Secure your home

Secure your home

As the favorite lock company for more than 30 Years, PLC has a wealth of experience in keeping your home secure, and we would like to share our knowledge with you through a series of home security tips and quizzes to secure your home. We hope this knowledge will enable you to not only choose and use the appropriate locks and hardware to meet your home security needs, but also teach you how to maintain that security with just a few small changes in your daily habits.

 

We have highlighted all the possible secure areas in your home and surroundings to teach you how to choose door locks and hardware – from digital door locks, padlocks, door locks, latch locks, door handles, door closers, safes, Security home system and more to secure your home and your home security.

 

LET’S START SECURING YOUR HOME!

 

FRONT DOOR SECURITY

The front door is the first line of defense against unlawful entry. Burglars often target a home with an unsecured front door. Nowadays, there is a variety of choices of entrance door locks, including innovative digital locks, high security door handle sets and mortise locks. As well as fitting door locks to secure your door, make sure there is a home security system to complete your comprehensive home security, with door viewer and door chain installed so that you can check who is at the door before allowing them inside.

 

ENTRANCE DOOR CLOSERS

Installing a door closer at the entrance door plays a comprehensive role in both security and safety. It lowers the risk of intrusion, as a spring-loaded door closer ensures that the door returns to its closed state after anyone passes through. It also acts as a cushion to a closing door, preventing it from injuring those who pass through.

 

ENTRANCE DOOR HINGES

It is recommended to choose ball bearing door hinges for entrance doors, as they are frequently used and ball bearings increase the durability of the door hinge. Make sure the door hinge material is rust and corrosion resistant. Brass, stainless steel and chromium are all acceptable materials. Non-removable pins in the door hinge will prevent thieves from tapping out the hinge. The door size determines the number and size of door hinges needed.

 

ENTRANCE DOOR VIEWERS

Burglaries where the homeowner is tricked into allowing a criminal into their home is an activity that is very much on the increase. Fitting and using a door viewer helps ensure that you know exactly who is at the door before allowing them inside.

 

ENTRANCE DOOR CHAINS

Fitting and using a door chain helps ensure that you know exactly who is at the door before opening the door completely, thus lowering the chance of being attacked by the intruder.

 

ENTRANCE DOOR LOCKS

Regarding entrance door locks, you can choose between digital door locks, door handle-sets and mortise locks.

 

DIGITAL DOOR LOCKS

The main advantage of a digital lock is its convenient, keyless door opening solution – electronic key, PIN code and even fingerprint. It eliminates every trouble that may arise from using a physical key.

 

MORTISE DOOR HANDLE SETS

In addition to digital locks, mortise door handle sets are another popular choice for people pursuing complete peace of mind due to the highest entrance door security that it offers. Door handle-sets provide the highest level of key operated security. Another reason for its popularity is its comprehensiveness. These door handle sets come in complete with matching front and back plates with door handles / door levers / door knobs and door cylinders and a mortise lock case. Homeowners do not need to match between door lock components. Lastly is its appearance. Door handle-sets come in a variety of designs and finishes - from classic to contemporary to elegant – to fit every entrance door.

 

DEADBOLT+DOOR KNOB-SET/DOOR LEVER-SET

This is an economical choice for entrance door security. A single knob-set or door lever-set is not secure enough. Deadbolts act as complementary addition to enhance door security.

 

KNOB SETS/DOOR LEVER SETS

Security is note the primary concern for inner doors. A single latch lock can usually satisfy the requirement. Surface mounted door knob sets and door lever sets are always the popular choice of homeowners, as they are economical and easy to install. Keep in mind that knob and door lever sets have a variety of potions on both sides: push-button, keyed or just a handle, depending on the different function.

 

PADLOCKS

You can also secure drawers and cabinets by adding indoor padlocks to their handles – keeping your belongings safe from casual thieves and inquisitive children.

 

HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

What are Home Security system made of and how it work? What should you consider before buying? How to install and use it properly?

 

DIGITAL SAFES

In old times, when mentioning safes, most people think of locking up cash, jewelry adn more. But the emergence of digital safes, which combines the most advanced digital technology and materials, provide a possibility of protecting their memories, relationship, antique collection and future......

 

CASH BOXES

To keep your belongings safe from prying eyes and wandering hands, having a cash box is a good way to secure and manage your cash, receipts, checks, stamps and more. It is a low-cost security solution for your belongings.

 

 

Why choose digital lock?

Have you ever thought about how many steps may be involved in opening a front door? Do you remember those futuristic sci-fi movie scenes where astronauts put their palms, fingers or eyes near a sensor and whooooosh… a door automatically opens? You probably wondered when you would have one in your home - well that day has finally arrived - biometric digital locks are here!

 

No more rummaging through pockets or bags - search for the keys in your bag, pick the right key, accidently drop the key, try to fit your key into the slot but realize it is upside down, turn your key but in the wrong direction…

 

No more locking the door - We all seem to be in a rush these days - whether it’s hurrying to work when you oversleep or running back home to cook dinner for your family in the evening.It is easy to forget to lock your door in these situations, and your property and family members become exposed to threats from burglars! Digital door locks will automatically lock as the door closes; eliminating the risk of forgetting to lock the door every time you exit or enter your home.

 

No more forgotten keys - Do your children always forget their keys and end up sitting outside your home or hanging around waiting until someone comes back? With a digital lock the keys are already inside their fingers - all they have to do is punch in a simple code or scan their fingrprint.

 

No more losing keys - Lost keys are expensive even if you don’t have to change your locks. With a digital lock there are no keys to lose - so no more getting angry with yourself or your children if a key gets lost or stolen, digital door locks offer an effective solution to these situations once and for all.

 

No need to carry a key - Sometimes you just don’t want to carry a key around when you are out running or walking with your dog. Just press your finger to the digital lock sensor or type in your PIN code for easy and secure access.

 

No more spare keys - No matter how many family members, trusted friends, neighbors or cleaners you have, digital locks' keyless feature saves you all the expense and hassle of finding a locksmith or key cutter to duplicate spare keys for each person.

 

No more passive security - Most digital door locks are smart alarms too, protecting you from burglary, vandalism and fire. 

With each passing year, the sophistication of keyless digital locks becomes more affordable and easier to use. Digital door locks are now the model for front door security and convenience. As keyless access control becomes more widespread within residential areas, it allows you to access your home easily and in one step: just press your finger on your digital lock sensor. This is one many reasons to go digital!

 

Digital door locks are sure to become every homeowner’s favorite. They offer the same level of security as typical mechanical door locks, but provide a range of alternatives to the mechanical key, and there is a variety of choices in the market, each having multi-functions. It is important to recognize your specific needs before you buy one.

 

WHICH DIGITAL LOCK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

In the past, only one authentication method was available for door locks – the mechanical key. But keys have a habit of getting lost, misplaced, or simply left at home. Digital door locks offer a variety of authentication methods to choose from – suited to your particular need and providing complete peace of mind. Buying a digital door lock is just like buying any other piece of convenience technology.

 

Try to remember why you purchased your first smartphone. If you only sought the basic functions of a cellphone, a traditional model would have satisfied your needs. However, you are a person who pursues convenience and lifestyle that only the newest technology can provide. Purchasing a digital door lock is exactly the same.

 

When you purchase a new piece of technology, what will you consider first? Size? Speed? Ability to work with other technology that you already own or plan to purchase? All these features contribute to how much convenience the new technology can bring you. Then comes style, security level and, finally, price.

 

CONSIDERATIONS

 

PREFERRED METHOD OF ENTRY & FEATURES

Digital locks provide alternative methods of entering your front door to suit each person's individual characteristics:

 

PIN code recognition: Digital locks using a numerical code for authentication are typically called digital keypad locks. They usually accept combination lengths between 4 and 12 digits, and do not require users to possess any physical key to gain access. This type of digital door lock adds peace of mind by remembering a code. It can be easily shared with everyone, in any place and time by texting them. But if you are not good at remembering numbers, avoid these digital locks. You will lose your “key” if you forget the code.

 

RF card recognition: This type of digital door locks grants access by scanning a RF card, which is small enough to be stored in your pocket or wallet. Also, can stick on your phone. While it is ideal for people who do not like remembering numbers, it is not so good for careless people because they would still need to rummage through their belongings to find their wallet.

 

Biometric fingerprint recognition: Biometrics are at the forefront of digital lock technology and offer powerful and unique identification. Biometrics refers to any locking system (mainly door locks) that uses a person’s physical unique characteristic like fingerprint, hand geometry, eye scan or voice to verify their identity for door access. These are the most advanced digital locks, offering an immediate door lock opening solution. No fumbling for keys or forgetting your code. Just press your finger on the digital lock and you’re in. This type of digital door lock is more expensive than the others though.

 

Price: Setting the budget for a digital lock is similar to buying any other piece of technology. Remember, you are purchasing a lock to increase your convenience and unlocking the potential of your home security. Digital locks are durable so do not skimp on your budget. Focus on the security and convenience features you need for a reasonable price!

 

Digital door locks allow you to access your home easily and in one step: just press your finger on your digital lock sensor.

 

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF A DIGITAL LOCK?

Digital locks are not limited like mechanical locks - making impossible features become possible:

 

  • Multiple access solutions: Some digital locks allow multiple ways to unlock your door. For example, you can still access your front door with a PIN code even if you forget your RF card.
  • Automatic locking: Most digital door locks automatically lock a door after checking it is properly closed.
  • Alarm integration: Digital locks offer compatibility with alarm systems to alert for burglary, vandalism and even fire.

 

DIGITAL LOCK EVOLUTION

Biometric access control has existed for quite a while but its applications have been limited to government and corporate use. As the technology has developed, the cost of producing biometric digital locks has fallen, and PLC are now making them affordable to many homeowners.

 

DOOR LOCK INDUSTRY FUTURE

Digital door locks will be at the heart of the front door lock market in the future. As lifestyles shift, more and more traditional key-driven mechanical door locks will be replaced by biometric digital locks. You change your television, mobile phone, and computer often to get the latest technology. Why not add convenient, front door keyless digital door locks to the list?

We are now living in the digital era… are you ready?

 

HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

What are home security system made of and how it work? What should you consider before buying? How to install and use it properly?

 

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM?

Take Inventory: Walk around your home, room by room, and write down where every entry door and window is, and how an intruder can gain entry through it. Give some thought to where you would like to place the home alarm system's motion sensors. If you already know the coverage area of the sensors you plan to purchase, measure the area to ensure that it is within this limit.

 

Get Your Home Ready: It doesn't matter how good your home secruity system is, if your home is a welcome mat for intruders. Eliminate dark areas around the perimeter of your home by installing simple outdoor lights. Secure outdoor buildings. If you have a shed or a garage for your tools and ladder, lock it up. Why make it easy for intruders to break into your home? Fit deadbolts on all your perimeter access doors. These are your first line of defense against intruders. Fit security bars on your sliding patio doors. Check your window locks. If your windows can be pried open from the outside, get the locks replaced.

 

By doing these simple exercises, we feel that you and your family will be well prepared for your new home security system. Good luck, and be safe and secure!

 

WHAT ARE THE LATEST HOME SECURITY SYSTEM CONCEPTS?

Combined protection from theft and smoke: Home secruity systems have traditionally followed two divergent paths – burglary and theft protection, and smoke detection. Now, these paths have come together where you can purchase one system that addresses both needs. These new systems add an additional level of protection, offering a complete secruity solution for your home.

 

Go wireless: Wireless home security systems are fast becoming the preferred choice for homeowners as they offer superior flexibility and ease of installation. Because there are no wires to lay and connect, there is no damage to your home's décor. In most homes, windows are more vulnerable than front doors. Additional motion sensors and window contacts can be added at any time, and you can even pack up the system and take it with you when you move to a new home.

 

Install it yourself: It used to be that when you wanted to have an alarm system put into your home, you had to hire a technician or an electrician to come and install it for you. The new home secruity systems are so simple to install, almost anyone can do it. Easy-to-install accessories, such as panic buttons, remote control devices and keypads let you upgrade and personalise your alarm system whenever you want to meet your home security needs.

 

Cellular connectivity: Today's modern home secruity systems use cellular-based technology for signalling and monitoring. Don't have a mobile phone? No problem, because the cellular signalling device is built right into the control unit. The signal strength required to operate these devices is low – less than what you need to have a phone conversation, making them suitable even in areas that have spotty signal coverage.

 

HOW DO HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS WORK?

Home secruity systems have undergone a massive change over the past decade. Technologies and features, which were once only found at offices of governments and rich multinational companies, or in spy mov…

 

The control panel – the brain The Premises Control Unit (PCU) is basically the brain of your home secruity system. It is the panel you press to arm and disarm the system. It also reads inputs from the sensors you have placed throughout your home, and controls any alerting devices that are connected to the system.

 

Sensors – the intrusion detectors The sensors are the devices that detect any intrusions. They should be placed at every possible point of entry to your home. Examples include door and window sensors that check for unauthorized opening; glass break sensors that check whether a window has been tampered with; and sound, motion and vibration sensors that check for unauthorized movement.

 

Alerting devices – the noisemakers If a burglar has entered your property, you want to make sure your home secruity system scares them off – and warns you and your neighbors of their entry. That is where the alerting devices come in. These devices usually consist of alarm bells, sirens and/or spotlights. Some home secruity system can also be connected to a security monitoring service via mobile phone lines or the Internet. When activated, the service can launch a protocol of events to ensure your property is secure before alerting the police.

 

Options – for even greater peace of mind Some of the newer home secruity systems can also connect to a concealed panic button in your home. This can be very helpful in alerting local security or emergency services professionals. When pressed, an alarm can sound on your property, at the premises of the security or emergency services professionals, or both. Newer home alarm systems can also connect to your home's smoke detection and fire detection systems.

 

HOW DO I USE MY HOME SECURITY SYSTEM?

A home secruity system can be an effective addition to your home's security because it can protect the things that you value the most. However, if it is not used properly, it can literally become a headache to you and your family, to your neighbors, and to the police. Here are a few steps to ensure your home security system works as it should:

 

TAILOR YOUR SECURITY LEVEL TO YOUR NEEDS 

Most home secruity systems offer a variety of security modes that can be turned on and off depending on your living circumstances: AWAY (the entire system is armed), STAY (the motion detectors are bypassed but rest is armed), and CUSTOM (your own armed and disarmed combinations). Tailoring your security level to your living circumstances provides you with both convenience and peace of mind. Just remember to switch the mode when your circumstance changes!

 

TEST IT FIRST

If you want to change any setting in your home security system, remember to put it in TEST mode first, and notify your security provider to put your account in test mode to prevent any false alarms. Remember to remove the test mode when the setting has been successfully changed.

 

SET UP MULTIPLE CONTACTS

Most home security systems allow you to store several telephone numbers that will be contacted once the alarm is activated. Consider storing the contact numbers of different people. By doing so, should one person miss your emergency call, another person can still respond.

 

SET UP A BACKUP

A home security system is useless if no one receives the alert. Ensure you have a backup cellular connection in case your phone service is disrupted.

 

PERFORM AN ANNUAL CHECK

Construction or wildlife can cause outside wires to come loose. Test your home security system annually to sure all the components are working.

A home security system is only as good as its user. If you follow these easy steps, you can rest assured that the security of your home and family are being well looked after.Whether you are considering buying your first home security system or just upgrading the one you have, PLC has been able to provide you with valuable information that will help you design the system that is just right for you.

 

DIGITAL SAFES

In old times, when mentioning safes, most people think of locking up cash, jewelry and more. But the emergence of digital safes, which combines the most advanced digital technology and materials, offered in a wide range of sizes, where each is tailor made for provide a possibility of protecting our memories, relationships, collections and future. PLC will update you this latest trends, the attractive features of digital safes and how to choose a right one.

 

WHAT BENEFITS DOES A DIGITAL SAFE BRING YOU? DO I NEED A SAFE?

Traditionally, the hassle of opening mechanical safes mean only the most expensive, rarely used items are locked away leaving every-day valuables in drawers. But not anymore Digital safes make it eas…Mention safes and most people think of locking up samll items of high value such as passports, birth certificates, cash, jewelry and similar expensive items. But with the convenience provided by high security digital safes are the perfect choice for protecting documents, memories, collections and treasured relationships can be protected, not only from theft, but fire and humidity.

 

CONVENIENCE

The advanced materials and technology in digital safes provide three key advantages over their traditional counterparts:

  •        Speed: quick access to your valuables by using a keypad and code rather than a key or combination
  •        All-hours access: easy-to-read backlit displays and extra bight LED interior lighting make digital safes accessible in the dark and low light conditions
  •        Comprehensive protection: items are protected against burglary, fire (we call fire safe) and environmental impact from, for instance, humidity.

 

PROTECT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Traditionally, people have used mechanical locks to secure their most expensive items leaving other possessions in drawers or cupboards where they are much easier to access. This places those possessions at risk, not just of theft but damage.

 

Digital safes have changed this situation, giving people almost instant access to their valuables around the clock. So as well as locking up cash and jewelry, digital safe owners can protect their: Memories, such as childhood dolls, cards, travel mementoes. Relationships, such as the first photo taken with a child or souse, or letters written by their parents. Collections, such as limited edition CDs, books and stamps. Future, such as important business document.

 

ACCESS YOUR VALUABLES WITHIN A FEW SECONDS

Digital safes use a keypad and PIN making it a matter of pressing the correct sequence of buttons to access your valuables. It literally takes seconds. That’s a big improvement on traditional combination locks that require the lock to be turned one way and then the other – a task made even harder by small, hard-to-read numbers.

 

EVEN GREATER SECURITY

Made from the latest materials hardened steel, digital safes normally come with door gap: a laser cut door can minimize the gap between the safe body and the door to prevent burglars from cracking the door bolts: harder safe door bolts can effectively prevent anti-sawing door hinge: hinges can be reinforced to withstand stronger physical attack by hammers, wall and door to provide extra protection against physical attack. Many include an alarm that activates when an incorrect password has been used too many times or when the lock is attacked, such as the hinges being hammered. ( Certified digital safes ) Unlike mechanical safes, that generally have a four to 10 digit combination, digital safe combinations can be as complex as your memory can handle – there are up to 1 million variations.

 

PRESERVE YOUR VALUABLES AGAINST HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Digital safes are often designed to withstand up to an hour of intense fire ( fire digital safes ). They are also water and vermin proof eliminating damage from humidity, dust and bugs. This combination makes digital safes ideal for protecting sensitive digital data, for instance external hard-drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs and tapes, and paper documents from passports and deeds, letters and photos, to business records.

 

FREEDOM TO CHANGE COMBINATIONS

Digital safes combinations can be set/changed as many times as needed, at no cost. Changing a mechanical safe combination, on the other hand, generally requires a certified locksmith. This convenient feature makes digital safes a perfect choice in situations where the combination is known to several people, such as a business where staff turnover will affect security.

 

Installation
Floor/wall mounted: fit by drilling holes in the floor/wall and affixing with bolt. They have the advantage of being easy to install. Floor/wall fitted: fit into the cavity of a floor/wall and pour in concrete. They have the advantage of being difficult to attack.

 

HOME SECURITY CHECKLISTS

PLC, as the favorite lock for 30 years, has secured many homes all over the world. In addition to developing highly secured door locks, offers a series of security checklists to ensure your home security will not be ruined by unfortunate mistakes. Simply download and print out our checklists. You can ensure your home's security in different situations by taking out the related cards and following the instructions.

Securing your home is that simple !!!

 

IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY  USE THIS CHECKLIST TO MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS AS SECURE AS POSSIBLE.

1. Replace hollow doors - Get the right entrance door. Knock on the door you have now. If it is hollow, replace it with one made from fiberglass, solid wood or metal.

2. Replace broken door locks - A broken door lock isn’t secure - check your locks and replace any broken ones with the locks below.

3. Add a keyed deadbolt lock to exterior doors - If it doesn’t have one already, adding a deadbolt to external doors greatly increases your security. Replace older locks with a door handle-set - or if you can afford it a digital door lock for added security and convenience.

4. Add a cylinder guard on exterior door locks - Older cylinders are vulnerable to physical attack, but by fitting a guard you can protect them - and your home.

5. Replace flimsy strike plates and secure them with 3-inch screws - As well as the lock, the strike plates are vital to maintain security. Check them and if they are not strong replace them with new ones secured with 3-inch screws.

6. Secure or replace loose hinges - Similarly, check for loose hinges. You can resecure them if they are loose, or replace them with high security hinges fitted with ball bearing and non-removable pins to enhance their durability and security.

7. Fortify door frame - Having a secure door is no good if the burglar can just attack the frame and break the door down that way. Be sure to secure door frames to the wall by installing several 3-inch screws along the frame and doorstop. The screws should preferably reach the wall stud to give maximum security.

8. Install door viewers and door guards - Digital door viewers and door guards allow you to identify visitors before opening the door, keeping you and your home safer.

9. Trim trees and shrubs in the yard

Having trees and shrubs that hide you from neighbours and the road may offer privacy, but from a security point of view it is better to ensure a clear view with no easy places for burglars to hide. trim them to create a clear view, and even consider removing them if they can’t be trimmed.

10. Use outdoor lighting to keep all entrances well-lit

Photosensitive lights that switch on automatically at night eliminate hiding places for burglars.

11. Use door locks on garages and storage sheds

Garages and sheds make a great place to keep tools, especially ladders, away and out of sight of burglars who may use them to break in or to reach upper windows. Make sure they are secure at all times - or they could become an easy target.

12. Install glass break detectors on windows

Glass break detectors are able to detect the sound of breaking glass, scaring off intruders and alerting your neighbors.

13. Keep a home inventory up to date

Keep your list of valuables up-to-date. If something gets stolen, you can provide the necessary information to the police and home insurance company.

14. Test the alarm and keep activated

Home alarms are essential for home security and give an immediate warning of any illegal entry. Make sure the alarms are turned on and activated, and test your home alarm on a regular basis - checking for any upgrades to the software