According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), approximately 33% of break-ins in commercial properties during 2019 were due to inadequate door security, often pointing to the absence of a strong commercial door lock. Could this alarming statistic be attributed to businesses not investing in the right commercial door locks, or is it simply a lack of proper knowledge about commercial lock standards?
In this guide, we will dive into the significance of choosing the appropriate commercial door lock. By exploring the various types, standards, and grades of commercial door locks, we will create a roadmap for you to effectively secure your commercial property.
What Are Commercial Door Locks?
Commercial door locks are high-performance security systems developed to offer advanced protection against break-ins and withstand heavy daily use. The key aspect distinguishing commercial door locks from residential ones is their resistance to tampering and wear and tear.
Furthermore, these top-quality commercial door locks and heavy-duty lock sets are designed to accommodate a higher traffic volume, making them ideal for areas accessed frequently throughout the day. Often, these devices also feature more complex locking mechanisms, functions, and higher-grade materials, ensuring both durability and a higher level of security to meet the stringent demands of commercial settings.
The Importance of Commercial Grade Lock Standards
Heavy-duty security door lock systems, are a fundamental part of workplace security, fire ratings, codes, and standards. Door locks come in various grades, denoting durability, quality of construction, and security level. These grades, standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), play a major role in guiding users to select the most appropriate hardware.
The safety of your business, its assets, and your properties is critical in maintaining your company’s security posture. Thus, choosing heavy-duty commercial door locks that align with your business’s security and compliance requirements is of great importance. The BHMA and ANSI enhance the reliability and security of commercial door locks by setting industry-leading standards.
While BHMA certifications indicate a product's safety and reliability, ANSI standards define performance, durability, and security norms for American products. Several important international standards, like Euro Norms (EN) and Singapore Standards (SS), set high-security standards worldwide. These play an important role in today's interconnected economy. Commercial door locks are classified into three grades by the BHMA:
- Grade 1: The highest grade, intended for high-traffic commercial areas like hospitals and schools. Key characteristics include exceptional durability and resistance to intensive use.
- Grade 2: Designed for lighter traffic environments such as small offices. Offers reliable security and quality construction for moderate use.
- Grade 3: Provides a basic security level for residential or low-traffic commercial areas. Offers sufficient durability and complexity for fundamental security needs.
You must consider factors such as traffic levels, security requirements, durability requirements, and budget when choosing the best type of commercial electronic door lock for your business or office. While higher-quality locks may be more costly, they also offer higher levels of durability and security, ensuring a balance between the cost and functionality of the lock.
Understanding Commercial Door Lock Types
Choosing the right type of commercial electronic door locks for your business or office is crucial for establishments with a focus on securing their premises effectively. Each of the commercial door lock and access control solutions serves specific needs, offering various advantages depending on the application and the level of security required. Here’s a closer look at the diverse range of commercial door locks available, their uses, and their advantages:
Specialized for cabinet security, these types of commercial door hardware protect sensitive documents and valuables. They range from simple cam locks for basic protection to advanced electronic systems for heightened security needs, making them essential in offices, retail stores, and healthcare facilities.
Cylindrical Knob and Cylindrical Lever Locks:
Essential for interior doors, knob locks balance accessibility with security for low to medium-protection areas. Sargent Grade 1 10x line, 11 lines, and Grade 2 7 line, Schlage ND Series Grade 1 Cylindrical Locks, Grade 2 ALX Series, or Grade 1 Corbin Russwin CLX3300 Series, CL3800 Grade 2 lever locks are suitable options. These locks meet ADA requirements, provide enhanced usability, and are ideal for offices, hospitals, and schools, catering to environments with moderate security needs.
Creating a robust barrier against forced entry, deadbolts anchor doors to frames with unmatched resilience. They are the gold standard for exterior door security in retail spaces, office buildings, and commercial properties requiring strong protection. Schlage B60 Series and Sargent 8200 Series Locks are excellent options for exterior doors.
Utilizing magnetic force, these locks offer superior security and convenience while integrating seamlessly with access control systems. Perfect for secure entrances in commercial buildings and data centers, they ensure that controlled access is maintained.
Electric Push Button and Keypad Locks:
These locks provide keyless entry through pin codes, eliminating the need for physical keys and enhancing security. Ideal for controlled access to storerooms, server rooms, and various commercial areas, they effectively prevent unauthorized entry. A popular option for keyless entry solutions is the Schlage ALX Series and Sargent KP 10 Line Locks.
Commercial Hospital Push Pull Locks:
Designed for ease of use, these locks can be operated by pushing or pulling which is beneficial in high-traffic or emergency situations. They are predominantly used in healthcare settings, offering accessibility without compromising security.
Embedded directly into the door, a mortise deadlock allows for manual locking with a key or thumb turn from both sides. These devices are suited for high-traffic commercial environments, retail, educational institutions, and exterior high-security doors.
These locks enhance security by engaging the door at multiple points, distributing locking force for increased resistance to forced entry. Ideal for external doors in high-risk areas, they provide comprehensive protection.
Padlocks and Pocket Door Locks:
Offering flexible and space-saving locking solutions, padlocks are portable for securing gates and storage units, while pocket door locks are designed for sliding doors, maximizing space efficiency in commercial and residential settings.
Common in older buildings or historic properties, these locks consolidate all locking components into a single unit, simplifying installation and maintenance. They are a practical solution for preserving the integrity of traditional doors while ensuring security.
They employ a latching mechanism that automatically secures a door upon closing, providing both convenience and enhanced security. Ideal for busy commercial settings where doors must remain securely closed without constant manual locking, dead latches are perfect for offices, public buildings, and residential complexes seeking efficient security solutions.
Combining strength and precision, these locks are installed within the door itself, offering superior protection against forced entry. With options for keyed entry and thumb turn from the inside, they are extensively used in commercial, institutional, and high-end residential settings for their reliability and robustness in securing doors. Popular mortise locks include Sargent’s 8200 Series, Schlage's L9000 Series, and Corbin Russwin ML2000 Series.
Suited for healthcare facilities, hospitals, and behavioral health facilities. Also known as anti-ligature locks, these locks ensure patients' safety by preventing any self-harm. Popular ligature-resistant locks include Sargent’s 8200 mortise lock with a BHW trim, ALP Trim, BHL Trim, Marks USA 195SS Locks, Townsteel MRX and TRX Locks.
Businesses can effectively enhance their security measures by understanding the distinct features and advantages of each type of lock. This ensures protection and accessibility that is tailored to specific requirements.
Key Factors for Choosing the Right Commercial Door Locks
Selecting the right commercial door locks and access control solutions requires a thorough understanding of your property’s security requirements. Here are some factors that should be considered to ensure the highest level of security and efficiency:
- Security Needs: Evaluate unique threats based on location, crime rate, and industry risks. Security demands vary widely between high-risk retail settings and safer office environments. Sargent’s 10X line is a suitable option designed for high-security applications.
- Durability and Reliability: Commercial locks must withstand heavy usage without failing, ensuring they remain operational under stress. It's always advisable to purchase commercial door locks like Series Mortise Locks from reliable distributors that offer manufacturer warranties, ensuring both product reliability and access to support should any issues arise.
- Accessibility: Ensures that locks offer easy access for authorized users without compromising security, balancing operational efficiency with safety protocols.
- Compatibility: New locks should integrate with existing systems without extensive modifications. Users can find out more about recent market trends by checking with any popular commercial door hardware seller in their area.
- Budget: When purchasing locks, consider them an investment in security. Prioritize quality over initial cost to prevent future costs associated with maintenance or risks. QDH, for instance, is an authorized dealer of commercial door hardware and accessories that provides substantial discounts on bulk orders.
- Awareness of Local Crime and Risks: Adapt security measures to local and industry-specific threats, especially in high-risk areas.
- Regulatory Compliance: Follow local building codes and regulations, including fire safety and emergency exits.
Key Features to Look for in Commercial Door Locks
When evaluating commercial door locks, understanding the key features that contribute to their effectiveness can help in making an informed decision.
1. High-Security Features
- Anti-Pick: These locks are designed to resist lock-picking attempts, using complex keyways and pin configurations.
- Anti-Drill: Constructed with hardened steel components, these locks are built to withstand drilling attempts.
- Anti-Bump: Locks with this feature are designed to prevent the use of a “bump key,” a common tool for burglars trying to defeat a lock without visible signs of entry.
The practical benefit of these features is significantly increased security against some of the most common methods of forced entry.
2. Access Control Options
- Keyless Entry: Enables access without traditional keys, often through codes, cards, or biometrics, enhancing security by eliminating the risk of lost keys.
- Remote Access: Allows doors to be locked or unlocked remotely, providing convenience and the ability to respond quickly to security threats.
The evolution of technology has led to more sophisticated access control options, improving security while offering businesses greater flexibility and control over their premises.
3. Weather Resistance and Tamper-proofing
Commercial locks should also be resistant to environmental factors and tampering attempts. Weather-resistant locks ensure functionality in various conditions, while tamper-proof features prevent unauthorized modifications or bypassing of the lock mechanism.
4. Integration with Security Systems
Commercial door lever locks that can integrate with broader security systems, including alarms and surveillance, provide a holistic approach to security. This integration can lead to more effective monitoring and quicker responses to potential breaches.
Selecting the right commercial door lock requires a comprehensive understanding of a multitude of factors, from assessing unique security needs to considering compliance and compatibility issues. By prioritizing high-security features, advanced access control options, and integration capabilities, businesses can significantly enhance their security posture. Remember, investing in high-quality commercial door locks is not just about protecting assets but ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone associated with the business.
Popular Brands and Models of Commercial Door Locks
When securing a commercial property, the choice of locks is pivotal due to the unique security requirements compared to residential spaces. Brands like Schlage, Corbin Russwin, Arrow, Sargent, and ABH are at the forefront of the commercial door lock industry, offering reliability, durability, and cutting-edge security features. These top brands have a reputation for evolving with advancements in technology, including IoT integrations, to ensure enhanced security and operational efficiency. The selection of these brands represents an investment in not just a lock but a comprehensive security solution tailored to the complex needs of commercial properties.
Secure Your Business Today with Commercial Door Locks from Quality Door
Investing in high-quality commercial door locks is more than just protecting assets; it's about ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone associated with the business. These locks serve not only as a cornerstone of business safety but also to support the uninterrupted flow of daily activities. By prioritizing high-security features, advanced access control options, and integration capabilities, businesses can significantly enhance their security posture.
Looking for top-notch commercial door locks or essential hardware products to ensure smooth and safe daily operations? Visit Quality Door & Hardware Inc., the most trusted commercial door hardware supplier in the US allowing users to search specifically for lock series from a particular brand. No matter whether you want Corbin Russwin’s CLX3300 Series Locks, CL3800 Series Locks, ML2000 Series Mortise Locks, Schlage’s ALX and ND Series, or Sargent’s 10X line cylindrical locks and 8200 Mortise locks, we have got your back. For more details, visit our website qualitydoor.com now or schedule an appointment and explore our range.
