Do I need accountability for who entered through the door (audit trail)?
Locks are such an everyday part of our lives that we sometimes take them for granted. Until they fail or are compromised. We want to help you find the hardware that is right for you when that happens. Or if you are ahead of the game and want to upgrade to better hardware, knowing the answers to the following questions can help us get what you need.
What commercial hardware will meet my security needs?
Which commercial function lock will meet my needs?
Are my keys able to be copied by anybody and what are Medeco Locks?
Commercial hardware requirements vary widely. We do have a few general recommendations.
Stay with the architects' hardware recommendations relating to the quality of hardware. If there is a Grade 1 lock on the door, then replace or add locks that are rated Grade 1.
Be sure to use fire rated hardware on fire rated doors.
Avoid modifying fire rated doors and frames in the field. There are limits to how much modification is acceptable. Keep in mind these doors have been tested to protect you in the case of fire. Cutting too much from the door/frame will destroy the UL listing on the door/frame and may increase your liabilities if someone is hurt or killed in a fire or additional property damage is caused by destroying the "fire wall" which the door/frame is a part of.
Keep the "path of egress" clear. An exit sign over a door indicates single action egress is required. This means one motion to open the door, so you can't add a second lock that requires additional actions to unlock the door.
Building Codes and Life Safety Codes vary according to jurisdiction. The local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) must approve any variances from the local code. ALWAYS GET APPROVED VARIANCES IN WRITING.
Meeting your security needs requires we determine not only that we meet your needs related to burglary resistance, but that we meet the Life Safety and Building Codes, and provide a lock that meets your user needs.
Which function lock will meet my needs?
A: How the lock will be used will determine the function of the lock. If you do not want to allow people to leave a door unlocked, then a store room function lock may meet your needs. If you want to control whether a door is locked or unlocked, then a vestibule function lock may be what is needed.
Privacy function – Push button locking. Often may be unlocked with a small screwdriver from the outside. For use on bedrooms and bathrooms.