What does "fail-safe" mean in relation to electronic locks?

In the context of electronic locks, "fail-safe" specifically refers to a design feature that allows the lock to unlock in the event of a power failure. This characteristic is crucial in safety applications, such as in fire exits, where it is essential for doors to open easily when power is lost, ensuring that individuals can evacuate safely without being hindered by locked doors.

This design prioritizes life safety over security, meaning that during an emergency situation or power outage, individuals can exit without the delay that a locked door would impose. The ability to unlock during a power failure ensures that the electronic access control system does not become a hazard in critical situations.

Other options may relate to different locking mechanisms but do not accurately describe the fail-safe function. For instance, the idea that the lock remains locked during a power failure contradicts the fail-safe concept, as would the notion that a lock requires constant power to function, which aligns with the "fail-secure" paradigm instead.