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Understanding Lock Functions DH Desconocido
Understanding Lock Functions DH Desconocido
Lock Functions
Determining which lock function
is appropriate for which door can
drive a specifier crazy.
As openings become increasingly complex, PASSAGE SETS are used where doors do not
so too are the options for securing them. A typical need to lock. There is no key cylinder and no
manufacturer’s catalog can offer upwards of 50 means to lock a passage set.
different lock functions, making it difficult or even PRIVACY SETS are often used for single-occupant
impossible to remember how each function works. restrooms or dressing rooms. They can be locked
Determining which lock function is appropriate from the inside with a thumbturn or push button/
for each door is one of the challenges specifiers turn for privacy, and they are typically unlocked
must deal with, particularly in schools where from the outside using a tool rather than a key.
tragedies like the one at Sandy Hook have There are several variations on this function, in-
renewed controversy over how best to secure cluding a hospital privacy, which has a thumbtu-
classroom doors during a lockdown event. rn on both the inside and outside to allow hospital
Fortunately, the vast majority of locks specified staff quick access to the bathroom. Some privacy
use one of just six mechanical lock functions. That functions may also incorporate an indicator to
knowledge, combined with a basic understanding show the locked/unlocked status of the door.
of electromechanical locks and a few deadbolt STOREROOM LOCKS are used when the outside
functions, represents a fairly comprehensive un- lever should remain locked at all times. A key is
derstanding of common lock functions. used to retract the latchbolt and open the door;
Let’s begin with an overview of the most com- when the key is removed, the door is locked on
mon functions for mechanical locks. Note that all the outside. There is no ability to lock or unlock
of these functions allow free egress at all times. the outside knob or lever from the inside. Typical
locations for a storeroom lock are secure storage
rooms, mechanical rooms, and elec- originally designed for schools to and can be used in any location where
trical rooms that do not require panic prevent students from tampering with key control of the outside lever is re-
hardware. When a storeroom lock is the lock, but most new schools have quired from the inside of the room.
specified, a door closer may also be classroom security locks (see below). DEADBOLTS may be required for
needed to ensure that the door is not A classroom lock might be used for a additional security and are typically
left open, defeating security. common office corridor or suite entry, combined in a mortise lock with one
OFFICE LOCKS may be controlled by where key control of the lock is need- of the functions already listed or as
a key in the outside cylinder or by a ed and a thumbturn or push button/ a separate lock. If a door is part of a
thumbturn or push button/turn on turn is not desired. means of egress, it must unlatch with
the inside. The outside lever may be CLASSROOM SECURITY LOCKS allow one operation (with some excep-
left in a locked or unlocked position, control of the outside lever via key cyl- tions for residential dwelling units),
and the use of the thumbturn/but- inders on both the inside and outside so deadbolts are often installed on
ton provides convenience to the user of the door. This allows a teacher to doors with push/pull hardware. One
but may also allow an unauthorized lock the classroom door during a example is a door to a restroom with
person to control the lock. This lock lockdown event without opening the multiple toilet stalls, where the door
should be used where unauthorized door and possibly being exposed to would typically be push/pull (no lock)
use of the lock is not a concern—per- an intruder in the corridor. In some but may need to be locked if there is a
haps an individual office or a storage jurisdictions these locks are required plumbing problem.
closet that does not need to be secured by law or by state guidelines for Most deadbolts have a cylinder on the
at all times. school classrooms. The cylinder on the outside to project or retract the bolt.
CLASSROOM LOCKS are controlled by classroom side of the door does not On the inside, there may be a thumb-
a key in the outside cylinder, which prevent egress; it controls the outside turn or key cylinder. If the door is in a
locks or unlocks the outside lever. lever and is typically keyed so that all means of egress (including the means
The lock can be left in the locked of the inside cylinders on classroom of egress from a restroom), an occupant
or unlocked state by using the key, doors are operated by the same key or must be able to unlatch the door with-
and there is no means of locking or by any key in the school’s key system out a key, tool or special knowledge
unlocking the outside knob or lever (“maison keying”). Classroom security or effort, so the applications for a key
from the inside. This function was locks are not restricted to classrooms cylinder on the egress side are limited.
Storeroom or Standard
Classroom Function
A storeroom function always requires
a key to retract the latch and enter the
room. A classroom lock can be locked
or unlocked using a key in the outside
lever. For both functions, the inside
lever always allows free egress. Many
schools have existing classroom locks,
and some have instituted a policy in
which the classroom is kept locked at
all times, making it perform similar to
a storeroom function lock.
PROS: Often for budgetary reasons,
existing locks may be kept in the
locked position at all times. If the
door is closed, the door is locked.
CONS: This can be inconvenient if
the door is kept closed and students
need to enter the room after class
begins. In the case of classroom
locks that could be left unlocked,
procedures must be followed to en-
sure that the outside lever is always
kept locked.