Touchless openings really took off in 2020-2021, spurred by the COVID-19 Pandemic, and centered on the healthcare industry. Hospitals, doctors’ offices and senior living facilities were the first to recognize the value of touchless openings in preventing the spread of germs. Commercial and industrial buildings soon followed suit, as workers returned to the office.
As new products and new options come on the market, locksmiths are well-placed to install or service the mechanisms needed to create touchless openings. The most basic requirements are the door and its hinges and latches, something to move the door (a low-energy door operator or an automatic door operator) and something to trigger the opening. Depending on the traffic level and need for security, this could be a wave-to-open switch, a smartphone reader or other kind of touchless credential or an infrared sensor.
Most manufacturers can provide touchless kits for both retrofits and new installations. In this article, we take a look at some of the newest products and trends.
Low-Energy Door Operators
The new Norton-Rixson 4500 Series is a compact, door-mounted, electromechanical low energy operator. An integrated RF receiver, universal push/pull arm, and WiFi user interface make this operator ideal for retrofit applications.
A major benefit is the ease of installation. Adjustments and programming are done via a WiFi user interface, meaning less or no need to climb a ladder while fine-tuning the equipment.
Norton -Rixson offers several models of WiFi-controlled low-energy door operators. In addition to the 4500 Series, the 5200 Series, 6300 Series, 6200 Series and 6000 Series offer this feature.
“With a Wi-Fi-enabled operator, we’re not connecting to the Wi-Fi network like you might do with a wireless lock or with an IP camera, for example. We’re creating a Wi-Fi hotspot from the operator itself and then connecting to it, using a phone, a tablet or a PC. It’s got a little web server built in, and it allows you to configure all of the inputs and outputs and performance characteristics of the device that you would normally have to get up on a ladder and remove the cover to be able to program,” explained Adam Dowden, business development manager, ASSA ABLOY.
Features
- Push or pull side mounting
- Non-handed
- Integrated RF receiver (900MHz)
- Maximum door size: 200 lbs. at 48" wide
- 90° max opening
- WiFi interface
- Powered by 120VAC plug-in transformer
Motorized Electronic Latch Retraction
With motorized Electronic Latch Retraction (MELR) action of an electric motor retracts the latch bolt, enabling doors to open automatically without physical touch. MELR integrates with automated building systems to enhance security, efficiency and accessibility.
“Operated via motor, MELR not only protects spaces from unauthorized entry but also ensures door access systems are accessible to everyone, promoting a more inclusive environment. In the world of modern MELR systems, it’s exciting to see how door security has evolved to effortlessly blend practical functionality with user-friendly design,” noted Lori Brown, senior product manager, ASSA ABLOY Access and Door Control Group.
SARGENT recently added the rugged 8200 Series Motorized Electric Latch Retraction (56-) mortise locks to its offering of door hardware solutions, built for demanding environments such as schools, hospitals, universities, and other venues where security is paramount. Similarly, Corbin Russwin has added MELR to its ML2000 Series mortise lock.
To ensure immediate access in high-traffic locations, the locks deliver quick latch bolt retraction in just half a second with applied power. These locks are ideal for push-pull conditions, handicapped access, and are perfect for use with automatic operators to facilitate accessibility and ADA compliance.
Accessibility features include optional Request to Exit functionality, adaptable designs for both in-swing and out-swing doors, and compatibility with any access control system. SARGENT and Corbin Russwin MELR mortise locks also feature quiet, efficient operation with low power consumption.
“Our new ML2000 Series MELR mortise locks combine the best in electronic access and mechanical lock technologies to deliver a new benchmark in security,” said Brown. “Their universal compatibility with any access control software platform makes them ideal for installation in virtually any commercial, institutional or industrial facility.”
Corbin Russwin ML2000 Series MELR mortise locks are at the forefront of lock technology, offering fast latch bolt retraction in just half a second, ensuring immediate access in high-traffic scenarios. Designed with versatility in mind, these locks are ideal for a wide range of applications fulfilling requirements for automatic door operators and ADA compliance requirements for handicap access.
Certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1 and ANSI/BHMA A156.25 compliance standards for superior performance, the MELR mortise locks are also UL/cUL fire rated for 3-hour doors, and UL294/UCL60839-11-1 Listed and Windstorm Certified (refer to local codes).
Key accessibility features include optional Request to Exit functionality, adaptable designs for both in-swing and out-swing doors, and compatibility with any access control system. They boast quiet, efficient operation with low power consumption.
More info: www.sargentlock.com and www.corbinrusswin.com
One of the newest MELR products is the Command Access LPC190, billed as the first cylindrical lock to feature motorized latch retraction. The Command Access LPM190 offers similar power and flexibility in a mortise lock. Both models utilize a custom motor to maximize pulling force, lower surge, and allow for long wire runs and multiple locks on one power supply, ideal for handicap access, single-occupancy restrooms and automatic operators.
This new lock is an ideal solution for push/pull conditions, handicap access, single-occupancy restroom applications, and automatic operators where a panic device is unnecessary. It utilizes a custom CAT designed motor assembly to allow latch retraction and request-to-exit options, all within a standard 161 prep.
Watch a video of these new MELR products at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCVbKpEL-qY&t=14s.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
