Lock Maintenance

Owned by Claire Semadeni (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Sept 25, 2024 by Lucinda Amerman
5 min read



Overview

Electronic locks are battery operated which means the batteries need to be changed regularly. However, not all locks are equal in usage and priority of access. If a study room lock dies unexpectedly, it isn't nearly as problematic as the locks in the loading dock area. The schedule of maintenance takes these factors into consideration. Additionally, the Valley Library is not responsible for maintaining all of the electronic locks in the building. Some are managed by other groups. This page outlines:

  • Which locks are maintained by The Valley Library
  • Schedule of maintenance
  • How to replace batteries
  • Troubleshooting tips

Locks managed by other units

SMS

  • 1420
  • 2035

Childcare and Family Resources

  • 1563–Lactation Room

Maintenance Schedule

Every 2 months

  • Both locks in the loading dock area (2711)
  • Currently the first week of odd numbered months

Every 3 months

  • Locks for all other staff areas
  • Currently scheduled the first week of September, December, March, and June.
  • Note that twice a year staff locks and the loading dock locks are changed at the same time.

September

  • Research room and study room locks are changed the first week of September.
  • This ensures the batteries are freshest during our busiest time of year, beginning of Fall term.
  • Staff areas and the loading dock locks are also changed in September which means every electronic lock should have the batteries changed during the first week of September.

Annual Summer Unlock

Every summer we use the Smart Time feature to set the 5th floor study rooms to automatically unlock during the day. Patrons are not required to reserve 5th floor study rooms or check out the key card at the Circulation desk during the summer. At the end of summer intersession, the locks are set to automatically lock again. Important steps to remember when programming for Summer Unlock:

  1. Verify building hours for summer before setting SmarTime
  2. Start time is when the library opens for the day and End time is 15 minutes after the library closes for the day.
  3. There will be a separate profile for Mondays-Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays depending on the summer schedule.

Battery Replacement

You should gather the supplies listed below when replacing batteries, especially if you are doing multiple locks.

  • Check-off form (found in Box>Library Maintenance>Electronic Locks
  • Philips head screwdriver with PH#1 (For LE Locks)
  • Philips head screwdriver with PH#2 (For CO/AD Locks)
  • 4 AA batteries per lock
  • Master key

CO-200 & AD-200 locks

  • The battery compartment is located under the interior latch, secured by one Philips head screw. 


  • After unscrewing, remove the cover to expose the battery pack. Remove one of the side screws on the band holding the battery pack in place. Then pull the cover down and out. 


  • After unscrewing, remove the cover to expose the battery pack. The cover needs to be pulled down and out. 

  • This is what it looks like when the battery pack is out. Be sure not to disconnect the red & black wires.

  • Replace the batteries.
  • Test the lock by using your master key to make sure the lock is properly working before screwing everything back together. 
    • The door is unlocked if all the of the latches retract and become flush with the side of the door.

  • Put everything back together and replace screw by hand tightening. Avoid over tightening the screws.

LE Locks

  • Remove the single screw at the top of the battery cover on the backside of the lock. You will need a #1 Phillips head screwdriver for this because the screws are very small.

                    

  • Replace the four batteries
  • Screw the battery cover back into place.


Documentation

It is important to maintain documentation including spec files, operator manuals, purchasing and maintenance records, etc. for the electronic locks. These will be useful when troubleshooting problems.

Troubleshooting Locks