What Is A Commercial Door Lock
A commercial door lock is a mechanical or electronic latching mechanism and hardware used to secure a door to the frame. There are a variety of commercial door types, with each one using it's own specific lock type.
Types Of Commercial Door Locks
Commercial Glass Door Locks
A commercial glass door is commonly used as the main entrance to any building. Also sometimes referred to a storefront door, this aluminum framed commercial door uses a specific mortise lock that installs into the aluminum stile of the door. Commercial glass door locks typically use a mortise dead lock which features a laminated bolt that secures the aluminum door to the aluminum frame. Some commercial glass doors use a spring loaded deadlatch lock which is designed for exit only traffic.
Commercial Door Handle Sets
A commercial door handle set is a mechanical latching device that is installed on a door using two bored holes. One large bored hole is located on the face of the door, while the other smaller bored hole is located perpendicular and on the door's edge. Commercial door handle sets are comprised of the interior and exterior lever, interior and exterior rose trim plate, spring loaded latch bolt and assembly, and the door frame strike plate. Commercial door handle sets are commonly used on interior or exterior commercial wood doors, hollow metal doors, or fire rated steel doors.
Commercial Door Panic Bars
A commercial door panic bar is a mechanical push bar latch device. It's designed to provide fast egress out of a commercial building. Commercial door panic bars are a safety requirement for exit doors in commercial buildings. Commercial door panic bars are used on commercial glass exit doors, commercial wood exit doors, hollow metal exit doors, and fire rated steel exit doors.
Commercial Door Deadbolt
A commercial door deadbolt lock is a mechanical latching bolt installed on a door using two bored holes. Unlike a commercial door handle set, the commercial deadbolt is not a spring loaded latch. Instead the dead bolt can only be activated mechanically by a key or thumb turn, that must be turned by hand. Once the latch bolt is extended, the door is secure. Since the latch bolt is not spring loaded, dead bolts are more difficult to unlock by forced entry, making them a very secure commercial door lock choice. Commercial dead bolt locks are used on commercial wood doors and hollow metal doors. Commercial door deadbolt locks are commonly used with commercial door handle sets to provide even more security.
Commercial Door Magnetic Lock
A commercial door magnetic lock is a electromagnetic device that uses magnetism to apply holding force between the door and frame. Commercial door magnetic locks require power at all times to operate and remain secure. The holding force of a commercial door magnetic lock can range from 600lbs to 1200lbs. Commercial door magnetic locks are commonly used on commercial glass doors, hollow metal doors, commercial wood doors, and steel doors.
Commercial Door Electric Strike
A commercial door electric strike is an electric solenoid latch designed to fit into the door frame. Unlike a traditional fixed strike plate, the electric strike features a keeper on the strike body. The keeper can be unlatched when power is applied to the electric strike solenoid, allowing the commercial door to swing open without turning the door handle. Commercial door electric strikes can be installed on door frames used with commercial wood doors, steel doors, and hollow metal doors. Commercial door electric strikes are used with commercial door handles or commercial door panic bars.
Commercial Door Lock Applications
Finding the right commercial door lock for a door is very dependent on the type of commercial door the lock will be used on. For instance, a mortise dead lock is the most common lock type for a commercial glass door, however, a door handle set is the most common lock type for a commercial hollow metal steel door. Listed below are commercial door locks commonly found on all major commercial door types as well as commercial door makes and models that our commercial door locks are compatible with.
Commercial Glass Door Lock Compatibility
Commercial glass doors are used as main entry doors to most commercial retail stores, department stores, and institutions. Below are commonly used commercial door locks found on commercial glass doors:
- Mortise Dead Locks
- Mortise Dead Latch Locks
- Panic Bars
- Magnetic Lock
- Electric Strike
Below is a list of commercial glass door manufacturers that we can supply replacement and compatible commercial door locks for:
Commercial Wood Door Lock Compatibility
Commercial wood doors are used as interior doors in most commercial buildings and institutions. Below are commonly used commercial door locks found on commercial wood doors:
- Door Handle Sets
- Door Knobs
- Deadbolts
- Panic Bars
- Magnetic Lock
- Electric Strike
Below is a list of commercial wood door manufacturers that we can supply replacement and compatible commercial door locks for:
Commercial Hollow Metal Steel Door Lock Compatibility
Commercial hollow metal doors are typically used as rear exit doors or security doors in commercial buildings and businesses. Below are commonly used commercial door locks found on commercial hollow metal doors:
- Door Handle Sets
- Door Knobs
- Deadbolts
- Panic Bars
- Magnetic Lock
- Electric Strike
Below is a list of commercial steel door manufacturers that we can supply replacement and compatible commercial door locks for:
Commercial Door Lock Grades
ANSI, the Americans National Standards Institute, provides a commercial door lock grading system, to help buyers determine the right hardware for their application. Factors such as operation, cycles, strength, and durability all go into the commercial door lock grading system. Commercial door locks are graded 1 through 3.
Grade 1 Commercial Door Lock
This commercial door lock is the highest quality. It is the most durable and has been thoroughly tested through door operation cycles to ensure a long lasting product. Grade 1 locks are commonly used on exterior commercial doors with heavy traffic and abuse.
Grade 2 Commercial Door Lock
The grade 2 commercial door lock is the overall best lock choice in terms of performance in relation to price. This lock has been thoroughly tested through strength and operation and is not rated for as many performance cycles as a grade 1 lock, however it's performance exceeds the needs of 99% of commercial door applications out there. Grade 2 commercial door locks are commonly used on exterior doors with standard foot traffic and interior door with standard to heavy foot traffic.
Grade 3 Door Locks
The grade 3 door lock is designed for residential door applications. The strength and durability of this lock is only recommended for low traffic residential doors.
Commercial Door Lock Requirements
When shopping or choosing a commercial door lock it is very important to consider building codes and national standards to ensure that the commercial door lock is safe and compliant.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Commercial Lock Requirements
If the commercial door lock is being used on a fire rated door assembly, then the commercial door lock must also be fire rated. For example a 3 hour fire rated exterior steel door should use a fire rated commercial door handle set. Any commercial door lock installed on a fire door must comply with the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association.
ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) Commercial Lock Requirements
ADA, or the Americans With Disabilities Act, is a law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. This law provides a set of standards that must be followed in relation to commercial door access. ADA compliance requires that the door hardware (lever handle or pull) must allow one hand operation without any pinching or twisting of the wrist. As a result commercial door locks such as commercial door handle sets, must abide by this requirement. As an example, commercial door knob locks are not ADA compliant since they require a twisting of the wrist.
ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) Commercial Lock Requirements
ANSI and BHMA provide performance standards for commercial door locks. These are associations specify requirements for commercial door locks in order to ensure safety and building code compliance.
IBC (International Building Code) Commercial Lock Requirements
IBC is a globally recognized set of codes that provides structural, fire, and life safety requirements for doors in buildings. Most states follow the IBC as a standard to follow. Commercial door locks must comply with IBC codes pertaining to doors and hardware.
Other Commercial Door Lock Requirements
All local jurisdiction should be considered when purchasing a commercial door lock, to ensure compliance and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Commercial Lock Cost?
A grade 1 commercial door handle set costs around $250. A grade 2 commercial door handle set costs around $180. A grade 1 commercial panic bar can cost around $800 depending on the outside trim used. A grade 2 commercial panic bar can cost around $500 depending on the outside trim used.
Which Is The Most Common Commercial Door Hardware Lockset?
For commercial wood and steel doors the most common commercial door lock is the handle set lock. For commercial glass storefront doors the most common commercial door lock is the mortise dead lock with outside mortise lock cylinder and inside thumb turn.
How Do You Lock A Commercial Door Lock?
If the commercial door lock is a handle set, then depending on the lock function, it can be locked by key or push button. Commercial door panic bars lock, by simply latching the door. Commercial glass door mortise locks can be locked by turning the thumb turn or using the key.
Are All Commercial Door Locks The Same Size?
Most all commercial door locks are the same size, since commercial doors are manufactured to standard lock preps. Residential doors, however, are not manufactured to the same specifications. As a result residential door locks are not the same size as commercial door locks.
