LOCKS AND ELECTRONIC LOCKSMITHING

Locks are the most critical part of any access system. Whether it’s a magnetic locks, door strikes, or electric crash bars, all locks will secure a space. All locks are not created equal in the eyes of the knowledgeable person. As in any industry, you get what you pay for, whether it’s the lock itself or the installer. Most top mount locks we install are 1200 lb. holding force, and when installed properly, they make a door impenetrable. We have locks for almost every door application imaginable. From conventional double doors, to glass, to in-swing doors, consider your facility covered! The difference between door strikes and mag locks in most cases is simple, FREE EGRESS. With door strikes, you will always be able to push the handle and bypass the strike from the inside and outside as long as the door handle is unlocked. Simply put, the phrase free egress refers to a code set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency. It means in case of emergency, the doors and locks MUST disengage for people to get out of the secured space without hindrance, as well as allow ingress for the fire department. Mag locks are always energized unless they are programmed to be released on a schedule or the fire alarm system goes into alarm. Strikes for the most part are dormant until energized by the swipe of an access card because you can turn the handle and walk out of the space. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to strikes is we have the option of having “fail safe”, or “fail secure” locks. This means when power to the system is interrupted, the strikes will either remain locked, or unlocked depending on local code requirements.