Industry Insights

Door hardware 101: A basic jargon primer

Access control begins with door hardware. And with that comes a
world of confusing nomenclature that can be intimidating. Welcome
to Door Hardware 101, a guide to help you understand and talk about
mechanical and electrified hardware.
There are four main steps to specifying door hardware: Cylindrical: Sometimes called
(1) hang the door, (2) secure the door, (3) control the door and bored locks, cylindrical locks are
(4) protect the door. This guide will explain some of the key sturdier and considered more
terms used in each of these four steps. secure than tubular locks. The
latchbolt assembly interlocks with

Hang the door one side of the lock chassis, making

it easier to install, replace and rekey.
Hinges or pivots? 3-knuckle
Cylindrical locks are also available in different formats that
Typically hinges are used to hang the door.
provide various levels of security, all of which use the same
There are a few basic types. Five-knuckle or
type of key. This allows like-keyed and master-keyed systems
three-knuckle are common choices.
that use a wide variety of locks. Cylindrical locks are vulnerable
Continuous hinges run the entire length to security threats that use force to break them in two pieces–
of the door and are often used on known as lock snapping or cylinder snapping.
exterior doors.
5-knuckle
Pivots are used to hang the door when the Mortise: Mortise locks are considered even more secure
door is heavy, the design of the door/frame than cylindrical locks. They require
requires pivots or because of an aesthetic a pocket—the mortise—to be cut
preference. into the door where the lock is fitted.
The mortise assembly includes the
following:
Secure the door
Mechanical locks: There are many types of mechanical locks:
• Lock body (the part installed inside
the mortise cut-out in the door)

•
tubular, cylindrical, mortise, interconnected and deadbolt.
Lock trim, which is typically available
Below are the pros and cons of each type.
in various knob, lever, handle set and pull designs

Tubular: Tubular locks have a center spindle assembly that • Strike plate
extends through the center of the lock body and latch, allowing
for retraction of the latch when the lever or knob is rotated. • Keyed cylinder to operate the locking/unlocking function of
the lock body
While this type of lock is very common on interior doors and in
residential applications, they are considered the least secure
lock type.
Mortise locks are stronger and heavier duty than cylindrical An electric strike replaces the regular strike for a lockset or
locks, making them ideal for use in hospitals and schools. They panic hardware. It is used as part of an access control system
are heavy enough to support ornate and solid cast knobs and to provide added security and convenience such as traffic
levers. Mortise locks also provide a wide variety of choices control and remote release. An electric strike is typically paired
for function, trim, keying systems and finishes, allowing for with a storeroom function lockset or panic hardware, so access
architectural conformity with the design of the building or locks is controlled by the electric strike.
and door hardware already on site.
An electromechanical lock is a lockset that has been
Interconnected: An interconnected lock is comprised of two electrified so that it can be controlled by a card reader, remote
locks that are connected together so operating the lever handle release or other access control device. Most electromechanical
will retract both the latchbolt and deadbolt simultaneously. locksets allow free egress at all times.
The latchset is either a cylindrical or tubular lock, and there
is a deadbolt above. These locks are most commonly used An electromagnetic lock is an electromagnet that mounts on
on dwelling unit entrance doors in multifamily residential the frame, with a steel armature mounted on the door. When
buildings. power is applied to the magnet, it
bonds to the armature, securing
Deadbolt: Deadbolts, also called deadlocks, are available the door. Electromagnetic locks
with a single cylinder or a double cylinder. The single cylinder are only available fail safe.
deadbolt operates by a key on the outside and a thumbturn When you remove power, the
on the inside. A double cylinder deadbolt requires a key for electromagnetic lock unlocks.
unlocking on both sides of the door, and cannot be used on
doors that are required for egress, except in certain locations Tips:
where key-operated locks are allowed by code. With the
exception of residential dwelling units, deadbolts are typically
• Fail safe locks should be used on stairwell doors requiring
re-entry and any other doors which must allow free access
not allowed to be used on a door with another lock or latch upon fire alarm or power failure.
installed, as the egress code requirements mandate one
motion to unlatch an egress door. • Fail safe electric strikes can’t be used for stairwell re-entry,
because fire door assemblies require fail secure electric
strikes for positive latching. (Fire doors do not require fail
Electrified hardware: Fail safe or fail secure
secure electric locks—only fail secure electric strikes.)
Electrified hardware uses power to control the locking and
unlocking of the door. Most electrified hardware is available in
one of two functions: fail safe or fail secure. Fail safe and fail
• Be aware that when a fail safe product is used, the door
will be unlocked whenever power is removed. For example,
secure refers to the status of the secure side (key side, outside) it would be removed during a power outage and, in some
of the door. Most electrified hardware allows free egress from systems, during a fire alarm.
the egress side (inside) of the door.
• Electromagnetic locks are only available fail safe.

Basic definitions: • Electric latch retraction panic hardware is only available fail

• Fail safe: Power off = Unlocked

secure.

• Fail secure: Power off = Locked • Fail secure products are more common than fail safe due
to security concerns. Fail secure products provide security
when there is no power applied.

• Most electrified products, with the exception of

electromagnetic locks, allow free egress at all times,
regardless of whether they are fail safe or fail secure.
Types of electronic locks • Readers. Just as a key fits a
lock, a card or biometric requires
An electronic lock is controlled by a reader,
a reader, which is typically
such as a keypad, card reader or biometric
located next to a door. In some
terminal. If the user has the right personal
cases, the lock and reader are
identification number (PIN), card or
combined into one unit. When
biometric, the door unlocks. There are two
purchasing a card reader, it should have the capacity to
main types of electronic locks: standalone
read all types of cards: smart, proximity and mag stripe.
and networked.
Purchasing a multi-technology reader can eliminate the

• Standalone locks/readers: Standalone electronic locks use

the same credential (card, code, etc) as networked locks.
expense of installing new readers should credentials change
down the road.

However, they are not connected to access control software,

so they require the user to physically go to each lock to Exit devices get people out
administer access rights and retrieve tracking information. An exit device (also called a crash bar, panic bar, panic device,

• Networked locks: Networked electronic locks are connected

to an access control system. They allow the system
panic hardware or push bar) allows the exterior side of the
door to be locked, while ensuring
that people can always exit from the
manager to easily change access rights and track movement
interior. Consisting of a spring-loaded
throughout the facility from anywhere they are connected to
metal bar or touchpad mechanism
the network.
fixed horizontally to the inside of an
outswinging door, it activates a mechanism which unlatches
Credentials are key the door, allowing occupants to leave quickly when the lever
Credentials are the tools that give you access. is either pushed or depressed. Panic hardware is required for
Although modern security systems use doors which lock or latch, serving assembly and educational
different types of credentials, a key is the most occupancies with an occupant load of 50 people or more (100
widely recognized. When they are lost, new people or more for some codes), and also for high hazard
ones must be duplicated and, frequently, locks occupancies.
must be rekeyed.

• Patented key management system. With a patent-

protected key management system, keys are only available
There are several types of exit devices:
• Touchpad: Touchpad exit devices are mounted on the inside
to authorized individuals through professional locksmith of the door and feature an enclosed mechanism case with a
channels to prevent unauthorized key duplication. touchpad to allow egress.

• Cards as keys. These credentials overcome the costs and

security challenges of key turnover. Options include smart,
• Crossbar: Crossbar exit devices may be used for doors with
large glass lites, or where there is an aesthetic preference for
proximity and magnetic stripe credentials, each with varying the crossbar style. Available for both wide and narrow stile
levels of security. If a card is lost, its number is simply erased doors, they are ideal
from the system, and the user receives a new card and for environments that
number. demand a traditional

• Biometrics as keys. A biometric reader uses your body as

identification. Your hand, for instance, can be placed on a
look that’s durable
enough to withstand
rugged applications.
reader. If it matches the template created when you enrolled,
you get access. Biometrics provide the highest security and
greatest convenience.
• Recessed: Recessed exit devices are embedded into the
door to maintain a low profile with sloped end caps that
• Concealed closers: Concealed closers are mounted in the
frame head, or in the top rail of the door, when aesthetics are
deflect objects away from the door and are close to being a concern.
totally flush with the door when depressed.
• High-security closers: High-security closers feature a
• Rods vs. cables: Vertical rod exit devices have historically
been manufactured with rods and latches that secure the
vandal-resistant design for use where closers may be
exposed to abuse or vandalism.
door at the top and bottom. More recently, exit devices have
been introduced that use a concealed vertical cables instead • Electronic closers: Fire doors may not be held open
mechanically, but electronic closers may be used on fire
of rods. Concealed vertical cable exit devices are more
doors to hold the door open and automatically close the
aesthetic and easier to install and maintain than traditional
door when a signal is received from the fire alarm or smoke
vertical rod exit devices.
detector. A door with this type of closer is called automatic-
closing, while a door that closes each time it’s opened is
And it has dogging?
called self-closing.
Dogging is a feature used in exit devices to hold the touchpad
or crossbar in a retracted position, thus allowing a door to
Automatic operators provide easy access
operate in push/pull mode without latching. Mechanical
Low energy automatic operators are used where a “knowing
dogging is not allowed for fire doors, so fire exit hardware will
act,” such as a push button, is used to automatically open the
not have the ability to be mechanically dogged. Fire doors may
door. They are required by code to open the door slowly and
be dogged electrically, as long as the latches project upon fire
with a limited amount of force. Therefore they do not require
alarm to positively latch the door.
the safety sensors and rails required for full-powered operators
like the operators seen on a grocery store entrance.
Control the door
Door closers are aptly named • Electro-hydraulic systems: These are designed for manual
opening applications where there is occasional need for
A door closer closes the door after
automating the door to meet ADA requirements. Electro-
it is opened manually, but it also
hydraulic operators combine a conventional heavy-duty door
controls the door to avoid slamming
closer with a low-energy automatic operator.
and to meet the requirements of
the accessibility standards. There
are both manual and electronic door closers. Choosing a door
• Electro-mechanical systems: Designed for more frequent
automatic use, these automatic operators are often used
closer involves considering a variety of criteria. In addition to on cross-corridor doors and other frequently used openings
the closer’s performance in fire situations, other criteria may in hospitals. These operators are designed for applications
include resistance to opening forces (including heavy duty where automatic operation is the primary need.
models for areas with high winds), control over the rate of
closing, safety, durability, risk of vandalism and aesthetics.
• Pneumatically powered systems: These are great for use in
areas where electrically operated devices are not convenient
There are five basic types of door closers. or permitted. The pneumatic operator consists of a heavy-

•
duty door closer for manual operation and a pneumatic
Surface-mounted closers: These closers mount at the automatic operator to power the door when required. Power
top of the door and frame—either parallel arm mount (push for the operator comes from the in-house air supply or a
side), regular arm mount (pull side) or top jamb mount compressor furnished with the operators. These operators
(push side). are silent when the compressor is installed in a remote

• Floor closers: These closers mount in the floor, and the

door is typically hung on pivots. Floor closers must be
location, making them ideal for use in libraries, churches,
hospitals and laboratories.
carefully coordinated with the floor construction and finish
flooring for proper installation.
Protect the door
There are many types of products designed to protect the door Whether you write your own specs or work with an architectural
from wear and tear, including protective plates, push plates and consultant, knowing the jargon for door hardware will help
pulls, edge guards, stops, gasketing and thresholds, and other ensure your next project is safe and secure.
miscellaneous products. When strategically placed on the door,
these items can reduce abuse and wear of the door.
Allegion has a team of more than 150 specification writers located
around the world who would be happy to assist on your next project.
Working with a specification consultant Contact an Allegion specification writer, or check out the iDig Hardware
Some architects like to specify hardware, but we’ve met many blog for information and updates on door hardware codes.
who find it tedious. Product numbers and codes change,
and integrating the various hardware products has become
increasingly complicated. Mistakes can be costly and often
impact construction schedules if they’re discovered late.

About Allegion
Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) is a global pioneer in safety and security, with leading brands
like CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage®, SimonsVoss® and Von Duprin®. Focusing on security
around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion produces a range of solutions for homes,
businesses, schools and other institutions. Allegion is a $2 billion company, with products
sold in almost 130 countries. For more, visit www.allegion.com.
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