In this blog entry, the professional Chicago commercial lock installation and Chicago commercial door hardware team here at Chicago Locksmiths will detail how to select the best types of locks for your Chicago business’s emergency exit doors.
Magnetic Locks
These locks have special electromagnets that are affixed to the door frame along with an armature plate which is affixed to the door itself. They work by sending energy through the magnet, which then makes it attract and stick to the plate on the door. If there is power loss, the lock will automatically disengage, allowing users to move through the door. They are very reliable and are often used in high traffic areas like loading docks and lobbies. They allow for rapid emergency egress, and boost a simple and highly effective design which helps you secure entry with a priority placed on safety.
Electronic Locks
These locks have a latch or bolt which secures doors against strike plates using a mechanism that is controlled with electric charge. When the charge is activated, the bolt is retracted, allowing the door to be opened. Unlike magnetic locks, these are fail-secure devices, and stay locked in the event of power failure unless unlocked by someone. In order to help them meet safety regulations, electronic locks have request-to-exit (REX) devices like push bars attached to them so that they can be opened from the inside without special access credentials. This makes them great for securing sensitive areas of your business like server rooms, ensuring that access is restricted but that one-direction traffic out of the room is possible in the event of an emergency.
Delayed Egress Locks
These locking systems prevent the door from opening immediately on an exit attempt. When in locked mode, they have a delay of 15-30 seconds before exit is allowed. These are often connected to alarms which notify security when the door is attempted to be opened. They are often used in areas prone to stealing or unauthorized exit, like retail areas or warehouses.
Controlled Egress Locks
These locks use electromagnetic locks or delayed egress devices that are controlled with remote releases. Different from delayed egress locks, these do not trigger timers or alarms, and are locked until they are manually released. They are often used in secure hospitals, detox centers, or memory care facilities in order to prevent patient wandering. They are compliant with I-Code and NFPA regulations in their providing remote release for rapid exit, emergency lighting, and auto-relock fetus. They also allow staff at your facility to unlock controlled exit doors whenever they need,enhancing your security.
