Can a push bar lock be locked from the outside? That's a question I get asked a lot as a Push Bar Lock supplier. In this blog, I'll break down the ins and outs of push bar locks and whether they can be locked from the outside.
First off, let's talk about what a push bar lock is. A Push Bar Lock is a type of exit device that's commonly used on commercial and public buildings. It's designed to allow people to quickly and easily exit a building in case of an emergency. You simply push on the bar, and the door unlocks. These locks are super important for safety, as they help prevent panic and ensure a smooth evacuation. You can check out our range of Push Bar Lock on our website.
Now, to the main question: Can a push bar lock be locked from the outside? The answer is, it depends. There are different types of push bar locks, and their locking mechanisms vary.
Some push bar locks are designed to be locked from the outside using a key. This is often the case in commercial settings where you want to restrict access during certain hours. For example, a store might lock the push bar door at night to prevent unauthorized entry. When the key is turned in the lock on the outside, it engages the locking mechanism, and the door can't be opened from the inside by pushing the bar.
On the other hand, there are push bar locks that are meant to be always accessible from the inside, even if they're locked from the outside. These locks are typically used in places where safety is the top priority, like hospitals, schools, and theaters. In an emergency, people should be able to exit the building without having to worry about unlocking the door. So, even if the door is locked from the outside, pushing the bar will still open it from the inside.
Let's dig a bit deeper into the different scenarios where locking a push bar lock from the outside makes sense.
Security in Commercial Buildings
In commercial buildings, security is a major concern. Business owners want to protect their assets and prevent theft. By locking the push bar lock from the outside, they can control who enters and exits the building. For example, a small business might have a single entrance with a push bar lock. At the end of the day, the owner can lock the door with a key, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter. This adds an extra layer of security to the premises.
Restricting Access in Certain Areas
There are also situations where you might want to restrict access to certain areas within a building. For instance, a large office building might have a storage room or a restricted area that's only accessible to certain employees. A push bar lock can be installed on the door to this area, and it can be locked from the outside using a key. This way, only employees with the key can enter the restricted area.
Safety Regulations
Safety regulations play a big role in how push bar locks are used. In many places, there are strict regulations that require push bar locks to be accessible from the inside at all times. This is to ensure that people can quickly exit the building in case of a fire, earthquake, or other emergency. So, even if a push bar lock can be locked from the outside, it must still allow for easy egress from the inside.
Now, let's talk about some of the different types of push bar locks and how they work.
Rim-Mounted Push Bar Locks
Rim-mounted push bar locks are one of the most common types of push bar locks. They're installed on the surface of the door, and they're relatively easy to install and maintain. These locks can be locked from the outside using a key, and they usually have a simple locking mechanism. When the key is turned, a bolt is extended, which prevents the door from being opened from the inside by pushing the bar.
Mortise Push Bar Locks
Mortise push bar locks are more complex and are typically used in high-security applications. They're installed inside the door, which makes them more difficult to tamper with. These locks can also be locked from the outside using a key, and they often have additional security features, such as deadbolts and anti-pick mechanisms.
If you're in the market for a push bar lock, it's important to consider your specific needs. Are you looking for a lock that provides high security? Or do you need a lock that's easy to use and accessible from the inside? You might also want to check out our other types of locks, like House Locks and Push Lock.
In conclusion, whether a push bar lock can be locked from the outside depends on the type of lock and the specific requirements of the building. If you have any questions about push bar locks or need help choosing the right lock for your needs, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your security and safety needs.
If you're interested in purchasing push bar locks or other types of locks, feel free to contact us for a consultation. We can provide you with more information about our products and help you make an informed decision.
References
- "Commercial Door Hardware: A Guide to Exit Devices" - Door and Hardware Institute
- "Building Safety Codes and Regulations" - National Fire Protection Association
