Door hardware is complex, and this is one of the reasons some schools have considered purchasing classroom barricade devices, even though most of these devices are not compliant with model building codes, fire codes, or accessibility standards. In addition, many retrofit security devices could be deployed by an unauthorized person to secure a classroom, and some can not be released from the outside by an authorized person with a key. Despite these drawbacks, it can be tempting to purchase these devices which are often available on the internet, are easy to understand, and simple to install.
Most classroom doors are already equipped with locksets, but the lock function may not be ideal for today’s security needs. For example, the traditional classroom function requires the teacher to open the door and insert a key in the outside lever, which could expose the teacher to danger. What many people don’t realize is that existing lock functions can be changed in the field to a more suitable function – often at a lower cost than purchasing security devices that are not compliant with the model codes.
The video below demonstrates how to change the function on a mortise lock using a conversion kit. These kits are available from several manufacturers, for cylindrical locks as well as mortise locks. Changing the function does not void the warranty or fire door listing, and the modified locksets allow the teacher to lock the door from the inside without opening it, as well as providing free egress with one releasing operation and meeting all other applicable code requirements. Some conversion kits include an indicator to clearly show whether the lock is locked or unlocked.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
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Resources:
- For more information on classroom security, read Decoded: Classroom Security Considerations.
- The PASS position paper is a comprehensive document outlining concerns about classroom barricade devices.
- This data sheet covers conversion kits to change lock functions for mortise and cylindrical locks. Current list pricing for these kits starts at $103 for the cylindrical lock and $108 for the mortise lock.
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Hi Lori –
You are among the best writers I follow regularly, so I am hesitant to bring this up.
Paragraph 2, Sentence 2, should the the word “security” be there in “classroom security function”?
On first reading, I took it to mean ‘classroom intruder function’ or similar, which of course does not require the teacher to open the door. I know you strive for clarity. Thanks for your work.
Tom
THANK YOU! You’re right – it was just a brain spasm. 🙂
– Lori
Lori,
This is the type of article that needs to be spread across the country (or even the world). If this article appeared at the top of the list every time someone searched for “classroom security device” or “barricade device”, our schools would be a safer place.
Just like “Close Before You Doze”, this should be broadcast on every TV network, every AM/FM station, every social media site, etc. At the very least, it should be sent to every news station that ever aired a segment about some make-shift barricade device that they helped promote.
Thanks so much Eric. Feel free to spread it. 🙂
– Lori
Great idea . So many of these so called after market intruder lock devices are just a collosal waste of time effort and money . Not to mention against every imangable code . Thankfully this offering will be a little easier to up sell at hopefully a reasonable price point . Because at the end of the day it’s the money that counts .or in this case gets counted .