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dormakaba commercial hardware covers more of a building's access and egress needs in a single product portfolio than any other manufacturer in the commercial door hardware market. Formed in 2015 from the merger of Dorma (Germany, founded 1908) and Kaba (Switzerland, founded 1862), and significantly expanded in 2017 when dormakaba acquired BEST Access Systems, the brand now supplies door closers, mortise and cylindrical locksets, exit devices, automatic door operators, key systems, and wireless electronic access control to commercial, healthcare, educational, and institutional facilities across North America.

The challenge for specifiers is not finding dormakaba products. It is knowing which dormakaba product series belongs on which opening, what the grade certifications actually mean in practice, and how the mechanical hardware connects to the electronic access platform. This guide covers the best dormakaba products across every major category, with confirmed specifications and the application logic behind each recommendation.

Why dormakaba Belongs on Commercial Hardware Schedules

Before diving into specific products, three things about dormakaba's manufacturing standards are worth knowing because they directly affect specification decisions.

Grade 1 mortise durability beyond ANSI minimum: ANSI/BHMA A156.13 requires Grade 1 mortise locksets to be tested to 1,000,000 cycles. dormakaba's Grade 1 mortise locksets are independently tested to over 10,000,000 cycles. That is ten times the standard minimum requirement. On a high-traffic corridor door cycling 500 times daily, the difference between ANSI minimum and dormakaba's tested durability is the difference between 5 years and 54 years of theoretical cycle life. This is not a marketing claim; it is a confirmed figure from dormakaba's own product specification pages.

BEST SFIC compatibility: dormakaba's 2017 acquisition of BEST Access Systems brought one of North America's most widely installed interchangeable core formats into the dormakaba portfolio. Facilities already on BEST Small Format IC (SFIC) systems can specify dormakaba mechanical locksets with BEST SFIC prep and maintain their existing masterkey infrastructure without replacing cores or cylinders. This is the correct specification for university campuses, hospital systems, and government facilities running BEST IC programs.

Unified access platform: dormakaba connects mechanical hardware to electronic access control through three proprietary systems - CLIQ for electronic key control, Aperio for wireless online access, and MOVE for mobile credential management. All three integrate with major PACS (Physical Access Control System) platforms without requiring complete system replacement.

Best dormakaba Door Closers: The QDC Series and 8000 Series

Door closers account for the largest volume of dormakaba installations on commercial hardware schedules. The dormakaba closer lineup covers surface-mounted, overhead concealed, floor, and automatic operator configurations.

QDC Series (surface-mounted commercial closers):

The QDC200 is the standard surface-mounted closer for interior and exterior commercial doors. ANSI Grade 1 certified, adjustable closing speed, latch speed, and backcheck valves. Covers door sizes 1 through 5 with spring power adjustment. The QDC800 extends the range to heavy-duty exterior doors and high-frequency applications requiring Grade 1 durability across a wider power adjustment range.

dormakaba door closers carry UL 10C Positive Pressure listing for fire-rated door assemblies. All fire-rated assemblies must use a fire-rated closer - confirm UL 10C listing appears on the closer before writing it into a hardware schedule for fire-labeled openings.

8000 Series (premium concealed overhead closer):

The dormakaba 8000 Series overhead concealed closer is the premium specification for architectural interiors where a surface-mounted device is unacceptable. The 8000 Series mounts entirely inside the door and frame, with no visible hardware on either face. Used in hotel lobbies, government buildings, corporate headquarters, and any space where door hardware aesthetics are part of the design specification.

For the complete dormakaba closer lineup, see the dormakaba devices section at American Locksets.

Best dormakaba Mechanical Locks: M1000 Mortise, C100 Cylindrical, and DB100 Deadbolt

M1000 Series (Grade 1 Mortise Lockset):

The dormakaba M1000 is the premium commercial mortise lockset in the dormakaba portfolio and the product that carries the 10-million-cycle independent test rating. It is ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1 certified, available in the full range of commercial functions including classroom, storeroom, entrance, and office, and comes in 14 finishes matching current architectural hardware standards.

The M1000 is the correct specification for primary commercial entries, high-traffic corridor doors, K-12 and university classroom doors, healthcare facility corridor doors, and any opening where the hardware schedule requires mortise Grade 1 performance over a 15-plus-year lifecycle without body replacement.

The M1000 is available with BEST SFIC prep, standard BEST cylinder, and several restricted keyway options, making it directly compatible with BEST IC core programs already in place at large institutional facilities.

C100 Series (Grade 1 Cylindrical Lockset):

The C100 is dormakaba's Grade 1 cylindrical lockset for heavy commercial applications where the door prep calls for a bored cylindrical lockset rather than a mortise body. ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Grade 1 certified. Non-handed. Available in full commercial function range including classroom function for educational lockdown compliance.

Use the C100 on interior secondary commercial doors, individual office entries, and any cylindrical-prep opening that requires Grade 1 durability without the cost and installation complexity of a mortise body.

C500 Series (Grade 2 Cylindrical Lockset):

The C500 offers two lever design configurations with Grade 2 certification under ANSI/BHMA A156.2. The two-lever design provides aesthetic versatility for light commercial applications where Grade 1 is not specified and a clean, modern appearance is part of the design brief.

Use C500 on low-traffic interior doors in offices, conference rooms, and hospitality properties where Grade 2 is acceptable by the hardware schedule and AHJ.

DB100 Series (Grade 1 Deadbolt):

The DB100 is dormakaba's Grade 1 commercial deadbolt, ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified, for exterior entry doors where a standalone deadbolt is specified alongside a cylindrical or mortise lockset. Reinforced strike, hardened steel bolt, and anti-drill protection. Available with SFIC prep for IC core programs.

For commercial locks from dormakaba across the full M1000, C100, and DB100 range, American Locksets stocks authorized distribution inventory with same-day shipping.

Best dormakaba Exit Devices: QED and QET Series

QED Series (Exit Device):

The dormakaba QED series covers rim exit devices, surface vertical rod devices, and concealed vertical rod configurations for single and paired door applications. ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified. UL 305 listed for panic hardware. UL 10C listed for fire exit hardware on all rated configurations. The QED series is non-handed in standard configurations and supports dogging on non-fire-rated assemblies.

Available function codes cover exit-only (EO), outside cylinder entry (NL), lever trim, and touchpiece functions. Electrified trim options integrate the QED with access control panels for monitored and remotely controlled entry on the outside of exit device-equipped doors.

QET Series (Touch Bar Exit Device):

The QET is dormakaba's touch bar exit device with a narrower push pad profile compared to the full cross-bar QED. Specified in applications where the narrow touch bar aesthetic is preferred, and in retrofit situations where the door width or stile configuration is incompatible with a full crossbar device.

For the complete dormakaba exit device lineup, see the exit hardware section at American Locksets alongside Von Duprin, Sargent, and other authorized brands.

dormakaba Electronic Access: CLIQ, Aperio, and MOVE

This is the category where dormakaba has the most ground to cover for specifiers unfamiliar with the brand's electronic platform.

CLIQ Technology:

CLIQ is dormakaba's electronic key system that adds electronic access control functionality to a mechanical key. The CLIQ key contains a battery and an electronic chip. The CLIQ cylinder in the lock validates the key's electronic credentials before allowing mechanical rotation. Time-limited access, audit trail logging, and remote key deactivation are all managed through CLIQ without wired connections to the door.

CLIQ is the correct specification for facilities that need electronic access control on multiple doors across a wide geographic area - outdoor storage facilities, utility infrastructure, remote access points, and any location where running conduit for wired electronic locks is not practical.

Aperio Technology:

Aperio is dormakaba's wireless online access control platform. Aperio-equipped cylinders and escutcheons communicate wirelessly with a nearby access point connected to the facility's PACS. A credential presented at an Aperio-equipped door is validated by the PACS in real time, the door releases or denies, and the event is logged. No conduit to the door is required. Aperio integrates with over 100 PACS platforms through the Aperio Partner Program.

Aperio is the correct specification for retrofit access control on existing doors where conduit runs would be disruptive or cost-prohibitive, and for new construction where wireless infrastructure reduces per-door installation cost.

MOVE Mobile Access:

MOVE is dormakaba's Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mobile credential platform. Smartphones with the MOVE app present credentials at MOVE-enabled readers using Bluetooth. The platform integrates with dormakaba's Aperio and connected reader ecosystems and connects to major PACS through the same integration program.

MOVE is the correct specification for facilities transitioning away from physical cards to smartphone credentials - university campuses, corporate offices, and healthcare facilities where the majority of regular users carry smartphones.

For electronic hardware including Aperio components, CLIQ cylinders, and MOVE-compatible readers, American Locksets stocks authorized dormakaba electronic access inventory.

dormakaba Automatic Door Operators: ES200 Series

The dormakaba ES200 Series automatic swing door operator covers interior and exterior doors requiring ADA-compliant automatic operation. Low energy operation for interior vestibule doors. Full energy for exterior high-traffic entries. The ES200 connects to the building's access control system for credential-activated automatic door opening, commonly specified at hospital main entries, university student union entrances, and airport terminal gates.

dormakaba's ICU (Integrated Control Unit) combines the operator mechanism, the header, and the door controls in a single integrated unit for storefront and curtainwall applications where a standalone operator header is structurally incompatible with the frame system.

dormakaba vs Allegion and ASSA ABLOY: How to Choose

Three manufacturers dominate the North American institutional commercial hardware market: dormakaba, Allegion (Schlage, Von Duprin, Falcon, Sargent), and ASSA ABLOY (Yale, Corbin Russwin, SARGENT, HES). Specifying one over another is a project-level decision, not a brand loyalty decision.

Specify dormakaba when:

• The facility is on a BEST SFIC masterkey program (dormakaba-owned post-2017 acquisition)

• The door closer specification requires overhead concealed or floor closer in the Dorma 8000 Series

• The electronic access project involves CLIQ, Aperio, or MOVE platforms already installed at the facility

• The hardware schedule calls for dormakaba-specific functions or finishes not available in equivalent form from Allegion or ASSA ABLOY

• A unified single-brand specification is required across locks, closers, and exit devices from one manufacturer's catalog

Use Allegion (Schlage, Von Duprin) when:

• The existing facility uses Schlage L Series mortise or ND Series cylindrical as the campus standard

• Von Duprin exit devices are already installed and brand consistency is specified

• The project is in a Allegion-dominant market where distributor support is stronger

For projects where both brands appear on the same hardware schedule, dormakaba and Allegion products share standard door prep dimensions across most categories, which means mixed-brand specifications do not require special door preparation or frame modifications.

Why American Locksets for dormakaba Hardware

American Locksets is an authorized dormakaba dealer stocking the M1000 mortise, C100 and C500 cylindrical, QED exit device series, QDC door closers, and dormakaba electronic access components. Every product ships through official dormakaba distribution with a valid manufacturer warranty. The complete dormakaba devices section at American Locksets covers the full commercial catalog across locks, closers, exit devices, and electronic access.

For projects where dormakaba hardware ships alongside Von Duprin, Schlage, or Sargent on a mixed-brand schedule, all components ship from one authorized dealer order. The commercial locks section covers the full multi-brand commercial lock range, and the exit hardware section covers exit devices across all major manufacturers. Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the project's dormakaba requirements - product series, function codes, cylinder type (standard or SFIC), finish, and electronic access platform. We confirm the correct dormakaba specification before the order ships.

Conclusion

dormakaba is one of three manufacturers that dominate North American commercial hardware specifications and the only one that combines Dorma's European door closer heritage, Kaba's Swiss precision lock manufacturing, and BEST's interchangeable core infrastructure in a single authorized portfolio. Grade 1 mortise locksets tested to 10 million cycles, CLIQ electronic key control for remote locations, Aperio wireless online access for retrofit projects, and the MOVE mobile credential platform make dormakaba the correct specification for facilities that need mechanical hardware and electronic access control from a unified system. American Locksets carries the complete dormakaba commercial lineup from authorized distribution. Visit the dormakaba devices section or call 877-471-4870 to confirm the right products for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dormakaba and what products do they make?

 dormakaba is a Swiss-German hardware manufacturer formed from the 2015 merger of Dorma and Kaba, making door closers, mortise and cylindrical locksets, exit devices, automatic operators, and electronic access control for commercial buildings.

What is the best dormakaba mortise lock for commercial use? 

The M1000 Series, Grade 1 certified to ANSI A156.13 and independently tested to over 10 million cycles. Available with BEST SFIC prep for facilities on IC core masterkey programs.

What is dormakaba CLIQ technology?

 An electronic key system where the key itself contains a battery and chip that validates credentials against the cylinder's electronic authorization list, enabling remote deactivation and audit trail without wired door connections.

What is dormakaba Aperio? 

A wireless online access control platform allowing existing PACS to control dormakaba-equipped cylinders and readers wirelessly, eliminating conduit runs to doors in retrofit and new construction applications.

Did dormakaba acquire BEST Access Systems? 

Yes. dormakaba acquired BEST Access Systems in 2017, integrating BEST SFIC interchangeable cores into the dormakaba product portfolio. Facilities on BEST IC programs can specify dormakaba locks with BEST SFIC prep directly.

How does dormakaba compare to Schlage and Von Duprin? 

All three are top-tier commercial manufacturers. dormakaba is strongest where BEST SFIC, Aperio wireless access, or Dorma door closer specifications are already in place. Schlage and Von Duprin (Allegion) dominate where existing campus standards are set to those brands.

Where can I buy dormakaba commercial hardware from authorized distribution? 

American Locksets stocks the complete dormakaba lineup at americanlocksets.com/dormakaba-devices. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm product series and specifications.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized dormakaba Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

A push bar door lock, also called a panic bar, panic exit device, or crash bar, is the most specified egress hardware in North American commercial construction. Every controlled-access door in a building where people need to exit quickly in an emergency relies on this mechanism to work without hesitation. The exit hardware section at American Locksets carries the complete commercial push bar lineup from Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin. Whether you are a contractor specifying a new building, a facility manager replacing worn hardware, or a code consultant reviewing a hardware schedule, this guide covers every push bar door lock type, the building codes that govern them, the terminology that causes most ordering errors, and how to match the right device to every door on the schedule.

Push Bar, Panic Bar, Crash Bar, Touch Bar: Clearing Up the Terminology

These terms all refer to the same category of hardware, but they describe different variants. Using the right term prevents confusion on hardware schedules and with suppliers.

Push bar: A horizontal bar mounted on the interior face of a door that retracts the latch when depressed. The broadest term covering all exit devices with a horizontal actuator.

Panic bar or panic hardware: The code-based term used in IBC and NFPA 101. "Panic hardware" is the official designation when the device is required by code as a means of egress release mechanism.

Crash bar: An informal name referring to the ability to operate the device by body impact under emergency conditions, without requiring hand grip or pressing a specific spot.

Touch bar: A specific push bar design where the push pad is a narrow horizontal bar that requires less contact area to activate. Von Duprin's touch bar design is one of the most widely specified in institutional commercial applications.

Crossbar: A full-width horizontal bar spanning the door. Von Duprin's crossbar style spans the full door width, providing activation across the broadest contact area.

Fire exit hardware: A specific classification under NFPA 80 and UL 10C for exit devices used on fire-rated door assemblies. Fire exit hardware has specific listing requirements and functional differences from standard panic hardware - covered in detail below.

When a Push Bar Door Lock Is Required by Code

This is the question every hardware specifier faces on every project, and most guides in the top search results answer it incorrectly or incompletely.

IBC Section 1010.1.9 requires panic hardware on:

• Doors serving a room or space with an occupant load of 50 or more persons in assembly or educational occupancies

• Doors serving a high-hazard occupancy regardless of occupant load

• Specific Group A (assembly), E (educational), and H (high-hazard) occupancies where the occupant load triggers the requirement

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 7.2.1.7 mirrors the IBC requirement and applies in jurisdictions that adopt NFPA 101 instead of or alongside IBC.

Buildings that do not meet these thresholds are not legally required to use panic hardware - but panic hardware is frequently specified voluntarily on any commercial door where hands-free exit is desired, where high-traffic egress is anticipated, or where the facility wants to reduce the risk of a person being trapped during an emergency.

Key dimensional requirements under both codes:

• Push bar must activate the latch when a force of no more than 15 pounds is applied in the direction of egress

• Push bar must span at least 50 percent of the door width

• Push bar must be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the finished floor

• ADA Section 404.2.7 requires no more than 5 pounds of force to operate the push bar on any accessible route

The 5-pound ADA requirement is stricter than the 15-pound code maximum and governs on all doors that are on a required accessible means of egress.

Four Types of Push Bar Exit Devices and When to Use Each

This is where most hardware guides fail specifiers. Knowing the four exit device types and the correct application for each prevents the most common ordering errors on commercial hardware schedules.

Rim Exit Devices

The rim exit device is the most commonly specified push bar door lock for single exterior commercial doors. The device body mounts on the surface of the door face. The latch projects from the device and engages a strike plate on the door frame. No rods, no vertical connections.

The Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series, Sargent 8800 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5200 are the industry-standard rim exit devices for commercial applications. Von Duprin's 98 Series and 99 Series are functionally identical - the 99 Series uses a wider stile body. Both are ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified and UL 305 listed for panic hardware.

Rim exit devices are non-handed, which means the same device installs on left-hand or right-hand doors without modification. This simplifies stocking and reduces ordering errors on large door schedules.

Use rim exit devices on: single exterior commercial doors, primary entry and egress doors in educational and assembly occupancies, and any single door where a clean installation without exposed rods is preferred.

Surface Vertical Rod (SVR) Exit Devices

A surface vertical rod exit device uses the same horizontal push bar body as a rim device but adds a vertical rod running up the face of the door to a top latch and, on most models, a bottom rod connecting to a floor latch. The door latches at three points: the center latch from the device body, the top latch, and the floor latch.

Surface vertical rod devices are specified on paired door applications - two doors hanging in the same frame - where the inactive leaf needs to latch at the head and floor without a center strike. The Von Duprin 9927 and 9827, Sargent 8700 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5400 are the primary SVR models for commercial paired door applications.

Use surface vertical rod devices on: paired exterior doors without a mullion, double-door openings in schools, hospitals, and government buildings where the inactive leaf must be independently latched.

Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) Exit Devices

A concealed vertical rod device operates the same three-point latching as a surface vertical rod device, but the rods run inside the door instead of on the surface. The result is a cleaner appearance with no exposed vertical hardware on the door face.

CVR devices require a specially prepared door with internal chase routing for the rods. They are specified on architectural projects where the exposed vertical rod of an SVR device is aesthetically unacceptable - hotel lobbies, government building main entries, university administration buildings, and any project where the door face appearance is part of the design specification.

Mortise Exit Devices

A mortise exit device integrates a mortise lock body into the door, controlled by the push bar on the door face. The mortise body handles the locking function while the push bar handles egress.

Mortise exit devices are specified on primary entries where both egress function and lock security from the outside are required in a single integrated unit. They provide a broader range of functions than rim or rod devices and are more commonly specified on main building entries in healthcare, government, and institutional facilities where outside trim with cylinder control and multiple lock functions are required.

For the complete Von Duprin exit device lineup including rim, SVR, CVR, and mortise configurations, the full selection is in the exit hardware section at American Locksets.

Panic Hardware vs Fire Exit Hardware: The Distinction That Governs Dogging

This is the most consequential technical distinction in push bar specification, and most commercial hardware guides get it wrong or skip it entirely.

Panic hardware (standard exit device) is listed under UL 305 for panic function. It can include mechanical dogging, which is a feature that holds the push bar in the depressed position using a hex key or cylinder, converting the device from panic mode to push-pull operation. Dogging allows the door to function as a non-latching push-pull door during business hours, removing the need for users to push the bar for routine passage.

Fire exit hardware is listed under both UL 305 (panic) and UL 10C (positive pressure fire testing) for use on fire-rated door assemblies. Fire exit hardware cannot use mechanical dogging because fire-rated assemblies require positive latching - the latch must project and engage the strike when the door closes. A dogged (latched-open) device on a fire door means the door does not latch when it closes, which fails both the NFPA 80 annual inspection requirement and the fire door assembly listing.

The practical rule: any push bar door lock installed on a fire-rated door assembly must be fire exit hardware with UL 10C listing, and it cannot have mechanical dogging enabled. If the facility needs a push-pull function on a fire door during business hours, electric dogging is the correct specification. Electric dogging holds the push bar through an electromagnetic mechanism that releases automatically on fire alarm activation, restoring the positive latching function when the fire alarm panel removes power from the dog.

For doors where outside access with key control is needed alongside the push bar egress function, the function code determines how the outside trim operates. The most common function codes:

• EO (Exit Only): No outside trim. Egress only from inside. Correct for stairwells and secondary exits.

• DT (Dogging): Push bar can be mechanically held open. Not for fire-rated assemblies.

• NL (Night Latch): Outside cylinder controls entry while push bar provides egress. Correct for main entries requiring key control.

• L (Lever): Outside lever handle provides entry access. Correct for main entries in ADA-accessible configurations.

The Von Duprin 98/99 Series, Sargent 8800 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5200 all support these function codes. For a detailed look at how fail-safe and fail-secure functions interact with electrified exit devices, see the fail safe vs fail secure guide on this site.

ANSI A156.3 Grade 1: What the Grade Rating Means for Exit Devices

Exit devices are graded under ANSI/BHMA A156.3. Grade 1 is the only acceptable specification for commercial and institutional applications. Grade 2 applies to light commercial and residential use only.

Under ANSI A156.3, a Grade 1 exit device is tested to:

• 1,000,000 push bar cycles

• 250,000 outside trim cycles (lever, thumb piece, or pull)

• Resistance to forced entry

• Fire door compatibility testing where UL 10C listing is included

Grade 1 exit devices from Von Duprin, Sargent, and Corbin Russwin all carry ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. Many lower-cost push bars sold online - including many Amazon listings - carry "UL 305" listing without ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. UL 305 only covers the panic function test. ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 covers cycle durability, outside trim, and forced entry resistance. On any commercial project subject to building inspection or AHJ review, specify ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 explicitly on the hardware schedule.

Alarmed Push Bar Exit Devices: When the Alarm Is the Right Specification

An alarmed push bar door lock adds a local sounder to the exit device that activates when the push bar is depressed. The alarm sounds for a set period, typically 15 seconds to 3 minutes depending on configuration, alerting staff to an unauthorized or unexpected exit.

Alarmed exit devices are commonly specified on:

• Retail store secondary exits where shoplifting prevention is a concern

• School secondary exits where student monitoring is required

• Healthcare facility exits where patient elopement is a documented risk

• Any secondary exit where door use should be monitored but full electronic access control is not warranted

Most alarmed exit devices include a key cylinder to silence and reset the alarm, a 15-second delay arming cycle when the alarm is set, and a battery backup for locations without hardwired power available. The Detex EAX series, Von Duprin with alarm option, and Falcon alarmed devices are the primary commercial options for alarmed exit device applications.

For projects where push bar exit devices connect to a full electronic hardware access control system including electric strikes or electrified trim, hardwired monitoring and access logging replace the standalone alarm function.

Common Push Bar Specification Errors and How to Avoid Them

Twenty-four years of supplying exit hardware at American Locksets has made these patterns clear. The following errors show up repeatedly and all of them are preventable with the right specification conversation before the order ships.

Ordering standard panic hardware for a fire-rated door. The door prep, the hardware listing, and the dogging function all differ between standard panic hardware and fire exit hardware. Confirm the door's fire rating before selecting the device.

Enabling mechanical dogging on a fire-rated assembly. Mechanical dogging on a fire door is a NFPA 80 violation. If the facility wants push-pull function on a fire door, specify electric dogging with fire alarm panel integration.

Specifying a rim device on a paired door without a center mullion. Paired doors without a center mullion require vertical rod devices on the inactive leaf. A rim device needs a fixed strike plate in the center of the frame, which does not exist on a pair without a mullion.

Ordering a non-listed device on a building that will go through AHJ inspection. Many low-cost online push bars are not ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified. AHJ inspectors look at hardware listings. A non-compliant device fails inspection regardless of how it looks or how well it was installed.

Why American Locksets for Push Bar Door Lock Projects

A push bar exit device does not ship alone on a complete hardware schedule. It ships with outside trim, a door closer, a cylinder, and on paired doors, a coordinator and flush bolts on the inactive leaf. Getting all of it from a single authorized dealer eliminates the scheduling risk of mismatched components arriving from different sources.

American Locksets carries the complete commercial push bar lineup: Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series rim devices, 9827 and 9927 surface vertical rod devices, and the full Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin exit device families. The full selection is in the exit hardware section. For projects where push bar devices install alongside electric strikes for access control, or alongside commercial locks on other doors in the same schedule, everything ships on a single authorized dealer order with same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

For paired door projects, the builders hardware section covers coordinators, flush bolts, and door stops that ship alongside the exit devices.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door type, fire rating, occupancy, and whether outside trim is required. We confirm the correct push bar, function code, and UL listing before the order ships.

Conclusion

A push bar door lock is the code-required egress mechanism on most commercial doors serving 50 or more occupants in assembly, educational, and high-hazard occupancies under IBC Section 1010.1.9 and NFPA 101. Rim devices cover single doors. Surface vertical rod covers paired doors. Concealed vertical rod is specified for architectural applications. Mortise exit devices integrate a full lock function with push bar egress. Standard panic hardware can be mechanically dogged. Fire exit hardware under UL 10C cannot. Dogging on fire doors requires electric dogging tied to the fire alarm panel. All commercial applications require ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. ADA limits operating force to 5 pounds on accessible routes. American Locksets carries the complete push bar lineup from Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the exit hardware section to confirm the right specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a push bar door lock? 

A push bar door lock, also called a panic bar or exit device, is a horizontal bar on the interior door face that retracts the latch when pushed, allowing emergency egress without grip or turning.

When is a push bar required by law?

 IBC Section 1010.1.9 requires panic hardware on doors serving 50 or more occupants in assembly, educational, and high-hazard occupancies. NFPA 101 applies the same standard.

What is the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware? 

Panic hardware is UL 305 listed only. Fire exit hardware is UL 305 and UL 10C listed for fire-rated assemblies and prohibits mechanical dogging to maintain positive latching.

Can I use dogging on a fire-rated door?

 Mechanical dogging is prohibited on fire doors. Electric dogging tied to the fire alarm panel is the correct specification for fire-rated doors requiring push-pull function during business hours.

What is the ADA requirement for push bar operating force? 

No more than 5 pounds of force to activate the push bar on any door on an accessible means of egress, per ADA Section 404.2.7.

What ANSI grade do I need for a commercial push bar?

 ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, tested to 1,000,000 push bar cycles. Grade 2 applies to light commercial and residential use only and is not acceptable for commercial projects subject to AHJ inspection.

Where can I buy a commercial push bar from authorized distribution?

 American Locksets carries Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin exit devices at americanlocksets.com/exit-hardware. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function code and UL listing.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

The DS160 REX sensor from Bosch Security is a passive infrared request-to-exit detector built exclusively for commercial access control applications. Stocked at American Locksets in the electronic hardware section, the DS160 REX detects a person approaching an exit door and automatically signals the access control panel to suppress the door alarm and release the electric strike without any button press from the exiting person. It covers an 8-foot by 10-foot PIR detection zone, carries UL 294 listing as an access control device, and includes Bosch's exclusive Sequential Logic Input (SLI) technology — a security feature not found in any other REX device on the market.

Before getting into specifications, understanding what request-to-exit actually does in the system prevents the most common wiring and specification errors on access control projects.

What Request to Exit (REX) Means and Why Every Controlled Door Needs One

Request to exit is the signal sent to an access control panel to indicate that a legitimate exit is occurring through a controlled door. Every access control system secures a door from unauthorized outside entry. But every controlled door also needs to manage exits from the inside. Without a REX device, every time a person opens the door from the exit side without using a credential, the panel has no way to distinguish that from a forced entry and triggers an alarm.

The REX device solves this by sending a signal to the panel before the door opens. The panel receives that signal, suppresses the door alarm for a configured shunt delay period, and releases the lock or electric strike. The person exits. The door closes. The system returns to normal monitoring with no false alarm logged.

Without a properly configured REX device, either every legitimate exit generates a false alarm, or the monitoring is suppressed universally, which defeats the security purpose entirely.

DS160 vs DS161: Which Color to Specify

The DS160 and DS161 are functionally identical in every way. Same PIR sensor, same SLI technology, same coverage pattern, same wiring, same UL listings. The only difference is enclosure color.

DS160: Light gray. Specified for white and light-colored walls and frames where gray blends with surrounding hardware.

DS161: Black. Specified for dark finishes, black door frames, and modern commercial interiors.

Order the color that matches the wall and hardware finish on the door schedule. Both are available through the electronic hardware section at American Locksets.

What Sequential Logic Input (SLI) Does and Why It Matters

SLI is the technical feature that separates the DS160 REX sensor from every standard PIR REX device. A standard PIR REX sensor triggers its relay output whenever it detects any infrared motion change within the coverage zone. That creates two security vulnerabilities:

An object pushed under the door, slid through the door gap, or passed through the coverage zone from the secure entry side can trigger a standard PIR REX relay and release the door for unauthorized entry.

A person on the access-controlled entry side reaching into the detection zone can trigger a standard sensor and unlock a door they have no credential to use.

The DS160's SLI terminal requires a second device to arm the detector before PIR detection can fire the relay output. The SLI input connects to a second PIR detector, a card reader output, or the access control panel. Until the arming signal is present, PIR detection alone cannot release the door.

In dual-detector sequential configuration, a second sensor aims at the approach zone further from the door. The first sensor arms the DS160. The person walks toward the door, triggering the arming sensor first and then the DS160 in the correct directional sequence. An object pushed through the door cannot replicate a person walking toward it in the correct order.

In remote lockout configuration, Terminal R on the DS160 connects to the access control panel. When the panel closes that contact, the DS160 disables after a 10-second delay and stops generating REX outputs. This is the correct setup for lockdown scenarios where the panel needs to override all REX functionality from a central command.

Complete Confirmed Specifications

All figures confirmed from the official Bosch DS160 data sheet and installation guide:

Detection:

• PIR coverage: 8 feet by 10 feet (2.4m by 3m)

• Pattern: Wrap-around coverage with precise pattern control

• Pointability: Internal vertical lens adjustment to direct zone toward door approach path

• Mounting: Surface mount on wall or ceiling, indoor use only

Relay behavior:

• Latch time: Adjustable up to 64 seconds

• After door opens and closes: Relay drops 2 seconds after door close, regardless of latch timer setting

• After activation without door opening: Relay drops after 10 seconds

Settings:

• Timer modes: Resettable (accumulative) or non-resettable (counting), DIP switch selectable

• Fail-safe and fail-secure relay modes: Field selectable

• Sounder volume: Adjustable

• Activation LED: On or off, DIP switch selectable

Terminals:

• Terminal R: Remote disable input. Normally-closed contact from controller disables REX after 10-second delay

• Terminal D: Door position switch input (normally closed) for door monitor sounder function

Compliance:

• UL 294 listed: Access control device (USA)

• ULC-S319 listed: Class I (Canada), requires ULC-listed compatible system

• NFPA 101: Requires separate manual release device directly interrupting lock power, independent of access control electronics

Physical:

• Dimensions: 6.75 inch by 1.8 inch by 1.75 inch

• Indoor use only

• Not for standalone operation; must connect to a listed compatible access control system

• Not for burglar alarm system connection

The 2-Second Relay Drop: The Security Detail Every Installer Should Know

This behavior is confirmed in the Bosch installation guide and is absent from every product listing in the current top 20 search results. It matters significantly for how the system behaves after the door cycles.

When the DS160 REX triggers the relay and the door opens and then closes, the relay drops 2 seconds after the door closes regardless of how long the configured latch timer is set.

Most installers expect the relay to hold for the full configured latch time, say 20 or 30 seconds, even after the door has already closed. The DS160 does not work that way. Once the door position switch on Terminal D confirms the door is closed, the relay drops 2 seconds later. This eliminates the window where a second person could pull the door open again during the remaining latch time.

This also means Terminal D wiring to the door position switch is functionally required for the DS160 to deliver its full security performance. Without Terminal D connected, the sensor cannot detect that the door has closed and cannot execute the 2-second drop.

Similarly, if the DS160 fires its relay but the door never opens, the relay drops after 10 seconds. This covers scenarios where motion triggers the REX and the person does not follow through the door.

Fail Safe and Fail Secure Mode Selection

The DS160 REX supports both fail-safe and fail-secure relay modes via DIP switch selection. The mode must match the lock or electric strike configuration on the door.

Fail-safe mode: The relay stays in its normal state when power to the DS160 is lost. Used with fail-safe electric strikes that default to unlocked on power loss. The door opens freely if the sensor loses power.

Fail-secure mode: The relay changes state when power is lost. Used with fail-secure electrified locks that remain locked on power loss. The door stays secured if the sensor loses power.

Specifying a fail-safe DS160 on a door with a fail-secure electrified mortise lock creates a configuration conflict that surfaces during the first power loss test on site. Confirm both the DS160 mode and the lock or strike function match before commissioning. For a complete breakdown of fail-safe versus fail-secure and which function belongs on which opening, see the fail safe vs fail secure guide on this site.

Wiring the DS160 REX in a Standard Access Control Installation

Power supply: 12VDC or 24VDC. Confirm the panel auxiliary output voltage before ordering.

REX output to panel: Connect the DS160 relay output to the REX input terminal on the access control panel. When the PIR detects valid exit motion (with SLI confirmed if configured), the relay closes. The panel receives the REX signal, suppresses the door alarm, and releases the electric strike or lock for the configured shunt delay period.

Terminal D (door contact): Connect the normally-closed door position switch to Terminal D. This enables the 2-second relay drop after door close and activates the door monitor sounder function if a door is propped open beyond the configured time.

Terminal R (remote disable): Connect to the access control panel output when SLI lockout or remote disable is needed. When the panel closes this contact, the DS160 disables after a 10-second delay. It re-enables when the contact opens.

For openings with electric strikes, the REX output connects to the strike shunt input or panel REX terminal. For openings with electrified mortise locks, the REX output goes to the panel REX terminal for full exit event logging. All wiring must comply with ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electrical Code. Direct connection to a keypad is not permitted; a listed compatible access control system is required.

Mounting the DS160 REX for Reliable Coverage

Position: Mount just above the door on the hinge side, lens pointed down and slightly outward toward the exit approach path. This places the 8-foot by 10-foot coverage zone directly in front of the door from the exit side without including the secure entry side.

Internal lens adjustment: Adjust the vertical lens position inside the enclosure to direct coverage toward the approach path. After mounting, walk a cardboard sheet through the detection zone from different angles to confirm where the sensor triggers and verify the zone does not extend through the door to the entry side.

Ceiling mount: For walls with wainscoting, tile, or restricted mounting conditions, ceiling mount places the DS160 directly above the door aimed at the approach path below. More precise zone verification is needed after ceiling installation because the detection shape changes at ceiling height.

Dual-detector SLI placement: When using sequential dual-detector REX, mount the arming detector 6 to 8 feet from the door and the triggering DS160 2 to 3 feet from the door. A person walking toward the door activates the arming sensor first and the DS160 second, in the correct sequence. Motion entering the zone from the wrong direction cannot replicate this ordered sequence.

NFPA 101 and ADA Requirements

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code: Requires that secured doors on required means of egress have a manual release device that directly interrupts power to the lock, independent of access control system electronics. The DS160 REX output alone does not satisfy this requirement. A separate manual release device, typically a push-to-exit button wired to directly cut lock power, must be present alongside the DS160 on egress path applications. For egress-rated exit hardware options on panic-device-equipped doors, see the exit hardware section on this site.

ADA reach range: Push-to-exit buttons on accessible routes require mounting between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor for forward reach. PIR-based REX sensors including the DS160 require no physical interaction from the user, which eliminates the ADA reach range requirement that applies to push buttons. On accessible routes where wall-mount height constraints are a concern, PIR-based REX is the ADA-compliant choice.

Why American Locksets for DS160 REX Projects

The most consistent DS160 installation problems trace to three errors: Terminal D not wired to the door position switch, fail-safe mode selected on a fail-secure lock, and the SLI not configured when the installation required it for security. All three produce problems that get diagnosed as access control panel or lock failures before anyone checks the REX sensor settings.

American Locksets has supplied access control hardware from authorized distribution since 2001. The Bosch DS160 (light gray) and DS161 (black) are stocked through the electronic hardware section alongside electric strikes, electrified locks, power supplies, and door control accessories. For complete door hardware packages where DS160 REX sensors install alongside commercial locks on the same door schedule, everything ships from one authorized dealer order with same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the access control panel voltage, door type, and whether SLI configuration is required. We confirm the right DS160 setup before the order ships.

Conclusion

The DS160 REX sensor delivers passive infrared request-to-exit detection with an 8-foot by 10-foot coverage zone, Bosch's exclusive Sequential Logic Input that prevents unauthorized door releases from object slides and wrong-direction motion, and a built-in 2-second relay drop after door close that eliminates the unauthorized re-entry window present on standard PIR REX sensors. Fail-safe and fail-secure modes are field selectable by DIP switch. Terminal D wiring to the door position switch is required for full security performance. Terminal R enables remote disable by an access control panel or secondary device. The DS160 is light gray; the DS161 is the functionally identical black variant. Both are UL 294 listed for indoor access control use. American Locksets stocks both from authorized Bosch distribution with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the electronic hardware section to confirm the right DS160 REX configuration for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DS160 REX sensor used for? 

The DS160 REX is a PIR detector that signals access control panels to release controlled doors for legitimate exits, suppressing door alarms without requiring a button press.

What does SLI do on the Bosch DS160? 

Sequential Logic Input requires a second device to arm the sensor before PIR detection triggers the relay, preventing object-slide attacks and wrong-direction motion from releasing the door.

What is the difference between DS160 and DS161? 

Color only. DS160 is light gray. DS161 is black. Specifications, wiring, SLI, coverage, and UL listings are identical.

Why does the DS160 relay drop after 2 seconds when the door closes?

 The relay drops 2 seconds after the door position switch confirms the door is closed, eliminating the re-entry window that would exist if the full latch timer continued running after door close.

Does the DS160 support fail-safe and fail-secure? 

Yes. Both modes are field selectable via DIP switch. The selected mode must match the electric strike or electrified lock configuration on the same door.

Is Terminal D wiring required on the DS160?

 Yes, for full security performance. Terminal D connects to the door position switch and enables the 2-second relay drop after door close and the door monitor sounder function.

Where can I buy the Bosch DS160 REX sensor? 

American Locksets stocks both DS160 (gray) and DS161 (black) at americanlocksets.com/electronic-hardware. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm configuration before ordering.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

Programming an Alarm Lock Trilogy lock correctly during installation determines whether it serves the facility without support calls for years or becomes a recurring problem. Every Trilogy model programs from the 12-button all-metal keypad without a laptop or software for basic setup. For multi-door deployments requiring scheduled access windows and printable audit trail reports, the AL-DTM handheld module and DL-Windows PC software extend those capabilities across any number of doors. This guide covers the complete programming workflow for the DL2700, DL3200, and DL4100, the three most specified Trilogy models in commercial installations, including audit trail retrieval, scheduling, the DL4100's privacy and residency features, and the five mistakes that generate the most support calls after installation.

Before Any Programming: Three Confirmations That Prevent Most Problems

Fresh alkaline batteries only. All Trilogy cylindrical models use 5 AA alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries, NiMH rechargeables, and mixed battery types all produce erratic behavior during programming. Install 5 fresh alkaline AA batteries before starting. A tri-color LED on DL4100 models shows yellow for low battery. An audible beep sequence alerts on DL2700 and DL3200 models before battery failure. Programming with weak batteries causes inconsistent responses that are incorrectly diagnosed as lock defects.

Establish the master code first. Every Trilogy lock ships from the factory with no master code set. No user codes can be added, no schedules can be configured, and no settings can be changed until a master code is established. This is the first programming step every time, on every new lock.

Physical installation confirmed. Program the lock after the door is operational and the latchbolt correctly engages the strike. Programming a lock before the mechanical installation is complete creates false troubleshooting scenarios.

Setting the Master Code

The master code is the administrative credential that unlocks every programming function. Valid master codes are 3 to 6 digits. The same digit cannot repeat more than twice consecutively. Write the master code down immediately after setting it and store it securely off-site. There is no factory backdoor recovery code for the Trilogy family. A forgotten master code requires a complete factory reset, which permanently deletes all user codes, schedules, and audit trail data.

On the DL4100, the total lockout code is a separate code that immediately disables all exterior keypad entry when entered. It is distinct from the master code. Configure both the master code and the total lockout code during initial setup on any DL4100 installation where suspected unauthorized code disclosure is a realistic operational risk.

User Code Hierarchy Across Each Model

DL2700 user codes:

The DL2700 supports 100 codes organized across four levels: 1 master, 10 manager codes, 89 basic user codes, and 3 service codes. Adding a basic user code requires entering programming mode with the master code, selecting the add user function, then entering and confirming the new code. Individual, group, or total user lockout is available without deleting codes. Locked-out users cannot access the door but their code is preserved and can be reinstated with the master code.

DL3200 and DL4100 user codes:

Both models support 2,000 user codes across four levels: master, manager, supervisor, and basic user. Manager codes can add and remove basic users without master code access, which is the correct configuration for department-level access management. Supervisors can manage basic users but not managers. Basic users have entry access only.

Both models support multiple one-time user codes that delete automatically after a single successful entry. One-time codes are the correct specification for service technician access, delivery windows, and any visitor who needs a single-use credential that cannot be reused if intercepted.

The DL4100 also supports the total lockout code mentioned above, which is not available on the DL3200.

Scheduling: What Each Model Supports and How to Configure It

DL2700 scheduling: None. The DL2700 does not support scheduled locking or unlocking events. If the opening requires any scheduled access window, specify DL3200 or DL4100.

DL3200 scheduling:

The DL3200 supports 150 scheduled events using a real-time clock accurate to within 1 second. The four quick schedule templates program the most common access patterns in a single step:

• Quick Schedule 1: Weekday business hours access with automatic locking outside those windows

• Quick Schedule 2: 24/7 passage mode, door stays unlocked continuously

• Quick Schedule 3: Weekend-only schedule for facilities with different weekend access requirements

• Quick Schedule 4: 24/7 locked mode with no scheduled unlock periods

For facilities with standard business hours, Quick Schedule 1 is the correct starting configuration. Custom time zones beyond the four templates require individual event programming.

The DL3200 also supports four time-out functions, which temporarily enable another user's access or place the lock in passage mode for a defined period without physically returning to the lock to reprogram it. A nurse who needs a supply room open during a two-hour procedure window can activate the time-out function with her credential without a maintenance call.

DL4100 scheduling:

The DL4100 extends the DL3200's scheduling capacity to 500 events, which handles complex multi-shift scheduling for healthcare, multi-tenant office buildings, and any facility where different user groups require different access windows on the same door without events conflicting.

Privacy Mode and Residency Mode: DL4100 Exclusive Features

Privacy mode: The inside pushbutton on the DL4100 interior housing activates a privacy session. While privacy is active, no exterior keypad code retracts the latch from outside, including manager and supervisor codes. The exterior tri-color LED flashes in a specific pattern visible to the next person approaching. Privacy mode clears when the occupant opens the door from inside. It can also be configured to time out automatically after a set period.

Set the privacy timeout period based on the realistic maximum legitimate occupancy time for the specific room. A restroom privacy timeout set to 30 minutes will lock out subsequent users if a door is left in privacy mode after the occupant uses a secondary exit. Start with 10 minutes on restroom installations and adjust based on observed usage.

Residency mode: After a user exits and the door closes, the DL4100 remains in passage mode until a PIN is entered to relock it from outside. Specified for on-call sleeping rooms and residential units where re-entry without a credential is needed during short absences. Because the DL4100 uses non-volatile memory, the passage state survives a battery change. Confirm the configured state before any battery replacement on a door set to residency mode.

Non-volatile memory on all DL3200 and DL4100 models: All programming, user codes, scheduled events, and audit trail data are stored in non-volatile memory. Removing or fully discharging the batteries does not delete programming or audit data. Reprogramming after a battery change is never required.

Retrieving the Audit Trail: Three Methods for Different Deployment Sizes

Keypad review (DL3200 and DL4100 only): Basic audit review is possible from the keypad. Events display sequentially without sorting, filtering, or export capability. Adequate for spot-checking a single event. Not adequate for compliance documentation, insurance requirements, or incident investigations.

AL-DTM handheld data transfer module: Walk to each door, hold the AL-DTM near the keypad face, press retrieve. The module transfers the full 40,000-event audit trail wirelessly without a cable connection to the lock. Return to a PC, connect the AL-DTM to the AL-PCI interface, and upload to DL-Windows for a timestamped, sortable, printable report. This is the standard workflow for facilities managing 5 to 30 Trilogy doors without a networked system.

AL-PCI and DL-Windows direct connection: For a PC physically present near the lock, the AL-PCI connects via RS-232 or USB for direct audit pull and programming upload through DL-Windows. Alarm Lock provides DL-Windows as a free download from the NAPCO/Alarm Lock website. For multi-door deployments, DL-Windows is the master tool for creating user databases, setting schedules, generating audit reports, and uploading code packages to multiple locks via the AL-DTM workflow.

Factory Reset: When Required and What It Deletes

A factory reset on any Trilogy model deletes the master code, all user codes, all schedules, and the entire audit trail. The lock returns to its out-of-box state with no master code set.

The DL2700 factory reset procedure confirmed from the official Alarm Lock spec sheet: remove the battery pack, press and hold any numeric key for 10 seconds with batteries disconnected, reconnect the battery pack, and within 3 seconds press and hold the AL button until 6 beeps are heard.

Perform a factory reset only when the master code is confirmed lost. Never perform a factory reset on a live facility door without first confirming that the loss of the audit trail data is acceptable to the facility manager and documenting the decision.

Five Programming Mistakes That Generate the Most Support Calls

Forgetting the master code. The most common Trilogy support call. Write it down immediately. Store it off-site. There is no recovery without a factory reset.

Using non-alkaline batteries. Lithium and NiMH batteries produce programming errors on all Trilogy models. Use fresh alkaline AA batteries only.

Setting privacy timeout too long. A timeout longer than the realistic occupancy time creates locked-out scenarios for subsequent users on restrooms and exam rooms. Start conservative and extend based on actual usage.

Ordering DL2700 where audit trail is required. The DL2700 has no audit trail capability. If any compliance or security requirement includes access logging, the DL2700 does not meet that requirement regardless of how it is configured.

Ordering the wrong weatherproof designation. Not all DL3200 and DL4100 ordering codes include weatherproof designation automatically. For outdoor installations, confirm the weatherproof model code before ordering. The DL2700 series is fully weatherproof across all current models. Operational temperature range on all weatherproof Trilogy models is -31°F to +151°F.

Why American Locksets for Alarm Lock Trilogy Projects

Programming support begins before the order ships, not after the lock arrives on site. The most consistent Trilogy installation problems trace to specification errors: DL2700 ordered where audit trail was required, standard cylinder ordered for an IC core campus, DL3200 ordered where DL4100 was needed for privacy mode.

American Locksets stocks the complete Trilogy lineup from authorized NAPCO/Alarm Lock distribution. The full range is in the keypad and proximity locks section. For the complete model comparison covering which Trilogy series fits which application, see the Alarm Lock Trilogy series guide. For projects where Trilogy hardware ships alongside access control components or other electronic hardware, everything ships from one authorized dealer order with same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door schedule, the model requirement, and the cylinder type. We confirm the right model and configuration before the order ships.

Conclusion

Programming an Alarm Lock Trilogy starts with fresh alkaline batteries and a master code established first. DL2700 programming supports 100 codes across four levels with no audit trail or scheduling. DL3200 programming covers 2,000 codes, 150 scheduled events with four quick schedule templates, four time-out functions, and a 40,000-event audit trail retrieved via AL-DTM and DL-Windows. DL4100 adds privacy mode with programmable timeout, residency mode, total lockout code, and 500 scheduled events on the same audit trail platform. Non-volatile memory on DL3200 and DL4100 preserves all programming through battery changes. A forgotten master code requires a factory reset that permanently clears all data, making offsite master code storage the most important post-installation step. American Locksets carries the complete Trilogy lineup with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the keypad and proximity locks section for the right model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a master code on an Alarm Lock Trilogy lock? 

Install fresh alkaline batteries, then use the AL button programming sequence. The master code must be established first before any user codes can be added or settings changed.

What happens if I forget the Alarm Lock Trilogy master code? 

A factory reset is the only option. It permanently deletes all user codes, schedules, and audit trail data. Store the master code off-site immediately after setting it.

How many user codes does the Alarm Lock DL3200 hold?

 2,000 codes across master, manager, supervisor, and basic user levels. Multiple one-time user codes are also supported, deleting automatically after a single use.

How do I retrieve the audit trail from an Alarm Lock Trilogy DL4100? 

Use the AL-DTM handheld module for wireless retrieval, then upload to DL-Windows software via the AL-PCI interface for a timestamped, printable report. Keypad review is available but lacks sort and export capability.

What is the difference between DL4100 privacy mode and residency mode? 

Privacy mode locks out all exterior keypad codes while the occupant is inside. Residency mode keeps the door in passage mode after the occupant exits until a PIN relocks it from outside.

Does the Alarm Lock DL3200 or DL4100 lose programming when batteries die? 

No. Both models use non-volatile memory that preserves all user codes, schedules, and audit trail data through complete battery removal. Reprogramming after a battery change is never required.

Where can I buy Alarm Lock Trilogy locks from authorized distribution? 

American Locksets stocks all models at americanlocksets.com/keypadprox-locks. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm model, cylinder type, and programming requirements before ordering.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Alarm Lock Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

The Schlage L9000 is the Grade 1 mortise lock that has been the institutional standard in North American commercial construction for decades. Certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Series 1000, separately rated to ANSI/ASTM F476-76 Grade 40, UL listed for 3-hour fire doors on single assemblies up to 4 feet by 10 feet and pairs up to 8 feet by 10 feet, and field reversible without disassembling the lock case, it covers every primary commercial opening from a K-12 classroom door to a hospital corridor to a government facility perimeter entry. With 40-plus function options, 33 lever designs, and 14 finishes, the L9000 is the lock that the rest of the commercial door hardware schedule is built around. This guide covers the function codes, physical specifications, cylinder options, and the details most hardware schedules leave out.

Decoding the L9000 Function Number System

The function number in the L9000 model designation determines everything about how the lock operates. Getting this number wrong produces a lock that cannot be field-corrected and must be returned to the factory. These are the six functions that appear on the majority of commercial hardware schedules:

L9010 (Passage): Both levers always free. No locking function. Interior corridors and non-secured shared spaces where the door should always remain open to passage during occupancy.

L9020 (Privacy): Inside pushbutton locks out the outside lever. No key override. Inside lever always free. Single-occupancy restrooms and private offices on non-egress paths. Never specify this function on a required means of egress- there is no outside key override in an emergency.

L9050 (Entrance): Key from outside holds lever in unlocked position until deliberately relocked. Inside lever always free. Standard for main building entries where staff holds the door open during business hours without removing a key.

L9060 (Apartment or Office): Key from outside retracts latch. Inside thumbturn controls deadbolt independently. Inside lever always free. Apartment entries, single-tenant office suites, and any door where the occupant needs thumbturn control of the deadbolt from inside.

L9070 (Classroom): Key from outside locks or unlocks the outside lever without entering the room. Inside lever always free. The required function for K-12 and university classroom doors under IBC educational occupancy requirements. The most frequently confused function with L9050 on school hardware schedules- L9070 changes the lever state without entering, L9050 does not.

L9080 (Storeroom): Outside lever always locked. Key operates latch only when the lock is in the locked state. Inside lever always free. Cannot be held unlocked from outside by any means. Correct for pharmacy storage, server rooms, and restricted access areas that must never be held open from outside.

L9456 (Hospital or Bedroom): Key from outside retracts latch and deadbolt. Inside privacy thumbturn plus occupied indicator visible from outside. The function specified for healthcare patient rooms and hotel guest rooms where visual occupied status from the corridor is required.

Confirmed Physical Specifications

All dimensions are confirmed from the official Allegion L Series data sheet and service manual:

Lock case:

• Material: Cold-rolled steel (CRS) with zinc dichromate plating

• Case size: 4-7/16 inch x 6-1/16 inch x 1 inch (113mm x 154mm x 25mm)

• Lever to cylinder: 3-7/8 inch (98mm) center to center

• Lever to thumbturn: 2-11/16 inch (68mm) center to center

Door compatibility:

• Standard thickness: 1-3/4 inch (44mm)

• Minimum: 1-3/8 inch (35mm)

• Maximum: 2-1/2 inch (64mm) on standard door range

• Over 2-1/2 inch: door range varies by function; specify position (EE, EI, EO, or ED)

• Backset: 2-3/4 inch (70mm) only; no 2-3/8 inch option on standard L9000 case

Strike:

• Type: ANSI curved lip

• Dimensions: 1-1/4 inch x 4-7/8 inch (32mm x 124mm)

• Lip to center: 1-3/16 inch (30mm)

• Includes dust box standard

Handing: Field reversible without disassembling the lock case. This means a distributor or installer can stock the same lock body and reverse handing on site for any project without a special factory order. On fast-track commercial construction where door handing changes late in the design phase, this eliminates 2 to 4 week lead times for correctly handed units.

Certifications and Fire Door Listings

The L9000 carries multiple certification standards:

• ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1: Operational and Security Grade 1 on all standard cylinder configurations

• ANSI/ASTM F476-76 Grade 40: Separately rated to this forced entry resistance standard

• With IC cylinders: Drops to Grade 2 Security while maintaining Grade 1 Operational. If Grade 1 Security is required on IC core openings, confirm the specific IC cylinder and trim combination achieves Grade 1 Security before specifying

• UL listed for fire doors: All functions except L9076 and L9007. The letter F and UL symbol stamped on the latch front confirm fire door listing on installed hardware

• Miami-Dade NOA: Approved. Florida Building Commission listed. Required for Florida-compliant commercial installations

• California State Referenced Standards Code: All levers with a return of 1/2 inch or less from door face comply

Fusible link fire protection: A spring-loaded fusible link is housed inside the lock case on indication trim variants. In a fire event, the fusible link melts and places the lock in fail-secure mode, keeping the latch and deadbolt extended and the door secured. This is a passive fire protection feature that operates without any wiring or access control system.

The Barricade Prevention Key Override: Six Functions With This Critical Option

This is the specification detail missing from every competitor guide on the L9000. On six designated L Series mechanical functions, Schlage offers an optional key override of the inside thumbturn when it is being held in the locked position. In a school or institutional setting, a barricade scenario occurs when someone locks the door from inside using the thumbturn and blocks emergency access. On functions equipped with this option, an outside key overrides the thumbturn and retracts the deadbolt regardless of how the thumbturn is positioned.

This option is not universal across all L9000 functions. It is available on specific functions and must be specified on the door schedule at order time. For K-12 educational facilities, behavioral health units, or any occupancy where barricade prevention is a security requirement, confirm which functions in your schedule carry this option and whether it is called out in the specification.

Vandlgard: Factory Option for High-Abuse Environments

Vandlgard is available on every L9000 function with an L or LV prefix, including all electrified lever control functions. When a lever receives deliberate excessive downward force, Vandlgard releases the lever from the spindle rather than transmitting that force into the lock case. The lever detaches cleanly and snaps back into position without tools. Without Vandlgard, the same forced downward pull deforms or breaks the spindle and requires lock body replacement.

Vandlgard is factory-specified. It cannot be added in the field. On K-12 schools and institutional facilities where deliberate hardware abuse is a documented risk, specify Vandlgard on the hardware schedule and confirm it appears on the order acknowledgment before the hardware ships.

Cylinder Options: Standard, IC Core, and High Security

Standard (Everest C123 keyway): Ships with every L9000 as default. 6-pin, patented keyway. Duplication requires authorization from an authorized Allegion dealer. Not duplicable at standard hardware stores.

Interchangeable Core (SFIC or FSIC): The L9000 accepts both Small Format IC and Full Size IC core preps. SFIC is cross-manufacturer compatible with Sargent, Corbin Russwin, Yale, and others using the same format. FSIC is manufacturer-specific. IC prep integrates the L9000 into an existing campus core system. When using IC cylinders, security grade drops to ANSI Grade 2- confirm whether Grade 1 Security is required by the hardware specification before ordering IC prep.

Primus 20-500 Series (UL 437 Listed): The high-security cylinder with sidebar technology that resists picking and bump key attacks. Achieves UL 437 listing, which is a specification requirement on government facilities, financial institutions, and any opening where physical cylinder attack resistance is documented as a security requirement. Specify "Primus 20-500 Series cylinder" on the order.

Finishes and Application Matrix

The L9000 is available in 14 finishes. Matching the finish to the environment is a functional decision:

180-degree indication trim: Available on multiple L9000 functions, the indication trim wraps three sides of the lock to show locked or occupied status from across a corridor. Red and white backgrounds ensure readability for color-blind individuals. Specified on healthcare patient rooms, hotel guest rooms, and K-12 classroom doors where corridor-visible lock status is a safety or privacy requirement.

Why American Locksets for L9000 Specifications

The L9000 order that produces a return authorization almost always traces back to one of four errors: function code not confirmed against the door use, IC core specified without checking the security grade downgrade, Vandlgard not on the schedule for an abusive environment, or door thickness not called out for over 1-3/4 inch doors.

Twenty-four years as an authorized Allegion dealer means we verify every one of those items before the order ships. American Locksets stocks the complete Schlage L Series in standard functions, IC core variants, and Primus cylinder configurations. For the complete Schlage commercial lineup including ND Series Grade 1 cylindrical, the LE Series wireless mortise, and all other series, see the Schlage series locks guide on this site. For projects where the L9000 ships alongside electrified mortise locks or commercial locks from other brands on the same schedule, everything ships from one authorized dealer order. Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door schedule, including function codes, door thickness, cylinder type, and finish. We confirm the complete specification before the order ships.

Conclusion

The Schlage L9000 is a Grade 1 mortise lock with a 4-7/16 inch by 6-1/16 inch cold-rolled steel case, 2-3/4 inch backset, 33 lever designs, 14 finishes, and 40-plus function options certified to ANSI A156.13 and ANSI/ASTM F476-76 Grade 40. Field reversible without disassembly, which allows distributors to stock and hand any order on site. UL listed for 3-hour fire doors on all functions except L9076 and L9007. Fusible link provides passive fire protection inside the case. Barricade prevention key override available on six designated functions as a factory option. Vandlgard available on all L and LV prefix functions. IC core reduces security grade to Grade 2, which must be confirmed against the specification. American Locksets carries the complete L9000 range from authorized Allegion distribution. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm the specification before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Schlage L9000 and what makes it Grade 1? 

The L9000 is an ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 mortise lock tested to 1,000,000 cycles and ANSI/ASTM F476-76 Grade 40 for forced entry resistance, UL listed for 3-hour fire door assemblies.

What is the L9070 function on the Schlage L9000? 

Classroom function: outside lever locked or unlocked by key without entering the room. Inside lever always free. Required for K-12 and university IBC lockdown compliance.

What backset does the Schlage L9000 use?

 2-3/4 inch (70mm) only. There is no 2-3/8 inch option on the standard L9000 case. Door thickness range is 1-3/8 inch minimum to 2-1/2 inch maximum standard.

Does IC core change the L9000 certification grade? 

Yes. ANSI Grade drops from Grade 1 Security to Grade 2 Security when IC cylinders are installed. Grade 1 Operational is maintained. Confirm whether Grade 1 Security is required before specifying IC prep.

What is the barricade prevention option on the L9000? 

An optional key override of the inside thumbturn available on six designated functions, allowing outside key access when a thumbturn is deliberately held locked. Must be specified on the hardware schedule at order time.

Are all L9000 functions UL listed for fire-rated doors? 

All except L9076 and L9007. The letter F and UL symbol stamped on the latch front confirm fire door listing on installed hardware.

Where can I buy the Schlage L9000 from authorized Allegion distribution?

 American Locksets stocks the complete range at americanlocksets.com/schlage-l-series-c-38_159_160.html. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function, cylinder, and finish.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Allegion Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

A push bar door lock, also called a panic bar, panic exit device, or crash bar, is the most specified egress hardware in North American commercial construction. Every controlled-access door in a building where people need to exit quickly in an emergency relies on this mechanism to work without hesitation. The exit hardware section at American Locksets carries the complete commercial push bar lineup from Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin. Whether you are a contractor specifying a new building, a facility manager replacing worn hardware, or a code consultant reviewing a hardware schedule, this guide covers every push bar door lock type, the building codes that govern them, the terminology that causes most ordering errors, and how to match the right device to every door on the schedule.

Push Bar, Panic Bar, Crash Bar, Touch Bar: Clearing Up the Terminology

These terms all refer to the same category of hardware, but they describe different variants. Using the right term prevents confusion on hardware schedules and with suppliers.

Push bar: A horizontal bar mounted on the interior face of a door that retracts the latch when depressed. The broadest term covering all exit devices with a horizontal actuator.

Panic bar or panic hardware: The code-based term used in IBC and NFPA 101. "Panic hardware" is the official designation when the device is required by code as a means of egress release mechanism.

Crash bar: An informal name referring to the ability to operate the device by body impact under emergency conditions, without requiring hand grip or pressing a specific spot.

Touch bar: A specific push bar design where the push pad is a narrow horizontal bar that requires less contact area to activate. Von Duprin's touch bar design is one of the most widely specified in institutional commercial applications.

Crossbar: A full-width horizontal bar spanning the door. Von Duprin's crossbar style spans the full door width, providing activation across the broadest contact area.

Fire exit hardware: A specific classification under NFPA 80 and UL 10C for exit devices used on fire-rated door assemblies. Fire exit hardware has specific listing requirements and functional differences from standard panic hardware - covered in detail below.

When a Push Bar Door Lock Is Required by Code

This is the question every hardware specifier faces on every project, and most guides in the top search results answer it incorrectly or incompletely.

IBC Section 1010.1.9 requires panic hardware on:

• Doors serving a room or space with an occupant load of 50 or more persons in assembly or educational occupancies

• Doors serving a high-hazard occupancy regardless of occupant load

• Specific Group A (assembly), E (educational), and H (high-hazard) occupancies where the occupant load triggers the requirement

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 7.2.1.7 mirrors the IBC requirement and applies in jurisdictions that adopt NFPA 101 instead of or alongside IBC.

Buildings that do not meet these thresholds are not legally required to use panic hardware - but panic hardware is frequently specified voluntarily on any commercial door where hands-free exit is desired, where high-traffic egress is anticipated, or where the facility wants to reduce the risk of a person being trapped during an emergency.

Key dimensional requirements under both codes:

• Push bar must activate the latch when a force of no more than 15 pounds is applied in the direction of egress

• Push bar must span at least 50 percent of the door width

• Push bar must be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the finished floor

• ADA Section 404.2.7 requires no more than 5 pounds of force to operate the push bar on any accessible route

The 5-pound ADA requirement is stricter than the 15-pound code maximum and governs on all doors that are on a required accessible means of egress.

Four Types of Push Bar Exit Devices and When to Use Each

This is where most hardware guides fail specifiers. Knowing the four exit device types and the correct application for each prevents the most common ordering errors on commercial hardware schedules.

Rim Exit Devices

The rim exit device is the most commonly specified push bar door lock for single exterior commercial doors. The device body mounts on the surface of the door face. The latch projects from the device and engages a strike plate on the door frame. No rods, no vertical connections.

The Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series, Sargent 8800 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5200 are the industry-standard rim exit devices for commercial applications. Von Duprin's 98 Series and 99 Series are functionally identical - the 99 Series uses a wider stile body. Both are ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified and UL 305 listed for panic hardware.

Rim exit devices are non-handed, which means the same device installs on left-hand or right-hand doors without modification. This simplifies stocking and reduces ordering errors on large door schedules.

Use rim exit devices on: single exterior commercial doors, primary entry and egress doors in educational and assembly occupancies, and any single door where a clean installation without exposed rods is preferred.

Surface Vertical Rod (SVR) Exit Devices

A surface vertical rod exit device uses the same horizontal push bar body as a rim device but adds a vertical rod running up the face of the door to a top latch and, on most models, a bottom rod connecting to a floor latch. The door latches at three points: the center latch from the device body, the top latch, and the floor latch.

Surface vertical rod devices are specified on paired door applications - two doors hanging in the same frame - where the inactive leaf needs to latch at the head and floor without a center strike. The Von Duprin 9927 and 9827, Sargent 8700 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5400 are the primary SVR models for commercial paired door applications.

Use surface vertical rod devices on: paired exterior doors without a mullion, double-door openings in schools, hospitals, and government buildings where the inactive leaf must be independently latched.

Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) Exit Devices

A concealed vertical rod device operates the same three-point latching as a surface vertical rod device, but the rods run inside the door instead of on the surface. The result is a cleaner appearance with no exposed vertical hardware on the door face.

CVR devices require a specially prepared door with internal chase routing for the rods. They are specified on architectural projects where the exposed vertical rod of an SVR device is aesthetically unacceptable - hotel lobbies, government building main entries, university administration buildings, and any project where the door face appearance is part of the design specification.

Mortise Exit Devices

A mortise exit device integrates a mortise lock body into the door, controlled by the push bar on the door face. The mortise body handles the locking function while the push bar handles egress.

Mortise exit devices are specified on primary entries where both egress function and lock security from the outside are required in a single integrated unit. They provide a broader range of functions than rim or rod devices and are more commonly specified on main building entries in healthcare, government, and institutional facilities where outside trim with cylinder control and multiple lock functions are required.

For the complete Von Duprin exit device lineup including rim, SVR, CVR, and mortise configurations, the full selection is in the exit hardware section at American Locksets.

Panic Hardware vs Fire Exit Hardware: The Distinction That Governs Dogging

This is the most consequential technical distinction in push bar specification, and most commercial hardware guides get it wrong or skip it entirely.

Panic hardware (standard exit device) is listed under UL 305 for panic function. It can include mechanical dogging, which is a feature that holds the push bar in the depressed position using a hex key or cylinder, converting the device from panic mode to push-pull operation. Dogging allows the door to function as a non-latching push-pull door during business hours, removing the need for users to push the bar for routine passage.

Fire exit hardware is listed under both UL 305 (panic) and UL 10C (positive pressure fire testing) for use on fire-rated door assemblies. Fire exit hardware cannot use mechanical dogging because fire-rated assemblies require positive latching - the latch must project and engage the strike when the door closes. A dogged (latched-open) device on a fire door means the door does not latch when it closes, which fails both the NFPA 80 annual inspection requirement and the fire door assembly listing.

The practical rule: any push bar door lock installed on a fire-rated door assembly must be fire exit hardware with UL 10C listing, and it cannot have mechanical dogging enabled. If the facility needs a push-pull function on a fire door during business hours, electric dogging is the correct specification. Electric dogging holds the push bar through an electromagnetic mechanism that releases automatically on fire alarm activation, restoring the positive latching function when the fire alarm panel removes power from the dog.

For doors where outside access with key control is needed alongside the push bar egress function, the function code determines how the outside trim operates. The most common function codes:

• EO (Exit Only): No outside trim. Egress only from inside. Correct for stairwells and secondary exits.

• DT (Dogging): Push bar can be mechanically held open. Not for fire-rated assemblies.

• NL (Night Latch): Outside cylinder controls entry while push bar provides egress. Correct for main entries requiring key control.

• L (Lever): Outside lever handle provides entry access. Correct for main entries in ADA-accessible configurations.

The Von Duprin 98/99 Series, Sargent 8800 Series, and Corbin Russwin ED5200 all support these function codes. For a detailed look at how fail-safe and fail-secure functions interact with electrified exit devices, see the fail safe vs fail secure guide on this site.

ANSI A156.3 Grade 1: What the Grade Rating Means for Exit Devices

Exit devices are graded under ANSI/BHMA A156.3. Grade 1 is the only acceptable specification for commercial and institutional applications. Grade 2 applies to light commercial and residential use only.

Under ANSI A156.3, a Grade 1 exit device is tested to:

• 1,000,000 push bar cycles

• 250,000 outside trim cycles (lever, thumb piece, or pull)

• Resistance to forced entry

• Fire door compatibility testing where UL 10C listing is included

Grade 1 exit devices from Von Duprin, Sargent, and Corbin Russwin all carry ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. Many lower-cost push bars sold online - including many Amazon listings - carry "UL 305" listing without ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. UL 305 only covers the panic function test. ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 covers cycle durability, outside trim, and forced entry resistance. On any commercial project subject to building inspection or AHJ review, specify ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 explicitly on the hardware schedule.

Alarmed Push Bar Exit Devices: When the Alarm Is the Right Specification

An alarmed push bar door lock adds a local sounder to the exit device that activates when the push bar is depressed. The alarm sounds for a set period, typically 15 seconds to 3 minutes depending on configuration, alerting staff to an unauthorized or unexpected exit.

Alarmed exit devices are commonly specified on:

• Retail store secondary exits where shoplifting prevention is a concern

• School secondary exits where student monitoring is required

• Healthcare facility exits where patient elopement is a documented risk

• Any secondary exit where door use should be monitored but full electronic access control is not warranted

Most alarmed exit devices include a key cylinder to silence and reset the alarm, a 15-second delay arming cycle when the alarm is set, and a battery backup for locations without hardwired power available. The Detex EAX series, Von Duprin with alarm option, and Falcon alarmed devices are the primary commercial options for alarmed exit device applications.

For projects where push bar exit devices connect to a full electronic hardware access control system including electric strikes or electrified trim, hardwired monitoring and access logging replace the standalone alarm function.

Common Push Bar Specification Errors and How to Avoid Them

Twenty-four years of supplying exit hardware at American Locksets has made these patterns clear. The following errors show up repeatedly and all of them are preventable with the right specification conversation before the order ships.

Ordering standard panic hardware for a fire-rated door. The door prep, the hardware listing, and the dogging function all differ between standard panic hardware and fire exit hardware. Confirm the door's fire rating before selecting the device.

Enabling mechanical dogging on a fire-rated assembly. Mechanical dogging on a fire door is a NFPA 80 violation. If the facility wants push-pull function on a fire door, specify electric dogging with fire alarm panel integration.

Specifying a rim device on a paired door without a center mullion. Paired doors without a center mullion require vertical rod devices on the inactive leaf. A rim device needs a fixed strike plate in the center of the frame, which does not exist on a pair without a mullion.

Ordering a non-listed device on a building that will go through AHJ inspection. Many low-cost online push bars are not ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified. AHJ inspectors look at hardware listings. A non-compliant device fails inspection regardless of how it looks or how well it was installed.

Why American Locksets for Push Bar Door Lock Projects

A push bar exit device does not ship alone on a complete hardware schedule. It ships with outside trim, a door closer, a cylinder, and on paired doors, a coordinator and flush bolts on the inactive leaf. Getting all of it from a single authorized dealer eliminates the scheduling risk of mismatched components arriving from different sources.

American Locksets carries the complete commercial push bar lineup: Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series rim devices, 9827 and 9927 surface vertical rod devices, and the full Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin exit device families. The full selection is in the exit hardware section. For projects where push bar devices install alongside electric strikes for access control, or alongside commercial locks on other doors in the same schedule, everything ships on a single authorized dealer order with same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

For paired door projects, the builders hardware section covers coordinators, flush bolts, and door stops that ship alongside the exit devices.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door type, fire rating, occupancy, and whether outside trim is required. We confirm the correct push bar, function code, and UL listing before the order ships.

Conclusion

A push bar door lock is the code-required egress mechanism on most commercial doors serving 50 or more occupants in assembly, educational, and high-hazard occupancies under IBC Section 1010.1.9 and NFPA 101. Rim devices cover single doors. Surface vertical rod covers paired doors. Concealed vertical rod is specified for architectural applications. Mortise exit devices integrate a full lock function with push bar egress. Standard panic hardware can be mechanically dogged. Fire exit hardware under UL 10C cannot. Dogging on fire doors requires electric dogging tied to the fire alarm panel. All commercial applications require ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. ADA limits operating force to 5 pounds on accessible routes. American Locksets carries the complete push bar lineup from Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the exit hardware section to confirm the right specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a push bar door lock? 

A push bar door lock, also called a panic bar or exit device, is a horizontal bar on the interior door face that retracts the latch when pushed, allowing emergency egress without grip or turning.

When is a push bar required by law?

 IBC Section 1010.1.9 requires panic hardware on doors serving 50 or more occupants in assembly, educational, and high-hazard occupancies. NFPA 101 applies the same standard.

What is the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware? 

Panic hardware is UL 305 listed only. Fire exit hardware is UL 305 and UL 10C listed for fire-rated assemblies and prohibits mechanical dogging to maintain positive latching.

Can I use dogging on a fire-rated door?

 Mechanical dogging is prohibited on fire doors. Electric dogging tied to the fire alarm panel is the correct specification for fire-rated doors requiring push-pull function during business hours.

What is the ADA requirement for push bar operating force? 

No more than 5 pounds of force to activate the push bar on any door on an accessible means of egress, per ADA Section 404.2.7.

What ANSI grade do I need for a commercial push bar?

 ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, tested to 1,000,000 push bar cycles. Grade 2 applies to light commercial and residential use only and is not acceptable for commercial projects subject to AHJ inspection.

Where can I buy a commercial push bar from authorized distribution?

 American Locksets carries Von Duprin, Sargent, Falcon, and Corbin Russwin exit devices at americanlocksets.com/exit-hardware. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function code and UL listing.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

"EL mortise" is the commercial hardware shorthand for an electrified mortise lock with an Electrically Locked function. The lock body is Grade 1, installed in a standard mortise door prep, and adds an integrated solenoid or motor that electronically controls whether the outside lever operates. When a credential clears at a card reader, keypad, or access panel, the system signals the lock directly - no separate electric strike, no frame modification, no surface-mounted hardware on the door face.

"EL" as a suffix on manufacturer model numbers has a specific meaning most buyers get backwards, and that confusion drives the most common ordering error in this product category. This guide covers what the designation actually means, when to use it, and how to specify the right model for the opening.

What "EL" Actually Means - and Why Most People Get It Wrong

The "EL" suffix on an electrified mortise lock stands for Electrically Locked. The "EU" suffix stands for Electrically Unlocked. The naming convention is counterintuitive, and here is exactly why it trips people up.

When a Schlage L9092EL is energized, power holds the outside lever in the locked position. Remove power - from a fire alarm, a power outage, or a system fault - and the lock de-energizes. The outside lever becomes free. The door defaults to unlocked. This is the fail-safe function.

When a Schlage L9092EU is energized, power holds the outside lever in the unlocked (passage) position. Remove power and the lever locks. The door defaults to secured. This is the fail-secure function.

The same naming logic applies across major brands:

The Schlage L9095 resolves this completely with a field-selectable switch on the lock case that toggles between EL and EU without returning the lock to the factory. One lock body, both functions available. The correct specification for large projects where function assignments are confirmed late in the design phase.

For a complete breakdown of how building codes govern these functions, see the fail-safe vs fail-secure guide on this site.

Fail Safe vs Fail Secure: What Goes Where and Why

The function is not a preference decision. It is driven by the door's location, its fire rating, and what is on the other side of it. IBC and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code both set requirements for electrified hardware on commercial egress paths.

Fail safe (EL) belongs on:

• Corridor doors, stairwell entries, and lobby access points on required egress paths

• Doors integrated with fire alarm panels, where the panel cuts power on alarm to release all controlled doors simultaneously

• Any opening where NFPA 101 requires free egress, including assembly spaces, educational occupancies, and healthcare corridors

Fail secure (EU) belongs on:

• Server rooms, pharmacy storage, and data centers where a power loss must not default the door to open

• Restricted access corridors, narcotics storage, and executive suite entries

• Exterior perimeter doors where a default-open condition creates a direct security breach

A practical illustration: in a hospital, the main corridor doors carry EL (fail safe) because they are egress paths and must open freely during a fire alarm. The pharmacy inside that same hospital carries EU (fail secure). The IT server room is EU. The loading dock is EL. Context determines everything.

EL Mortise vs Electric Strike: Which One Belongs on the Door

"Electric mortise lock vs electric strike" is one of the most searched questions on this topic. The distinction is straightforward once you understand what each product controls.

An EL mortise lock controls the lever mechanism inside the lock body. The lock body itself is electrified. Access control happens at the lock, not at the frame. No separate strike is needed, the door prep is standard, and the security of the locking function is built into the Grade 1 lock chassis.

An electric strike replaces the fixed strike plate in the door frame. The lock body stays fully mechanical. The strike's keeper releases electrically, allowing the latch to pass through. The lock itself is never touched.

Use an EL mortise lock when: the project is new construction, the door prep is designed to accept a mortise body, the opening requires the highest security standard, or when no visible hardware modification to the frame is acceptable.

Use an electric strike when: the existing door already has a functioning mechanical mortise or cylindrical lock and the project is a retrofit adding access control without replacing the lock. Electric strikes are faster to install on existing openings. EL mortise locks are more secure and cleaner in appearance. See the complete electric strikes selection for retrofit applications.

Power Requirements: Voltage, Current Draw, and Power Transfer

Most EL mortise locks operate on 12VDC or 24VDC. The Schlage L909x series and most Sargent 8200 Ecoflex models use auto-detecting dual voltage, meaning the same lock body accepts either voltage without a hardware change. This simplifies power supply specification on projects with mixed voltage outputs across different access control zones.

Typical current draws run approximately 0.3A at 24VDC and 0.6A at 12VDC for solenoid-controlled models. On multi-door projects, specify 24VDC wherever possible. The lower current draw at 24V allows more locks per power supply ampere and reduces voltage drop across longer wire runs.

Power reaches the lock through one of two paths:

Electric hinge: One or more door hinges carry concealed electrical contacts that transfer power from the frame wiring to the door. No exposed wire, no visible conduit. The cleanest solution for architectural spaces where hardware aesthetics matter.

Power transfer loop (PTL): A looped wire runs through a conduit at the hinge edge of the door. Visible at the door edge but reliable and significantly less expensive. Standard on most commercial retrofit projects and any installation where budget is the controlling factor.

Confirm the access control panel output voltage before ordering the lock. Most EL mortise lock returns from specifiers trace back to a voltage mismatch between the panel spec and the lock order.

Monitoring Options: REX and LBM

Two options appear consistently on EL mortise lock specifications and must be confirmed before the order ships. Both are factory-installed in the lock body and cannot be added in the field after delivery.

Request to Exit (REX): A switch that activates when the inside lever is operated, signaling the access control panel that someone is exiting through the door. Used for audit trail logging, for suppressing door-held-open alarms during legitimate exit events, and for certain monitored fire-rated assemblies where egress must be tracked.

Latchbolt Monitor (LBM): Monitors the physical position of the latchbolt and reports whether the door is actually latched. Used when the panel needs confirmation that the door is secured between access events, not just that the lock has been energized. On fire-rated assemblies subject to authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) inspection, latchbolt monitoring provides a code-traceable record of door status.

Specify both options on the door schedule at order time.

Door Prep and Key Specifications

The EL mortise lock installs in a standard commercial mortise prep, the same cutout used for any mechanical Grade 1 mortise lock. No frame modification. No special door reinforcement. Standard specifications apply across the Schlage L909x, Sargent 8200, and Corbin Russwin ML20900 series:

• Door thickness: 1-3/4 inch standard; thick door kits available for heavier constructions

• Backset: 2-3/4 inch (70mm)

• Deadbolt throw: 1 inch (25.4mm)

• Latchbolt throw: 3/4 inch (19mm) anti-friction

• Lock case: approximately 4 inch by 6 inch face

• Handing: field reversible on most models without disassembly

Most EL mortise lock bodies use a plug-in connector at the lock chassis that allows the lock to be disconnected and removed for service without cutting the door wiring. Verify this detail on the specific model before specifying it on a high-use opening where maintenance access matters.

For projects requiring ligature-resistant trim, the Schlage L Series chassis is available with High Security Ligature-Resistant (HSLR) trim in five electrified functions per NYS-OMH behavioral health standards. This is the correct specification for psychiatric facilities, detention centers, and addiction treatment environments where standard lever trim is not permitted.

Why American Locksets Gets the EL Mortise Specification Right Before It Ships

Ordering the wrong function on an EL mortise lock is not a small mistake. An EU lock shipped to a fire alarm-integrated egress corridor creates a life-safety code violation. An EL lock on a pharmacy door means the room defaults to open during any power interruption. In both cases the lock must be replaced, the installation must be redone, and someone absorbs the cost of the error.

The call to 877-471-4870 before the order ships is the one that prevents that. Twenty-four years of authorized dealer experience means we have processed enough incorrect function orders to know exactly where the specification errors originate: EL and EU confusion from the model number naming, voltage mismatch between panel and lock, monitoring options omitted on fire-rated openings, and IC core prep not specified on campuses with existing SFIC systems.

American Locksets carries the complete EL mortise lock range from Schlage, Sargent, Corbin Russwin, BEST, Falcon, and Cal-Royal - fail safe and fail secure configurations, single and double cylinder options, solenoid and motor drive models, REX and LBM monitoring factory installed. The full selection is in the electrified mortise locks section. For projects where EL mortise locks install alongside electronic hardware including power supplies and access control components, everything ships on one order. Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door schedule, panel voltage, function requirement (EL or EU), and monitoring options. We confirm the complete specification before the order ships.

Conclusion

EL mortise is the commercial hardware term for an electrified mortise lock where the "EL" designation means Electrically Locked, which is the fail-safe configuration: power holds the lever locked, power loss releases it. The paired "EU" designation is Electrically Unlocked, which is fail-secure. This naming is counterintuitive and drives the most common ordering error in the category. Fail-safe belongs on egress paths and fire alarm-integrated doors. Fail-secure belongs on server rooms, pharmacies, and restricted access areas. Most commercial EL mortise locks auto-detect 12 or 24VDC and install in a standard mortise prep with no frame modification. REX and LBM monitoring options must be specified at order time. American Locksets carries the complete range from Schlage, Sargent, and Corbin Russwin with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the electrified mortise locks section to confirm the right specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "EL mortise" mean? 

EL mortise is commercial hardware shorthand for an electrified mortise lock with the Electrically Locked function, which is the fail-safe configuration. Power locks the lever; power loss releases it.

What is the difference between EL and EU on an electrified mortise lock?

 EL (Electrically Locked) is fail safe - power holds the door locked, power loss unlocks it. EU (Electrically Unlocked) is fail secure - power unlocks the door, power loss locks it.

When should I use an EL mortise lock vs an electric strike?

 Use an EL mortise lock on new construction or high-security openings where the door is designed for a mortise prep. Use an electric strike for retrofitting access control onto existing mechanical locksets.

What voltage does an EL mortise lock require? 

Most commercial models operate on 12VDC or 24VDC. Schlage L909x and Sargent 8200 series models auto-detect both voltages from the same lock body.

Can the EL function be changed to EU in the field? 

On the Schlage L9095, yes - a switch on the lock case toggles between EL and EU without factory return. Most other models are fixed at time of manufacture.

What is the Sargent equivalent of a Schlage EL mortise lock? 

The Sargent 8270 is the fail-safe (EL equivalent) electromechanical mortise lock. The Sargent 8271 is the fail-secure (EU equivalent) from the same 8200 Series platform.

Where can I buy EL mortise locks from authorized Schlage, Sargent, or Corbin Russwin distribution?

 American Locksets stocks the complete range at americanlocksets.com/electrified-mortise-locks. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function code, voltage, and monitoring options before ordering.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

Door push plates protect the push side of a commercial door from the concentrated wear that builds up when the same spot is contacted thousands of times a year. Without one, skin oils stain the finish, repeated impact dents hollow metal, and paint strips from wood within months on a busy corridor door. A push plate puts a replaceable metal surface exactly where the damage occurs.

The specification is not complicated once you understand what each decision actually changes: material and gauge determine longevity, size determines whether the plate covers the real contact zone, finish determines whether it matches the rest of the hardware, and fire door status determines which products are even permitted on the opening. This guide covers all four with the specific standards and numbers that matter on a real door schedule.

The Full Protection Plate Family: Push Plates, Kick Plates, Mop Plates, Armor Plates

These four products are frequently confused on hardware schedules and they should not be. Each covers a different zone of the door and a different type of abuse.

A push plate mounts at hand height on the push face of the door, protecting the area where palms contact the door during normal operation. Standard heights run 12 to 16 inches, widths 3 to 8 inches.

A kick plate mounts at the base of the door, protecting against foot and cart impact. Standard heights range from 6 to 10 inches across most of the door width.

A mop plate is a shorter kick plate, typically 4 to 6 inches tall, used in janitorial closets and food service areas where mop heads strike repeatedly at floor level.

An armor plate extends from near the floor to above handle height, combining kick protection and push protection in a single full-length sheet. Armor plates are standard in hospital corridors, school cafeterias, and institutional facilities where the entire lower door face is a damage target.

All four types are governed by ANSI/BHMA A156.6 and must be coordinated with the door material, fire rating, and hardware finish schedule. For pull side hardware shipping alongside push plates, the complete pull plates catalog is available. Both are part of the builders hardware category for architectural door trim.

ANSI/BHMA A156.6: The Standard That Applies to Every Push Plate

Commercial push plates and pull plates in the United States are governed by ANSI/BHMA A156.6, the Architectural Door Trim standard published by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. It defines material performance requirements, finish durability benchmarks, fastener system specifications, and dimensional tolerances for all architectural door trim hardware.

The Trimco BHMA code designation for push plates is J301, which references A156.6 compliance. Products carrying this designation have been evaluated to confirmed performance benchmarks. On formally bid institutional projects where inspectors request hardware certification, ANSI/BHMA A156.6 compliance is the standard to reference.

Material, Gauge, and Thickness: What Actually Determines Plate Life

Standard commercial specification: Type 304 stainless steel at 0.050 inch

Type 304 stainless at 0.050 inch thickness (commonly marketed as 16 gauge) is the correct specification for most interior and exterior commercial push plates. This is the thickness carried by the Cal-Royal PSPL series, the S. Parker 284 series, the Rockwood 70C series, and the Trimco 1001 series. At 0.050 inch, the plate handles normal commercial traffic including high-use restroom doors, school corridors, and healthcare facility entries without deforming or cracking under impact.

A gauge labeling problem worth knowing: Some manufacturers label their 0.050-inch plates as 18 gauge while others call the same dimension 16 gauge. The two terms are applied inconsistently across the commercial hardware market. When comparing products from different suppliers, always verify actual material thickness in decimal inches rather than relying on the gauge number alone.

Heavy-duty specification: 0.125 inch

For high-abuse openings, loading dock entries, and institutional doors subject to impact from carts, gurneys, or equipment, the Rockwood 73C series offers a 0.125 inch thick stainless push plate. That is 2.5 times the standard plate thickness. On a door that takes hard daily abuse beyond normal pedestrian traffic, the 0.125 inch plate is the correct specification.

Brass

Solid brass push plates are used in architectural applications requiring US3 polished brass, US4 satin brass, US10 satin bronze, or US10B oil-rubbed bronze finishes matching the overall hardware schedule. Solid brass carries more weight and tactile substance than stainless at the same dimensions, which is why it is standard in corporate lobbies, law firms, and university administration buildings. Plated or lacquered brass does not hold up under heavy-use conditions the same way solid material does.

Aluminum

Appropriate for low-to-moderate traffic interior applications and for glass and aluminum storefront doors where the hardware schedule specifies satin aluminum (US28) or clear anodized finishes. For exterior or high-traffic doors, stainless is the correct choice.

Healthcare and specialty finishes

Facilities with infection control requirements can specify push plates with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) surface coatings. PVD embeds an antimicrobial agent in the surface finish itself, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth between cleaning cycles. The Ives 8200 series with antimicrobial finish is the established healthcare specification for this application.

For behavioral health facilities, psychiatric units, and juvenile detention centers, ligature-resistant push plates are required. These feature rounded edges, sloped surfaces, and concealed or tamper-resistant fasteners that eliminate attachment points. Standard push plates with exposed screw heads and sharp corners are not acceptable in these environments under New York State OMH and similar behavioral health design guidelines.

Sizing by Door Type: Flush vs Stile-and-Rail

The two most common commercial door constructions require different plate widths. Getting this wrong produces a plate that either falls off the stile or leaves the actual contact zone exposed.

Flush doors (flat-faced hollow metal, solid wood-core, or flush glass-panel doors): Push plate width ranges from 4 inches to 8 inches. The 4-inch by 16-inch size is the most common commercial specification. For high-traffic exterior entries where the contact zone spreads across a wider area, 6-inch or 8-inch width provides better coverage.

Stile-and-rail doors (doors with visible vertical stiles and horizontal rails around a center panel): The push plate must fit within the stile face without overlapping the panel edge. A 3-1/2-inch or 4-inch width is standard for most commercial stile-and-rail applications.

Standard sizes stocked at American Locksets: 3-1/2 inch by 15 inch and 4 inch by 16 inch. For restroom doors and other high-volume openings, a 4-inch by 16-inch plate is the minimum correct specification. A 3-inch by 12-inch plate on a door cycled several hundred times daily leaves the upper and lower edges of the true contact zone unprotected.

Push-Pull Sets: Ordering Both Sides Together

When a door requires a push plate on one face and a pull plate with a handle on the other, ordering a coordinated push-pull set is the most efficient approach. Sets bundle the push plate, pull plate, pull handle, and all fasteners together with matching finish and center-to-center spacing already confirmed. This eliminates the finish mismatch risk that occurs when the two sides are ordered separately from different product lines, and it cuts the number of line items on the door schedule.

Rockwood push-pull plate sets and Cal-Royal push-pull combinations are both available through the American Locksets builders hardware section for projects that need coordinated coverage on both door faces.

ADA Requirements: The Specific Mounting Standard

Push plates on accessible routes must comply with both ADAAG and ICC A117.1, the Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard. The forward reach mounting height requirement is 15 to 48 inches above the finished floor (AFF). Mounting the plate center at approximately 42 inches AFF places it well within this range and aligns it with average adult reach height.

Beyond height, operable parts on accessible routes must require no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. A flat push plate satisfies this by design, making it the ADA-compliant specification for push-side door operation without a lever or knob.

NFPA 80 on Fire-Rated Doors: The 16-Inch Rule Applied Correctly

Most hardware guides misapply the NFPA 80 protection plate exception. Understanding it correctly changes which products are permissible on a fire-rated opening.

NFPA 80 Section 6.4.5.1 requires that field-installed protection plates on fire-rated door assemblies be labeled and installed in accordance with their listing. There is one exception: a non-labeled plate is permitted only when the top of the plate is not more than 16 inches above the bottom of the door.

That exception applies in practice to kick plates at the base of the door, not to push plates at hand height. A standard 4-inch by 16-inch push plate centered at 42 inches AFF extends from 34 inches to 50 inches above the door bottom. Its top sits 50 inches above the floor, well above the 16-inch threshold. The unlabeled exception does not apply.

Any push plate mounted at hand height on a fire-rated door assembly requires a fire door listing and must be installed per that listing. Unlisted push plates on fire-labeled openings create a code violation under NFPA 80 that surfaces during the annual fire door inspection required by NFPA 80 Section 5.2. A non-compliant modification on a fire door can require full assembly replacement, not just plate replacement.

The dominant fire door hardware test standard in the United States is UL 10C (Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies). Confirm that any push plate specified for a fire-rated opening carries UL 10C listing before the order is placed.

Installation: Three Specifications That Matter on Every Job

Mounting height: Center the push plate between 15 and 48 inches AFF per ADA and ICC A117.1 requirements. Approximately 42 inches from the floor works for most commercial applications.

Edge placement: Position the plate edge 1-1/2 inches from the outer edge of the door. Plates mounted flush to the door edge look misaligned against adjacent hardware and create an exposed edge vulnerable to peeling on high-traffic doors.

Grain direction: On stainless steel plates with a #4 brushed US32D finish, the polish grain runs the length of the plate. Install the plate with the grain running vertically, parallel to the door edge. Horizontal grain creates an immediately visible mismatch against the vertical grain of every other piece of hardware on the door.

Fasteners: Use countersunk flat-head screws that sit flush with the plate face. Projecting screw heads trap grime and are more difficult to sanitize on high-hygiene openings. On fire-rated door assemblies, confirm that fastener penetration does not compromise the fire integrity of the door face.

Glass and aluminum doors: These require through-bolts, back-to-back mounting kits, and standoffs for proper clearance rather than sheet-metal screws used on hollow metal and wood-core doors. Confirm the door material before specifying the mounting method.

Self-adhesive mounting is not an acceptable specification for any commercial push plate installation. Adhesive bonds delaminate under cleaning chemicals, heat cycles, and repeated daily impact.

Finish Matching: Coordinating the Hardware Schedule

Every piece of hardware on the same door face should carry the same US finish designation. A push plate in a different finish than the door closer, lever lock, or exit device is a specification error that architectural reviewers and facility managers catch immediately.

Common commercial push plate finishes:

• US32D: Satin stainless. The most widely specified commercial finish in North America.

• US26D: Satin chrome. Used where chrome hardware is specified throughout.

• US3 / US4: Polished brass / satin brass. Architectural interiors and corporate applications.

• US10 / US10B: Satin bronze / oil-rubbed bronze. Traditional and institutional architectural styles.

• US28: Satin aluminum. Aluminum storefronts and light-duty interior applications.

Not every finish is available in every size from every manufacturer. Confirm the finish and size combination is in stock before writing it into the door schedule.

Why American Locksets for Push Plate and Door Trim Projects

A complete door trim package involves push plates, pull plates, kick plates, door pulls, and push bars that all need to arrive in matching finishes from coordinated product lines. Sourcing from a single authorized dealer in one order eliminates the finish mismatch risk and the coordination overhead of managing multiple shipments against a construction timeline.

American Locksets carries push plates from Cal-Royal, S. Parker, Ives, and Rockwood in standard commercial sizes in US32D satin stainless and brass and bronze finishes. Matching pull plates and commercial locks for the same door schedule ship on a single order with same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses.

Call 877-471-4870 with the door type, fire rating status, required size, and finish code. We confirm whether a fire door listing is required for the specific application and which product covers it before the order ships.

Conclusion

Door push plates protect commercial door faces where daily hand contact causes the most concentrated wear. Type 304 stainless at 0.050 inch in US32D is the standard commercial specification. For high-abuse applications, the Rockwood 73C at 0.125 inch provides 2.5 times the standard plate thickness. Size follows door construction: 3-1/2 to 4-inch width for stile-and-rail, 4 to 8-inch width for flush doors. ADA and ICC A117.1 require mounting between 15 and 48 inches AFF. On fire-rated doors, NFPA 80 Section 6.4.5.1 requires UL 10C listed push plates because the standard 16-inch unlabeled exception does not apply to plates mounted at hand height. Install with the plate edge 1-1/2 inches from the door edge, stainless grain running vertically, using countersunk mechanical fasteners. American Locksets stocks Cal-Royal, S. Parker, Ives, and Rockwood push plates with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the push plates section to confirm the specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a door push plate?

 A metal plate mounted on the push face of a commercial door at hand height, protecting the door finish from daily contact wear and skin oil staining.

What gauge is correct for commercial push plates?

 0.050 inch thickness is the standard commercial specification. For high-abuse applications, Rockwood's 73C series provides 0.125 inch thickness. Verify in decimal inches when comparing across manufacturers, as gauge labeling is inconsistent.

Do push plates on fire-rated doors need UL listing? 

Yes. NFPA 80 Section 6.4.5.1 requires labeled protection plates on fire-rated doors unless the plate top is within 16 inches of the door bottom. A push plate at 42 inches AFF extends well above that threshold and requires UL 10C listing.

What ADA height applies to door push plates? 

Between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor per ADAAG and ICC A117.1 forward reach requirements.

What size push plate fits a stile-and-rail door?

 3-1/2 to 4-inch width fits within a standard commercial door stile without overlapping the panel boundary. An 8-inch plate will not fit on a standard stile.

What finish should I specify for a stainless push plate? 

US32D satin stainless matches the most common commercial hardware finish. Install the plate with the #4 brushed grain running vertically to match adjacent hardware.

Where can I buy commercial push plates from Cal-Royal, Ives, or Rockwood?

 American Locksets stocks the full range at americanlocksets.com/push-plates-c-233_235_243_532.html. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm size, thickness, and fire door listing requirement.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.

Choosing the right commercial door lock starts with understanding the opening, not the product catalog. The door's location, traffic volume, fire rating, keying requirements, and access control needs all determine which lock belongs there before a single brand name enters the conversation. Twenty-four years of shipping commercial hardware to contractors, facility managers, and locksmiths across the United States has confirmed one thing consistently: the most expensive specification mistakes happen when someone picks a product before understanding what the opening actually demands.

Mortise vs Cylindrical: The Foundation of Every Commercial Lock Decision

These two lock types are not interchangeable. They are designed for different performance levels, different door constructions, and different applications.

A mortise lock sits inside a rectangular pocket cut into the door edge. The lock body houses the latchbolt, deadbolt, and internal mechanism in a single reinforced steel case. Trim attaches to the case through the door face using through-bolts that run the full door thickness. That construction is why mortise locks resist lever attacks that can snap surface-mounted cylindrical hardware under heavy lateral force. Under ANSI/BHMA A156.13, Grade 1 mortise locks are tested to 1,000,000 cycles. The Schlage L-Series, Sargent 8200 Series, and Corbin Russwin ML2000 Series are the dominant commercial mortise families in North American institutional construction, specified across schools, hospitals, and government buildings precisely because of that cycle rating and structural design.

A cylindrical lock installs through two bored holes: a 2-1/8 inch cross-bore for the lock mechanism and a 1 inch bore for the latch. Setup is faster, the door prep is simpler, and the hardware costs less per opening. Under ANSI/BHMA A156.2, Grade 1 cylindrical locks are tested to 250,000 cycles. That is adequate for interior secondary doors with moderate daily traffic. On a primary corridor door with 300 operations per day, Grade 1 cylindrical hardware exhausts its theoretical cycle life in about two years and three months. On that same door, a Grade 1 mortise lock runs for nine-plus years. That arithmetic is the central reason the two lock types are not spec-equivalent even when both carry a Grade 1 label.

For a complete breakdown of which type belongs on which opening, see the mortise vs cylindrical buying guide.

ANSI/BHMA Grades: What Each Level Actually Means in Practice

Three grades apply to commercial locksets under the ANSI/BHMA testing program. The grade describes performance minimums under controlled test conditions. It does not describe the lock's inherent structural design, which is why a Grade 1 cylindrical and a Grade 1 mortise are not identical products.

Grade 1: Highest performance classification. Required on all primary commercial entries, corridors, fire-rated assemblies, and ADA egress paths. Mortise Grade 1 under A156.13 is rated to 1,000,000 cycles. Cylindrical Grade 1 under A156.2 is rated to 250,000 cycles. Grade 1 on all primary commercial doors is not a premium upgrade. It is the baseline.

Grade 2: Intermediate classification. Rated to 150,000 cycles under A156.2. Appropriate for interior secondary doors in single-tenant office environments with genuinely light traffic. Grade 2 has no place on any primary entry, corridor, egress door, or fire-rated assembly in a commercial building.

Grade 3: Residential specification only. Rated to 100,000 cycles. No legitimate application in a commercial building specification.

The distinction matters most when specifying interior office doors. A Grade 2 cylindrical lock on an interior private office with low daily traffic is a rational specification. That same Grade 2 lock on a corridor door shared by fifty people per day is a maintenance schedule in waiting.

Door Function Codes: The Specification Decision Most Guides Skip

Every commercial lockset ships in a specific function that defines how the outside and inside levers behave. Selecting the wrong function is one of the most common ordering errors in commercial hardware, and it is not correctable in the field without replacing the lockset. These functions are standardized across major manufacturers including Schlage, Sargent, and Corbin Russwin.

Passage: Both levers always free. No locking function. Used on interior corridors and conference rooms where the door should always remain open to passage during business hours.

Privacy: Inside pushbutton locks out the outside lever. No key override from outside. Used on single-occupancy restrooms and private offices. Never specify privacy function on an egress path.

Office: Outside lever always locked. Latch retracts by key from outside or by inside lever from inside. Key holds the lever unlocked until deliberately relocked. Standard specification for private office doors where tenant key control is required.

Storeroom: Outside lever always locked, not holdable open by key. Inside lever always free. The correct function for storage rooms, pharmacy storage, server rooms, and any restricted access space that should never be held unlocked from outside.

Classroom: Outside lever locked or unlocked by key from outside without entering the space. Inside lever always free. Required on K-12 and university classroom doors where a teacher needs to lock the room from outside in an emergency. The lockdown function standard under IBC educational occupancy requirements.

Entry: Outside lever locked in horizontal key position, unlocked in vertical position. Lever holds unlocked until deliberately relocked. Used on main building entries where staff needs to hold the door open during business hours without removing the key.

Confirm the function code against the door's actual use case in writing before placing the order.

ADA Compliance: The Specific Requirements That Apply to Commercial Hardware

ADA requirements for door hardware are defined under Section 404.2.7 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Two requirements directly govern commercial lock specification.

First, operable parts must require no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever handles satisfy this requirement. Round knob locks do not. Knob locks are prohibited on any accessible route in a public-use commercial facility. They remain permissible on non-accessible interior doors such as utility closets and spaces not on required accessible routes.

Second, interior non-fire-rated doors on accessible routes must require no more than 5 pounds of force to operate. Hardware that exceeds 5 pounds is not compliant regardless of the lever design. This requirement interacts directly with door closer specification. A closer set too tight on an accessible route creates a compliance violation that the lock hardware cannot resolve.

Lever handles must be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the finished floor on accessible routes. Most commercial mortise and cylindrical locksets meet this requirement at standard installation height when specified with ADA-compliant levers.

Fire Ratings: Matching Lock Hardware to the Assembly

Commercial door locks appear on fire-rated assemblies across five endurance classifications under UL testing standards. The lock hardware must carry UL10C Positive Pressure listing to be used on any fire-labeled assembly. UL10C is the standard that tests hardware under the pressurized conditions of an actual building fire. Hardware without UL10C listing cannot be used on a labeled fire door assembly regardless of the door's fire rating.

Fire-rated door assemblies are classified by endurance period:

• 20-minute: Standard interior corridor doors. Most common fire assembly in office buildings.

• 45-minute: Corridor separations and certain wall assemblies in mixed-occupancy facilities.

• 60-minute: Stairwell enclosures in non-high-rise construction.

• 90-minute: Stairwell doors in high-rise buildings and exit enclosures per IBC requirements.

• 3-hour: Exterior walls and maximum-separation fire barrier walls.

Knob locks are prohibited on fire-rated exit doors under NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and IBC. Lever hardware and panic exit hardware are the compliant specifications for fire-rated egress assemblies. For electrified hardware on fire-rated openings, the fail safe versus fail secure function must align with the egress requirements of the specific assembly. The fail safe vs fail secure guide covers this in detail.

Keying Systems: Beyond a Single Key

Commercial facilities with multiple doors and multiple user groups require a structured keying hierarchy. The four configurations cover the full range from simple to complex.

Keyed Different (KD): Every lock operates on its own unique key. Standard for small facilities with no cross-access requirements between spaces.

Keyed Alike (KA): Multiple locks operate on the same key. Used in small retail or light commercial environments where convenience is the priority.

Master Keyed (MK): Individual keys open individual locks. A master key opens all locks in the system. Standard for office buildings, retail chains, and any facility where a manager requires universal access.

Grand Master Keyed (GMK): Multiple master key systems operate under a single grand master key. Used on campuses, multi-building institutional facilities, and large commercial properties where different departments need different access levels within a shared system.

Construction Keying: Temporary construction master cores operate all locks during the build phase. Permanent cores replace construction cores at substantial completion. Standard practice on any commercial project with multiple subcontractors requiring extended site access over a construction period.

Restricted Keyways: Patented keyways that cannot be duplicated without authorization from the originating supplier or manufacturer. Used in facilities where key control between personnel changes or tenant turnovers is a security requirement. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and specific Schlage and Sargent restricted keyway programs are the primary commercial options.

Interchangeable Core Systems: The Standard for Large Facilities

An interchangeable core system allows a cylinder core to be removed with a control key and replaced with a new pre-keyed core in seconds, without disassembling the lock body or calling a locksmith. For any facility managing more than 50 openings where rekeying is a recurring operational requirement, IC specification reduces locksmith labor cost to near zero after the first rekey cycle.

Two formats are in commercial use:

Small Format IC (SFIC): Originally developed by Best Access, now available through Sargent, Yale, Corbin Russwin, and most major manufacturers. The SFIC housing is compatible across manufacturers within the format. A Sargent mortise lock with SFIC prep accepts the same core body as a Corbin Russwin cylindrical with SFIC prep. This cross-manufacturer compatibility makes SFIC the standard specification on large campus projects where multiple lock types appear across the same door schedule.

Large Format IC (LFIC): Larger core format used in specific manufacturer programs including Schlage Full Size IC. LFIC cores are not interchangeable with SFIC cores. The two formats are incompatible and cannot be mixed on the same project without two separate key systems.

Specifying IC on the wrong format for a campus with an existing core program creates a rekeying incompatibility that requires replacing core housings in every lock. Confirm the existing core program before specifying.

Electrified Commercial Locks: When Access Control Enters the Specification

When a commercial opening requires remote access control or electronic credential integration, the electrified hardware options are electrified mortise locks, electrified cylindrical locks, electric strikes, and keypad and proximity locks.

Electrified mortise locks build the access control function into the lock body. The outside lever is controlled by a solenoid or motor integrated into the mortise case. No separate strike or reader is required at the frame. This is the cleanest specification for new construction projects where access control is part of the original design intent.

Electric strikes are the retrofit solution for existing facilities. The strike replaces the fixed strike plate in the frame and controls the latch release electrically. The lock body stays fully mechanical. This approach is correct for buildings adding access control to doors that already carry functioning mortise or cylindrical locksets.

The fail safe versus fail secure function on all electrified hardware must be confirmed against the door's egress requirements and fire code obligations before the order is placed. This is not a reversible field decision.

Application Matrix by Occupancy Type

Schools and Universities: Classroom function Grade 1 mortise or cylindrical on all classroom doors. IC cores throughout for district-wide key control and single-cycle rekeying between tenants or personnel changes. Electrified mortise with fail-safe function on main entries integrated with access control. Panic hardware on all egress doors per IBC educational occupancy requirements. See the full exit hardware section for compliant panic device options.

Healthcare: Grade 1 mortise throughout corridor, patient room, and staff area doors. Occupancy indicator locks on patient rooms where visual occupied status is required. Fail-secure electrified mortise on pharmacy storage, server rooms, and controlled access areas. Fail-safe on all egress corridor doors per NFPA 101 healthcare occupancy requirements.

Government and Institutional: Grade 1 mortise on all public-access and security-sensitive openings. Restricted keyway programs throughout. Electrified mortise with access control integration on controlled access zones. High-security cylinders on all exterior entries.

Office Buildings: Grade 1 mortise on lobby, tenant entry, and elevator lobby doors. Grade 1 cylindrical with office function on individual tenant suites. Passage function on conference rooms. Storeroom function on storage and utility spaces. Building entry integrated with access control and electric strike or electrified mortise depending on the existing door prep.

Retail: Grade 1 mortise or heavy-duty cylindrical on public entries depending on traffic volume. Storeroom function on stockrooms and back-of-house spaces. Exit-only doors with fire-rated exit hardware on all required egress openings.

Why American Locksets Is the Right Source for Commercial Hardware Specifications

Commercial projects move on tight schedules. A lock arriving in the wrong function, wrong core prep, or wrong backset does not get installed — it gets returned, and the project absorbs the delay while waiting for the replacement.

The call to 877-471-4870 that happens before the order ships is the one that prevents that. Twenty-four years of authorized dealer experience means we have processed enough returns to know exactly where the specification errors happen: function code not confirmed against the door use, IC format not matched to the existing campus system, backset not verified against the door prep.

American Locksets carries the complete commercial locks catalog from authorized Schlage, Sargent, Corbin Russwin, BEST, and Falcon distribution, covering every application from Grade 1 mortise and cylindrical to fully electrified access-control-integrated configurations in every finish and function. Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses. Call 877-471-4870 with the door schedule and we confirm the correct specification before the order ships.

Conclusion

Commercial door lock specification follows from four confirmed facts: door location, fire rating, daily traffic volume, and access control requirements. From those four facts, the lock type, grade, function code, and keying system all follow without ambiguity. Grade 1 mortise on primary commercial entries and all high-traffic institutional doors. Grade 1 cylindrical on interior secondary doors with genuinely light use. Grade 2 hardware nowhere on a serious commercial specification. Function code confirmed before ordering, not after the lock arrives. Keying system chosen against the facility's actual operational requirements. American Locksets carries the complete commercial hardware range from authorized distribution with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit our commercial locks section to confirm the right specification for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a door lock "commercial grade"? 

Commercial grade means the lock is certified under ANSI/BHMA standards, rated to far higher cycle counts than residential hardware, and built to meet building code requirements for commercial occupancies.

What is the difference between ANSI Grade 1 and Grade 2 commercial locks? 

Grade 1 mortise locks are tested to 1,000,000 cycles under ANSI A156.13. Grade 1 cylindrical to 250,000 cycles under A156.2. Grade 2 cylindrical locks are rated to 150,000 cycles and have no place on primary commercial entries or corridors.

What function code do I need for a K-12 classroom door?

 Classroom function, also called F89 in some manufacturer catalogs. Outside lever locked or unlocked by key from outside without entering the room. Inside lever always free. Required for IBC-compliant classroom lockdown capability.

Are knob locks permitted in commercial buildings?

 Knob locks are prohibited on ADA-accessible routes and on fire-rated egress assemblies. They are permissible only on non-accessible interior doors that are not on required egress paths.

What is a small format interchangeable core (SFIC)?

 An SFIC system allows cylinder cores to be swapped with a control key in seconds without disassembling the lock. Cross-manufacturer compatible across Sargent, Yale, Corbin Russwin, and others within the SFIC format. Standard for campus facilities with frequent rekeying needs.

What fire ratings require UL10C listed hardware? 

All fire-rated door assemblies from 20-minute through 3-hour require lock hardware listed under UL10C Positive Pressure testing. Hardware without this listing cannot be used on labeled fire door assemblies.

Where can I buy Grade 1 commercial door locks from authorized distribution? 

American Locksets stocks the complete commercial lock range at americanlocksets.com/commercial-locks-c-38.html. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function code, grade, core prep, and backset before ordering.

The Von Duprin 6211 electric strike is a heavy-duty, stainless steel electric strike for mortise and cylindrical lock applications on single commercial doors. Part of the Von Duprin 6200 Series, it carries ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1 certification, UL294, UL1034, and UL10C fire-rated listings, and CSFM California State Fire Marshal approval. With a 1,500-pound static holding strength, tested beyond 250,000 cycles, and available in fail secure and fail safe configurations across 12VDC and 24VDC, it is the first product most commercial specifiers reach for when an access-controlled mortise or cylindrical door opening is on the schedule. This guide covers every specification decision worth knowing before the order ships.

Shop Now: Von Duprin 6211 Electric Strike at American Locksets

How Remote Release Actually Works on a Commercial Door

A standard strike plate is fixed. The latchbolt seats against it, holds the door closed, and the only way to open the door from outside is with a key or credential at the lock. An electric strike changes the frame side of that equation without touching the lock body at all.

The 6211 replaces the fixed strike with a movable Pullman keeper. When the access control system energizes the solenoid, the keeper releases and swings clear, allowing the latchbolt to ride over it as the door is pulled open. The lock itself stays mechanical. The latchbolt does not retract. The door simply opens because the frame is no longer holding it.

When the signal stops, the keeper resets automatically. The door is secure again on the next close. This is why electric strikes work for reception entries, secured corridors, and any opening where a person at a security panel or a card reader needs to grant access remotely without handling the door themselves.

One critical specification note: the 6211 is designed for mortise locks without a deadbolt and for cylindrical locks. A deadbolt will not function correctly with this strike. If the lockset has a deadbolt, a different electric strike model is required.

FSE, FS, and Field Convertibility: Getting the Function Right

The function code determines what the door does when power fails. This decision cannot be reversed after installation without replacing the strike body, so it needs to be confirmed against the door's life-safety requirements before the order is placed.

FSE (Fail Secure Standard): Power unlocks the strike. No power means the door is locked. The FSE is the default configuration and the fire-rated option. It is correct for server rooms, restricted access corridors, pharmacy storage, executive suites, and any opening where the secure state is the safe state during an emergency.

FS (Fail Safe): Power locks the strike. No power means the door is unlocked. FS is non-fire-rated. Building codes prohibit fail-safe electric strikes on fire-labeled openings. It is the correct specification for egress paths where NFPA and IBC require free exit during a power failure or fire alarm panel activation.

Both configurations are field convertible with parts. A 6211 FSE ordered today can be converted to FS on site without replacing the entire strike body, which matters for large projects where function codes are confirmed late in the design phase and for facilities that maintain unified spare parts inventory across a mixed door schedule.

Technical Specifications and UL Listings

Physical and installation specifications:

• Faceplate: 1-1/4 inch x 4-7/8 inch

• Accepted latchbolt throw: 3/4 inch (19mm)

• Door prep: ANSI A115.1 standard height

• Installation clearance: 1/32 inch between latchbolt and strike lip

• Fasteners: two No.12-24 screws included

• Frame compatibility: hollow metal, aluminum, or wood (6211WF for wood frame)

UL and compliance listings:

• UL294: Access control system components

• UL1034: Burglary-resistant electric door strikes

• UL10C: Fire-rated, 3 hours on single doors / 90 minutes on door pairs with inactive leaf

• CSFM: California State Fire Marshal listed

• ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1

The 3-hour vs 90-minute distinction matters on projects with paired doors. A single active-leaf door with the 6211 qualifies for a 3-hour fire-rated assembly. A paired door assembly where the 6211 sits on the active leaf with an inactive leaf alongside qualifies for 90 minutes only. Confirm the required fire-rating duration against the assembly listing before specifying.

The 6211DS: What the Dual Monitor Switch Actually Does

The standard 6211 releases and resets. The 6211DS adds two independent monitoring circuits that report door status back to the access control panel in real time.

The first circuit monitors the strike lip position, reporting whether the keeper is in the locked or released state. The second circuit monitors latchbolt engagement, reporting whether the door has physically closed and latched. Together they allow the panel to distinguish between four conditions: door closed and locked, door closed but strike released, door open, and door ajar with latch not fully engaged.

For healthcare campuses, government buildings, and university facilities running 24-hour security monitoring, the DS variant is specified on high-priority openings precisely because a standard strike cannot tell the panel whether an unlatched door is a maintenance issue or a security event. The 6211DS and 6211WFDS (wood frame version) both share the same faceplate dimensions and door prep as the standard 6211, so a project can mix standard and DS models across a door schedule without changing frame preparation.

The 6211WF: Wood Frame Applications

The standard 6211 is engineered for hollow metal and aluminum frames. For wood frame openings, the 6211WF is the correct specification. It carries the same ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating, the same UL listings, and the same FSE and FS functions with a faceplate profile and fastener pattern designed for wood frame construction. Installing the standard 6211 into a wood frame results in improper seating and reduced holding force against the rated 1,500-pound static load. The 6211WFDS adds the dual monitor switch capability to the wood frame body for facilities requiring position monitoring on those openings.

Power Supply Sizing: The Detail That Causes Installation Failures

At 12VDC, the 6211 draws 600mA continuously per strike. A 1-amp supply covers one strike at 12V with minimal overhead. A project with six strikes at 12VDC needs at minimum a 4-amp supply to cover simultaneous operation plus system overhead.

At 24VDC, the draw drops to 330mA per strike. A 1-amp supply at 24V covers three strikes. Most access control integrators specify 24VDC for any project with more than two strikes precisely because the current efficiency at 24V allows better power supply utilization across a larger door schedule.

The correct sizing approach: multiply the number of 6211 strikes by the per-strike amp draw for the chosen voltage, add 20 percent safety margin, and select the next available power supply capacity above that figure. Undersized power supplies are one of the most common causes of intermittent release failures that get misdiagnosed as wiring problems during commissioning.

Retrofit and Accessory Compatibility

The 6211 is the designated drop-in replacement for two legacy models still present in large numbers across commercial buildings: the Von Duprin 3140 and the Folger Adams 712. Both used the same frame cutout dimensions as the 6211, making frame modification unnecessary on a direct retrofit. For facilities managers upgrading access control on existing buildings, this eliminates the door fabrication cost that typically comes with a hardware replacement.

For projects where latch guard protection is needed over the strike, the IVES LG14 is the compatible latch guard. It is 13-gauge stainless steel with a satin finish and a relieved area specifically designed to accommodate the 6211 strike body, allowing the door to close without interference from the guard. This detail matters on high-vandalism or high-traffic openings where the exposed strike lip is a target for tampering.

The 6211 is also compatible with Schlage, Falcon, and Von Duprin cylindrical and mortise locksets, as well as most other manufacturers' products with a 3/4-inch latchbolt throw. Von Duprin does note that compatibility with other manufacturers cannot be guaranteed as designs may change without notice, so verifying latchbolt dimensions against the 6211 spec sheet before ordering on a non-Allegion lockset is the correct procedure.

Why American Locksets Is the Right Source for the Von Duprin 6211

Twenty-four years supplying Von Duprin hardware from authorized Allegion distribution means we have seen what happens when an FSE strike goes on an egress door that needed FS, when a standard 6211 gets ordered for a wood frame opening, and when a power supply gets sized to the strike count without accounting for simultaneous operation.

The conversation we have before the order ships is the one that prevents those problems. When a contractor or integrator calls 877-471-4870 with a 6211 requirement, we confirm function (FSE or FS), voltage, variant (standard, DS, or WF), and frame type before anything ships. The complete Von Duprin 6200 Series is in authorized stock. For projects where the 6211 installs alongside commercial locks on the same door schedule, or where exit hardware is specified on adjacent openings, both ship on a single authorized dealer order. The complete electric strike lineup is in our electric strikes section, and supporting electronic hardware including power supplies ships with it.

Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses. Call 877-471-4870 or shop directly below.

Shop Now: Von Duprin 6211 Electric Strike

Conclusion

The Von Duprin 6211 is a Grade 1 electric strike built for the full range of commercial single-door applications: heavy-duty stainless steel construction, 1,500-pound static holding strength, 250,000-cycle rating, and three UL listings covering access control, burglary resistance, and fire-rated assemblies. FSE is fire-rated and locks on power loss. FS is non-fire-rated and unlocks on power loss. The DS variant adds dual position monitoring for real-time door status at the access control panel. The WF and WFDS models cover wood frame openings with the same ratings. At 24VDC, the 330mA draw allows efficient power supply sizing on multi-strike projects. American Locksets carries the complete 6200 Series from authorized Allegion stock with same-day shipping. Call 877-471-4870 or visit our electric strikes section to confirm the right configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What locks is the Von Duprin 6211 compatible with?

 Mortise locks without a deadbolt and cylindrical locks with a 3/4-inch latchbolt throw. Deadbolts will not function with this strike.

What is the difference between 6211 FSE and FS?

 FSE is fail secure, locked when power is off, fire-rated. FS is fail safe, unlocked when power is off, non-fire-rated. Building codes prohibit FS on fire-labeled openings.

What is the 6211DS dual monitor switch? 

Two independent circuits that monitor strike lip position and latchbolt engagement simultaneously, reporting both signals to the access control panel in real time.

What is the fire rating on the Von Duprin 6211?

 UL10C listed for 3-hour fire-rated assemblies on single doors and 90 minutes on paired door assemblies with an inactive leaf. Also CSFM California State Fire Marshal listed.

What is the difference between the 6211 and 6211WF?

 The standard 6211 is for hollow metal and aluminum frames. The 6211WF is engineered specifically for wood frame openings. Both share the same ratings and functions.

What legacy models does the 6211 replace?

 Direct drop-in replacement for the Von Duprin 3140 and Folger Adams 712 using the same frame cutout, with no frame modification required.

Where can I buy the Von Duprin 6211 electric strike?

 American Locksets stocks all variants including FSE, FS, DS, and WF at americanlocksets.com. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm the specification.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Allegion Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.