Commercial Door Hardware - Security Features

Commercial door hardware comes in many different works-for-the-field purposes to accommodate the numerous needs found in schools, hospitals, offices, office complexes, hotels, and many other high-traffic, high volume buildings. Hospitals and Schools often require emergency lock features on their doors and need different types of door knobs and pulls than those found in office buildings. Office buildings will often need emergency release system mechanisms on their exit doors to ensure the safety of its employees. In addition, installing a commercial door hardware product for any of these types of commercial buildings could be quite a complicated task.

For example, in a school, emergency locks would most likely come with a keyed assembly that requires specific keys to operate the door from both inside and outside the building. Emergency release hinges may also have to be made out of a hard durable steel, since the door handles cannot normally be replaced after a malfunction. As well, the door hardware found inside the classroom is critical to its functionality: locks, knobs, and latches must be sturdy enough to withstand years of heavy usage and must fit firmly into the door frame. The same consideration is also applied to the door hardware found inside office building entrances.

In offices, the most common commercial door hardware types are locked with either keyed or non-keyed assemblies. The most popular models for home offices are those with the keyed handles. These handles offer better security and flexibility in that they can be locked and unlocked as needed without having to remove the entire lock assembly. Locks with keyed assemblies are typically less expensive, but they require a key for operation unlike non-keyed handles. Keyless entry systems offer the best combination of security measures, since the devices can be programmed not only to lock, and unlock as needed, but also to emit an audible signal to alert and draw attention to anyone who tries to gain access to the office.