Basic Lockset Function Guide – Storeroom or Classroom?
Choosing the correct lock function is vital in maintaining the balance between convenience, functionality, life safety and security. This article explains some of the more common lockset functions.
Note: In this article we have used the words “knob” and “lever” interchangeably, as the same principles typically apply to both.
Dummy
Knob is mounted on one side of a door to match other locksets.
There is no inside knob or operational mechanism and there is no latching or locking capability. Only some models and styles offer a dummy option. Typical uses for dummy knobs may include closet doors in homes or offices. In these cases, magnetic catches, ball catches and other types of catches are used to keep the doors closed.
Passage Function
Latch bolt is activated by the lever from either side.
The passage function is available for both commercial and residential applications. Typical uses for passage door knobs and levers may include closets, stairwell doors in apartment buildings and common area doors in homes. Passage sets, accompanied by deadbolt locks, may also be used on suite entry doors in apartments or condos and on exterior doors leading from house to garage and the rear doors of commercial units.
Privacy Function
Auto Release Type: Latch bolt is activated by the lever from either side, except when the inside push-button is pressed and locks the outside lever. Activating the inside lever automatically unlocks (releases) the outside lever.
Thumbturn Locking: Latch bolt is activated by the lever from either side, except when the inside thumbturn is rotated and locks the outside lever. Rotating the thumbturn in the opposite direction on the inside lever unlocks the outside lever.
The outside lever has provisions for emergency unlocking.
The privacy function is available for both commercial and residential locksets. Typical uses for privacy door knobs & levers may include bathrooms, public washrooms, change rooms and master bedrooms.
Storeroom Function
Latch bolt is activated by the inside knob or by a key in the outside knob. The outside knob is always rigid/fixed. Inserting and turning the key activates the latch bolt and provides momentary access.
The storeroom function is available for commercial locksets and you likely will not find any residential grade locksets that offer a storeroom function feature. Typical uses for storeroom door knobs & levers may include public restrooms with limited access, cash offices, storage closets, mechanical rooms and front entrance doors of small apartment buildings.
Entry Function
Latch bolt is activated by the knob from either side, except when the inside push-button thumbturn locks the outside knob. The push-button thumbturn is released by key or by turning the inside knob. Another feature of this lock is that the push-button thumbturn on the inside knob can be pushed and turned to lock the outside knob, permitting entry by key only. In this case, the outside knob remains locked until the push-button thumbturn is manually rotated and reset.
This is a very versatile function, as the lock can be left locked or unlocked as needed and it can function as a storeroom lock for periods of time. The entry function is available for both commercial and residential locksets, although, the residential entry function operates differently than the commercial entry function. The interior pushbutton thumbturn of the residential entry function will always release when unlocked by a key, thereby unlocking the outside handle. Typical uses for entry door knobs & levers may include commercial offices and home offices. This lockset may also be used on exterior doors for extra security, in conjunction with a deadbolt lock.
Classroom Function
Latch bolt is activated by the lever from either side, except when the outside lever is locked by a key. The outside lever is locked or unlocked by key only.
The classroom function is available for commercial locksets and you likely will not find any residential grade locksets that offer a classroom function feature. Typical uses for classroom door knobs and levers may include classrooms and public restrooms or factory doors with limited access at specific times of the day.
Lock Installations Made Easy!
Discount Door Hardware.ca offers a Universal Door Lock Installation Kit and a growing selection of hand tools, drill bits and specialized accessories to facilitate door hardware installations for both homeowners and contractors!
