Commercial Door Accessories: Unit Locks and Interconnected Locks

Nov. 5, 2018
Unit locks are factory pre-assembled for quick, economical, one-piece installation: no job site assembly required

Unit locks and interconnected locks came up in a recent conversation around the Locksmith Ledger virtual water cooler. Some readers may not have had experiences with unit locks, so we thought we’d show you’re a sampling of them

A unit lock is a lockset whose parts are permanently combined and which can be applied to a door as a single unit. Its pre-assembled, unitized construction is ideal for projects where installation costs are to be minimized. This design has been around for many years. However they are only used in specific situations so many locksmiths may have limited experience with them.

Although frequently specified in new construction, the simplified door prep which is required to install these locks might make them an attractive option for retrofits or installing into unprepped millwork.

Corbin Russwin UT5200 Series

This lock has provided decades of service in some of the world’s most prestigious buildings. Typical high-traffic commercial, institutional and industrial applications include schools and universities, office buildings, hospitals, municipal buildings and historic buildings.

Advantages:

  • Factory pre-assembled for quick, economical, one-piece installation
  • No job site assembly required
  • ¾” radius latchbolt, designed to wedge more tightly into the strike when tampered with, while meeting all ADA force-to-latch requirements.

More Info: www.corbinrusswin.com

Yale 6400LN Monolock

Based on the design of Yale’s robust cylindrical locksets, the 6400LN Monolock continues the tradition of quality and dependability as a preassembled lock series designed to retrofit Yale Monolock as well as Corbin Russwin Unit Lock and Falcon® Retrofit Lock installations.

Features:

  • UL-cUL: UL-cUL fire-rated up to 1-1/2 hours
  • Mechanism: Heavy-gauge steel, zinc-plated, dichromated
  • Backset: 2-3/4”;
  • Latchbolt: ½”; stainless steel throw
  • Guardbolt: Deadlocks latchbolt when door is closed; standard on all locking functions
  • Door Thickness: 1-3/4” only
  • Lead Shielding: Available to order
  • Cylinders: Brass, 6-pin, keyed-random cylinder with two keys furnished standard, 7-pin available to order.
  • Reversibility: Handing must be specified for all functions and designs
  • Strikes: 1-1/4” lip ANSI strike supplied; other lip lengths and strikes available to order; all reversible
  • Finishes: Available in 13 finishes, including PVD lifetime finish options for 613. PVD is standard for 605 and 606
  • Warranty: 7-year mechanical

More Info: https://www.yalecommercial.com/en/yale/yalecommercialcom/support/

Falcon RU Series Cylindrical Lock

Designed specifically for retrofitting older and historical buildings, the unique Falcon RU Series cylindrical lock combines old-fashioned styling with modern strength, security and convenience.

Falcon RU Series locks have an interchangeable core that can be removed for quick, easy re-keying, compatible with SFIC products from other manufacturers, and they’re backed by one of the best names in the business.

The RU Series from Falcon is designed to retrofit existing unit locks manufactured by Falcon, Corbin Russwin and Yale. It exceeds ANSI Grade 1 specifications and is UL/ULC listed.

The RU Series incorporates Falcon’s vandal resistant PressureRelease™ trim to prevent damage to internal mechanism, and it installs with minimal rework to existing doors while preserving the door and frame for cost effective project planning. Falcon’s RU Series satisfies all ADA easy access requirements.

Features and benefits

  • Meets or exceeds 1,000,000 cycle testing and all other ANSI A156.2 rigorous Grade 1 specifications for key-in-lever products
  • 2 lever designs and 2 finishes
  • 12 commercial lock functions
  • “Power Spring™” in rose trim prevents lever sag
  • Vandal resistant PressureRelease™ outside lever disengages when locked to prevent damage to internal mechanism
  • Features a 4" square rose which covers existing mounting holes, most paint lines and required door rework
  • Preserves existing facility doors and frames while protecting original architectural design without adapter plate or add-ons
  • Easy installation with minimal door modifications and no exposed mounting screws
  • Complies with ADA easy access requirements

More Info: https://us.allegion.com/en/home/products/categories/mechanical-locks/falcon-ru.html

Kaba Interconnected Lock

Interconnected Locks provide the security of a deadbolt but the life safety of a single action to exit. (single motion egress). For my locksmithing class, I used a KABA E-PLEX 5700 Electronic Pushbutton mortise lock with an interconnected deadbolt mounted on a demo stand.

E-Plex’s LectroBolt eliminates running wires to or through the door—no risk of damage from pinched wires that can result in costly callbacks

Locks are programmed simply via keypad using LearnLok Feature without any software, or with optional E-Plex Enterprise Software to manage a large number of doors and users

Handing: Non-handed, pre-assembled for left-hand door installations—easily changed in the field

Key Override: Key-in-Lever/Knob cylinders, small format interchangeable cores, large format removable cores

Scheduling:

  • Access schedules—up to 16 different access schedules may be programmed into lock
  • Holiday/Vacation—up to 32 different holiday/ vacation blocks may be programmed into lock

Operation Modes:

  • PIN access
  • Passage—can be toggled on/off or can be pre-programmed to re-lock after a certain number of hours
  • Lockout

Authority Levels: Five different levels allow who has access to specific lock functions, including: Service Codes—programmed for one-time access or "come-and-go" access for 1 to 24 hours

User Parameters:

  • Code length—adjustable to accept 4 to 8 digits
  • Anti-tamper lockout—adjustable from 3 to 9 invalid attempts with an adjustable period of 0 to 90 seconds
  • Re-lock time—adjustable from 2 to 20 seconds

Construction: Extra heavy-duty Grade 1 lock; cylindrical lockset, solid cast housings; solid cast zinc levers, cylindrical drive wear tested for extensive use in indoor and outdoor applications

Handing: Non-handed: pre-assembled for left-hand door installation—easily changed in the field.

There are of course also cylindrical versions of interconnected locks as well as models for aluminum storefronts.

Adams Rite Dual Force 2190 Series

The Dual Force Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch combines the access control capabilities of a latch with the security of a deadbolt. The key retracts and extends the deadbolt and deadlatch from either side. The exterior lever retracts the latch only. With the deadbolt projected, a simple turn of the inside lever retracts both the latch and deadbolt simultaneously, providing single-motion, panic-proof exiting. The Dual Force is available with electrified trim set for easy integration into an existing access control system. Standard trim set, electrified trim set, low profile trim set designed for out-swinging doors only.

dormakaba J300 Series Locks

The J300 is an ANSI/BHMA certified Grade 2 interconnected lockset suited for light-duty, commercial applications where single motion egress with a lock and a deadbolt is required.

The J300 is an ANSI/BHMA certified Grade 2 interconnected lockset geared for light-duty, commercial applications where single motion egress is required.

The J300 features a 2-1/2" diameter rose and is suited for multifamily apartment units, condominiums, hotels, assisted living, and other commercial facilities of a light duty type.

Features

  • Concealed fasteners on outside rose.
  • Fits door with 4" and 5-1/2" hole centers.
  • Door thickness range from 1-3/8"–1-3/4".
  • 1/2" throw latch.
  • Available backsets: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4". Please specify when ordering.
  • 2-1/2" diameter rose.
  • Non-handed for easy installation (LS lever is handed)

Certification

  • ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Grade 2 certified.
  • UL listed 3 hour fire rated.
  • Meets A117.1 accessibility code and ADA requirements for barrier-free accessibility
  • Single motion egress meets life safety code requirements.

Recommended Applications are apartments, assisted living, condos and other multifamily housing.

Allegion Connect

Allegion Connect is a cross-category electrified solution utilizing common interconnect components to our electrified options. Allegion Connect is a quick and easy way to connect power sources, all the way from your power supply to electrified door hardware. There is no wire cutting; reducing installation and maintenance time ultimately cutting cost.

After installation, Allegion Connect continues to provide benefits throughout the lifetime of the opening by offering a comprehensive service kit.

The IVES cross category product offering is interchangeable which allows for simple upgrades and replacements.

Features and benefits

Quick: common connections reducing installation time

Perfect connections: these factory installed connectors ensure the right wires match up every time

Protective: the connectors protect the connection points throughout the installation process and lifetime of the opening

Interchangeable: all Allegion Connect products utilize the same connectors

Maintenance: you no longer need to cut away wire to disconnect Allegion

products, also available are service kits specifically for Allegion Connect

Restroom Hardware

A niche market, primarily in healthcare and institutional, is restroom hardware. I group this type of hardware with rescue and anti-ligature equipment. I have done a bit of work in institutional environments as a locksmith.

BEA has a series of products specifically for this market sector.

BEA’s Restroom Kit And Emergency Add-On Kit are designed to improve accessibility and safety in single-occupancy restrooms commonly found in healthcare, rehabilitation and/or elder-care facilities, as well as restrooms located within areas requiring code-compliant solutions.

The kit’s key component, the BR3-X, is a programmable 3-relay logic module, which controls logic and sequencing to all push plates, buttons and emergency signaling.

As the barrier free access movement continues to impact legislation and design requirements, BEA’s RESTROOM KIT and EMERGENCY ADD-ON KIT offer affordable, effective and code-compliant solutions for all single-occupancy restrooms. These kits were developed in accordance with Ontario Regulation

Features

• Br3-X 13 function advanced logic module with restroom control functionality

• Occupied Indicator with LED and selectable sounder signals when restroom is in use

• Push to Lock Button with LED provides a visual confirmation of lock status upon successful locking

• Door position switch ensures proper positioning of door before allowing door to be locked and resets the system upon manual exit

BEA’s Emergency Add-On Kit is designed to be used in single occupancy restrooms where someone may require emergency assistance. It can be used in conjunction with BEA’s Restroom Kit or as a standalone solution. It is designed to meet building codes requiring an emergency request system.

Features

• “ASSISTANCE REQUIRED” signal (LED + adjustable sounder) for outside signaling

• “PUSH FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE” button + indicator (LED + selectable sounder) combined unit for ease of installation

• Double-sided French / English emergency Signage

More Info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnHm0I9Kwmk&feature=youtu.be

ABH Rescue Hardware

Architectural Builders Hardware Mfg. Inc. (ABH) specializes in Emergency Rescue Hardware, specialized classification of door hardware used on a variety of door applications including patient rooms in hospitals, institutions, and convalescent homes to private baths. This hardware permits doors to normally swing into the bath, thus saving space, yet swing out into the bedroom in case of emergency when a patient is trapped inside.

The full ABJ product line includes Overhead Holders & Stops, Hospital Latches, Electromagnetic Holders, Pivots, Strikes and Rescue Stops, Aluminum Hinges, Stainless Steel Hinges, Coordinators, Flush Bolts, Power Wire Transfers and Roller Latches.

A508 Double Acting Hinge: The ABH Double Acting Hinge allows a door to swing in either direction and comes comes in two options. Flush mount means mounted flush to the inside door face, with no exposed fasteners for patients. The Center Mount version is mounted in center of door.

ABH has the capability to custom manufacture thousands of different custom double-lipped strikes to fit nearly every application. These products include:

SDSM4500 Special Double-Lipped Strikes Center Hung for Mortise Lock (No Dead Bolt)

Double-Lipped Strike - Center Hung – Mortise Lock without Deadbolt

  • Allows door to open in both directions without damaging the frame
  • Door to be mounted on center hung pivot set - ABH 0327, 0127, 0128 or 0370
  • For use on 1-3/4" thick doors - center hung
  • Can be used in conjunction with ABH 4590 Rescue Stop
  • Cut-out is standard for cylindrical latches. Custom units available for mortise locks
  • Standard models re for 5-3/4" and 6-3/4" frame size. Custom frame sizes available
  • Supplied with 8-32 x 3/8" undercut machine screws
  • .074" thick stainless steel material
  • Meets and/or exceeds ANSI Standard A1882

A509 Emergency Rescue Stop: In an emergency situation the stop is manually pulled back to allow the door to move in the opposite direction. The emergency rescue stop comes standard with a welded hospital tip.

  • Stainless Steel provides a more durable finish and cleaner look than aluminum
  • Can be  installed on a cased open frame or standard frame
  • Can be installed 1/8" Inset or Center Hung
  • comes standard as a spring close option
  • Locking option available (L)
  • Welded hospital tip standard

Other products include:

  • Ligature Resistant Flip Up Hospital Latch
  • LRF6600 Series – Ligature-Resistant
  • Flip-Up Trim with Mortise Lock Body
  • Overhead Holders & Stops
  • Hospital Push Pull Latches
  • Electromagnetic Door Holders
  • Pivots
  • Custom Pivot Sets
  • Power Transfer/Electrified Hardware
  • Aluminum Continuous Hinges
  • Stainless Steel Pin & Barrel Hinges
  • Stainless Steel Edge Guard
  • Rescue Hardware
  • Flush Bolts & Coordinators
  • Roller Latches
  • Misc Hardware
  • Surface Bolts and Slide Bolts
  • Custom Strikes

More Info: https://www.abhmfg.com/

Ives Rescue Hardware

Rescue hardware is a unique strike that allows a bi-directional door to swing in emergency situations. Ives rescue hardware is designed to address a blocked doorway caused by an incapacitated patient, which is a problem often encountered by healthcare professionals.

Used in conjunction with center hung pivots, rescue hardware allows a bi-directional door swing in emergency situations. When a patient becomes trapped behind an inward swinging door, the center tong depresses, allowing the door to swing in the opposite direction without causing frame damage.

As a valuable element in patient room restrooms, utility closets, and small spaces in hospitals, institutions, and convalescent homes, rescue hardware is either a rescue strike or an emergency stop assembly.

  • Meets ANSI/BHMA A1882 standard
  • Available in a stainless finish for product longevity
  • Center or offset mounting styles for flexible door configuration
  • Fits nominal 7” and 8” wide frames and 1-3⁄4” door thickness  

Ives high-quality pivots reduce the stress on a frame by distributing the door weight throughout the floor and structure. The door rests on the bottom pivot in this application.

This reduces the stress on the frame by distributing the weight of the door throughout the floor and structure. By taking advantage of the strength of the structure, this makes a pivot the ideal solution for your heavy doors. Center and pocket pivots also provide an aesthetic option for your opening.

Door Controls and Automatic Door Operators

Access Controls, Door Controls and Automatic Door Operators should be important revenue streams for locksmiths. There are abundant resources available from distributors, manufacturers, trade associations and online to help you learn the technologies and tips and tricks.

With raising concerns about the transmission of disease through personal contact, a hands-free actuator for your EAC or door operators might be a nice option to offer in place of a push plate or push button.

The ASSA ABLOY Electronic Security Hardware Securitron WSS Wave Sense Switch features a new class of motion sensing technology for hands-free, contactless switch activation used for request to exit (REX) activation or on/off switching to trigger a variety of access control devices.

The Securitron XMS Exit Motion Sensor is a motion detector specifically designed to reliably release magnetic locks to provide free egress. It unlocks when a person approaching the door is seen by the motion detector just before reaching the door.

  • It is designed to fit on the door frame above the door.
  • It is inherently FailSafe, if power is interrupted to the XMS, the electromagnetic lock will release.
  • It has easily adjustable beam pattern; and an adjustable time release.
  • The contacts are rated for direct control of the locking device
  • It has additional auxiliary contacts for remote signaling, alarm shunting or REX.
  • It works on 12-28 VDC
  • Programmable on board LED indicators.
  • Complies with code requirements for “ACCESS CONTROLLED EGRESS DOORS”

Alarm Controls

The Alarm Controls TS-2T is a 12 or 24 VDC/VAC UL Listed Square Green Illuminated Push Button labelled “PUSH TO EXIT” with an integral timer featuring SPDT, 2A continuous contacts and “PUSH TO EXIT” on a single gang stainless steel wall plate, the TS-2T operates on 12 or 24 VDC/VAC.

  • 2" green square push button labeled "PUSH TO EXIT"
  • Switch mounted on single gang wallplate
  • Momentary action switch
  • SPDT timed contacts rated 2A @ 35VDC
  • Timer delay adjustable from 2 to 45 seconds
  • LED illuminated push button 12/24 VDC
  • 1/2" red LED operates on 12 or 24 VAC or VDC
  • Switch depth behind plate: 2-1/2"
  • UL 294 listed

The Alarm Controls RT-1T Remote Wireless Transmitter allows administrators to remotely initiate the operation of doors and control traffic.

The RT-1 Kit controls a single door and includes one channel receiver and two transmitters. The systems can be used with maglocks, electric strikes, keypads another access control components to complement a new or existing system. The RT-3 kit includes three channel receivers, one transmitter with mount and keychain.

  • Receiver operates on 12 or 24VAC or VDC
  • Maximum current draw 50mA
  • Temperature range: -20˚C to 60˚C
  • Rolling code; more than one billion code combinations
  • Relay S.P.D.T. contacts rated 1 Amp @ 30VDC or 120VAC
  • Built-in five second delay on release
  • Receiver relay is factory set for momentary mode, relay can be set for latching mode
  • Receiver will accept up to 30 transmitters
  • Size: 2-1/2" L x 1-1/4" W x 3/4" D
  • Off-white case blends with any décor
  • Receiver screw terminals are hidden by cover
  • Bi-color (red & green) LED on receiver indicates status of relay

HES Electric Strikes

The HES 9700 Series is a heavy duty, surface mounted electric strike designed to accommodate Corbin Russwin SecureBolt™ and Yale SquareBolt® exit devices.

All components are completely encased within its ¾” thick stainless steel housing, so no cutting on the frame is required for installation.

It is field selectable for fail secure and fail safe operation, and for 12 or 24VDC. The 9700 is designed with the strength and durability required to exceed the severe forces of ANSI Windstorm testing. This unique electric strike also complies with NFPA 80-07 guidelines for retrofit into fire-rated frames.

The HES 5200 series electric strike features an in-frame horizontal adjustable design to simplify the installation process. This feature allows the installer to easily adjust the electric strike opening to accommodate the horizontal position of the latchbolt after the strike has been installed. This field selectable fail secure/fail safe unit is easy to install and accommodates latchbolts up to a ¾”; throw. The 5200 is also available in a Complete Pac which pairs the strike body with the faceplates and mounting hardware all in one simple convenient package.

Electrical

.45 Amps at 12 VDC continuous duty

.25 Amps at 24 VDC continuous duty

Standard Features

  • Separate base and decorative cover for easy adjustments
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Tamper resistant
  • Static strength 2,500 lbs.
  • Dynamic strength 120 ft-lbs.
  • Endurance 1,000,000 cycles
  • Field selectable fail secure/fail safe
  • Dual voltage 12 or 24 VDC
  • Horizontal adjustment
  • Non-handed
  • Internally mounted solenoid
  • Five-year limited warranty         

Optional Features

  • LBM - Latchbolt monitor
  • LBSM - Latchbolt strike monitor

More Info: www.assaabloyesh.com

About the Author

Tim O'Leary

Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.