By Andy Billingham MD EMKA(UK) Ltd
The engineers at EMKA have noted the growth of social and industrial dependence on internet cable connectivity while at the same time, it seems that there has been an increase in the scope of “street culture” which sees these cabinets as naturally vulnerable features of the public environment. Multifunctional enclosures or cable distribution cabinets can be found on almost every street corner, serving the community by bringing telephone, internet and TV signals into nearby houses. The water supply, traffic management (traffic light systems etc.) electricity suppliers and 5G providers also locate their infrastructure in such cabinets.
This has led EMKA to focus on the issues of vandal resistance for locking outdoor cabinets which has (sadly) become a significant issue. As a long-term partner in the telecommunications industry, EMKA have been a market leader for many years, developing products that meet the extraordinary requirements for outdoor locking solutions. Products for highly resistant and weatherproof network and telecommunications cabinets must meet special requirements for outdoor applications such as resistance to class RC2 DIN EN 1630 or with special graffiti protection.
For less exposed areas RC2 capability is complimented with a wide range of swinghandles which meet the need for slightly lower resistance levels, a situation where the swinghandle design is intrinsically appropriate to the task, by virtue of the way the pop out lever is recessed into the escutcheon body with naturally small clearances. This level includes product solutions with double profile half cylinders or with padlock facility – also the use of tough reinforced polyamide, high quality zinc die or stainless steel.
For opening and closing of the cabinets where electronic connectivity is required then the EMKA range allows customers to choose between networked electronic solutions including remote monitoring and locking solutions with double profile half cylinder according to DIN EN 18252-BZ or DIN EN 1303 with attack resistance class 2 and drilling and pulling protection.
In order to protect the sensitive electronics and only allow access to authorised persons, EMKA has developed a specific outdoor lock solution: EMKA’s Low Power Outdoor handle derives from a custom partner project where it forms an intelligent system with a wireless cabinet that transmits data to a central management unit with Real-Time Monitoring.
Two and a half years ago, EMKA started cooperating with a major security technology distributor and other large independent companies from the telecommunications sector wishing to develop intelligent outdoor lock solutions. This initially resulted in a project of around 500 switch cabinets which were fitted with about 1,500 electronic swinghandles from the 1307 program. This concept has now undergone further development: The result is the Low Power Outdoor handle, and according to Andy Billingham, Managing Director at EMKA UK, it is the “next step in outdoor lock management“. A passive, wireless mechanism without power connection and an intelligent lock with an integrated card reader which form a completely new solution certified according to RC2 for burglary protection.
Real-Time Monitoring with the EMKA system saves time and costs – A LoRa/NB-IoT connection transmits data to the central Network Operations Centre (NOC) so the responsible employee can monitor all locker status via Real-Time Monitoring on the display. This includes how long the lock and door have been open, the temperature inside the enclosure, whether water is penetrating into the cabinet, or whether the cabinet is tilted by more than eight degrees, e.g. by vandals. After receiving an automatic message in the event of a malfunction, the NOC can send a technician specifically to the site in order to check on things. The completely de-energised, battery-operated cabinet can be opened with a compatible key or smartphone – but only if access has been granted in advance. The result is that the operator benefits from efficient maintenance and has complete control over the status, while saving time and costs.
With this robust range of IP65 swinghandles EMKA now offer a wide range of solutions: from the cost-efficient plastic variation up to high-quality electromechanical locks of zinc diecast. With regard to the design the focus is put on the special tightness and increased vandalism protection of the locks. The clearances between handle and body have been made so small that screwdrivers do not fit in. In addition, the surfaces are as smooth as possible so that no dirt can accumulate or graffiti adhere to them. A system of electromagnetic release and emergency opening provides the security and ease of operation of a low profile swinghandle together with the extra level of electronic security.
Further information on EMKA products can be found on the EMKA website – www.emka.com. Readers can find the latest information and news on the EMKA blog – www.emkablog.co.uk or follow them on twitter – http://twitter.com/emkauk.
