WHY PANIC BARS ARE A MUST AT YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Do you have a public commercial building? Then it’s important to be aware that “panic hardware” is required to provide proper emergency egress and ingress. A “panic bar,” therefore, is the push bar that you must install on each exit door, to allow people to make a fast exit. There must also be an unobstructed and uninterrupted exit path to an area of safety. Doors with panic bars are often needed in malls, bars, restaurants, and other public places such as schools. It goes without saying that you won’t pass inspection if your building is not up to code. It is therefore vital that you comply with the law when it comes to protecting your facility’s occupants. You’ll be guarding the safety of every occupant ~ employee, customer, client, and visitor alike.

Obey the law.

The International Fire Code (IFC), the International Building Code (IBC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Code, are the most common building and fire safety codes used in the United States. You’ll need to determine which code, and which edition of that specific code, applies to your building. Local codes in your area may also apply. Make sure you’re fully compliant.

These requirements affect doors that either latch or lock. For example, panic hardware is not required for a free-swinging door with only a push plate and pull handle. On the other hand, panic hardware is required by code for certain occupancy types:

An “educational occupancy” refers to a school for children up to twelfth grade. A building used for college classrooms is considered a “business occupancy,” and some college classrooms are even large enough to be classified as an “assembly occupancy,” which refers to a building or area where large groups gather, such as a theater or a gymnasium. The NFPA 101 Code includes a separate occupancy classification for “daycare occupancy,” where daycare is provided to children or adults. A “high-hazard occupancy” (an area containing a high level of hazardous materials) is a space that is vulnerable to explosions.

Panic hardware considerations.

Panic hardware consists of a latching device, with a touchpad or crossbar that spans across at least half the width of the door, which will release the latch when pushed. Panic hardware can also be called a “crash bar” or an “exit device”; for fire doors, it’s referred to as “fire exit hardware.” This specialized hardware is used where it’s required by code to make it possible for a large number of people to get out very quickly. It also provides increased reliability and resilience.

Whenever you install panic hardware on balanced doors, a touchpad-style device must be used, and the touchpad shouldn’t extend more than halfway across the door. Code requirements by and large prohibit the installation of any other kind of lock on a door with panic hardware, except for electromagnetic locks released by a switch or sensor. The main thing is: At all times, any person who must leave has to be able to open an exit route door from the inside ~ without having to use any keys or tools, and without any specialized knowledge.

Panic bars are manufactured to prevent entry from the opposite side of a door. On the inner side, of course they allow a speedy exit in an emergency. A panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on an exit discharge door. Typically, rooms containing electrical equipment must have panic hardware or fire exit hardware that allows a professional technician to escape if there is an explosion or fire.

Installed on doors that open to the outside, panic bars are available in several styles. Most come equipped with alarms that keep people who are exiting from taking a stolen item along with them, or from trying to leave without paying the bill. Constructed horizontally or vertically, all panic bar door openers operate similarly, that is, the door opens as soon as the bar is pushed. The style guidelines you must follow, and the exact number of exit doors you must have will all depend upon the height, size, and type of your building, what it’s used for, and your occupancy level.

Panic bar installations.

When an emergency happens, most people have trouble concentrating because they’ve suddenly found themselves in an extreme situation. It’s therefore crucial that you install your panic bars correctly so as to avoid any mishaps. Be sure to follow all regulations, and regularly maintain these essential doors, because properly installed panic hardware that functions smoothly will make a huge difference in life-or-death situations.

There are numerous kinds of panic hardware for you to choose from. Rim devices can be easily installed, and require very little maintenance. The panic hardware with surface vertical rods is more difficult to install, so in that case you should hire only a trustworthy locksmith professional in Des Plaines. There is also a panic bar with a concealed vertical rod, which is more expensive and also more difficult to install. Choose the right panic bar for each door, based on your building’s parameters.

Any panic bar’s push pad needs to be at least half the width of the door. When installing a panic device, follow the template included with the bar’s packaging to mark the door, to determine where to place it. The template will indicate where to drill the holes and where to mount the hardware. As a rule, the center of the panic bar’s push pad should be at the standard height of 41 inches above the floor. This standard could vary when it comes to schools and daycare facilities. When attaching the panic bar to the door, use only the screws included in the packaging; otherwise you’ll void the warranty. When you install the panic bar, test the push pad to make sure it’s functional.

Hire a professional.

In the long run, it’s best to hire a local professional. For instance, if your commercial property is located anywhere in Des Plaines, Illinois, the experienced mobile commercial specialists on staff at Des Plaines Locksmith will be glad to assist you. Wherever you are, hire a security professional who is exceedingly qualified to answer your questions and help you choose the right panic bars for all of your building’s evacuation doors.

Aricle source here: WHY PANIC BARS ARE A MUST AT YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Keyless Entry System Benefits

Des Plaines Locksmith offers tons of free advice to locals so that they can better protect their property. The fact that a business wants to share knowledge with customers (totally free of charge) to help them stay protected is truly fantastic, and it would be a wonderful world if all businesses operated with this level of concern towards others. The good thing is, there are companies that do care, and experts who are willing to share information to help us all. Here, keyless entry systems and their importance will be discussed. This information isn’t only beneficial to those in Des Plaines, IL but to persons all over the world. Of course, another option is to get in touch with a lock and security expert if you have any questions at all and would prefer to speak directly with a professional.

What exactly is a keyless entry system?

Let’s start with the basics. A keyless entry system acts as a way for people (who are allowed access) to get into a property with the simple push of a button or multiple buttons. Generally speaking, one might have to press a series of numbers in order to enter a property. A building will have an electronic lock on a door that is able to control access to a property. Keyless entry systems can also be found on vehicles, so they aren’t just for commercial buildings. Homeowners sometimes use them as well, which saves them from having to fidget with a key to open their front door when they get home. It also saves them from having to bother with keeping a spare key on them. Sure, some people give their neighbors a copy of their spare key, but if you trust a person that much, you can just share your code with them. If you use a keyless entry system, you will be able to know when someone is trying to get into your property, too. You wouldn’t be able to obtain this knowledge with a simple key. If you ever find out that someone is repetitively trying to get into your property, you can have a camera installed or have it set up so that the authorities are alerted to the attempted access.

If there is a part of your property that needs to be secured, keyless entry is one great way to do it. A person might opt to have a keyless entry system installed at the part of their property that houses items like a safe, or that holds important, expensive items. Maybe you have a little bit of fear of customers being able to get their hands on high-end items or jewelry in your store, or perhaps you want to prevent certain employees from accessing certain parts of your property. Maybe you want to give certain employees a break from having to carry around a lot of different keys. Often times, custodial workers find themselves lugging around heavy key chains, which might not seem like much, but when they have tons of other items to carry around, one less thing can make a big difference to their comfort and to how quickly they are able to move. Keyless entry saves a lot of trouble and provides a great deal of convenience to those who use it.

Things to think about if you use keyless door locks

As briefly mentioned, keyless entry systems can alert the police if the wrong code is entered repetitively. This is a huge benefit, especially for homeowners and commercial property owners. Maybe you otherwise wouldn’t know that someone was attempting to break into your store in the middle of the night. Or perhaps you are away on vacation, and having a keyless lock system just alerted authorities for you that someone kept entering the wrong code. A would-be burglar could get caught red-handed. On that same note, it is a good idea to change the code every so often, so that a person wouldn’t be able to figure it out if you don’t want someone else to have access to your property. This is especially important for persons who own buildings that house a lot of money, as you just might have someone who has been watching to try to figure out your code. Just like you change your e-mail passwords every so often, it is a wise idea to switch up keyless codes.

Many of these systems also come with battery backups so that if you have a power failure, you don’t have to worry about being locked out. This is one point of concern that people tend to bring up to locksmiths, but Des Plaines Locksmith makes it a point to assure customers that they will be protected so long as they have a battery backup. It seems that you really can’t go wrong if you have this type of system in place, and if you have it installed by an expert.

Call a locksmith!

Just keep in mind that keyless entry installation is not a do it yourself type of job that a beginner could tackle. It is something that needs to be done correctly, and so it should be done by an expert. The wiring and parts involved can get very confusing, if not relatively dangerous as well. It is a great idea to get in touch with a lock and security professional, like Des Plaines Locksmith if you are in Des Plaines, Illinois or in the area. A fast Google search will reveal a locksmith expert in your town or city, so consider checking them out and what they have to offer. There are plenty of convenient solutions which are available for property protection, whether you have a vehicle, commercial building or a house that needs better security features. Keyless entry systems are just one such way to keep your belongings and buildings secure. Check out what is available and remember to keep safety at the front of your mind!

Aricle source here: Keyless Entry System Benefits

Getting a Garage Door Lock

Since we keep all types of valuables in our garage, it is important to make sure that you can protect them. If you are able to get into your home through your garage, this gives you more of a reason to invest in a garage door lock. Having a lock installed on your garage door will also give you peace-of-mind and we all agree; this is priceless! Local locksmiths such as the ones found at Des Plaines Locksmith in Des Plaines, IL, are able to effectively install a garage door lock for you in no time.

You will have several options for the type of garage door lock that you would like to have installed. A garage door lock gives you another layer of protection and security. The right type of lock can actually be a deterrent against possible intruders. Since your garage lock will provide you with security, it is something that should be wisely chosen. We have presented you with some garage door lock options below for you to consider.

Side Door Bolt – This is one of the most popular garage door options. This type is installing inside the garage door. This is good because a possible intruder is not able to tamper with the lock. It limits your risk of a possible intrusion. The lock has a bolt and a receiving slot, attached to the door track. You can only lock the door when the bolt is in the slot. It is virtually impossible for someone to open the door from the other side. While this door lock may sound simple, it provides a great deal of security.

Deadbolt Locks – The reinforcement that deadbolt locks offer is the reason they are so popular. This is the type of lock that is typically used between your home and the garage. It is the type of lock that is installed on a door with an existing lock. The door can only be opened when the lock is in the open position. You have to rotate the lock cylinder in order to move the lock to the open position. Your deadbolt could be a single cylinder or a double cylinder. However, the double cylinder lock requires a key be used for both sides. Unlike a spring bolt lock, the deadbolt offers a better level of security. Spring bolt locks operate via a spring that can be compromised if enough pressure is placed on it. It is harder to open a deadbolt lock if you do not have a key. Since it is more difficult to compromise, most intruders will pass on even attempting to open a door with a deadbolt lock.

Electronic Locks – With advanced technology, electronic locks are designed. The electronic lock uses fingerprint recognition to open the lock. So, rather than using a key to open the door, all you’ll need is your hand. Most of the electronic locks will accommodate several fingerprints. This means that several people in the household will be able to use their fingerprints to gain access. It is more effective when you allow a qualified locksmith to install your electronic lock. Even though this type of lock tends to be one of the most expensive options, you really do get what you pay for because they offer the best security. Invest in your safety and security with an electronic garage door lock.

T-Handle Lock – This type of lock is usually found on metal garage doors. It is called a T-handle lock because the lock is shaped like a T. They do not use a standard type of key. It uses a key shaped like a cylinder, which is hard to duplicate. The handle cannot be opened without the right shaped key. This is a great option given the fact that the key is so hard to reproduce.

Keyless Digital Locks  – No key needed locks are popular for garage door locks. All that is required is a programmed entry code, which you then type into the keypad to gain access. You are able to change the code when you need to. This type of lock cannot be picked and this makes it far more secure than a standard lock. A lot of keyless locks are offered with a lifetime warranty against damage caused by intruders.

There are a lot of lock options that you will be able to choose from. We think the ones that we have presented give you a good start, however, you can certainly explore other options. We would encourage you to do so. Again, this is an important decision, so choose wisely. With so many types of garage door locks available, you can get what you want if you determine what is most important to you. Make sure you do not purchase a lock that doesn’t offer you the peace-of-mind you desire.

Things to Consider in a Garage Door Lock 

1. Durability

With any lock, you have to make sure that the lock is durable. It will be more difficult to break into a garage the more durable the lock is.

2. Installation

It is important to find a reputable and trustworthy Des Plaines, IL locksmith. Since they will have access to your home it’s important to find a service provider that you can trust will not have keys duplicated to come back at a later date.

3. Cost

Some garage door locks cost more than others. You will have to determine what your budget is but also determine the level of security you desire. The level of security may affect the cost of your new garage door lock. However, shop around as much as you can to find the right lock for your budget.

4. Functionality

You should determine how functional your lock will actually be. Do you have to unlock it from the inside or can it also be unlocked from the outside. If you have a door that can only be unlocked or locked from one side or the other, it may be inconvenient for you.

Aricle source here: Getting a Garage Door Lock

VARIOUS KINDS OF LOCKS

Locks come in many forms, sizes and materials. They’ve been used throughout history to protect valuables from harm, theft and misuse. Ancient cultures used locks and locking mechanisms to safeguard prized belongings, tribute, treasure, and temple goods. We use locks today for much the same purpose; to secure our belongings and property and to attain privacy and protection for ourselves and our loved ones and close associates. We are fortunate to live in an age that still uses the simple lock tumbler and key but also can implement fingerprint technology as well as chip encoded identity badges that can allow us access and track our whereabouts.

PADLOCKS

If you’ve ever secured a bicycle or locked a storage room you’ve used a padlock. These popular locks are portable and removable so that they can be used in a variety of functions. They are very inexpensive and can be opened with keys or by using a combination. Generally the larger the padlock body, the stronger and more durable the lock will be. Using a key to open your padlock is simpler as you don’t have to remember a combination. Tiny padlocks are often sold to secure jewelry boxes or small lock boxes but flimsy construction is one drawback of these cheaper locks and it is very easy to hammer them open.

DEADBOLTS

Many homes today use a deadbolt for added security. Depending on the quality and installation of the deadbolt, a certain measure of added protection is given. These are not expensive to buy or to install and they do give peace of mind as well as provide a second layer of security. Most burglars want easy access to your belongings and once they get the door lock picked open they don’t want to have to deal with a deadbolt too. Most often they will give up and move on to easier pickings giving the resident time to arm themselves and/or call for help. Residential and commercial deadbolts can be secured in single and double cylinder models so be sure to ask your Des Plaines IL locksmith shop for the advantages of using either one of these.

MORTISE LOCKS

A mortise lock is often used in residential applications and is perfect for front doors.A mortise is a recess. These locks are recessed inside the door as opposed to mounted on the surface of it. Ideally the door needs to be at least 2 inches thick. You can open a mortise lock from the inside by turning a handle and from the outside by first using your key and then pulling down on the latch. These locks are tricky to install so we recommend you use a local residential locksmith like Des Plaines Locksmith. Mortise locks are generally stronger and more secure than typical cylinder locks and are harder to pick open by burglars. Studies show that most intruders tend to give up if the lock is not picked in the first 20 seconds of the crime.

KEYLESS LOCKS

These locks don’t use keys and are becoming more popular in both residential and commercial uses. Lost, forgotten or damaged keys are no longer a problem as none are used. A keypad where a number sequence is entered is used instead of a key. Fingerprint lock technology also can be used in place of physical keys. A big advantage of keypad devices is that the key code can be changed at will. If you suspect that someone has your code combination, just change it. To keep crooks from standing outside your door and entering one code after another to possibly gain entrance, an alarm is sounded after one or more incorrect entries.

CAM LOCKS

Cam locks are commonly found on low-level security items like file cabinets, lock boxes and mailboxes. These locks use a small metal tailpiece that can move into and out of a slot by turning a key. The tailpiece or “cam” can rotate either clockwise or counter clockwise to lock the device.

KNOB LOCKS

These are commonly found in homes and can be either interior or exterior door locks (or both). They have a rotatable knob on one side and a key cylinder located on the other. When using these knob locks on exterior doors, they should always be accompanied by a deadbolt as it is relatively easy to knock off the knob with a hammer and use pliers to disengage the interior locking mechanism. These knob locks are also easy to pick open and bump open.

JIMMY PROOF DEADBOLT

These locks are typically found in older residential units especially apartment rentals. The locks are surface mounted on the door interior and are very easy to install either yourself or with the help of a local Des Plaines, IL locksmith. The idea behind these Jimmy Proof locks is to prevent a crook from prying apart your door frame with a crowbar. This action is prevented by using two vertical interlocking bolts that fall into a strike plate when the lock is engaged. These deadbolts work with a single cylinder that uses a key on one side and a knob that can be turned on the other. These locks are much harder to pick open hence the name “Jimmy Proof.”

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS

These excellent locks are well worth investigating if you are serious about lock protection and security. They are available for both home and business use and are usually made of solid brass as opposed to hollow tin like your standard, commonly used lock. These locks use an interlocking bolt that is near impossible to pry open even with a crow bar. There are also strategically placed steel inserts to prevent drilling the lock open. The entire lock is also shielded with a metal cover to prevent objects from being slipped between the lock and the door in order to manipulate it open. High security locks cannot be bumped open, drilled open or even shot open. Des Plaines Locksmith offers high security locks for every application and budget so call today for additional details on these and any other locks that you are considering.

Aricle source here: VARIOUS KINDS OF LOCKS

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Residential, automotive, commercial, or emergency ~ any locksmith service from simple to complicated, when it comes to hiring the right locksmith, Des Plaines Locksmith is first-rate!

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