Fire-rated doors are important for protecting lives and property from the spread of fire in buildings. These doors are designed to resist fire and smoke from spreading through them for a certain amount of time, and they must meet strict safety standards. One important consideration when installing fire-rated doors is the type of mortise lock that is suitable for use. In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of mortise locks and which ones are appropriate for installation on fire-rated doors.
What is a mortise lock?
A mortise lock is a type of lock that is installed inside a mortise, which is a cavity or recessed area in the edge of a door. The lock mechanism is contained within the mortise, and the lock body is fitted into the door. Mortise locks are commonly used on commercial and residential doors because they offer a high level of security and are more durable than other types of locks.
Types of mortise locks
Mortise locks are a popular type of lock that are installed within a door, offering high levels of security and durability. There are several different types of mortise locks available, each with their own unique features and benefits. In this essay, we will explore the most common types of mortise locks, including sashlock, passage lock, deadbolt lock, bathroom lock, night latch lock, anti-panic lock, classroom lock, magnetic lock, and narrow lock.
Sashlock
A sash lock has both a deadbolt and a latchbolt. The latchbolt is used to keep the door closed, while the deadbolt provides additional security. Sash locks are commonly used on residential doors because they are easy to install and provide a high level of security. However, they are not typically used on fire rated doors because they do not have the ability to latch onto the strike plate, which is necessary for a door to meet fire code requirements.
Passage Lock
Passage locks are a type of door lock designed for interior doors. They are designed to provide a convenient way to open and close the door from both the inside and outside. The locks are typically operated by pressing a handle, which enables the door to be opened without the use of a key. Passage locks are not intended to provide any security, but rather, they are designed to provide a measure of thermal insulation, soundproofing, and windproofing.
Passage locks are ideal for doors that do not require a high level of security, such as closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other room that people may need to enter and exit quickly and conveniently. Passage locks are also often used to secure doors leading out to a balcony or patio, where a keyed lock may not be necessary.
Deadbolt Lock
A deadbolt lock is a type of mortise lock that has a deadbolt that extends into the door jamb to prevent the door from being opened. Deadbolt locks are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and provide a high level of security. However, they are not ideal for use on fire rated doors because they do not have the ability to latch onto the strike plate, which is necessary for a door to meet fire code requirements.
Bathroom Lock
A bathroom lock is a type of door lock specifically designed for bathroom doors. It is a handle operated latch with a thumb turn. This means that you can use the handle to lock or unlock the door from the inside and when locked, the thumb turn prevents it from being opened from the outside. The thumb turn can be turned from either side of the door, allowing you to lock the door from both the inside and outside.
The bathroom lock has an emergency release indicator which makes it suitable for bathrooms. This means that if you are locked in, you can push the emergency release indicator to open the door from the inside. This provides both safety and convenience, as it allows you to get out of the bathroom without needing a key or having to break the door down.
The bathroom lock is easy to install and comes with all the necessary screws and fittings. It is also available in a variety of finishes to match the look and feel of your bathroom. It is also a great way to add extra security to your home as it prevents people from entering your bathroom without your permission.
Anti-Panic Lock
An anti-panic lock is a type of door lock that is designed to help people escape certain hazardous situations. It is generally used on exit doors to provide an easy and safe way for people to escape an emergency situation.
Anti-panic locks are usually composed of an internal lever, which is operated with a single action. This lever simultaneously operates the latch bolts and bolts, releasing the door’s lock and allowing the door to open. The internal lever is normally placed on the inside of the door, allowing occupants to quickly and easily exit a room or building in an emergency.
Anti-panic locks are particularly useful in business settings, such as offices, factories, and warehouses, as they provide a safe way for employees to escape if there is a fire or other emergency. They can also be used in homes to provide a safe way for family members to escape in an emergency.
Anti-panic locks are also beneficial for public spaces, like restaurants, theaters, and other places that can become crowded or where people may need to evacuate quickly. By providing an easy-to-use exit, anti-panic locks help reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that people can get out of the building quickly and safely.
Night latch lock
A Night latch lock is a type of mortise lock which is typically found on the front or back door of a residence. It is a security device that is designed to keep the door securely locked when it is not in use and provide a layer of protection against intruders.
The Night latch lock is a simple, yet effective device. It consists of a lock body, a latch bolt, and a key. The lock body is installed into the door jamb and is designed to securely lock the latch bolt in place when the door is closed. The latch bolt is then connected to the door handle, which when turned allows the latch to open and the door to be opened from the inside. The lock is then operated from the outside using a key.
The Night latch lock is an effective security measure for preventing unauthorized entry into a home. It is relatively easy to install and is a much more affordable option than other types of locks. It is also very durable and is resistant to wear and tear with proper maintenance.
In addition to providing security, the Night latch lock also offers convenience. It is very easy to use and can be opened from the inside without the need for a key. This eliminates the need to carry around a large set of keys or to worry about forgetting a key when leaving the house.
Classroom Lock
A classroom lock is a type of mortise lock that is commonly used in schools and other educational institutions. Classroom locks are designed to be locked and unlocked from the inside of the room using a thumb turn or key. They are suitable for use on fire rated doors because they have the ability to latch onto the strike plate, which is necessary for a door to meet fire code requirements.
Magnetic Lock
A magnetic lock is a type of mortise lock that a magnetic latch lies flush within the gearbox when the door is open and is therefore virtually invisible. The magnet draws the latch into the striker plate and hold it in place. This intelligent detail is what makes it extremely quiet.
Narrow Lock
A narrow lock is a type of mortise lock that is designed for use on narrow doors, such as those found in cupboards or cabinets. It features a latch mechanism that can be operated by a handle or key, providing security and convenience in a compact design.
Choosing the right mortise lock for fire rated doors
When choosing a mortise lock for fire rated doors, it is important to consider the fire code requirements in your area. In general, fire rated doors must have a mortise lock that has the ability to latch onto the strike plate. This is necessary to prevent the door from swinging open during a fire, which could allow smoke and flames to spread.
Cylinder locks and classroom locks are both suitable for use on fire rated doors because they have the ability to latch onto the strike plate. Deadbolt locks and sash locks are not typically used on fire rated doors because they do not have this ability.
In addition to choosing the right type of mortise lock, it is also important to ensure that the lock meets the necessary safety standards. This includes testing the lock to ensure that it can withstand the heat and pressure of a fire. It is also important to ensure that the lock is installed correctly, and that it is properly maintained to ensure that it continues to function properly.
