Carbine CEL & CDL Digital Lock Range — Complete Buyer's Guide (All Models)
Posted by Jim Noort on 3rd May 2026
Carbine CEL & CDL Digital Lock Range — Complete Buyer’s Review
Reviewed by Terry’s Locksmiths, Gold Coast · Covering CDL2, CEL-3IN1, CEL2-3IN1, and CEL2-BT · All models in stock
Carbine’s digital lock range covers everything from a simple PIN-entry deadbolt right through to a fire-rated, NCC-compliant Bluetooth leverset with RFID and app management. This review walks through all current models, compares their access methods and specifications, and helps you choose the right one for your door.
Range at a Glance
All current models compared — key specs in one table
RFID not available on CEL2-BT deadbolt models. FR Kit = dedicated fire door hardware package. Combined = PIN codes and RFID draw from same shared pool.
CDL2 — Entry Level Digital Locks
PIN code and key override. No RFID, no Bluetooth. Membrane keypad.
The CDL2 is the simplest lock in the Carbine range — PIN code and key override, nothing else. No RFID, no app. Fits the same standard 54mm lockset hole as the CEL range. Available as a leverset or deadbolt in Satin Nickel and Matte Black. Not NCC compliant; not fire rated. See: Buyers Guide Ch04: Door Types.
PIN Code
No RFID
No BT
Key Override
Battery
CDL2 Leverset — CDL2-SL8SNKIT / CDL2-SL8MBKIT
20 user PIN codesLKW9 keyway (6-pin, keyed to 5-pin)4×AAA Procell
250,000 cycles · Membrane keypad
35–51mm door · 60/70mm backset
CDL2 Deadbolt — CDL2-DBSNKIT / CDL2-DBMBKIT
10 user PIN codesLKW5 keyway (5-pin)4×AA Procell100,000 cycles · Membrane keypad35–51mm door · 60/70mm backset
CEL-3IN1 — Original RFID Leverset (Gen 1)
PIN + RFID/NFC + Key. 25+25 credential pool. 1-hour fire rated (E-Core).
The original CEL-3IN1 leverset stores 25 PIN user codes and 25 RFID credentials separately. Fire rated to 1 hour (E-Core and Pyropanel), NCC compliant, IP54. Largely superseded by the CEL2-3IN1 which quadruples credential capacity and introduces a new escutcheon design — if purchasing new, the CEL2-3IN1-SL8SNKIT is generally the better choice. See: Buyers Guide Ch03: Access Methods.
PIN CodeRFID/NFCNo BTKey Override
Fire Rated4×AA1 prog code · 25 user codes · 25 RFID1hr fire rated — E-Core & Pyropanel
NCC compliant SL8 lever
IP54 rated35–51mm door · 60/70mm backset4×AA Procell · ~5,000 openingsAuto-lock 5–99 sec · Passage mode · ANSI G2
CEL2-3IN1 — Standalone RFID (Gen 2, no Bluetooth)
PIN + RFID/NFC + Key. 100 combined codes. Leverset, deadbolt, and fire rated kits.
The CEL2-3IN1 is the second-generation standalone RFID lock. New lower-profile escutcheon, improved touchscreen and motor, and 100 combined credentials from a shared pool (up from 25+25 on the original). No Bluetooth — all programming done directly on the lock. Leverset models are NCC compliant, IP54, and fire rated on Firecore assemblies. Dedicated FR Kit versions available for fire door installations. See: Buyers Guide Ch05: Fire Door Smart Locks.
PIN CodeRFID/NFCNo BTKey Override4×AA
CEL2-3IN1 Deadbolt — CEL2-3IN1-DBSNKIT / CEL2-3IN1-DBMBKIT
100 combined PIN + RFIDC4 keyway (6-pin, keyed to 5-pin)4×AA Procell (included in KIT)ANSI G2 · 54mm bore · Not fire rated35–51mm door · 60/70mm backsetAuto-lock 10–99 sec · No passage mode (deadbolt)
CEL2-3IN1 Leverset — CEL2-3IN1-SL8SNKIT / CEL2-3IN1-SL8MBKIT
100 combined PIN + RFIDFire rated — Firecore (FRT230184 DHAR2.0)NCC compliant SL8 leverIP54 rated4×AA Procell (included in KIT)Auto-lock 5–99 sec · Passage mode · ANSI G2
CEL2-3IN1 Leverset Fire Rated Kit — CEL2-3IN1-SL8SN-FRKIT / CEL2-3IN1-SL8MB-FRKIT
100 combined PIN + RFIDFirecore / E-Core / Pyropanel certifiedNCC compliant · IP544×AA Procell (included)
CEL2-BT — Bluetooth (Carbine Connect App)
PIN + Bluetooth + Key (deadbolt) • PIN + RFID + Bluetooth + Key (leverset). 200 codes.
The CEL2-BT adds Bluetooth via the Carbine Connect App (iOS and Android). Pairing is done via QR code inside the battery compartment. Up to 10 Bluetooth users per lock with permanent, time-limited, or scheduled access. The app also provides an event log, auto-unlock, and multi-lock management.
Key distinction — BT deadbolt vs BT leverset: The Bluetooth deadbolt does not support RFID. The Bluetooth leverset supports all four access methods: PIN, RFID, Bluetooth, and key. The app is Bluetooth-only — no internet gateway, no remote access. See: Airbnb smart locks — do you need WiFi? · Buyers Guide Ch08: Gateway Comparison
CEL2-BT Deadbolt — CEL2-BT-DBSNKIT / CEL2-BT-DBMBKIT
PIN CodeNo RFIDBluetoothKey Override4×AA200 PIN codes · 10 Bluetooth usersANSI G2: 150,000 mech · 75,000 electronic · 240h salt spray35–51mm door · 60/70mm backset · 54mm bore4×AA Procell (included)Auto-lock 10–900 sec · C4 keyway · Not fire rated
CEL2-BT Leverset — CEL2-BT-SL8SNKIT / CEL2-BT-SL8MBKIT
PIN CodeRFID/NFCBluetoothKey OverrideFire Rated4×AA200 combined PIN + RFID · 10 BT usersFire rated — E-Core & Firecore (-/120/30)NCC compliant SL8 lever · IP54ANSI G2: 500,000 mech · 250,000 electronic · 240h salt spray4×AA Procell (included)Auto-lock 5–99 sec · Passage mode · C4 keyway
CEL2-BT Leverset Fire Rated Kit — CEL2-BT-SL8SN-FRKIT / CEL2-BT-SL8MB-FRKIT
PIN CodeRFID/NFCBluetoothKey OverrideFire Rated200 combined + 10 BT usersE-Core & Firecore (-/120/30)NCC compliant · IP54ANSI G2: 500,000 mech · 250,000 electronic4×AA Procell (included)
How to Choose the Right Model
Start with access needs, then narrow by form factor and fire rating
PIN code only — nothing else
The CDL2 range. Simple, reliable, cost-effective. Membrane keypad, not touchscreen. No RFID, no app.
CDL2 Leverset · CDL2 DeadboltPIN + RFID cards (no Bluetooth needed)
CEL2-3IN1. 100 combined credentials, touchscreen, standalone programming. Leverset or deadbolt.
CEL2 Leverset · CEL2 DeadboltBluetooth app management (no RFID needed)
CEL2-BT Deadbolt. PIN + Bluetooth + Key. 200 codes, 10 app users. Note: no RFID on BT deadbolt.
CEL2-BT DeadboltBluetooth + RFID + PIN all together
CEL2-BT Leverset. All four access methods, 200 combined credentials, 10 Bluetooth users.
CEL2-BT LeversetFire-rated door installation (no Bluetooth)
CEL2-3IN1 FR Kit. PIN + RFID + Key, 100 combined, fire rated Firecore / E-Core / Pyropanel.
CEL2-3IN1 FR KitBluetooth on a fire-rated door
CEL2-BT FR Kit. PIN + RFID + Bluetooth + Key, fire rated E-Core and Firecore (-/120/30).
CEL2-BT FR Kit
Common Questions About the Carbine Range
Does my door need special preparation?
All Carbine CEL and CDL models fit a standard 54mm lockset hole with 60–70mm adjustable backset and suit doors 35–51mm thick. No additional drilling required. The 127mm backset is not supported on any model. See: Buyers Guide Ch02: Measuring Your Door · How to measure your backset.
Will my NFC phone work as an RFID credential?
On CEL and CEL2 RFID models, most NFC-enabled Android phones with Mifare 13.56MHz support work. Australian transit cards (Go card, Opal, Myki, SmartRider) are also compatible. Visa PayWave and Mastercard PayPass are not compatible. If your phone doesn’t work, a Mifare RFID sticker on the back is the recommended fix. See: Buyers Guide Ch03: Access Methods.
Can I control these locks remotely from anywhere?
No — the CEL2-BT models communicate via Bluetooth only (approximately 10-metre range). There is no cloud gateway or internet connection in any Carbine model in this range. See: Airbnb smart locks — do you need WiFi?
What is the most common installation mistake?
Incorrect cable routing between the exterior and interior modules. The cable must sit in the designated channel of the mounting plate. A pinched cable causes an unresponsive keypad, a battery cover that won’t seat, or the Set button being permanently held. See: 3 common DIY smart lock installation mistakes.
What batteries do these locks use?
CEL and CEL2 models: 4×AA alkaline (Duracell Procell recommended). CDL2 leverset: 4×AAA. CDL2 deadbolt: 4×AA. Battery life approx. 5,000 openings across the CEL range. All KIT part numbers include batteries. Do not use lithium or rechargeable batteries. See: How long do digital door locks last?
Further Reading — Smart Lock Buyers Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a smart lock in Australia
Ch02: Measuring Your Door
Backset, bore hole, and door thickness explained. What to measure before you order.
Ch03: Access Methods
PIN, RFID, Bluetooth, fingerprint, and WiFi compared. Which do you actually need?
Ch04: Door Types
Entry, passage, fire, and NCC compliance. Choosing the right lock for your door type.
Ch05: Fire Door Smart Locks
FRL ratings, certification reports, and which Carbine models are fire door approved.
Ch08: Gateways & Bluetooth
Bluetooth vs WiFi vs Zigbee. How Carbine Connect fits into the landscape.
Ch12: Installation & Troubleshooting
Step-by-step installation guidance and the most common mistakes to avoid.
