Harris Digital Lock — How it works
The Harris Digital Lock is a two-tier electronic locker lock using EM 125kHz RFID cards and a backlit numeric keypad. A Master Card must be programmed first. After that, the lock supports three user credential methods — one-time codes, permanent codes, or user cards — depending on the deployment scenario.
Level management
Up to 3 Master Cards
Up to 5 User Cards
One-time or permanent codes
Anti-pick alarm
External USB backup power
Aluminum alloy body
Card typeEM 125KHz
Power3 × AA alkaline
Battery life12–15 months
Static current≤ 20 µA
Dynamic current≤ 200 mA
Temperature−15 to +55 °C
Humidity20 – 95% RH
Alarm voltage3.7 ± 0.2 V
Door thickness≥ 9 mm
MaterialAluminum alloy
Credential hierarchy
● Master level
Master Card
- Unlocks the lock
- Programs user codes & cards
- Deletes user codes & cards
- One card works across multiple locks in a project
- Up to 3 master cards per lock
→
● User level
User Credentials
- Opens assigned locker
- Can silence wrong-code alarm
- Cannot program other users
- Cannot delete credentials
- Cannot change lock settings
→
● Shipped state
Factory default
- Memory clear — no credentials enrolled
- Default mode: One-time Code
- Ready for Master Card programming
- Cannot be used until Master Card is programmed
Operating modes — choose before deploying
Default factory setting
Option A — One-time Code
User sets their own code when locking. That code opens the lock once. After the user opens the locker, it resets and is ready for the next user. No admin action needed between users.
Best for: Shared / hot-desk / gym day lockers
Admin-configured
Options B & C — Permanent Code or User Card
Admin assigns a permanent code or RFID card to a specific user. Lock auto-re-locks 5 seconds after opening. User keeps the same credential until admin deletes it.
Best for: Assigned lockers, office or industrial use
Setup sequence — always follow this order
1
Re-initialize the lock — only required if the lock is not fresh from factory or needs resetting. Skip if brand new and unboxed.
2
Program Master Card(s) — mandatory first step on every lock. Up to 3 master cards. Cannot add users until at least one Master Card is enrolled.
3
Select user method — choose Option A (one-time code), Option B (permanent code), or Option C (user card) based on the deployment. See User Options section.
When to re-initialize: Only required if the lock is unresponsive, being reprogrammed after a previous deployment, or being switched between Public mode (#2) and Private mode (#1). Brand new locks shipped from factory are already initialized — skip straight to Master Card setup.
Video Walkthrough — Re-initialization
Watch before proceeding
Tools Required
—
Phillips bit screwdriver
Electric driver useful for speed. Battery compartment screw + 2 assembly screws.
—
Needle tool or small screwdriver
To press the recessed reset button on the PCB inside the battery compartment.
⚠ Work with the door open and secured. Do not overtorque screws during reassembly — tighten snugly only.
Public / Private Mode Switch
Check before resetting
A small DIP switch is located next to the reset button inside the battery compartment. Set this before re-initializing.
#2
Public mode — shared locker use
One-time code default. Lock resets between users automatically.
#1
Private mode — assigned locker use
Permanent code or user card. User retains access until admin removes it.
Step 1 — Uninstall the unit
Uninstall from door
Work from inside the door
1
Remove the battery cover securing screw (1×) from the inside of the door
2
Slide the battery cover in the direction marked "Push UP" to disengage it from the unit
3
Remove the batteries to expose the securing screw behind the battery compartment
4
Remove both assembly screws using a Phillips bit screwdriver
Step 2 — Re-initialize (reset) the lock
Reset procedure
Clears all credentials
⚠ Re-initialization erases ALL programmed credentials — Master Cards, user codes, and user cards. This cannot be undone.
1
Separate the keypad from the battery pack portion of the unit
2
Reinstall the batteries
Confirm you hear one long beep and see a green light flash — this confirms the keypad-battery connection is good.
Expected signal🟢 1 long beep + green flash
3
Using the needle tool or small screwdriver, press and hold the reset button until you hear three long beeps and the keypad flashes three times
Confirmation🟢 3 long beeps + keypad flashes 3×
The reset button is the recessed button on the PCB inside the battery compartment.
4
Lock is now initialized. Memory is clear. Proceed immediately to Step 3 to reinstall and then to Master Card setup.
Step 3 — Reinstall the unit
Reinstall to door
Do not overtorque
1
Remove the batteries again before reinstalling the assembly
2
Reinstall the lock/keypad assembly onto the door and secure with the two assembly screws
Tighten snugly only — do not overtorque.
3
Reinstall the batteries — confirm you hear the long beep
Confirmation🟢 1 long beep = ready
4
Install the battery cover (slide into place) and reinstall the small battery cover securing screw
✓ Lock is initialized and ready to be programmed with Master Card, user cards, and/or user codes as per lock instructions. Proceed to section ②.
This step is mandatory before any user setup. The lock cannot accept user codes or user cards until at least one Master Card has been programmed. Up to 3 Master Cards can be programmed per lock.
🚨 Critical — read before programming: If multiple Master Cards are required, all of them — up to 3 — must be programmed in a single procedure during the initial setup. Once you exit the Master Card programming window, it is closed permanently. Additional Master Cards cannot be added later. Decide how many Master Cards are needed before you begin and have all cards ready.
Video Walkthrough — Program Master Keys
Watch before proceeding
Program the Master Card
Required — do first on every lock
The lock must be in initialized/factory state (fresh or just re-initialized) to enter Master Card programming mode. The first card scanned after initialization becomes the Master Card.
1
With the lock initialized and powered on, scan an EM card near the inductive area (top of the lock face)
ActionScan card→🔊 3 long beeps
After 3 long beeps, the scanned card is programmed as Master Card #1.
2
While the indicator light is blinking, scan additional cards to add up to 2 more Master Cards (3 total)
During blinking windowScan card 2→Enrolled as Master 2
Optional thirdScan card 3→Enrolled as Master 3
⚠ This is your only opportunity to add Master Cards. All required Master Cards must be scanned now during this single blinking window. Once the indicator stops blinking, the programming window closes permanently and no further Master Cards can be added.
3
Wait for the indicator to stop blinking — Master Card programming is complete
4
Test each Master Card — scan it near the reader. Lock should open (green light + 1 beep).
TestMaster Card→🟢 Green + 1 beep = open
Do not proceed to user setup until all master cards are confirmed working.
Master Code (admin override)
Factory Master Code
Admin only — do not share with end users
🚨 Confidential — administrator use only. This code opens the lock directly. It must never be printed on user-facing materials, locker labels, or distributed to locker occupants. If end users obtain this code, locker security is compromised on every lock using the default.
Default master code
11335577
⚠ Change this code on deployment. Because it ships as the same default on every lock, the administrator should change it to a unique, secure code as part of setup. Record the changed code securely in the admin batch log against the lock's serial number.
Lost Master Card — Prevention & Recovery
What Happens if the Master Card is Lost
Critical — read before deploying
⚠ If all Master Cards are lost, there is no keypad-based way to open or reprogram the lock. The only recovery option is physical disassembly — the lock must be removed from the door, which requires the door itself to be taken off its hinges to access the reset button. This has already caused a door removal on a customer site. Always keep Master Cards in a secure, known location and program up to 3 cards per lock as a precaution.
If Master Card is lost — Recovery procedure
1
Physical disassembly is required — follow the Re-initialization procedure in Section ①
This means removing the lock from the door, separating the keypad from the battery pack, and pressing the reset button. All credentials will be erased.
2
After re-initialization, re-program a new Master Card before redeploying
3
If you cannot perform disassembly, contact customer service for on-site support
Master Card capabilities
What Master Cards can do
✓
Unlock the lock directly
✓
Program permanent user codes
✓
Program user cards
✓
Delete all user codes and cards
✓
Stop wrong-code alarm
✓
Disable anti-pick alarm (special sequence)
✓
One Master Card can be used across all locks in a project
Handling & storage
!
Store Master Cards separately from user cards at all times
!
Mark Master Cards clearly — recommended: coloured dot or labelled sleeve
!
Place in a sealed admin envelope labelled "Admin Only — Do Not Distribute"
!
Record the card UID and lock serial in the batch log before sealing the envelope
!
For project-wide deployments: document which master cards cover which locker groups
Master Card must be programmed before any of the options below will work. Choose the option that matches the deployment: shared lockers → Option A, assigned lockers → Option B or C.
📌 Default factory mode. Intended for shared or temporary locker use. The user sets their own code each time they lock. No admin action required between users.
Video Walkthrough — One-time / Public Code Setup
Option A
How to Lock
User does this
1
Close the cabinet door
2
Enter a digital code (1–9 digits, any combination of 0–9)
The user chooses their own code. It does not need to be set up in advance by admin.
3
Press the # key
Sequence
1–9 digit code
→
#
→
🔴 Red + 2 beeps
4
Latch protrudes — lock is locked
How to Unlock
User does this
1
Enter the same code used to lock
2
Press the # key
Sequence
Same code
→
#
→
🟢 Green + 1 beep
3
Latch retracts — lock is unlocked
4
The cabinet remains unlocked and ready for the next user
The code is erased after opening. The next user sets a completely new code.
📌 For assigned lockers. Admin programs a specific code for a dedicated user. Lock auto-locks 5 seconds after opening. User keeps this code until admin deletes it.
Video Walkthrough — Program Private Lock
Option B
Program or Change Permanent Code
Admin action — requires Master Card
Full sequence
Master Card
→
Master Card
→
Digital code
→
#
1
Scan the Master Card near the inductive area
Master Card→🔊 1 beep — lock unlocks
2
During the 5-second blinking indicator period, scan the Master Card again
Master Card→⏱ 5-second window
3
During the next 5-second blinking period, enter the digital code (maximum 9 digits)
1–9 digit code
4
Press the # key
#→🔊 1 long beep = Permanent Code saved
How User Unlocks & Locks
Auto-locks after 5 seconds
1
Enter the permanent code
2
Press the # key
Perm. code→#→🟢 Green + 1 beep — unlocked
3
Latch retracts — lock opens
4
After 5 seconds, lock automatically re-locks
🔴 Red + 2 beeps — auto-locked
User does not need to manually lock. Close door and it locks itself.
Delete Permanent Code
Admin action
1
Scan the Master Card near the inductive area 3 times
Scan ×1→Scan ×2→Scan ×3
2
After 3 short beeps, the Permanent Code is deleted
🔊 3 short beeps = code deleted
Lock returns to one-time code mode after deletion. Ready for next user.
📌 For assigned lockers with RFID cards. Admin registers a specific card to a specific user. Up to 5 user cards per lock. Lock auto-locks after access.
Program User Card(s)
Admin action — requires Master Card
Full sequence
Master Card
→
Master Card
→
User Card
1
Scan the Master Card near the inductive area
Master Card→🔊 1 beep — lock unlocks
2
During the 5-second blinking indicator period, scan the Master Card again
Master Card→⏱ 5-second window
3
During the next 5-second blinking period, scan the user's card near the inductive area
User Card→🔊 1 beep = User Card enrolled
4
During the blinking period, scan additional user cards to enroll more (maximum 5 total)
Each scan during the blinking window adds another user card. Stop scanning when all required cards are enrolled.
5
Wait for the indicator to stop blinking — user card programming is complete
How User Opens with Card
1
Scan the user card near the inductive area
User Card→🟢 Green + 1 beep
2
Latch retracts — lock opens
3
Lock auto-re-locks after 5 seconds
🔴 Red + 2 beeps — auto-locked
Delete All User Cards
Deletes all at once
1
Scan the Master Card 3 times near the inductive area
Scan ×1→Scan ×2→Scan ×3
2
After 3 short beeps — all User Cards are deleted
🔊 3 short beeps = all user cards cleared
This removes ALL user cards simultaneously. Master Cards are not affected.
LED indicator reference
Red light ON + 2 beeps = Locked
Green light ON + 1 beep = Unlocked
Blinks every 5 seconds = Lock active in locked status
Blinking during programming = Enrollment window open
Alarm types & responses
Wrong Code / Illegal Card
4 consecutive incorrect code entries or unauthorized card scans
Alarm sounds for 20 seconds
Scan a User Card or Master Card to silence alarm
Low Battery
Battery voltage drops below 3.7V (±0.2V)
On each unlock attempt: indicator blinks + 8 beeps
Replace 3 × AA batteries immediately
Anti-Picked (Pried)
Latch pressed or forced improperly while locked
Alarm sounds for 20 seconds
Scan a User Card to silence
Turn off anti-pick alarm function permanently
Disable Anti-Pick Alarm
Admin action — irreversible until re-enabled
Only disable this if the installation environment causes false triggers. The anti-pick alarm is a security feature — keep it enabled unless there is a specific operational reason to turn it off.
1
Ensure the lock is in locked status (latch extended / protruding)
2
Scan the Master Card — the latch retracts (lock opens)
Master Card→Latch retracts
3
While the red light is blinking (6-second window), scan the Master Card again
Master Card again→⏱ Within 6 seconds
The latch protrudes (lock returns to locked state).
4
With latch extended, press the latch by finger
5
After 2 beeps — anti-pick alarm function is turned off
🔊 2 beeps = alarm function off
The Harris Lock includes a USB emergency power port. If batteries are completely dead and a user is locked out, this provides temporary external power to unlock the lock without removing it from the door.
Emergency USB Unlock Procedure
Batteries exhausted
1
Insert a USB charger into the USB port on the lock body
Use a standard USB power bank or USB wall adapter. The USB port provides temporary power only — it does not charge the batteries.
2
Enter the digital code or scan an opening card (Master Card or User Card)
3
The lock will unlock
🟢 Lock opens
4
After unlocking, replace the batteries immediately (3 × AA alkaline)
All credentials are retained after battery replacement. No reprogramming required.
✓ Credentials survive battery replacement. Replacing batteries does not erase Master Cards, user codes, or user cards — as long as batteries are not left out for extended periods.
Battery replacement — standard procedure
1️⃣
Open battery cover
Remove the battery cover securing screw. Slide cover in "Push UP" direction.
2️⃣
Swap promptly
Remove old batteries. Insert 3 × AA alkaline. Check polarity. Do not leave unpowered unnecessarily.
3️⃣
Confirm 1 long beep
Replace cover and screw. Lock should beep once on power-up. Credentials intact.
4️⃣
Test access
Confirm Master Card and any user credentials still work. No reprogramming needed.
⚠ Always use AA alkaline batteries. Do not use lithium or NiMH rechargeable — these may cause alarm voltage calibration issues.
Last resort — lock cannot be opened by any means
🚨 Only proceed with the steps in these videos if all of the following have been attempted and failed: entering a valid code or card, powering the lock via USB and attempting to open, and replacing the batteries. These videos show the physical last-resort procedure for a lock that remains completely unresponsive.
Last Resort Procedure — Part 1
All other methods exhausted
Last Resort Procedure — Part 2
All other methods exhausted
🔊 Beep & Light Signals
Lock🔴 Red light + 2 beeps
Unlock🟢 Green light + 1 beep
Master Card enrolled3 long beeps
User enrolled / confirmed1 beep
Permanent code saved1 long beep
Credential deleted3 short beeps
Alarm off2 beeps
Power-up / connection1 long beep + green flash
Initialization complete3 long beeps + 3 flashes
Low battery (on unlock)Indicator blinks + 8 beeps
📋 Credential Limits
Master Cards per lockUp to 3
User Cards per lockUp to 5
Max code length9 digits
Min code length1 digit
Code digits allowed0 – 9 (any combination)
Card typeEM card, 125kHz
Wrong attempts before alarm4 consecutive
Alarm duration20 seconds
Auto-lock delay (Perm/Card)5 seconds after unlock
Programming window5 seconds (blinking indicator)
⚡ Technical Specs
Power3 × AA alkaline
Battery life12–15 months
Static current≤ 20 µA
Dynamic current≤ 200 mA
Alarm voltage3.7 ± 0.2 V
Temperature range−15 to +55 °C
Humidity range20 – 95% RH
Min. door thickness≥ 9 mm
Body materialAluminum alloy
Emergency powerUSB port
🛠 Troubleshooting
Lock unresponsiveRe-initialize (Section ①)
Card not workingVerify it's an EM 125kHz card; re-enroll
Cannot add usersMaster Card not yet programmed
Lost Master CardRe-initialize required (Section ①) — physical disassembly · Contact CS if needed
Forgot code (Option A)Scan Master Card to open; code is cleared
Battery dead, locked outUSB emergency power (Section ⑤)
8 beeps on unlockLow battery — replace immediately
Alarm won't stopScan Master Card or User Card
Need to wipe all usersScan Master Card 3× → 3 short beeps
Persistent issuesContact customer service