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 Guide
Every current model compared — CDL2, CEL-3IN1, CEL2-3IN1 and CEL2-BT — with specs, access methods, fire ratings, and product links in one place.
Reviewed by Terry’s Locksmiths, Gold Coast. 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. All models share the same 54 mm lockset hole pattern — which means they retrofit into existing Carbine-prepared doors without additional drilling.
This guide covers:
- All current models at a glance — specs table with access methods, fire ratings, NCC compliance and cycle counts
- Model-by-model deep dives — spec pills, access method breakdowns, and product image cards with direct links
- The key distinctions between generations (CEL vs CEL2 vs CEL2-BT) and what changed
- A decision framework — six scenarios matched to the right product
- Common questions answered, including NFC compatibility and remote access limitations
For foundational context before reading this guide, see Chapter 03 — Access Methods, Chapter 05 — Fire Door Smart Locks, and Chapter 08 — Gateway & Bluetooth Comparison in the Smart Lock Buyer’s Guide.
Fire certification expiry dates (Firecore FRT230184: valid to 20/12/2028; E-Core FAS220275: valid to 30/11/2027) are current at time of writing. Always verify current certification status on the relevant product page before specifying for a fire door application — certifications are renewed periodically. Carbine Connect App features and security ratings may change with app updates; confirm current app capability before purchase.
This guide was reviewed and updated in May 2026. All models in stock.
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 OverrideFire Rated4×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
200 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.
Can I use my NFC phone as a key?
Yes — for all RFID-capable models (CEL-3IN1, CEL2-3IN1, CEL2-BT leverset). The lock reads 13.56 MHz Mifare cards and compatible NFC phone emulations. iPhone NFC background tag reading works in most cases; some Android phones require NFC to be enabled in settings. The lock does not care whether the credential is a physical card, FOB, or NFC phone emulation — it reads the UID from the token.
Can I manage the lock remotely?
No. The Carbine Connect App is Bluetooth-only. There is no WiFi gateway, no cloud connection, and no remote unlock. You must be within Bluetooth range (approx. 5–10m) to use the app. If you need remote access — for example, to let in a tradesperson while you are offsite — you would need a lock with a WiFi gateway. See: Buyers Guide Ch08: Gateway & Bluetooth Comparison.
What batteries do I need?
CDL2 leverset: 4×AAA. CDL2 deadbolt: 4×AA. All CEL and CEL2 models: 4×AA. Use Procell or Duracell alkaline only. Lithium and rechargeable batteries are not compatible with any Carbine digital lock in this range. All KIT versions include batteries.
Is the Carbine Connect App free?
Yes. The Carbine Connect App is free to download and use. There is no subscription fee. All features — user management, event log, auto-unlock, and multi-lock management — are included at no cost.
Can these locks be used on a fire door?
CEL-3IN1, CEL2-3IN1 (leverset and FR Kit), and CEL2-BT (leverset and FR Kit) are certified for fire door use on specific door leaf assemblies. The CDL2 range is not fire rated. Always verify that the complete door assembly — door leaf, frame, hinges, closers, seals, and strike — is fire rated, not just the lock. See: Buyers Guide Ch05: Fire Door Smart Locks.