Cylindrical locks have long been a staple for commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities and even some residential applications, used primarily on interior doors. But what if the door leads to a restroom or other space requiring privacy? That’s where the new cylindrical indicator lock from ASSA ABLOY brands Arrow and Yale does the job.
Indicator locks have become increasingly popular in applications requiring clear, visible door status signage, said Lori R. Brown, senior product category manager, ASSA ABLOY. But, until now, those indicator locks were mortise locks.
“Most of our focus over the past few years has been with mortise locks,” she noted. “However, there are a lot of existing bored lock prepped doors and we’ve received multiple requests on being able to offer indicators for cylindrical-type locks to be used in commercial applications, where durability and longevity are important.”
Some lock engineering was required to build a robust cylindrical lock that was rugged enough to handle demanding commercial applications. Other indicator locks on the market are tubular in construction, and tubular locks have smaller return springs and lockbodies, leaving more room for the indicator mechanisms. However, cylindrical locks use a latch that interlocks with the lockbody and has more robust spring housings. There is not a lot of extra room inside the lock for additional mechanisms, which made the design more challenging.
“To our knowledge there is no other manufacturer that can offer an indicator on a cylindrical platform,” Brown added.
While ASSA ABLOY launched the cylindrical indicator locks across the Arrow and Yale brands, more options are expected down the road, including SARGENT and Corbin Russwin models.
These locks are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified and UL listed for fire doors. They also operate according to the ANSI F76A function, which means they have one motion for egress and the button will release when the door is closed. Therefore, unoccupied lockouts are prevented.
Brown said they are being requested in all vertical market segments. The initial offering is a privacy function, targeted for single occupancy restrooms, mother’s nursing rooms, quiet rooms and even dressing room applications.
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. Available finishes are Satin Chrome, Bright Brass, Dark Oxidized Satin Bronze equivalent and Black Suede Powder Coat.
Features include:
- Patent pending
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
- UL/cUL listed for 3 hour doors
- Americans with Disabilities Act compliant
- Visual status indicators in rose, displaying bold visuals for vacant or occupied lock status
- Constructed for durability and longevity
- Available in four finishes (605, 613E, 626, BSP)
- Three-year mechanical warranty
Locksmiths should expect a routine installation. “These locks are pretty straight forward, very easy to install,” Brown said.
The locks do require through-bolt prep. They are designed for 1-3/4-inch thick doors and the company is advising that the outside assembly not be adjusted. They can be used on 1-3/8-inch thick doors with the use of spacers.
Arrow Lock and Yale also offer retrofit mortise lock Indicator Kits for Best and Schlage mortise locks and status indicator deadbolts.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
