[2025.02.18] Consumer Agency: "Chinese Digital Door Locks May Lock or Explode in a Fire"

The Korea Consumer Agency has found that digital door locks sold via direct purchase on AliExpress may fail to open or have their batteries explode during a fire. After testing 10 Chinese-made digital door locks sold on AliExpress, the agency reported that 3 models could not be opened during a fire, and 5 models had their lithium batteries explode.

Digital door locks must be designed so that the manual lever can open the door even at high temperatures, allowing residents to evacuate during a fire. In testing, the agency heated locked door locks from room temperature to 270°C over 30 minutes, then maintained that temperature for 10 minutes. Three models — XSDTS (DF14), SANKESONG (3D Face Smart Door Lock), and YKESDL (D14P) — had their manual levers melt, making it impossible to open the door in an emergency.

Additionally, 5 models using lithium batteries — XSDTS (DF14), SANKESONG (3D Face Smart Door Lock), Tropernic (17), YKESDL (D14P), and an unbranded model (H7) — had their batteries ignite and explode at temperatures between 170°C and 260°C, before even reaching 270°C.

One model (Catchface) could not be opened from outside when the internal battery was depleted, as it lacked an external emergency power terminal. Furthermore, all 10 models had non-standard installation hole sizes and positions, differing from Korean specifications, resulting in additional installation costs and restoration issues when moving.

The Consumer Agency recommended blocking the distribution of 6 hazardous models, and AliExpress has blocked their search and sale. AliExpress also plans to issue refunds to affected consumers.