Ansi Door Lock Function Codes Guide

Every commercial door lock ships with a function code. That code determines which levers operate the latch, when a key is required, whether one side or both sides can lock the door, and what happens in an emergency. Order the wrong function and you can end up with a classroom that locks from the outside when the code requires locking from the inside, or a storeroom with a freely rotating lever that any employee can open without a key.

Function codes are standardized by ANSI/BHMA. That means a function F84 classroom lock from Schlage and a function F84 lock from Corbin Russwin behave identically, even though the hardware looks different and the part numbers are completely different. The function defines the behavior. The brand defines the execution.

This guide covers every function code that shows up regularly on commercial hardware schedules, with actual application context for each one. No reference table to stare at without explanation. Just the codes, what they do, and which doors they belong on.

Why Function Codes Exist (and Why Getting Them Wrong Is Expensive)

Before ANSI standardized function codes, every manufacturer described lock behavior in their own language. One company's "classroom" lock behaved differently from another's. Hardware schedules were ambiguous, submittals were rejected, and contractors installed the wrong hardware regularly.

ANSI function codes solved this by defining behavior in manufacturer-neutral terms. When a hardware schedule specifies F84, every manufacturer reading that spec knows exactly how the lock operates: outside lever locked by key from outside, inside lever always free, key outside locks or unlocks outside lever. There's no interpretation. The code is the behavior.

Getting the function wrong creates real problems. A storeroom specified as F82 (office function) instead of F86 (storeroom function) gives every employee with a lever-operating hand free access to a room that should require a key. An F84 classroom function installed in a building that requires F88 or F110 for classroom security compliance fails the code inspection. On fire-rated doors, certain function configurations affect whether the lock can be fire-listed. The wrong code can invalidate a fire rating.

Function codes are set at the factory. Most cylindrical locks cannot be field-converted from one function to another. Order the right one.

Cylindrical Locks and Mortise Locks Use Different Numbering Systems

This is the source of the most common confusion in commercial hardware specifications.

Cylindrical lock functions (ANSI A156.2) use numbers starting in the F70s and above: F75, F76, F82, F84, F86, F87, F88, and so on.

Mortise lock functions (ANSI A156.13) use numbers in the F01 through F25 range: F01, F02, F04, F05, F07, F09, F10, and so on.

Both a cylindrical lock and a mortise lock can have a "classroom" function. On a cylindrical lock, classroom is F84. On a mortise lock, classroom is F05. Same behavior, different code number. This trips up hardware schedules written by people who mix cylindrical and mortise hardware without adjusting the function code designation.

If a schedule lists "F84 mortise lock," that's wrong. Mortise classroom is F05. If a schedule lists "F05 cylindrical," that's also wrong. Cylindrical classroom is F84. The function is correct, the code for the lock type is not.

The applications in this guide cover both lock types with the appropriate code for each.

The Core Commercial Functions: What They Do and Where They Go

Passage Function (Cylindrical: F75 / Mortise: F01)

Both levers operate the latch from either side at all times. There is no locking mechanism, no cylinder, no key. The door opens and closes without restriction.

Passage is specified on doors where traffic needs to flow freely in both directions without credential control. Conference room doors in open plan offices, breakroom doors, internal corridor doors where no security or privacy is needed. It's also used on the active leaf of double doors where a coordinator manages which leaf closes first.

Don't specify passage on any door that needs to be lockable, even occasionally.

Privacy Function (Cylindrical: F76 / Mortise: F02/F19)

The inside lever is always free. An inside push button or thumbturn locks the outside lever so the door can't be opened from outside. An emergency release on the outside, typically a small slot or hole, allows unlocking from outside with a coin or small tool without a key. Inside lever always allows egress.

Privacy is specified on restrooms, single-occupant bathrooms, changing rooms, fitting rooms, and any door where the occupant needs to control outside access temporarily. It is not appropriate on fire-rated doors or any door on an egress path where locking must be controlled by credentialed staff rather than the occupant.

The mortise version (F19) adds a deadbolt to the privacy function. The inside thumbturn extends or retracts the deadbolt, and rotating the inside lever retracts both the latch and deadbolt simultaneously.

For healthcare patient rooms where the door must release automatically when closed, see F22 privacy auto-release below.

For related hardware, see our commercial lock catalog.

Office Function (Cylindrical: F82 / Mortise: F04)

The outside lever is free unless locked by a stop button or toggle on the lock face or cylinder. When the stop is engaged, outside entry requires a key. Inside lever is always free. Latch deadlocks automatically.

This is the workhorse function of commercial construction. For top-rated locks in this function, see our guide to the best commercial door locks. The vast majority of private office doors, suite entry doors, and interior doors that need intermittent locking specify F82 cylindrical or F04 mortise. An employee can lock their office from inside by pressing the stop button, lock it from outside using a key, or leave it freely accessible during the day.

The difference between F82 and F84: in F82, the outside lever starts free and is locked by a stop button. In F84, the outside lever starts locked and is unlocked by key. Choose based on whether the default state should be open (F82) or locked (F84).

Classroom Function (Cylindrical: F84 / Mortise: F05)

Key from outside locks or unlocks the outside lever. Inside lever is always free and always allows egress. When the outside lever is locked, the latch can only be retracted by key from outside or by the inside lever from inside.

This is the standard classroom function used on school corridor doors for decades. For a full breakdown of F84 vs F88 vs classroom intruder locks and state compliance laws, read our classroom security lock guide. The intended workflow: teacher uses a key in the corridor-side cylinder to lock the outside lever, preventing entry from the corridor. The inside lever still allows free egress for students at all times.

The critical limitation: to lock the door, someone must be in the corridor using a key. During a security event, that means the teacher opens the door, steps into the hallway, uses the key to lock the outside lever, and steps back inside. For low-level security situations, this is workable. For an active threat scenario where stepping into the hallway is dangerous, it's not.

This is why the classroom security function (F109/F110) exists. See the dedicated section below.

The F84 and F05 codes are the ones most contractors and facilities managers encounter on school hardware schedules. They're correct for standard classroom security that doesn't require inside-lockdown capability.

Browse Schlage ND70 and other F84 classroom locks in our catalog.

Storeroom Function (Cylindrical: F86 / Mortise: F07)

Outside lever is always rigid. It cannot be operated from outside under any circumstance except with a key. Inside lever is always free. Latch deadlocks automatically.

Storeroom is the highest-security cylindrical function for single-cylinder locks. There's no stop button to unlock, no toggle, no thumbturn. The only way in from outside is with a key in the outside cylinder. Nobody can tailgate their way in by catching the door before it closes because the outside lever won't retract the latch even if the latch is momentarily unlatched.

Specify F86 on pharmaceutical storage rooms, server rooms, cash rooms, equipment storage, and any space where unauthorized access must be prevented even when the door is temporarily ajar. It is also the correct function on emergency stairwell doors in buildings that require key-controlled re-entry to the stairwell.

Do not specify F86 on any fire door where delayed egress or latch-retraction-on-signal is required. The always-rigid outside lever conflicts with certain electrified functions.

Asylum Function (Cylindrical: F87)

Both levers are always rigid. Neither side can operate the latch without a key. Entry and egress both require a key from the appropriate side.

Asylum is the most restrictive standard commercial lock function. It's specified on doors where no one should be able to exit or enter without credentialed authorization, including certain correctional and high-security psychiatric applications. For most commercial and institutional buildings, F87 is too restrictive for any egress path and conflicts with life safety codes that require means of egress without a key.

Confirm with the AHJ before specifying F87 on any door that is part of an egress path. Its use cases are narrow and code-dependent.

Apartment and Vestibule Function (Cylindrical: F88 / Mortise: F09)

Outside lever is locked by key from inside. When locked, outside entry requires a key. Inside lever is always free. Key from outside retracts latch when the lock is in the locked position.

F88 is called "apartment" or "entry/restroom" depending on the manufacturer. The defining characteristic is that locking is controlled from inside rather than outside. The person inside the room controls whether the outside lever is locked, using a key on the inside cylinder.

This function is specified on apartment corridor doors, lavatory doors, and any application where the occupant inside should control access without needing a stop button (which can be inadvertently engaged). It's also used on lavatories in restaurants and retail where the occupant locks the door from inside by turning a key rather than a push button.

The F88 function is the basis for the classroom security function (see below). The key distinction between F88 and F84: in F84, the outside lever is controlled from outside. In F88, it's controlled from inside.

Corridor Function (Cylindrical: F99)

Outside lever is free unless locked by thumbturn or key inside. When locked, outside entry requires key. Inside lever is always free.

Corridor is specified on guestroom doors in hotels, certain healthcare rooms, and any application where the person inside can lock the door for privacy without needing a push button. The thumbturn inside provides a positive visual indicator that the door is locked. A key from outside unlocks it.

The mortise equivalent (F20) adds a deadbolt operation: the thumbturn inside extends the deadbolt simultaneously locking the outside lever, and the inside lever retracts both the latch and deadbolt together for smooth single-motion egress.

Privacy Auto-Release (Mortise: F22)

Inside thumbturn extends the deadbolt, locking the outside lever. When the door closes, the deadbolt automatically retracts and the outside lever is restored to operable status.

F22 is the healthcare privacy function. For the full hardware picture in healthcare, see our discussion in the best commercial door locks guide. Patient rooms that should be lockable from inside for patient privacy but should not remain locked when the patient exits. A nurse who closes the door after leaving does not need to remember to unlock it from outside. The closing action releases the lock automatically.

This function is specified on patient room doors, exam room doors, and any space where privacy-on-demand is needed but the door should never be left locked after the occupant departs. Without auto-release, a privacy-function door requires someone to manually unlock from outside any time an occupant forgets to unlock before leaving.

The F84 vs F88 vs F110 Classroom Question

The most common misspecification in K-12 construction right now involves three function codes that all relate to classroom security but work completely differently.

F84 (standard classroom): Lock from outside. Teacher steps into corridor with a key to lock the door. Works for standard security.

F88/F109 (apartment-style classroom): Lock from inside using key on inside cylinder. Teacher stays inside the room, inserts key, turns it, outside lever locks. Door does not need to open. This is the function behind most "classroom security lock" products.

F110 (classroom intruder): Key from either inside or outside locks or unlocks the outside lever. Inside lever always allows egress. This is the function that California's SB 1384 and similar state classroom security laws specifically require: the teacher must be able to lock the door from inside without opening it, AND staff outside must also be able to lock or unlock the door with a key.

The difference matters for compliance. If a jurisdiction has adopted a classroom security law that requires inside-lockdown capability, F84 does not comply. F88 or F110 are required depending on the specific language. Specifying F84 on a school project in a state with classroom security requirements results in a failed inspection and a hardware change order.

Always verify the function requirement with the AHJ and the applicable state education code before finalizing the hardware schedule on any K-12 project. For more context, see our guide on commercial locks for schools and institutions.

Manufacturer Function Codes vs ANSI Codes: How to Cross-Reference

Manufacturers use their own catalog identifiers that correspond to ANSI function codes. Here are the most common crossovers:

Schlage ND Series:

• ND10 = F75 Passage

• ND25 = F76 Privacy

• ND50 = F82 Office/Entry (some references call this passage-to-secure)

• ND70 = F84 Classroom

• ND80/ND80BD (Vandlgard) = F86 Storeroom

• ND90 = F87 Asylum

Sargent 10 Line:

• 10G04 = F82 Office

• 10G17 = F84 Classroom (Sargent uses "17" for their standard classroom)

• 10G24 = F88 Classroom Security (inside key)

• 10G37 = F84 Classroom (variant)

Sargent 8200 Mortise:

• 8215 = F04 Office/Entry

• 8204 = F07 Storeroom

• 8238 = Classroom Security (F32 equivalent, inside key locks outside lever)

• 8265 = F04 with added deadbolt

• 8271 = F04 electromechanical

PDQ MR Series Mortise (Lancaster, PA):

• MR116J = F04 Entry/Office

• MR154J = F10 Entrance with deadbolt

• MR115J = F07 Storeroom

Keep this list available when translating a hardware schedule to a purchase order. The ANSI code tells you the behavior. The manufacturer code gets you the specific product.

For the full Sargent, Schlage, and PDQ line available from an authorized dealer, see our mortise lock catalog and our cylindrical lock catalog.

Quick Reference: ANSI Function Codes at a Glance

Cylindrical Lock Functions (ANSI A156.2)

 

 

Mortise Lock Functions (ANSI A156.13)

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F84 and F86?

In F84 (classroom), the outside lever is locked or unlocked by a key from outside. Someone on the corridor side can use a key to control access. In F86 (storeroom), the outside lever is permanently rigid with no stop, toggle, or thumbturn. The only way to retract the latch from outside is with a key in the outside cylinder every single time, regardless of any prior locked or unlocked state. F84 allows toggling access on and off. F86 always requires a key for outside entry.

Can I change a lock function in the field?

On most cylindrical locks, no. The function is built into the chassis and cylinder configuration at the factory. Certain Schlage ND Series models allow limited function conversion in the field, but the range is narrow and documented in the product spec sheet. If you ordered the wrong function, the practical answer in most cases is replacement. Mortise locks are slightly more flexible since the trim and cylinder configuration does some of the functional work, but the lock body itself still defines the core behavior.

What function code do I need for a healthcare patient room?

For a standard patient room where the patient controls privacy but the door should unlock automatically when left closed, specify F22 (privacy auto-release mortise). For behavioral health units requiring ligature-resistant trim, the function code stays the same but the trim specification changes to ligature-resistant lever styles. Consult with an authorized dealer on the specific Sargent, Schlage, or PDQ product line before finalizing a healthcare hardware schedule. Call 877-471-4870 for guidance.

Do cylindrical and mortise locks use the same ANSI function codes?

No. Cylindrical locksets (ANSI A156.2) use F75 through F110 range codes. Mortise locksets (ANSI A156.13) use F01 through F25 range codes. A classroom function cylindrical is F84. A classroom function mortise is F05. Same behavior, different numbers. Hardware schedules should specify both the function name (classroom) and the function code with the lock type clearly identified.

Why does my hardware schedule say "F84 mortise"?

That's a specification error. The mortise classroom function code is F05, not F84. The function description (classroom) is correct; the code number is from the cylindrical lock numbering system applied incorrectly to a mortise specification. Confirm with the hardware specifier whether the intent was a cylindrical lock (F84 is correct) or a mortise lock (F05 is correct). Don't order until this is resolved.

What function do I need if the building requires classroom security compliance under state law?

For California SB 1384 and similar state-level classroom security requirements, the function must allow the teacher to lock the outside lever from inside the room without opening the door. Standard F84/F05 classroom function does not satisfy this requirement because locking requires operating from the corridor. Look at F88/F09 (apartment function with inside key) or F110 (classroom intruder function with inside-key capability). Verify the specific requirement with your state education authority or AHJ before finalizing the hardware schedule.

Authorized Allegion, Sargent, and PDQ dealer since 2001. We specify and supply commercial locks across every function code in this guide for K-12 schools, hospitals, government facilities, and commercial construction. For function code verification, hardware schedule review, or product sourcing, call 877-471-4870. Free shipping on orders $300 and up.

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