The Difference Between Permutation & Combination Locks
"Permutation" and "combination" are two words that are often confused when it comes to locking mechanisms. Often, a lock where a series of numbers is entered to unlock it is called a combination lock. However, the reality is that because numbers must be entered in a specific order, rather than just combined, the lock should more accurately be called a permutation lock.
Combination
Most locks that involve entering a number are known as combination locks. The numbers are usually arranged in turn dials, twistable knobs, or dial pad entry format. These types of locks come with a preset number that has to be entered in sequence to open the lock.
Permutation
A permutation can be thought of as a set of numbers in a sequenced order. Almost all combination locks should actually be known as permutation locks because the order of the numbers that must be entered cannot be switched.
Repetition
A lock that has interchangeable numbers can be categorized as both combination and permutation. For example, if a lock has the combination "555" this can be thought of as a combination lock in that you could switch any 5 with any other 5 and still unlock the lock. It can also be thought of as permutation in that the fives are in a specific sequence of one following another.
Terminology
The terms combination and permutation are often confused and switched because of their close meaning. The term permutation is thought of as a more exact mathematics term rather than combination, which is more of a general term. However, in terms of the lock industry, these two words are often used interchangeably.
References
Writer Bio
Matt Fregoe has been writing since 2008. First published with a local business in Burlington, Vt., he now specializes in technology and publishing articles on eHow. Fregoe is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Web design and development at Champlain College.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
More Articles
