In December, we looked at the rise of status indicator locks, focusing on some new products that were introduced in the latter part of 2023. And already in the first half of 2024, we have seen some exciting new entrants into this growing product category of providing indicator locks on the exterior of doors, as in the case of a restroom or a private room, or from the inside, as is the case with school classrooms or exit devices.
In the area of school security, the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) is recommending that locks should ideally have a visual indicator so that the condition of the lock (locked or unlocked) is visible from inside the room.
“Having the ability of all the occupants to be able to lock that door is actually a critical piece now,” says PASS Advisory Board Chair Guy Grace, National K-12 Director, ASSA ABLOY. “And the other one, a new component, is the visual indicators on locks – now that's a life saver, and that's also a culture enhancement within the schools. So, when we look at the indicator locks, that's a Tier 2 now in our PASS guidelines, so our recommendations are for K through 12 to look at obtaining locks with visual indicators.”
Rick Fox, Life Safety and Access Control Manager, Colorado Mesa University, who spoke on the Locksmith Ledger Webcast panel with Grace on School Security (see page 74), agrees that indicator locks are a big step forward for schools.
“Indicator locks are a huge improvement because that shows the status of the lock that they're trying to control,” Fox says, noting that he was fortunate to be able to work with some lock manufacturers during the design phase of these locks. “I am a believer in those communicating locks that have the indicating function.”
Visual indicators on classroom doors “can provide valuable peace of mind in quickly knowing whether the door is locked,” adds Melany Whalin, Demand Generation Manager, Education & Healthcare markets at Allegion US. “In an emergency, this can save precious time and help prevent confusion or panic when trying to secure the classroom. The new indicators have larger windows and better visibility from afar. If students and teachers can glance at the door and see that it is locked, they may feel safer and more able to focus on learning.”
Beyond the classroom and schools, indicating locks of all kinds are being used to secure bathrooms in high frequency corporate and retail locations, for changing or private rooms, as well as for unique entryways, such as glass doors where the use of a visual and audio indicators is used. As noted earlier, the product segment is growing fast and inspiring new designs and innovations. Here are some of the new products that were just introduced this year.
ARROW LOCK AND DOOR HARDWARE
The new Arrow APL Series cylindrical lock with status indicators provides enhanced privacy at a glance with its bold green and red status symbols. This cylindrical lock is the ideal choice for a wide variety of commercial applications where consistent quality, ease of use, and installation are required. Ideal for restrooms, quiet rooms, nursing mothers' rooms, dressing rooms, conference rooms.
Key features of this lock include:
· Ideal for retrofit applications
· Grade 1 commercial hardware for durability
· Three-year mechanical warranty
· ANSI/BHMA 156.2 Grade 1, UL listed
· ANSI F76A function to prevent unoccupied lockouts
· Americans with Disabilities Act compliant
· Four available finishes: Satin Chrome, Bright Brass, Dark Oxidized Satin Bronze equivalent and Black Suede Powder Coat
The Arrow APL Series cylindrical indicator lever lock is an ideal solution for commercial restroom doors. This lock is ready to install, right out of the box, and will hold up to high-traffic use. The visual indicators can be found on the rose. A red, locked padlock signals that the room is occupied, and a green, unlocked padlock icon signals that the room is unoccupied. More info: www.arrowlock.com.
CORBIN RUSSWIN
Corbin Russwin has released its new CLX3300 Series cylindrical lock with status indicators. Designed to elevate security and safety with an intuitive user experience, the CLX3300 Series is designed for sensitive environments such as restrooms, classrooms, and nursing rooms. The lock expands Corbin Russwin's comprehensive suite of visual indicator offerings across its mechanical hardware portfolio, including deadbolts, mortise locks, exit devices, and now cylindrical locks.
Key Features of the CLX3300 Cylindrical Locks with Visual Status Indicators include:
· Instant Status at a Glance: Clear, intuitive visual indicators instantly display if a door is locked or unlocked, eliminating uncertainty and enhancing security.
· Effortless Installation: Designed to fit standard door preps, these locks simplify installation for both new construction and retrofit projects.
· Uncompromising Strength: Exceeds ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards for superior durability and resistance to forced entry.
· Optimal Visibility: Multiple indicator windows provide a wide 180° viewing angle for easy status checks from any position.
· Sleek, Modern Design: The elegant design complements any door style, prioritizing both aesthetics and security.
· Flexible Security Options: Available in keyed privacy and cylinder functions either one or both sides of the door to meet diverse security needs.
More info: www.corbinrusswin.com
MARKS USA
NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., recently announced the availability of the latest in its full line of high-quality panic & fire-rated door hardware for single & double doors from Marks USA.
Building on the success of the full-door M9900 panic exit bar, the M99LD Series is engineered for high-impact applications, such as schools, universities, and other critical infrastructure. The M99LD Series distinguishes itself with a clear view visual lockdown indicator on the inside, ensuring swift and unmistakable identification of the lock status, featuring a red or green indicator, providing a clear confirmation of whether the handle is open or locked, significantly enhancing safety and response times during emergencies.
Key features of the M99LD Series include:
· Visual Lockdown Indicator: Easy-to-read clear view visual Lockdown Indicator on inside, red or green, confirms outside handle is open or in locked-down status
· High-Impact Design & Durability: Engineered for demanding environments, providing consistent performance under stress.
· Field-reversible for easy stock and field application retrofitting all popular preps w/ choice of trims and finishes (or IC core). Key or T-Turn on inside toggles the outside trim (included)
· Marks USA Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, an industry first.
Now readily available for commercial locking requirements of all kinds and backdoor applications, from single to double doors, Marks cost-saving Grade 1 lineup now features M99LD Series LocDown models in choice of finishes, including popular US 19 Matte Black. More info: www.marksusa.com.
PRIDE BARCO
Pride Barco has introduced the Model D-100 L.E.D. Restroom Privacy Indicator Lock. It's battery-operated and lights up OCCUPIED signage as well as a red acrylic mounting bracket when the door is locked. In addition, the photoluminscent VACANT sign charges up when OCCUPIED so it glows green when vacant, while drawing no power from the battery.
Applications have included homes, executive restroom trailers, nightclubs, diners and children's interactive museums.
You can easily change out the 3-Volt L.E.D. and the standard CR1632 button cell battery, as all of the electronics are attached on the back of the sturdy clear acrylic message disc. (4 screw anchors are included). The secure plastic battery holder is RoHS compliant. The 3mm L.E.D. illuminates when OCCUPIED and turns off when VACANT. Lifetime Mechanical Warranty. More info: www.pridebarco.com
SARGENT
SARGENT recently unveiled its enhanced 10X Line bored locks, now with visual status indicators. These indicators offer instant confirmation of a door's locked/unlocked status. Available in multiple functions, including keyed and privacy, these locks are ideal for new and retrofit projects, exceed industry standards for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 durability, and fit standard bored lock prep. Multiple indicator placements available on the inside, outside, or both sides of the door ensure optimal visibility, and the sleek design complements any style.
Key Features of the SARGENT 10X Line with Status Indicators:
· Instant Status Recognition: Highly visible indicators provide immediate confirmation of a door's status (locked/unlocked, occupied, etc.), improving security and peace of mind.
· Versatile Installation: Ideal for both new construction and retrofit projects, these bored locks fit various door types to meet diverse security requirements.
· Proven Durability: SARGENT 10X Line locks exceed industry standards for strength and longevity, ensuring reliable performance over time.
· Optimal Visibility: Multiple indicator window placements available on the inside, outside, or both sides of the door to meet diverse security needs guarantee clear visibility from any angle.
· Sleek, Modern Design: The elegant design seamlessly integrates with any architectural style.
More info: www.sargentlock.com
SCHLAGE/ALLEGION
Schlage has introduced three new lines of Schlage Indication Solutions, designed specifically with K-12 and higher education security needs in mind while also serving the privacy application needs of healthcare, commercial and retail markets.
Schlage's new visual indication trims set a higher standard for security, offering some of the largest viewing windows and a patented 180-degree visibility that ensures clear messaging from any angle, enhancing safety in critical situations. Designed to meet the needs of diverse environments and openings, these locks offer unparalleled functionality and durability for Grade 1, fire-rated applications with thoughtful features like tamper-resistance, color-blind friendly backgrounds and dual indication options. With its additional availability in all finishes and lever designs common to Schlage locks, the indication trim can be used for enhanced security, privacy, and convenience in many situations.
This line of Schlage Indication Solutions builds on Allegion's existing indication product portfolio, including Von Duprin security indicators that were designed for high-occupancy areas. The visual verification application reduces the time to tour a facility and helps ensure that each door is secure with at-a-glance visual verification. Education and healthcare campuses can now outfit a variety of openings – from perimeter entrances to classrooms – with high-visibility visual status indicators.
The Schlage Indication Solutions are offered in the Schlage L Series mortise, ND Series cylindrical and B Series deadbolt locks and are available for purchase now. More info: www.schlage.com.
