We have been asked to share our expertise and constructive feedback on this product idea for locking classroom doors. The creator, an employee of a school district, is working on a means of unlocking the door from the corridor side. The slot in the frame would not be allowed for fire door assemblies. Any other constructive feedback?
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What’s with all of these lockdown inventions lately? Why not just use classroom intruder locks or electronic locking systems?
That’s the 64 thousand dollar question!
– Lori
I thought it was the 64 thousand dollar *answer* which is why no one wants to do it 🙂
I could see a world where the frame slot might get UL approval, but the door won’t relatch on egress so that will definitely prevent labeling the hardware. And it doesn’t address the potential issue of barricades being used to keep authorized people out.
to borrow a phrase from ncis,
“ya think, mcgee ?”
hehe
Not sure how many different door hardwares it would work on?
That is kind of the perfect set up.
Over the years is it going to work.
Will the person make sure it gets in the slot completely.
Seems like teachers will use it as another door stop, to keep the door from latching.
Still would stop cops and other authorized personnel from entering if thrown. Plus this can not be monitored by the teacher and can be used by anybody or anyone at anytime.
Yes – he is looking for ideas on how to unlock it from the outside.
– Lori
I agree, why are all of these attempts at securing a door when replacing the lock with a classroom security lock satisfies all the requirements without any restriction to codes, egress, etc. I don’t get why so many people think they have the solution or fix when it’s already been invented.
Again, break glass, reach in and open door.
Although this is not the worst thing I’ve seen, there’s still the problem that students can use it to keep people out.
I’m pretty sure that the best solution will remain electric locks that can be activated and deactivated by a teacher controlled switch in the classroom, and a master switch at security.
Also notice that the door does not re-lacth. The device prevents it and would help feed a fire.
The problem is the device can still be compromised by smashing out the glass in the door, reaching in and turning the handle.
I fail to understand why school districts keep searching for a ‘magic pill’ that’s going to solve all of their problems when all they need to do is listen to people in the industry who address issues like these on a daily basis.
FWIW, I work for the second largest school district in the country, and our solution to complying with lockdown requirements is to install appropriate locks. It’ll probably take us 10-20 years to retrofit our 1000+ schools, but we’re doing it, one lock at a time.
Thanks for sharing your insight, John!
– Lori
Why not just use an office function locket? Unfortunately students can lock out teachers with office function locksets, which our industry learned a long time ago. This invention will require modification of the frame thereby voiding the fire rating of the frame.
Hi John –
A lot of the recent classroom doors are not fire-rated, so there is a little more leeway.
– Lori
Let’s say someone activates this thing and becomes incapacitated. How do you get in? Doesn’t seem to me that this would pass Life Safety requirements.
Hi Blake –
He is looking for a means of unlocking it from the outside.
– Lori
The only way I can see to operate that thing from outside is if the key cylinder or outside lever turned the inside lever to release the slab of metal. But to go through the expense of modifying all of the locks internals, you would be better off just getting the proper hardware in the first place. I’m betting he won’t devise a way to release it from the outside, and, unfortunately, some school somewhere will be duped into thinking this is the better (cheaper) mousetrap.
I think this is probably the best retrofit solution that i have seen with the exception of the lock in issue noted above. There is also concerns with: 1) manufacturer’s warranty, 2) can it meet UL standards (which don’t exist now for this product) 3) this is shown on a cylindrical lockset, how does/can it work on mortise devices? 4) in rated doors?
I agree that its better to put a lock on, electronic or mechanical, designed for this purpose; but even a retrofit, a grade 1 cylindrical lockset is over $300. Go electronic and that cost could at MINIMUM rise to $800 (not to mention the whole deal with the fobs). And what doors do you equip in this manner? The answer is nearly all. In a medium sized school district, this would be thousands of doors.
But still the looming issue is that glass lite right above the door lock. This may be the answer to the lock question, but not to the window or side lite issue.
I think the product is a good concept, and once the issues noted are addressed, I would probably recommend it.
Sorry Lori. I think this guy bested Allegion on this one.:)
I would also suggest that the video be redone showing a standard classroom function lockset. I get the intent, but it would avoid folks asking why don’t you simply lock the door with the lockset already there.
If he is working on a way to unlock from outside why not just use an approved classroom lock? Also see it being used more as a prop to prop the door open than as a locking device.
There are already plenty of very satisfactory classroom intruder lockets available without resorting to yet another well- intentioned jerry-rigged device. Schools apparently have a problem with sticker shock when quoted prices on proper life-safety hardware, or maybe are just ignorant as to its availability; yet seem have plenty of funds to waste on other frivolities.
1. Convert to the new classroom locks
2. Regardless of the lock on the door just leave it closed and locked. This way you are not the first room the intruder hits. Yes it maybe a little inconvenient but it is the safest way.
The developer needs to think like a criminal:
Bang the glass out with the butt of my AK-47, turn the handle from inside, continue with carnage.
Yes – the glass needs to be addressed, but there are glazing products and films that can delay someone from getting through the glass.
– Lori
The re-latching problem is the bigest problem. Anything that works seperate from the latch is will cause the non-latching situation. So it is really a fire code issue.
Then the second problem is the thornier one; Who should be able to ‘lock down’? The recent UCLA situation highlighted that there may, or may not be, someone with a key to lock down the room when the time comes. So how much control do you give to others inside the room? A first grader vs. a college student controlling the locking status of a classroom seems very different. The codes do not currently address WHO might be in the room, and how much control should they be able to have regarding locking down. A potential building code change issue.