The lock manufacturer Abloy UK has created bespoke locking for ART Security Solutions (ART), to secure up to 1,000 Pod Works phone box workstations across the UK. The EL490 electric motor lock, pictured, was specified alongside interior and exterior keypads.
The Pod Works workstations have been created using the red BT telephone boxes, and each typically includes Wi-Fi, plug sockets, Internet connection, printer, scanner, VOIP phone and free coffee and tea. ART, based in Henley on Thames, secure the โPodsโ and Russell Square was one of the first of up to 1,000 โPodsโ to be installed in major cities over the next two or three years. ART approached Abloy UK looking for a way to enable secure and safe electric control locally and remotely.
Justin Morley, Managing Director, ART Security Solutions, said: โSecurity was paramount on this project – the lock had to work effectively, look good and be reliable. We also needed a lock that had multiple functions, providing certain levels of guaranteed exit in lots of different scenarios. The EL490 from Abloy was chosen as it had unique dimensions that matched the very exact amount of space available for door hardware to be fitted – as well as offering all the safeguards we required.โ
Paul Radden, Senior Product Manager, Abloy UK, added: โThe EL490 is a motor lock and has the unique feature of electronic handle control. For the โPodsโ, we have used the EL490 alongside interior and exterior keypads that allow access, logging the user in and out of the โPodโ. If the power fails or there is an emergency, the handle becomes live and the user can exit. Weโre looking forward to working with ART going forward to ensure all of the anticipated 1,000 โPodsโ are effectively secured.โ
Abloy UKโs electric motor locks offer an external override and manual escape. They have been fire tested and provide automatic deadlocking, as well as offering a compliant solution for interior and exterior doors. To view a video case study, go to: https://youtu.be/ryHhnXoC708.
