Most of us think that locks used in commercial buildings are called commercial locks. What we fail to realize is that these commercial door locks have to match certain requirements of the Builders Home Manufacturers Association. This Association grades the manufacturers for business door locks and lays down some specifications for their use on commercial property. As per this, the lock hardware that has a certain rating can only qualify as office door locks.
Normally, commercial door locks are graded as 1, 2, and 3 as per the security they provide. Grade 1 Locks are only for interior doors and not for exterior office doors. Grade 2 locks are for high-traffic areas like office lobbies, hotel lounges, and reception areas. Grade 3 locks are the strongest commercial locks made of the strongest material and hard to breach. They are ideal for schools, hospitals, banks, government offices, etc.
Let us see the qualities that every building manager will look for in a commercial look.
The right type of commercial lock to secure an office door
Before we zero in on the right type of lock for the office, we must know more about the common types of locks.
Cylindrical locks
This cylindrical lock uses a knob or lever on one side for locking and a key on the other for opening. Depending on the opening mechanism, these locks can be classified as cylindrical knob locks or cylindrical lever locks. The problem with this lock type is that it can be bumped by burglars very easily.
Usually, business owners opt for double cylinder locks for office security as they require a key to unlock from either side. No burglar can try to use the thumb turn method to gain entry through these locks.
For a higher level of security, keyed deadbolts are ideal.
Deadbolts
In terms of security, deadbolts are the best as they can be opened using a thumb-turn button on the inside and a key on the outside. The best part of this secure lock is that there are no springs in a deadbolt. Deadbolts are often declared the toughest commercial hardware and are graded as per the force they can withstand.
Keypad Locks
If you want to grant access to many people for a secure area, opt for an affordable keypad lock.
A keypad door lock uses a numeric keypad to provide secure access to commercial areas. If the user punches in the right code on the numerical keypad, he gains access. else, the door automatically locks after a certain period of failed attempts.
Smart Locks
If you are often prone to missing or misplacing keys, opt for a key lock like a Smart Lock.
Smart Locks help you go keyless without compromising on security. Using innovative Z wave or Bluetooth technology, these high-security locks help you operate them using a smartphone app. Another advantage of smart locks is that they allow you to grant temporary access to the housekeeping staff, guests, etc while restricting access to high-security areas.
The most salient feature of these electronic locks is that they enable remote access by unlocking or locking remotely using your mobile app. They also send real-time notifications and alerts when an unauthorized person tries to gain entry.
High-security commercial locks for exterior doors
Extra commercial security measures are a must when it comes to exterior doors as they are the main entry points to the premises. Here are some locks that meet the security requirements needed for exterior doors of commercial spaces.
Mortise Locks
A Mortise Lock is a dual device lock that uses both a doorknob and a deadbolt. It is fitted into a pocket of the door. It is a fail-secure lock ideal for the outer doors of business spaces.
Electromagnetic Locks
These magnetic locks are in wide use to provide secure access to commercial locations. They hold the door firmly in place using electromagnets and an armature plate.
Electromagnetic locks are the common lock types used for automatic doors, swinging doors, glass doors, emergency exits, or delayed egress doors.
Electric Strike Locks
When you need to safeguard the interior or exterior doors of high-security areas, electric strike locks are the ideal choice. This commercial door lock type is often used in combination with an access control system.
This lock set has a mechanical lock fitted into the door frame and the door. It is also connected to an electrical supply to help operate it without using a key or a lever. During emergencies, the occupants inside can exit with the help of panic bars.
Electric strike locks can be made fail-secure after considering the safety codes of the building. You can release the lock using keypad access, proximity reader, or a reception button.
Select the right type of commercial door lock after exploring the above options. consider the lock grade, safety features, and anti-picking protections of the locks before you choose them. Consult a professional lock expert like Pi Security Solutions to install commercial locks with additional security measures.
Pi Security Solutions Owner/Operator Nim Gil is a product of a rigorous apprenticeship and has locksmithing experience from 2012. He possesses the knowledge and technical expertise to work on difficult, unique, and antique locks as well as all modern safe, vault, and lock technologies. He has successfully completed numerous entry control projects in the given time frame. Nim is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. He understands the Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA) and the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and works by the standards of these two leading organizations. Nim is also well-versed in state safety codes and other Seattle locksmith requirements.
