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Glossary
Access Control Device
n. Any device or system that selectively allows entry by certain persons to an area while excluding others. Usually, this term is not used to refer to ordinary key-operated locks but rather to push-button, card access, or biometric systems. This can be anything from a simple mechanical push-button lock to retinal scanners, palm scanners or badge readers wired to magnetic or electrical locking devices.
Alarm System
n. A system of electrical and/or electronic components which detect and report dangers, such as fire or intrusion.
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
n. A US federal law dealing with minimum standards of building accessibility, as well as other issues concerning individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation provides for stiff civil penalties for any business, workplace, or public institution that fails to provide appropriate access to disabled persons.
Annunciator
n. Audible and visual signaling device.
Astrigal
n. A molding attached to the face of the active leaf of a pair of doors and overlapping the inactive leaf.
Automatic Door Opener
n. A device which automatically controls the opening or position of a door.
Barrier Free
n. Having to do with the absence of restrictions to access by the handicapped.
Bit and Barrel Key
n. Also known as a "Bit Key", "Barrel Key", or a "Skeleton Key".
CCTV
see Closed-Circuit Television.
Cipher Lock
see Push-Button Lock
Closed-Circuit Television
n. A television system connected by cables to monitors so events can be recorded or supervised remotely.
Code Cut Key
n. A series of letters or numbers found on some locks. In the case of office furniture and some padlocks, the number is stamped or printed right on the face of the lock. Some automobile manufacturers also stamp or print this number somewhere on the vehicle. Others vehicle manufacturers keep the key code on file and can look it up for the owner by the VIN number. With a valid key code, one can originate a key using books or software and special key-cutting equipment.
Concealed
adj. Installed within the door or frame, mortised and hidden from view.
Continuous Hinge
n. A heavy-duty hinge that runs the entire length of the door, rather than at 2, 3, or 4 individual points.
Cylinder
n. The lock component where the key is inserted.
Also known as a "Cylinder" or a "Keyhole".
Cypher Lock
see Push-Button Lock
DCJS
Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Deadbolt
n. A locking device that, once fully extended, cannot be retracted except by operating the locking device (usually a key cylinder or thumb-turn knob). It cannot be "jimmied," "shimmed" or pushed back.
Door Closer
n. A device which automatically controls the closing or position of a door usually via a hydraulic mechanism.
Door Coordinator
n. In conjunction with a pair of doors, a device designed to cause the inactive leaf to close first.
Door Sleeve
n. A metal sleeve that is put around the lock and strike that reinforces the door and hides cosmetic damage.
Also known as a "Door Sleeve", "Wrap-Around Plate", or a "Door Wrap".
Door Viewer
n. A viewer drilled into the door that allows one to see outside without needing to open the door.
Also known as a "Door Viewer", "Peephole", or "Eyehole".
Electrified Lockset
n. A lock which is controlled electrically.
Fire Alarm
n. A system designed to detect and report conditions which may indicate the presence of a fire.
Fire Exit Device
n. An exit device which may legally be installed on a fire door. Distinguished from other exit devices because it:
1) is labeled for both fire and panic and
2) has no means of locking the latch in a retracted position.
Also known as a "Fire Exit Device", "Panic Bar", or "Crash Bar".
Fire Detection Closer
n. A device that will shut a door automatically when fire is detected to prevent the spread of fire.
Fire Resistant
adj. Levels of fire-resistance are measured and rated, either by the manufacturer of the product or by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL). Good quality fire-resistive safes are available with 1 hour, 350 degree labels and even more. This is the minimum recommended level of protection for documents.
Flush Bolt
n. A bolt that is mortised into the edge of a door that will lock either or both the top and bottom of the door. Usually used on a pair of doors so that one door will remain closed or inactive, allowing the other door to lock into it.
Full Surface Mounted
adj. Installed on the surface, or outside, of the door.
Grade 1, 2, or 3
adj. This is a durability and security rating that is issued by ANSI. Specific security features and the durability of the product (the expected number of "cycles" or operations the product endures before wearing out) determine its grade. Grade 1 locks are very heavy-duty and are the only ones suitable for high-traffic public areas. Think of Grade 1 locks as "industrial strength." Grade 2 locks are "commercial strength." They are suitable for areas with moderate traffic, such as the employee-only areas of an office. Grade 3 locks are suitable only for residential applications. They will only last in a low-traffic area where people are not likely to abuse the product or treat it roughly.
High Security
adj. Generally any lock that uses patented or unconventional design features to thwart the most common types of attacks on locks -picking, drilling, key duplication, and force. Most High-security locks are especially resistant to vandalism and conventional means of fitting a key. Some, but not all high-security locks also come with restricted keys.
Interchangeable Core
n. Locks that are designed to facilitate frequent rekeying without disassembling the lock. A special key called a control key is used to remove and replace the cylinder or core.
Also known as an "IC Core", "IC Lock", or "IC Cylinder".
Key Blank
n. The uncut keys that are kept instock before they are cut into a working key.
Keyway
n. The channels or grooves in a lock that the key must pass through that distinguish one type of lock cylinder from another.
Also called a "Profile".
Latch Protector
n. A device fastened to the door or frame that prevents access to the latch so it cannot be pried or forced back.
Also known as a "Latch Protector", "Latch Guard", or a "Blocker Plate".
Lockset
n. A locking device, complete with trim, mounting hardware and strike.
Master Keyed
v. To organize a set of locks typically where each lock opens with it's own different key, yet one key will also open all the locks, allowing selective entry to doors to certain users.
Master Key System
n. An organized set of locks typically where each lock opens with it's own different key, yet one key will also open all the locks, allowing selective entry to doors to certain users.
Mortise
adj. Pertaining to a method of installation in which only the face plate and trim is exposed. The lock case is installed in a pocket in the door or drawer.
Padlock
n. A detachable and portable lock with a shackle which locks into its case.
Panic Bar
see Fire Exit Device.
Panic Exit Device
see Fire Exit Device.
Patio Door
n. Also known as a "Patio Door" or "Sliding Door".
Push-Button Lock
n. Push-button lock.
Also known as a "Push-Button Lock", "Cypher Lock", or "Cipher Lock".
Rekey
v. Generally entails disassembling a lock to replace the pins or tumblers inside. Once completed, the lock requires a different key to operate than before.
Rim Mounted
adj. A device that is mounted on the surface of the door rather than installed within the door itself.
Security Bar
n. A device typically fastened to the outside of a desk or filing cabinet that provides higher protection and is locked with a padlock.
Sidewinder
n. A higher security type of key with cuts on the side of the blade, as opposed to the edges. A special machine is required to cut these. Typically found on newer luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Lexus, etc.
Also known as "Sidewinder" or "Laser Cut Key".
Telephone Entry System
n. An entry system typically found in an apartment lobby where a visitor can use a keypad to dial up the person being visited so the visitor can be let into the lobby remotely.
Transponder
n. An electronic device that emits a unique radio signal. When the key is operated in the ignition lock, the on-board computer transmits a radio signal to the key. If the key is properly programmed, it echoes back the correct signal. The computer then allows the engine to start.
Trim
n. Exposed components of a lockset or latchset which allow operation, enhance appearance or provide protection.
Underwriters Laboratories Listed
adj. Listed in a directory as having passed specific Underwriters Laboratories testing showing that it meets minimum required standards for safety and functionality.
VATS - Vehicle Anti-Theft System
n. An electronic system in some General Motors vehicles which uses a resistor pellet of varying value imbedded in a mechanical ignition key.
Vertical Rod
adj. A device (particularly a panic bar) that has rods that lock both the top and bottom of the door, as opposed to the side of a door.
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