All content copyright Tom Rubenoff 2010-2021
Great Problem Solver The Securitech Lexi series retrofit exit device trim is available with a variety of back plates and adapters that allow it to be used with most major brands, including many surface vertical rod and concealed vertical rod exit devices. Compatibility with a variety of vertical rod devices is a major plus. I … Continue reading “Securitech Lexi Electrified Exit Device Trim”
The keyway is the shape of the keyhole of the lock cylinder into which the user inserts the key. The keyway is designed to allow only keys of the correct shape to be inserted such that, when properly made, they will align the pin tumblers properly and operate the cylinder. If you view a key … Continue reading “The Keyway: Gateway to the Cylinder”
Preparedness for the Commercial Door Hardware Installer One of the most time consuming aspects of hardware installation is travel to and from the job. In a perfect world, the installer knows in advance everything they will need, but as we all know, the World of Hardware is not a perfect one. Often there is … Continue reading “Hardware Preparedness”
Cabinet security was already a concern in hospitals where drug theft is a problem, but has become an increased concern particularly in U.S. hospitals where new HIPAA privacy security regulations have mandated that patient data be secured by key or pass code locking device. There are a wide variety of locking arrangements available to accomplish … Continue reading “Cabinet Access Control”
Secured stairwell doors are among the most basic multi-function door applications. In most jurisdictions they must (usually)* be both unlocked and positively latched in the event of a fire. Unlocked so that if a person, fleeing into the stairwell during a fire, finds the stairwell full of smoke, they can safely exit the stairwell. Positively … Continue reading “Multi-function Doorways, Part Two”
As seen in Doors and Hardware Magazine. Whenever something is invented, humans find more uses for it. This is certainly true for door automation and electric locking. It was not long after people realized a door could be unlocked remotely using an electric strike and a door could be opened automatically using a power operator … Continue reading “Multi-function Doorways, Part One”
A few years ago, Ingersoll Rand (IR) purchased Locknetics Security Engineering in Connecticut, and since then gradually rebranded the line as Schlage Electronics. A little over a year ago, as part of the process of closing the Connecticut facility, Schlage Electronics started phasing out its TR80 and TR81 touch readers. These readers were based … Continue reading “The Elusive “Touch Chip” Credential”
An interconnected lock is actually two locks that are connected by an assembly that retracts both the deadbolt and the latch simultaneously when the inside handle is turned. This is done to fulfill the life safety requirement under NFPA 101 that egress should be accomplished by one motion with no prior knowledge necessary, … Continue reading “Interconnected Locks”
Von Duprin and Schlage Electronics are divisions of Ingersoll Rand. Both are major manufacturers of power supplies for use with electric locking systems and access control. As of January 1st, 2011, Ingersoll Rand discontinued two of their power supply product lines, the PS800 series Von Duprin and the Schlage Electronics 500 series, and merged them … Continue reading “PS900 Series Schlage Electronics and Von Duprin Power Supplies Demystified”
Overview There are three main types of deadbolts: Tubular (or Cylindrical) Rim (surface mount) Mortise This article discusses the installation details and relative merits of each, as well as what to look for in terms of quality and security. Deadbolts are usually considered an auxiliary lock because, with the exception of aluminum and glass storefront … Continue reading “Deadbolts and Auxiliary Deadlocks”