If it is possible to connect a light bulb, a thermostat or even a washing machine, why not a lock? DOM, a European group specializing in mechanical and electronic locking solutions, is betting on its DOM Roq connected lock.
What is a good lock, after all? It is a lock that closes (and opens) well and makes you feel safe. The principle of the connected lock is simply to offer a good lock, but to associate it with a motor to lock or unlock it and an application to control it remotely.
In other words, to have a good connected lock, it is better to turn to historical lock manufacturers, who have experience in the field. This is the case of DOM Security, a European group which notably has French subsidiaries such as DOM-Metalux or Picard Serrures, two market references.
DOM Security has been offering a connected and intelligent lock for several months: the DOM Roq. An ingenious lock that combines the robustness and practicality of a traditional lock with the comfort that connectivity can bring.
The connected lock, a lock like any other
Let’s break in an open door (do you have it?), the DOM Roq is above all a very classic lock, equipped with a cylinder to be inserted in the door and a key to open it. Its installation requires replacing the current cylinder of its door. It is possible to install it on the vast majority of doors, with the exception of doors fitted with a lift lock device.
What differentiates the DOM Roq from a classic lock is that you must also mount a block that includes a battery and a motorization system. It is this motor that will take care of turning the cylinder to lock or unlock the door, automatically or remotely.
The principle is therefore to have on the outside of the door a completely classic lock in which you can insert a key. Inside is the motorized device. In this way, it is always possible to enter your home using a good old key and to remotely control, via the application, the motor to authorize or not the opening of the door.
The DOM Roq is designed in such a way that in the event of technical unforeseen events (a Wi-Fi cut, the battery going flat), the lock continues to operate like a conventional lock, with the same level of security. Three keys are supplied as standard in the lock box.
What are the possibilities offered by a connected lock?
To control the lock remotely, the DOM Roq is connected to a Bluetooth gateway, which is itself connected to the home’s Wi-Fi. The lock can also be connected to a numeric keypad or a badge reader, which is installed next to the door. And, this is where the possibilities offered by a connected lock become interesting.
The connected lock generally allows three things: to manage openings and closings remotely, to be notified of the use of the lock and to automate its operation. Here are some features available from the DOM Roq application:
- Engage the locking of the lock automatically when the door has been closed for a certain time
- Set up time slots for opening or closing the door
- Manage badge and door opening code authorizations
- Use a smartphone, via Bluetooth, to open the door
- Get notified when using a badge or code to open the door
- Know what time and what day the door was opened or closed
- Be alerted in the event of an intrusion attempt
In fact, a connected lock is particularly practical if you need to regularly grant access to your home to outsiders. For a maintenance agent, for people who rent accommodation or employees of a company, this is one of the best solutions in terms of flexibility and security. It is also a good security solution if you have children.
The DOM Roq connected lock is also able to recognize break-in attempts, via the vibrations of the door and the lock, and to warn the user on the application. Better still, by associating it with the TaHoma home automation ecosystem from Somfy, it is then possible to create security scenarios. For example “I am notified of an intrusion, my lock locks, my alarm and my camera go off, my light comes on”. By partnering with the home automation specialist, Dom Security ensures that its connected lock is compatible with an efficient and very successful environment.
What about safety and autonomy?
No connected system is infallible and connected locks are not spared. To ensure the security of the internet connection, communications between the console and the application are encrypted using the AES 256 encryption standard, a standard in computer security.
What autonomy can you expect from such a lock? DOM ensures that its DOM Roq is capable of holding 3,000 uses without having to recharge the battery or one year of autonomy. The battery itself is detachable from the lock and recharges in eight hours via a USB Type-C cable.
Finally, note on the subject of security that the installation of a connected lock does not modify your insurance contract. It is not necessary to make a prior declaration.
Is it complicated to install a connected lock like the DOM Roq?
If you have a handy soul, the assembly and installation of a DOM Roq lock is not particularly complex. Depending on the door, assembly only takes about half an hour. Otherwise, DOM offers on its website to find an approved DOM Roq installer near you.
To check the compatibility of your door with this connected lock, DOM offers a configurator on its website.
This is content created by freelance writers within the Humanoid xp entity. Numerama’s editorial team did not participate in its creation. We are committed to our readers to ensure that this content is interesting, qualitative and corresponds to their interests.