The year 2024 was a good year for introduction and expansion of mechanical product lines, as the pandemic was finally on the back burner and most supply chain disruptions were resolved. Here is our review of some noteworthy products and trends.
Trending: Glass
Historically, all-glass openings have been considered expensive and complicated to secure. Adding hardware or electrification has been difficult and time-intensive. But as these openings continue to gain popularity, lock manufacturers are making it easier to deploy door locking solutions in both design and mechanics.
ASSA ABLOY’s newest glass security products include Rockwood panic devices with a security dogging option and a center lock housing and keeper that can accept cylindrical locks from SARGENT, ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA, Arrow and Corbin Russwin.
"Glass is a versatile, beautiful material that has the power to transform a space when used thoughtfully," said Tyler Baker, Director of Business Development, Glass and Aluminum, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. "With ASSA ABLOY's advanced security and hardware technologies, we elevate glass installations by not only complementing their design but enhancing their functionality, sustainability, and security."
While looks are important, security for these openings needs to be a critical consideration and not an afterthought. In the past, customers were often relegated to using a maglock or drop bolt in a fail-safe application only, because there was no fail-secure solution for this type of opening. (Fail safe means when no power is applied the door is unlocked; fail secure keeps the door locked, even without power.)
Fortunately, there are new devices designed from the ground up specifically for glass. They offer a mechanical top latch which can work in conjunction with an electric strike for a fail-secure locking solution. In addition, they include familiar features found on standard openings such as mechanical dogging and key override. Users can be assured that the opening is secure and if power is cut, the area remains locked.
HES electric strikes for glass openings work with tubular, vertical rod exit devices. Low profiles offer simplified installation within the existing mechanical prep without the need to cut the frame: simply drill one hole for power and mount the strike. Adaptable voltage sensing technology allows the installer the flexibility of using any voltage from 12 through 24 volts, removing any pigtail guesswork. Other features include interchangeable faceplates and accessories to match the opening.
The HES 9100 Electric Strike is an innovative solution designed to work with a tubular, vertical rod exit device on a single glass door. The low-profile 9100 offers simplified retro-mounted installation within the existing mechanical prep without cutting the frame, saving time and labor costs.
Striking a Balance
Camden Door Controls has introduced innovative electric strikes for both cylindrical locksets and rim exit devices.
Electric strikes from Camden for cylindrical locksets and rim exit devices
The CX-EPD1289L grade 1 surface mount RIM strike with latch monitoring also offers a ‘Universal’ strike design that delivers unparalleled application flexibility, with both UL security and fire listings.
The number one reason that RIM strikes fail to operate is pressure on the keepers of the strike, which is known as preload. Preload can be caused by differences in air pressure on each side of the door, a misaligned door, or simply someone pushing on the door before the strike is unlocked. But regardless of the cause, Camden’s 1289L RIM strike will operate where other strikes fail. The patented design enables them to operate with up to 15 pounds of preload pressure. This eliminates the need for future service calls for doors that go out of alignment after the strike is installed.
Camden Door Controls also introduced the CX-ED1959-MB outdoor-rated strike. The strike features heavy-duty stainless-steel construction with an integrated ANSI square faceplate, is UL 294 listed and offers grade 1 performance.
Compatible with cylindrical locksets and mortise locksets without deadbolts, the CX-ED1959-MB strikes are specifically designed for exposed perimeter doors and gates.
The ‘universal’ strike design features 7/8" latch projection, field selectable 12/24V DC voltage, and fail safe/ fail secure operation. The strike delivers continuous duty operation and is backed by Camden’s full five-year warranty. The CX-ED1959-MB also includes a heavy gauge painted steel mounting box.
Critical Infrastructure
Protecting critical infrastructure -- utilities, power plants and even traffic signals -- took on new importance over the past years. ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions launches the ALCEA brand, committed to protecting critical infrastructure worldwide, in March.
“When critical infrastructure such as energy, water, telecom, or transportation is interrupted, societies can't thrive. ALCEA exists to protect critical infrastructure globally and ensure businesses and people can continue to feel safe and operate uninterrupted,” says Stephanie Ordan, Executive Vice President and Head of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions.
Since traffic signal cabinets are located on roadsides and highways, they are readily accessible and damage to them usually results in heavy financial and recovery losses. Both ALCEA and Medeco offer traffic enclosure locks aimed at protecting traffic signals from vandals while granting needed remote access to contractors.
The city of Grand Prairie, Texas, recently completed a substantial project to replace the locks on their Intelligent Traffic Cabinets with remotely-managed ABLOY PROTEC2 CLIQ system locks from ALCEA.
“I started looking for smart locks and found ALCEA’s mechanical lock with a high-security key during an online search. I was intrigued so I contacted them, inquired about their product and arranged a visit to their office for a presentation,” said Raul Perez, Grand Prairie’s ITS specialist. “It was then I learned about the capability of unlocking both the electronic and mechanical locks – including padlocks – and the versatility of their keys. I was very impressed by the user-friendly design of their Bluetooth smart key,” he said in reference to the ABLOY PROTEC2 CLIQ system. The remote access management system combines the best characteristics of mechanical and electromechanical locks.
Medeco also offers several models of traffic enclosure locks, plus rugged high security padlocks for use in tough environments.
Padlocks are another option for remote locations and rugged environments. The CyberLock NFC padlock offers convenient keyless access control with the reliability and precision required by critical infrastructure and high-security industries. With weather-resistant, IP-68 rated durability, the NFC padlock can withstand water, dust, and dirt, ensuring reliable performance even in the most challenging environments. Its field-replaceable EL123 lithium battery ensures continued functionality with a lifespan of up to five years.
Administrators can issue on-demand credentials to contractors, employees, and authorized visitors through CyberLock’s powerful software suite, CyberAudit-Web. When changes occur, users can rapidly update their permissions using the Cyber Access app to enable access to the lock. Send keyless credentials to Android and iOS devices through the Cyber Access app. Alternatively, issue physical credentials such as an IR fob or compatible CyberKey for added flexibility.
Altronix has expanded its line of smart access control and power integration, data transmission, emergency communication power back-up, extended range ethernet and network power management products that service critical infrastructure. Its enhanced LINQ Network Power Management technology enables advanced remote capabilities to control devices, monitor and report system power diagnostics from a single-pane platform.
Indicator Locks
A year ago, we highlighted Arrow’s APL Series cylindrical indicator lock, ideal for commercial restrooms. Since that time, other manufacturers have jumped on the indicator lock bandwagon, and mortise, cylindrical and deadbolt indicator locks are widely available.
In the important school security market, 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.
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.
The new Corbin Russwin CLX3300 Series cylindrical lock is designed for sensitive environments such as restrooms, classrooms, and nursing rooms. Because they fit standard door preps, these Grade 1 locks simplify installation for both new construction and retrofit projects.
SARGENT recently unveiled its enhanced 10X Line bored locks, also 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.
Schlage’s Indicator Solutions, available in three models, were designed specifically with K-12 and higher education security needs in mind. These Grade 1 locks are offered in the Schlage L Series mortise, ND Series cylindrical and B Series deadbolt locks.
Another option is the Marks USA M99 LD series exit device, with an added visual indicator, designed for school, university, and critical infrastructure applications.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
