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Electrified Locks

 

Electrified locks bridge the gap between mechanical and electronic lock solutions. Where an electronic solution may feature built-in intelligence and functional features that can be managed by a Physical Access Control System (PACS) provider, electrified locks are simple by comparison and usually limited to electrical locking or unlocking of one or both handlesets of the hardware.

 

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Overview

In the simplest terms an electrified lock is structurally similar to its mechanical lock counterpart with the addition of either a small motor or solenoid that electromechanically moves the internal mechanism that locks or unlocks the outside lever or both levers depending on function. Electrified locks must have an external power source and a controlling mechanism. If used as part of an electronic access control system, the lock will be managed by the controller or by a PACS provider's system and unlocked when a credential is presented to a reader on the wall. Another, simpler controlling mechanism may involve wiring the lock to a switch such as used in a fire alarm system or timer, or they can be controlled remotely by a switch at a receptionist desk. Schlage commercial electrified locks include mortise, mortise multi-point, and cylindrical locks. Watch Intro to Door Hardware: Intro to Electromechanical Locking Hardware for more information.

An electrified lock operates in one of two modes: fail safe or fail secure. In some locks the mode of operation must be specified in the order and is then fixed, in others it may be switchable on the lock during installation. It describes what happens when electric power is removed from the lock intentionally as through a controller or unintentionally as in the case of a power outtage. Fail safe: power off = unlocked; fail secure: power off = locked. Though most applications of electrified locks may be about managing who enters the doorway on a constant basis, in some applications it is more desirable to have the door unlocked most of the time while ensuring the ability to lockdown that entry when needed such as during an emergency or fire.

 

Most electrified hardware that come in the form of mortise, mortise multipoint, or cylindrical locks will be managed by a Physical Access Control System (PACS) provider's software governing building and/or campus access. Many PACS providers and integrators prefer the use of electrified locks due to the stability of a hardwired solution, the cost effectiveness of the lock, the simplicity of lock maintenance over time, and because the lock function can be simple since the system governing it is making the decisions regarding access. Any building with card or mobile credential access integration may see widespread use of electrified door locks. What may govern which type will likely depend on the building-wide mechanical hardware aesthetic and functional needs.

  • Mortise locks have widespread commercial and institutional use particularly in hospitals and schools; they offer the most diverse mechanical and electrified functional choices which can include an integrated deadbolt for security while retaining the ability to allow single motion egress (the simple turning of the lever or knob to exit) for occupant safety even when the outside lever is locked and the deadbolt thrown
  • Multipoint locks are commonly mortise-based locks that have many uses; Schlage electrified multipoint locks are currently available as LM9200 two-point electrified locks which are most often applied to interior double doors such as conference room doors
  • Cylindrical, sometimes called bored locks, are commercial grade locks with widespread use in retail, commercial office space, and even classroom doors; they utilize a single latchbolt to secure the door; ND Series Grade 1 cylindrical locks are offered in a number of electrified functions
  • All electrified door locks require a nearby compatible power supply to which they are wired through the door and adjacent wall connected by a special hinge or conduit; this converts the building's Alternating Current (AC) to the Direct Current (DC) used by the lock
  • Unless these locks are being used hardwired to a remote release switch managed exclusively by a person or a fire alarm system they will also need a credential reader and controller
  • Watch Intro to Door Hardware: Intro to Electromechanical Locking Hardware for more information
  • iDigHardware.com has a dedicated page for electrified hardware applications called Special Locking Arrangements covering several common applications and the codes that govern them
  • Read Decoded: Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure – When and Where? to better understand the application of electrified locks
  • You may find this video: Intro to Door Hardware Fail Secure v. Fail Safe also helpful

 

Mortise locks are the most secure type of lock with widespread commercial and institutional use particularly in hospitals and schools. Electrified mortise locks are structurally similar but add either a small motor or solenoid that electromechanically moves the internal mechanism that locks or unlocks the outside lever or both levers depending on function.

  • The word mortise refers to the pocket or recess cut into the door that receives the lock body, a mortise door prep is more involved than that of a cylindrical or tubular lock because of the combination of the mortise pocket and the throughcuts for lever and other components like cylinder housings and/or thumbturns
  • With the exception of interconnected locks which feature a tubular lock in combination with a deadbolt, no other commonly applied door lock has the ability to combine multiple latching mechanisms in one device; a mortise lock can, depending on the function, feature a primary latch, a deadlocking auxillary latch, and a deadbolt - which is why they are considered the most secure lock type
  • Within the Schlage product line, L Series mortise offers the most functional choices, mechanical or electrified, and the most trim options including levers, knobs, escutcheons, roses, thumbturns, ligature-resistant, and hospital latch trims
  • Key override is commonly built-in to most electrified commercial locks
  • The L Series Electrifed Mortise Lock uses motorized unlocking
  • Watch Intro to Door Hardware: Intro to Electromechanical Locking Hardware for more information
  • iDigHardware.com has a dedicated page for electrified hardware applications called Special Locking Arrangements covering several common applications and the codes that govern them
  • Read Decoded: Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure – When and Where? to better understand the application of electrified locks
  • You may find this video: Intro to Door Hardware Fail Secure v. Fail Safe also helpful

Multipoint locks are commonly mortise-based locks that can extend latches through the door to the top and bottom of the door and frame enabling a user control of all latches at a single point. Electrified multipoint mortise locks are structurally similar but add either a small motor or solenoid that electromechanically moves the internal mechanism that locks or unlocks the outside lever or both levers depending on function.



Cylindrical locks, sometimes called bored locks, are commercial grade locks with widespread use in retail, commercial office space, multi-family properties and even classroom doors. ND Series locks are capable of supporting HSLR anti-ligature trim and may be found in behavioral health facilities as well.

In a mechanical lock the locking and unlocking operation can only be activated manually whereas these operations in an electrified lock may be manual (turning a lever, thumbturn or key) and/or via the application or removal of electrical power.

  • Electrified locks enable fail safe/fail secure operation created when power is applied or removed
  • Electrified locks can be integrated with electronic access control as well as fire alarm systems
  • Door prep for mechanical locks is much simpler and lower cost since there is no need for electrical wiring or a power source
  • Mechanical locks are generally offered in more functions and may have some options to add monitoring while electrified lock functions will be limited but likely will have more monitoring options such as request to exit, latchbolt, deadbolt and door position monitoring
  • Depending on the manufacturer, electrified and mechanical locks may be offered within the same product lines such as the Schlage L Series mortise , L Series electrified mortise and related multipoint locks or the ND Series cylindrical and ND Series electrified cylindrical locks allowing them to be visually identical on the door so that both solutions can operate within a building's single aesthetic
  • Watch Intro to Door Hardware: Intro to Electromechanical Locking Hardware for more information    

The locking and unlocking operation of both electrified and electronic locks can be activated through the use of a key (generally used only as a backup operation in case of a rare power loss) or, more likely, they are initiated through the use of a code on a keypad or the presentation of a credential to a reader component. The main difference is that an electrified lock is always externally hardwired to either a controller governed by a Physical Access Control System (PACS) provider's software using a separate reader or to a switch such as used at a receptionist desk where human interaction controls the lock release, whereas commercial electronic locks have built-in intelligence that can enable a variety of functions. They can be hardwired or battery-powered, connected to a PACS or operated as a standalone lock or within a localized network, and the reader is commonly part of the lock itself.

  • Both locks can be integrated with electronic access control as well as fire alarm systems
  • Both locks, as part of an integrated system can offer centralized lockdown capability, monitoring of who used an entry and when, the convenience of remote credential assignment and privilege revocation, as well as credential options that can be used for vending and other applications
  • Battery operated electronic locks can enjoy the same or similar level of door prep as a mechanical lock whereas electrified and electronic locks that are hardwired to an external power source require a more complex set up including wiring through the door and a corresponding hinge conduit
  • Electrified locks may require external monitoring components whereas electronic locks will likely have monitoring features built-in to the lock
  • Depending on the manufacturer, electrified and electronic locks may be offered within the same product lines such as the Schlage L Series mortise mechanical, electrified and electronic locks, or the ND Series cylindrical mechanical, electrified and electronic locks allowing them to operate within a building's single aesthetic with modest visual differences due to the presence of a credential reader on the electronic locks

 

Electrified locks are commonly offered in the same diverse forms (types of locks) and aesthetic choices (levers, roses, escutcheons or alternative trims) as their mechanical counterparts. Because they are primarily a mechanical lock that has been modestly altered to enable electrified locking and unlocking of the outside lever or levers, they also offer these features:

  • Electrified locks are highly durable and reliable, particularly commercial grade 1 locks which are made to endure many years in challenging environments and abusive conditions with minimal maintenance; once installed, they can be managed and serviced by locksmiths or onsite maintenance personnel
  • Schlage grade 1 mortise and cylindrical electrified locks feature trim options to make them suitable for specific functions within the health care industry such as ligature-resistant and push/pull trims

Why choose an electrified lock solution:

  • Credential use within a Physical Access Control System (PACS) enables you to assign or revoke access privileges quickly
  • Electrified locks within a PACS can be part of a centralized lockdown system
  • The need for key distribution can be minimized which can dramatically reduce instances of lost keys and associated risks
  • Allowed access times can be specifically assigned to each user
  • Use of credentials and readers within a PACS can provide the "who, where and when" of building occupancy
  • The lock itself, as a simple electrically "on" or "off" solution will not require upgrade as credential and reader technologies continue to evolve
  • By nature, electrified locks can enable the remote release of the lever locking mechanism however, manual operation to manage the lever and/or open the door is still required (Some manufacturers locks enable electric latch retraction allowing them to be used in coordination with an automatic door operator such as LCN auto operators
  • In a power failure situation any locks set up as fail secure will only be able to be opened by an individual with a proper key; given the common application of electrified locks as part of a building-wide Physical Access Control System, this may be limited to a very few individuals
  • Electrified lock solutions require hardwired connection to a power supply and controller necessitating a more complicated door prep than either mechanical or non-wired electronic solutions
  • Unlike electronic lock solutions which include the reader, electrified solutions require a separate card, mobile or keypad credential reader



In order to interpret the code requirements for a particular jurisdiction, it’s crucial to know which codes have been adopted. Most states adopt a model building code, with or without state-specific modifications. This information can often be located by doing an online search – for example, Massachusetts State Building Code or New York City Fire Code. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say at the local level, but here are some of the common codes that govern electrified locks:

  • Grading is defined under ANSI/BHMA testing with each lock type having a specific standard: Mortise - A156.13; Cylindrical - A156.25 which are periodically updated and will often be listed with the date in this manner: ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2017, Grade 1
  • Other certifications or requirements defined by local codes based on the lock type desired
  • UL Listings: These include UL10C standard for positive pressure fire tests of door assemblies (in Canada this is CAN/ULC-S104) and UL 437 which is specific to high-security key cylinders
  • Windstorm: ICC-500 for tornado shelters and Florida Building Commission for hurricane protections
  • Government requirements: Buy American Act (BAA) and/or TAA listed
  • Click here to find the Allegion Code Expert (ACE) in your state
  • For more information on codes related to locks, please visit iDigHardware.com
  • Most information regarding grading, certifications and listing can be found on individual product pages, here are compendium resources of Allegion Windstorm and BAA/TAA qualified products

Features and options will vary greatly by type of lock and model. Mortise, because of the size and configurability of the chassis, will tend to offer more options. But here are a few things to look for:

Specific to electrification

  • Motorized activation: this is beneficial for three reasons: 1) it uses less energy than solenoid-based activation; 2) in an electrically locked state solenoid-based solutions can generate heat that translates to "hot levers"; 3) motorized activation is quieter than solenoid
  • Suited (look alike) mechanical and electronic options; electrified locks are only part of a building- or campus-wide solution - make sure electrified locks are supported by the full range of suited products in the functions you need for the project

Specific to the lock's mechanical structure

  • Cast spindles with multiple points of lever connection: these will tend to provide the highest degree of stability over time in terms of minimizing droop or wobble on the lever
  • Field configurable handing: eliminates the need to know the door handing in advance and makes repurposing of the lock easier
  • Fire-rating: this may come standard or as an option but a 3-hour UL 10C listed latch ensures the lock can remain secured in the event of a fire
  • The availability of a wide range of key system options

You can contact Allegion Customer Service (Sales Support) or Technical Support (Product Support) by phone or by email.

To contact by phone: call 877.671.7011

  • For Customer Service PRESS 1 then listen for the appropriate prompt for your product
  • For Technical Support PRESS 2 - then listen for the appropriate prompt for your product - other technical support options for electronics, engage, readers and credentials, exits, closers and doors are available
  • To reach your local sales office PRESS 3 - your call will be directed based upon the area code from which you are calling

To contact by email:

Or use the Contact Us form to be connected to the right team to answer your questions.

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