Page 30 - Security Today, March/April 2025

L O C K S A N D H A R D W A R E
“In almost all locations, doors along
paths of egress must be able to be
unlatched with a single motion, in the
direction of egress. All facilities must
adhere to local building and fire codes
to protect the occupants.”
electronics, it is important to understand the benefi ts of each
type. Let us break down the options.
Mortise locks. Mortise locks require a pocket that is cut into
the door edge to hold the lock body; they are inherently more
robust and secure versus other lock types. While it takes more
time to install due to the door prep, they typically enable the
broadest range of standard and specialty functions. The mortise
design provides the fl exibility to support the widest array of key
cylinder types as well as a variety of aesthetically pleasing trim
options.
Cylindrical locks. Cylindrical locks, sometimes called bored
locks, are popular due to easier installation and door prepara-
tion. Although they provide an adequate variety of function and
keying options, they do not have the same level of fl exibility as
mortise locks.
Electrifi ed locks. Can be either mortise or cylindrical in design
and feature the addition of a small motor or solenoid that elec-
tromechanically moves the locking mechanism. These types of
locks can be used with a switch to remotely lock or unlock the
door, or as part of an integrated access control solution.
Electronic locks. Available is mortise and cylindrical op-
tions, electronic locks feature built-in intelligence and are typi-
cally managed by an electronic access control system. Wireless
electronic locks can be used on building interior doors including
classrooms, laboratories and residence hall unit doors to deliver
increased security and effi ciency including centralized lockdown.
Upgrading to wireless electronic locks offer improved security,
convenience and effi ciency.
They are cost effective and scalable, and they expand the ben-
efi ts of electronic access control deeper into the building. With
reduced installation time and costs, wireless electronic locks can
be deployed all at once or over time as budgets allow.
Locks with visual indicators. A growing trend is the use of vi-
sual sign trims that communicate the status of the lock. The mes-
saging in the visual indicator window can aid in reassuring people
that the doors are locked, or a space is occupied, providing peace
of mind and confi dence in a variety of applications throughout
the building.
It is important to choose an ANSI/BHMA Certifi ed lock
from a trusted brand that is known to be dependable and secure.
Grade 1 locks are typically recommended for most applications
that require strength and durability to withstand high traffi c and
abusive environments. Grade 2 locks are adequate for interior ap-
plications including offi ces and storage closets.
3 0 dtatiana/stock.adobe.com
PANIC HARDWARE FOR PERIMETER, CORRIDOR AND
HIGH OCCUPANCY SPACES
Panic hardware enables occupants to exit a building simply by ap-
plying force to the actuating member in the direction of the door
swing. This force actuates mechanisms in the device that unlatch
the door allowing free egress, which is crucial in emergency exit
scenarios where minutes count.
Similar in construction, there are two types of panic devices
that are important to understand why and where they are used.
Panic hardware. Panic exit devices on doors must have panic
hardware but cannot be used on a fi re door. Panic hardware typi-
cally has the dogging feature, which allows the latches to be held
retracted to create a push/pull function.
Fire exit hardware. Fire exit hardware is required for fi re doors
to ensure doors latch when they close and help prevent the spread
of smoke and fl ames. Fire exit hardware is not allowed to have
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