As a property manager or resident using a key fob system, encountering a malfunctioning fob is a common frustration. One frequent issue is a demagnetized key fob. This guide, brought to you by the experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through understanding, fixing, and preventing demagnetization of Magnetic Key Fobs. We’ll also explore superior, modern alternatives to keep your access control system running smoothly.
If your property utilizes a key card or key fob system for access control, you’re likely familiar with the occasional tech hiccups residents face. Among these, a demagnetized fob is a prevalent problem. Let’s delve into a quick and effective guide to resolve a demagnetized key fob issue, understand why it happens, and consider better options beyond magnetic technology.
In this article, we will cover:
Quick Fix for an Unresponsive Magnetic Key Fob
The simplest solution for an unresponsive magnetic key fob is to reprogram it using your property’s fob programmer. Yes, it’s often that straightforward!
When returning the reprogrammed fob to the resident, take a moment to advise them on keeping their magnetic key fob away from magnetic sources. This simple step can prevent future demagnetization.
If reprogramming doesn’t revive the fob, the issue might be due to wear and tear or a different technical malfunction. In such cases, you’ll need to program a new key fob. Use a fresh, blank key fob and program it with the same access permissions as the old, faulty one. This effectively replaces the non-working fob.
Understanding How Magnetic Key Fobs Function
Magnetic key fobs store access credential data on a magnetic stripe, often referred to as a magstripe. This stripe is composed of millions of tiny magnetic particles. Each of these particles, when magnetized, aligns in a north-facing or south-facing direction.
While a binary state seems basic, key fob encoders create intricate and unique patterns across these millions of particles throughout the magstripe. Every time you use a key card machine to program a fob, you are essentially setting these magnetic polarities in a specific sequence.
When a resident uses their magnetic key fob, they hold it near a credential reader. The reader then scans the data stored on the fob by emitting a brief voltage burst and interpreting the returning signal.
If the data read from the fob matches the access credentials stored in the reader’s internal database, the system validates the fob and triggers the door lock to open. This process relies on the integrity of the magnetic pattern on the fob.
Demagnetization: A Common Vulnerability of Magnetic Key Fobs
Unfortunately, magnetic key fobs are susceptible to demagnetization, a problem encountered quite frequently.
While Weigand magnetic access systems offer a level of security, their functionality depends on the stability of these magnetic particles maintaining their programmed configuration. However, our environment is filled with magnetic fields from various sources, and these can inadvertently flip the polarity of the magnetic particles in a fob. This alteration disrupts the original pattern, rendering the fob unreadable and thus, demagnetized.
Common Causes of Magnetic Key Fob Demagnetization
A magnetic key fob becomes demagnetized when exposed to an external magnetic force strong enough to erase or alter its stored data.
Sometimes, demagnetization occurs when a fob is placed too close to battery-powered electronic devices that emit electromagnetic fields. In other cases, even a simple refrigerator magnet can be sufficient to demagnetize a fob if in close proximity.
Here are everyday items commonly responsible for demagnetizing key fobs:
Proximity to Credit Cards
Credit cards also utilize magnetic stripe technology similar to key fobs for data storage. When a key fob and a credit card are stored together, the magnetic field from one can interfere with and potentially disrupt the magnetic data on the other.
Keeping your key fob in the same wallet compartment as your credit cards can increase the risk of demagnetizing your key fob.
Smartphones and Electronic Devices
Modern smartphones, although designed to minimize magnetic interference, still contain magnets as integral components. They also emit electromagnetic fields, especially when in active use.
While it’s less likely for contemporary cell phones to strongly demagnetize a key fob, consistently placing your key fob directly against an active smartphone, particularly near its charging coils or speakers, could theoretically lead to issues over time.
Airport Security Scanners
Airport security scanners utilize powerful magnetic fields to detect metallic objects for security purposes. When you walk through these scanners, your key fob is briefly exposed to these magnetic fields. While short exposure is generally low risk, repeated exposure over time, particularly with older or less shielded scanners, might contribute to demagnetization.
MRI Machines: Strong Magnetic Fields
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines are exceptionally powerful medical devices that use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed internal body images. These machines produce intense magnetic fields that can significantly impact magnetically sensitive items, including key fobs.
Exposure to the strong magnetic fields within an MRI machine is highly likely to disrupt the magnetic particles on a key fob, leading to data corruption or erasure and rendering the fob useless. It is crucial to keep key fobs away from MRI environments.
Magnetic Clasps on Accessories
Purses, wallets, and bags often incorporate magnetic clasps for closure. While most of these clasps use relatively weak magnets, some may utilize stronger magnets. If a key fob is in constant, direct contact with a strong magnetic clasp, there’s a potential risk of demagnetization, especially over prolonged periods.
Clothing Security Tags
Retail clothing security tags contain magnets to activate store alarms if merchandise is removed without deactivation. These tags contain fairly strong magnets. Direct contact between a clothing security tag and a key fob could potentially demagnetize the fob, especially if the contact is prolonged or pressure is applied.
Preventing Magnetic Key Fob Demagnetization
The most effective way to prevent demagnetization is to keep your magnetic key fobs away from sources of magnetic fields.
Additionally, consider using a protective plastic sleeve or a dedicated wallet or pouch for your key fob. This physical barrier can minimize contact with potentially magnetic items and reduce the risk of accidental demagnetization.
See ButterflyMX in action:
Exploring Alternatives to Magnetic Key Fobs
Tired of constantly dealing with demagnetized resident fobs? Fortunately, better solutions are available.
You can still enjoy the benefits of electronic access control without relying on vulnerable magstripe technology.
Consider these alternatives to magnetic fobs:
1. Upgrade to Key Fobs Using Superior Technology
Modern key fob systems can utilize more robust technologies that are not susceptible to magnetic interference. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and Bluetooth fobs, for example, transmit data via radio waves instead of magnetic encoding. Switching to RFID or Bluetooth fobs eliminates the demagnetization issue.
While RFID and Bluetooth fobs solve the magnetic vulnerability, they may present different considerations. Some advanced fobs might include batteries and more complex transmission components, potentially increasing the cost compared to simple magnetic fobs.
Furthermore, all physical credential-based systems, including RFID and Bluetooth fobs, carry the inherent risk of fobs being lost, stolen, or damaged, leading to replacement and management overhead.
2. Invest in a Keyless Access Control System
Even technologically advanced physical fobs require ongoing management. Daily use can lead to wear and tear, requiring repairs or replacements. Their small size makes them easily misplaced or lost, necessitating frequent replacements and reprogramming.
Fortunately, cutting-edge access control systems now offer truly keyless solutions, freeing residents from the need to carry physical credentials altogether.
The Advantages of Keyless Access Control Systems
The premier keyless access control solution is ButterflyMX.
Whether you aim to supplement existing fob access with convenient alternatives or transition to a completely keyless environment, ButterflyMX stands out as the optimal choice.
ButterflyMX’s comprehensive ecosystem of intercoms, keypads, elevator controls, and more is trusted in over 10,000 buildings globally.
Eliminate the costs and hassles associated with easily lost and demagnetized fobs by empowering residents to use their smartphones for access.
ButterflyMX makes access incredibly simple: residents just open the app on their smartphone and swipe to open doors and gates.
However, if you prefer to retain fob access, ButterflyMX can accommodate that too. Our network of certified integrators and installers can seamlessly implement our fob system. Or, to maximize cost-efficiency, they can integrate ButterflyMX with your current access control infrastructure.
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