key components is the cloud adaptor which connects your existing camera to the cloud to access live and recorded footage remotely with the app or web platform. Plus with the recent updates, you can also interact with your camera system through compatible Dahua cameras.

Features 

• 8 MP resolution - Experience high-definition video quality to capture clear and detailed footage with 8-megapixel resolution and identify fine details in recordings.
• Run on 4G/ 5G networks - Smooth functioning on 4G and 5G networks for consistent reliable video streaming and recording.
• Multi-user permissions - Provide access to your team with different controls to ensure the right individuals have an appropriate level of access to the video feeds and system settings.
• Schedule alerts and recording - Schedule when alerts are sent and recording should happen for better monitoring and ensuring important events are captured at a specific time.

Pros

• Provides 8 MP resolution, which is an advantage as most systems are limited to 2 MP
• Cloud adapter makes it easy to run on cellular data
• Doesn’t need a local recorder 

Cons

• Allows audio monitoring, but bi-directional support is limited
• There might be occasional delays in video playback

10. Intellivision

Used in over 7 million cameras globally, Intellivision is a leading provider of one of the largest suite of video analytics products specifically designed for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and large integrators. Some of the functionalities that are a part of this offering include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, driver monitoring, and night vision enhancements. It can detect as many as 15 faces at once and match them against previous selections to test for similarities without any stereo or 3D camera.

Features 

• Video summary - Summarizes long-archived video footage into brief video summaries to highlight important events.
• Fall/Duress detection - Automatically detect when a person falls or is in distress to send immediate alerts for immediate help. 
• Wrong direction/Line crossing - Monitor and alert when someone crosses a designated boundary or moves in the wrong direction.
• Camera tamper/Fault detection - Identify when a camera is being tampered with, or obstructed for malfunctioning to avoid any gap in tracking.

Pros

• Face detection works with almost 99% accuracy
• Allows deeper integration with hardware and customizable SDK for advanced driver assistance systems

Cons

• Needs specific hardware optimizations to function well
• Potential false biases in more diverse environments

11. Verkada

Verkada is a cloud-based management company that offers “Command” – a platform that works as a centralized video surveillance system to help the user manage all aspects of their security infrastructure into a single interface. It also comes with inbuilt tools to monitor occupancy trends and traffic patterns – which is particularly useful in retail, health care, and educational institutions. With these insights, businesses can optimize space usage and improve their customer/patient experiences to a large extent.

Features

• Live links - Share real-time video feeds with other users through a secure link.
• Motion search - Search video footage for motion events with advanced detection algorithms.
• Incident management - Access all incident-related footage on a single organized digital repository for easy reporting.
• Monitoring and verification - Get 24/7 professional monitoring from trained guards to confirm and respond to real threats while minimizing false alarms. 

Pros

• Offers 10 years of warranty for hardware
• Capable of gender trait recognition for precise investigations 

Cons

• Quite costly compared to other options
• No built-in directories or keypads
• Architecture built on proprietary cameras with fixed processing capabilities. This limits the future development by capping processing power available to the system.

Conclusion

Video surveillance companies have been pushing the boundaries of traditional surveillance with smarter solutions that deliver better security and deeper insights. Whether it's about integrating advanced object recognition or implementing edge computing, the offerings are much more diverse than what we used to have a few years ago. The options explored in this article offer the best of AI video analytics in 2024 and if you are just getting started, we hope this guide helps you make an informed decision for your business.

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What Are Fail Secure Door Locks?

Visualize a bank vault. When the power is cut, the vault remains securely locked, deterring unauthorized access. That’s how fail-secure locks function—they prioritize security over accessibility.

This is the opposite of the fail-safe lock. Fail secure door locks require electricity to unlock. So, the assets, equipment, and other items in that room are kept safe from damage, theft, or intruders when there’s no power. While these locks offer more security, you can override them during emergencies—they have mechanical overrides such as regular keys. 

This way, you can unlock the door and leave the building or room when power fails. However, these keys are issued to a select few such as supervisors or managers since they let people go through the door with no electronic tracking. 

Besides, sharing these keys with many people can cause confusion and complexities. Fail secure locks are typically used for IT rooms, stairwell doors, server closets, fire-related doors, and other sensitive places.

Fail Safe Vs Fail Secure

Understanding how fail-secure vs fail-safe locks compare is essential for security and safety. While one unlocks during a power failure, the other remains locked—the right one depends on your needs. Here’s how they compare.

Note: The right choice depends on whether you prioritize people’s safety (fail-safe) or asset protection (fail-secure).

Types of Locks That Can Be Fail Safe or Fail Secure

From magnetic locks to motorized or deadbolts, different lock types can be configured as either fail-safe or fail-secure. Knowing how each operates helps you make the right security decision for your building.

Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)

An armature plate and an electromagnet make up magnetic locks (maglocks). Maglocks are fail-safe since they need electric power to keep doors closed—electricity powers the magnet and locks the door. 

The armature plate is mounted on the door while the magnet is mounted on the door frame. Essentially, magnetic locks are placed at the top of the door. These locks complement glass doors, so you’ll often find them in commercial buildings and residential homes. 

Because glass doors aren’t compatible with physical locks, many architects use maglocks when drawing doors for modern offices and workspaces. Magnetic locks lack moving parts and mechanical wear, so they are durable and calm.

Electric Strikes

Typically used on wood and metal doors, electric strike locks consist of a bolt that passes through the lock and enters the strike plate mounted in the door frame. Electric strikes are usually locked by default and opened when powered. 

When you receive access, the electric strike frees a latch that unlocks the door. Unlike magnetic locks, these locks can be either fail-secure or fail-safe. Most businesses prefer them because they are generally cost-effective and easy to install in the door frame. 

The door opens instantly upon activating an electric strike, which disengages the latch. To open the door and enter, you must turn the handle after activating the electric lock.

Electromagnetic Door Holders

An electromagnetic door holder is used to hold a security or fire door open until signaled to release the metal plate to shut the door. It is also called a mag hold open or electric doorstop. This door holder includes a solid electromagnet typically placed beside the door it controls, either fixed on a wall or in a pedestal enclosure on the floor. 

The mechanism can be installed at any convenient height along the latch edge, near the floor, or at the top corner of the open door. Electromagnetic door holders are generally used on doors with high traffic. 

Compared to electromagnetic locks, an electromagnetic door holder has a weak magnetic attraction that can be manually suppressed, allowing the door to close.

Motorized Latches or Deadbolts

Motorized latches or deadbolts, used to protect external doors in commercial and residential buildings, are among the most reliable and popular types of locks. They offer high security, capable of withstanding physical attacks such as brute force and picking.

When you turn a deadbolt with a thumb or key from the inside, it pushes a bolt inside the lock cylinder. The bolt then extends into the door frame, securing the door and preventing it from opening without the correct key.

Choosing the Right Type of Lock

Choosing the wrong lock can be disastrous. Imagine a server room door opening when the power cuts, making sensitive data vulnerable. Or worse, an emergency exit staying shut during a fire. The right lock provides both security and safety, depending on your needs. Let's look at the two critical factors you should consider when choosing a security lock.

• Integrating with Emergency Systems

Opt for locks that work smoothly with your building’s emergency security systems. For fire-prone locations, choose fail-safe locks since they automatically unlock when there's a power failure, granting quick exits. 

But for high-security zones, use fail secure locks; even though they keep the doors locked when power is lost, you can manually override them with regular keys to gain access. Overall, the key is striking a balance to ensure your locks complement access control systems, emergency exits, and fire alarms.

• Hybrid Systems & Smart Access Control

Hybrid locking systems combine characteristics of both fail-safe and fail-secure mechanisms. Because these systems are flexible, they allow doors to automatically unlock or remain locked based on specific scenarios, such as fire alarms or security breaches. 

For example, a door might remain locked when power fails but unlock automatically if a fire alarm is triggered, responding to various emergencies. Smart access control systems further enhance security by integrating locks with cloud solutions. 

These systems allow remote management, real-time monitoring, and customizable access permissions. Both hybrid and smart access control systems are beneficial and critical considerations to make when selecting locks for your business.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the differences between fail secure vs fail safe locks, which one will you trust to protect your building? Fail safe locks are ideal for busy areas, like main entrances and inner access points. You can also use them on garage and rooftop doors. 

On the other hand, fail secure locks are typically used in places demanding high-level security, such as server rooms and rooms containing valuables. You can also apply them on doors that are not used regularly.

Fail-safe or fail-secure? Your choice could mean the difference between a safe evacuation or a security breach.