Building owners, property managers, operators, installers, integrators, and everyone else involved in the California commercial real estate business should know about securing their business with commercial door locks. Commercial Security Systems are among the most important elements necessary to maintain a secure property.
Upon finishing this guide, you’ll understand many types of commercial door locksets available, and how they work, and you’ll learn tips for choosing the right locks. If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your business, contact Security 101. We offer a full range of professional services to our clients. First, let’s discuss commercial door locks.
What Are Commercial Door Locks?
Commercial door locks can be mechanical or electronic locks. Commercial door locks are graded and can be ideal for business settings, like offices, industrial facilities, and commercial real estate facilities.
Commercial locks are different from residential locks because they need to handle the unique demands of a business or commercial real estate property. Generally, commercial-grade door locks are durable, secure, and can be convenient for daily users.
Commercial Grade Lock Standards
Commercial grades are used to guarantee the quality and specifications of commercial door locks. Lock grades can help developers, contractors, locksmiths, owners, and operators choose the best hardware necessary for their unique commercial space.
Lock grades are determined by the Builders Home Manufacturers Association (BHMA). The BHMA gets accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which enforces lock grades.
Each commercial lock, according to the ANSI, is graded based on the following attributes:
- Application
- Durability
- Finish
- Function
- Materials
- Security
Commercial Lock Grades
Securing your business, products, and commercial real estate can be essential for maintaining your company’s security. That’s why it’s imperative to choose a lock that’s properly graded for your business needs. The BHMA outlines the following three grades for commercial door locks:
Grade 1
Grade 1 locks are categorized as the strongest, most durable, and most secure locks obtainable. Heavy-duty grade one commercial door locks will help to maximize security. Grade one commercial locks can also withstand double the amount of use as grade two or grade three commercial locks.
Grade 1 locks are fairly common in both exterior and interior doors. They are commonly used in public places like schools, hospitals, and other businesses where security needs are high. Speak with Security 101 today if you’re interested in securing your business with grade-one locks.
Grade Two
A commercial grade two lock is a mid-range locking system. These locks aren’t as durable as grade-one locks. Grade two locks are typically used in exterior entrances to commercial businesses and properties. They are also used in interior entryways that require high security, for example, storage rooms or offices with highly sensitive information.
Grade Three
Grade three locks are used for light applications. Grade three commercial locks are typically found in residential buildings, low-security offices, and low-traffic rooms like supply closets and break rooms. These types of locks typically provide the least amount of security for your business and commercial property.
Security 101 offers a full range of business security systems, specialized cloud-based security software, and extensive training to deliver the highest quality security systems and positive customer experiences.
Types of Commercial Door Locks
There are a plethora of different types of commercial door locks. The most common commercial door locks are:
- Commercial strike locks are electric locks that allow you to let visitors in without a key. They’re generally installed with an intercom system or doorbell. Commercial strike locks can be used in locations like daycare centers, doctor’s offices, and law firms. Strike locks can keep companies and employees safe. They also let you know who is coming in and out of your business.
- Keyless entry doors don’t need a key to enter but typically use a passcode or security number instead.
- Restricted key systems can be more secure because they only allow a certain amount of copies of the keys.
- Magnetic locks are used for doors that don’t require functional levers or door knobs. The magnet is installed above the door frame and operates with a sensor. Typically used with revolving doors.
- Door closers automatically close when someone enters and leaves the premises.
- A master key system authorizes access to certain areas. It also records which individuals have accessed certain areas.
Types of Commercial Door Lock Systems
The type of locking system you choose can affect the security of your business. That’s why it’s important to choose locking systems that fit your business's needs. The following door hardware locking systems can help protect your commercial property:
Cylindrical Lever Locks
A bored cylindrical lever lock is installed by boring two circular holes in the door. Cylindrical lever locksets are the most commonly used and offer a range of features, functions, grades, styles, and finishes. Cylindrical knob locks are also an available option.
Mortise Locks
A mortise lock has a pocket in the edge of a door where the lock case is fitted. Mortise locks can be more costly than cylindrical locks because they offer more durability and strength. Mortise locks are designed to handle the high-traffic areas of commercial properties.
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks can provide extra protection from break-ins when used in conjunction with a cylindrical lock. Deadbolts can also be used with a door pull and installed in a door with a standard bore hole.
Electronic Keypad Locks
Commercial keypad door locks reduce the need for keys. Keypad locks can include a cylinder or key override and require special door preps. These locks can make it convenient for multiple users to access locked areas of your business.
Commercial Door Lock Installation
It’s imperative to securely install your commercial door lock system. Not doing so can leave your business more susceptible to theft. Security 101’s team of security experts can install your lock system professionally while providing knowledgeable and exemplary services.
ADA Compliance
ADA standards address operable parts of locks like thumb turns, keypads, turn-buttons, and of course, knobs and levers. The ADA requires door and gate hardware to be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches maximum above the floor or ground and to comply with section 309.4 of the ADA.
If you want to ensure that your business is accessible by all, consider hiring Security 101 for your commercial lock needs and read on for more information on choosing the right types of commercial locks.
How to Choose The Right Commercial Door Locks?
Now that you have background information on commercial locks, how do you choose the right ones for your commercial property?
Professional commercial lock and security professionals suggest the best commercial door locks have the following qualities:
- Secure: Unless the locks are for low-security supply closets, it’s important to choose locks that provide the security, accessibility, and standards necessary for your commercial buildings.
- Convenience: If your locks are unwieldy, bulky, and difficult to use, it may discourage certain individuals from patronizing your business. That’s why it’s important that locks be accessible for all and easy to use.
- Smart: Smart commercial locks that pair with a mobile app can enable smartphone-based entry, record who comes and goes, and make your business more accessible.
- Integration with other security technologies: If you’re able to choose locking systems that integrate with the other systems in your space, this can improve the tenant and staff experience in your building.
Security 101 can help you select, install and maintain Commercial Security Systems in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Don’t hesitate to speak with us about upgrading your commercial door lock systems today.