Commercial locks for doors are essential components of any business or commercial property’s security system. They serve as the first line of defence against unauthorised access and play a crucial role in protecting your assets, employees, and customers. With a rise in commercial burglaries, ensuring the right type of lock is in place is paramount to safeguarding your business and maintaining a secure environment.
In this commercial locks buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the various types of commercial door locks available in the market, their unique features, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs.
What are Commercial Locks?
So, what are commercial locks? Commercial locks are specially designed locksets tailored for use in commercial and business settings. Unlike residential locks, commercial locks are built to withstand heavy-duty usage, offer higher levels of security, and accommodate multiple users. These locks are suitable for various applications, including offices, warehouses, retail stores, hotels, and more.
Are Commercial Door Locks Different?
Yes, commercial door locks are different from residential locks. Commercial locks for doors are designed to handle the unique demands of a business or commercial building. Commercial-grade front door locks are known for their durability, security, and convenience for daily users. These locks are engineered to provide reliable protection in high-traffic and high-security environments, making them distinct from their residential counterparts.
Types of Commercial Door Locks
- Mortice Locks
- Keyless Entry Locks
- Magnetic Locks
- Master Key System
- Deadbolt Locks
- Electronic Locks
- Cylindrical Locks
Exploring the types of commercial door locks is crucial because the choice of lock directly impacts the security and safety of a commercial or business property. Different types of locks offer varying levels of security, durability, and features, making it essential to select the right one that aligns with the specific needs and usage of the property.
A well-chosen commercial door lock not only safeguards assets and personnel but also ensures compliance with local regulations and industry standards, providing peace of mind and protection against potential security threats.
Mortice Locks
Mortice locks are highly suitable for commercial properties due to their exceptional security features and durability. These commercial locks for doors require the installation of a lock body inside a specially cut-out pocket (mortice) in the door. They consist of key components like the lock body, lock trim (lever or knob), a strike plate to reinforce frame holes, and a keyed cylinder for lock/unlock functions.
This design makes mortice locks challenging to tamper with or pick, enhancing workplace security significantly. Their robust construction and complex internal mechanisms make them ideal for commercial settings where the need for protection against unauthorised access is crucial. To use a mortice lock, simply insert the key into the cylinder and turn it to lock or unlock the door, providing a straightforward and effective means of securing commercial spaces.
Keyless Entry Locks
Keyless entry locks offer enhanced security features and user-friendly access control. With keyless entry locks, access is granted via a passcode or security number, eliminating the need for traditional keys. This feature provides several advantages, including the ability to grant and revoke access easily, track entry and exit times, and customise access levels for different users.
To use a keyless entry lock and security system, authorised personnel simply enter the correct passcode or security number on the keypad, and the door unlocks. This not only simplifies access management but also enhances security by reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys and unauthorised duplication.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are commercial locks for doors because they offer enhanced security through their unique locking mechanism. These locks utilise magnets and electricity to keep doors locked, comprising an electromagnet on the doorframe and a metal armature plate on the door.
What sets magnetic locks apart is that they require a separate device to trigger them to unlock. When activated, the magnetic lock temporarily loses its magnetic charge, releasing the door. This design makes it difficult for unauthorised access, enhancing security.
To use a magnetic lock, an authorised user activates the triggering device, such as a card reader or keypad, which temporarily deactivates the magnet, allowing the door to open and close. This level of control and security is ideal for commercial applications where strict access management is essential.
Master Key System
Master key systems are a popular type of commercial door lock as they offer enhanced security and efficient access control. These high security locks are designed to grant varying levels of access within a building, allowing for multiple keys that can open specific locks while one master key can access all locks. This level of flexibility is especially useful in commercial settings with different departments or areas that require restricted access.
Master key systems are operated by the master key holder, which allows you to open all locks, while other users are provided with keys that work only on designated locks. This enhances security by minimising the number of keys in circulation and simplifying access management, making it a valuable choice for commercial properties seeking both convenience and security.
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks offer an additional layer of security, especially when used alongside cylindrical locksets, making them ideal for commercial properties such as offices, retail stores, warehouses, and other high-traffic environments where safeguarding assets and ensuring the safety of personnel is of utmost importance.
This type of commercial door lock provides an extra measure of protection against break-ins, making them an excellent choice for enhancing security in commercial settings. Deadbolts can be easily installed in doors with standard boreholes, making them a practical and cost-effective security upgrade.
When combined with a door pull, they reinforce the door’s resistance to forced entry, adding peace of mind for businesses looking to secure their commercial premises effectively.
Electronic Locks
Electrical locks are often used in commercial properties as they provide a high level of security by offering advanced authentication methods such as keycards, PIN codes, or biometrics, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Electronic locks offer the convenience of remote access control and the ability to grant or revoke access for specific users easily, making them suitable for businesses with fluctuating personnel or multiple access points. This type of commercial lock system can be integrated into comprehensive security systems, including alarms and surveillance, enhancing overall property security.
Cylindrical Locks
Cylindrical locks are a common type of commercial door locks due to their versatility and widespread availability. They are installed by boring two circular holes in the door, making them relatively easy to set up.
Cylindrical lever locksets come in various features, functions, grades, styles, and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. Whether you need a lock for high-security demands or a simple yet effective solution, cylindrical locks offer flexibility and adaptability, making them a popular choice for commercial properties seeking reliable access control.
How to Choose the Right Type of Commercial Door Lock
To choose the right type of commercial door lock prioritise security, convenience and smart features that align with your specific needs. Ensure the commercial door lock offers the level of security required for your property, considering factors like durability, resistance to tampering and compliance with local regulations.
Specialised commercial locksmiths play a crucial role in this process. They can assess your property’s unique security requirements, recommend the most suitable lock types, and provide professional installation and maintenance services, ensuring that your commercial property remains secure and well-protected.
Professional Commercial Locksmith Near You
At Veteran Locksmiths, we are professionals in providing commercial locksmith services across Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. Whether you require emergency lockout assistance, lock changes or repairs, key duplication, or any other commercial locksmith service, we are here to help.
