A Detailed Insight Into Lock Function
Almost all of us agree that we have wondered how a clock functions at least once in our lifetime. The mechanism of the locks significantly depends upon their functions.
Have you ever wondered how the lock functions that have lever from either side? There's a specific function for that. Or are you searching for a lock that only locks from one side?
Yes, there is a function for that lock mechanism too. In this article, we will venture into the most common types of lock functions and have a basic understanding of them.
Passage Function Locks
One of the most common lock functions is the passage lock function. This is also the most common lock function you see daily. Passage locks are not meant to lock the door.
Instead, they are designed to prevent the door from swinging. You will be surprised to know that there is no keyhole in this locking device. Have we confused you?
Well, don't be. You have already seen these locks on your closet doors, supply rooms, hall closets, or pantries.
Privacy Function Locks
The primary function of the privacy function locks is that their locked or unlocked position is only on the inside lever. However, these locks don't require any key control from the outside.
There is a simple tool that unlocks the lock function without any keys. You see these types of locks mostly installed in your bathrooms and bedrooms. There is a push-button locking system that lets you lock from the inside. When you use that push button, the outside lever is locked; therefore, no one can unlock it from the inside.
These types of locks are also common in shopping malls and clothing stores. You have already used this lock function in the dressing room for trials. However, these locks aren't made to be fully secure from the inside. Rather, for emergency release, they can be opened from the outside.
The difference in these locks is visible. There can be an inside lever or push button for privacy. Premium models of these locks also indicate the lock and unlock status of the bathroom.
Storeroom Lock Functions
Storeroom locks are made in such a way that they can only be locked or unlocked from the outside. There is no locking system on the inside of the storeroom lock function.
In the storeroom function lock, they can be easily opened or closed from the inside. Most storeroom locks behave like this to make an exit in case you are accidentally locked inside.
The storeroom lock function, in the first place, is designed to restrict access. However, it prevents you from getting locked in accidentally. Usually, you see these locks to secure storage room, storage closet, mechanical room, and electrical room. In addition, you can notice storeroom lock functions mostly in commercial institutions.
Maintaining the security of the valuables inside the storeroom is mandatory. Therefore, you can notice an automatic door closing device installed with the storeroom lock function. The primary role of this device is to ensure that the door remains locked.
There are residential lock functions that have different lock function mechanisms. These locks can act as both storeroom locks and residential dwelling units. There is a push button to change the residential locks into storeroom ones. However, most homeowners misinterpret this mode and come to us saying that their outside lever is locked.
Entrance Lock Function
Entrance locks are designed in such a way that you can unlock them by inserting the operating key into the outside cylinder. In addition, a push button on the inside provides the owner with the ability to lock or unlock the door without keys.
Another convenient thing about the entrance lock function is to keep the door unlocked or locked only from the inside. This gives the owner complete freedom even without the keys.
Usually, entry locks are used chiefly where access or unauthorized personnel is not always an issue. These locks are mostly seen in offices, houses, and storage closets.
Classroom Security Locks
Identical to the entrance lock function, the classroom security locks are key controlled only on the outside. The ket setup feature on the classroom locks allows the user to keep the door locked or unlocked. However, there are no methods of locking or unlocking classroom doors from the inside.
Classroom function locks are designed for schools and classrooms. The main reason behind using a classroom security lock on the classroom door as the classroom function deadbolt prevents tempering. You might also have noticed these locks in your school's key system. You can also use classroom security locks as office corridor and lobby entry.
The best implementation of the classroom lock is to use it in those places where a key is required each time someone opens or closes a door. Classroom security locks are great for the access control system. Long story short, a classroom lock is designed to only unlock from the outside, and no push button or thumb turn is needed.
Classroom Function Security Locks Key Control
You can control classroom locks with the outside lever connected to a key cylinder. The manufacturers integrate key cylinders on both the inside and the outside of the classroom lock. These cylindrical locks, however, can only be operated from the outside.
The reason behind it is safety and control. Let us clarify a bit more. A teacher can lock his classroom indefinitely during a lockdown event or protect himself from intruders. In addition, these locks are preferred in public gatherings like schools, courts, and police stations to control students and inmates. In some areas, the classroom lock function is mandatory to install, as stated by the law.
If any student wishes to leave the classroom, he can. That's because the inside key is connected directly to the outside lever. The inside key is designed only to open the outer side of the lever.
The same key is required to unlock all the classroom locks for convenience and control. There is a master key in almost every educational institution for unlocking all of the classrooms with the same key.
Electronic Lock Functions
Electronic locks use an electrical current to lock and unlock. If an electrical current is flown through a solenoidal, it produces a magnetic effect that draws the pins in.
And for the electronic locks with motors, the rotational motion locks or unlocks the lock. The main difference between electronic and regular locks is that digital signals actuate electronic locks functions while traditional locks require human-driven motions.
These actions in the electronic lock are divided into two essential functions- fail-safe and fail-secure. Let us demonstrate what these two terms mean.
A fail-safe unlocks the ingress side of the lock mechanism for any power outage or alarm. This is an old technology used in the first models of electronic locks. However, there are some problems with the fail-safe mechanism. A fail-safe lock function will be unlocked during any power outage or power surge. The electronic lock is locked only when the current is flown.
On the contrary, the fail-secure lock is the opposite of the fail-safe. During any power outage or alarm, the fail-secure will secure the locks. The bolt used in the lock will stay in the locked position when the power goes out.
These are some of the most popular locks used for various purposes. In years of our locksmith experience, we have installed, repaired, and replaced all kinds of locks. And we think you should always use appropriate locks for the appropriate purpose. And for further queries about lock functions, feel free to call us at 832-481-5030 today.
We thank you for patiently staying with us till the end of this article. Hopefully, we'll meet again in our other articles. Until then, take care. Stay safe.
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