A 2N keypad with a magnetic lock (maglock) is the door access we recommend for a gym that runs without staff. The keypad outside checks the customer’s code, and a magnet in the frame holds the door shut until the code is right. It runs on mains power, is fitted by a professional installer and leaves nothing on the inside for a customer to turn, loosen or pull off. Sparekey sends every customer a code that works only during their booking; the keypad does the rest.
What it is
- The 2N keypad, on the wall outside the door. Customers type their code here. 2N is a European maker of door entry systems for offices and apartment buildings.
- The maglock, an electromagnet at the top of the frame with a metal plate on the door. While the magnet has power, the door stays shut.
- A control unit on the protected side, which switches the magnet off when the keypad accepts a code. Unscrewing the keypad does not open the door.
Inside there is an exit button. Nothing else on the door changes for customers.
Why it is the reliable choice
A door nobody watches has to work at 6 a.m. on a Sunday. Smart locks usually fail through flat batteries, a lock knocked out of adjustment or weak Wi-Fi. 2N with a maglock avoids all three:
- No batteries. Everything runs from mains power, with a backup supply for ordinary power cuts.
- Nothing to tamper with. No motor or turn knob on the inside of the door.
- A cable, not Wi-Fi. The keypad is on a network cable that does not drop out when the door closes.
- Almost any door. Glass, metal, wood or a gate, with no particular cylinder needed.
How the codes work
- A customer books a slot, for example Thursday 18:00–19:00, and pays online.
- Right after booking, Sparekey stores a new code in the keypad, valid from 18:00 to 19:00, and sends it by SMS.
- Outside that window the keypad refuses the code. Two slots in a row get one code.
- After the booking the code is removed.
The keypad holds up to 10,000 codes, so every booking has its code stored as soon as it is made, even weeks ahead.
Backup code. Each location has a backup code stored in the keypad in advance. If the internet is down when a customer books and their new code cannot be stored, Sparekey sends them the backup code instead. Stored codes keep working offline, because the keypad checks them itself.
What the installer does
You hire a local door or access-control installer, or an electrician who fits door entry systems. They:
- fit the maglock to the frame and the plate to the door;
- mount the keypad outside and the control unit on the protected side;
- run mains power to the power supply, with backup power;
- run a network cable to the keypad;
- fit an exit button inside, and a break-glass point by the door where needed;
- connect the maglock to your fire alarm.
Fire safety. The maglock releases when the fire alarm goes off and when power is lost completely, so nobody is locked in. The exit button and break-glass let customers out at any time. A qualified installer wires it to local fire regulations. Tell your insurer what you are fitting (see insurance and liability).
Your landlord. If you rent, get the landlord’s consent before anything is fixed to the door or frame.
We do not sell hardware or installation. Ask your installer for one quote covering the keypad, maglock, power supply, exit button and wiring.
What we do in setup
- Connect the keypad to your booking system and test it with your installer.
- Set up a new code for every booking, valid only for the booked time, sent right after booking.
- Store the backup code for each location.
- Add more doors or a shared building entrance to the same booking at no extra cost.
- Run test bookings with you before opening day: book, pay, receive the SMS, open the door, check the code stops working afterwards.
Prices are on the pricing page; the steps from first call to opening day are on the setup page.
FAQ
What happens in a power cut?
The maglock releases when power is lost, so nobody is locked in. A backup power supply keeps the door locked and working through ordinary power cuts; ask the installer how long it lasts on your door.
What happens if the internet goes down?
Stored codes keep working. A customer who books while the connection is down gets the backup code.
Can a customer pull the keypad off and open the door?
No. The part that releases the door is on the protected side.
How many codes can the keypad hold?
Up to 10,000. Every booking gets its own code as soon as it is made.
Do customers need an app?
No. They type the code from their SMS and leave by pressing the exit button inside.