Alarmed Padlocks

Alarmed padlocks are in reality, more of a novelty
item than a serious
security product.

This type of unit, typically operates from multiple button cell type batteries (4 batteries seem to be a typical operational requirement), which subject to the number of false alarms which occur, should last a few months before they need replacing. Which means you could be spending a few pounds every few months for replacement batteries!

After evaluating various alarmed padlock units, we have concluded, that in general, they represent neither a credible level of physical security, or value for money.

We have therefore decided that as this type of product falls so far short of our criteria for a security product, that we can ethically neither stock or sell this type of product.

The hollow cast metal alloy body of this type of lock offers little security against physical attack, so what security this type of lock offers is almost totally dependent on the alarm function.

Unfortunately outdoor type "noise only" alarms are not particularly effective (who bothers about a car alarm going off up the street?), ...and the high running costs and inconvenience associated with frequent battery replacement, in our opinion, makes this type of padlock a poor investment.

A couple of practical problems we perceive with using this type of product are;

Batteries do not like extremes of temperature change and their performance and reliability can deteriorate significantly in cold conditions.
False alarms caused by wind movement, etc. may discredit the alarm function (as well as annoying the neighbours).
The high cost of battery replacement coupled with false alarms, may lead to the unit being used as a physical deterrent only.

A better solution?

Investing in a good quality conventional padlock would have a similar initial cost, with no ongoing running costs, ...and would offer a much higher level of physical security.

See Index of all padlocks


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