There is more to the security of your business than just having a solid business model. From the smallest mom and pop shop to the largest global business empires, everyone has to worry about the physical security of their commercial property.

There is a lot to consider when you are trying to protect your business, but the most important place to start is with the right commercial locks for your doors. Though there might be a lot to know, the security experts at Locksmith Pros USA are here to guide you through the process.

What is the purpose of the lock?

Not every commercial lock is intended solely for security. In fact, many commercial locks are designed to open doors so as to increase the ease of egress. Due to the non-resident status of the occupants, the business is placed in a position of greater liability, and this calls for more regulation. However, not every business has the same needs or responsibility for this balance. 

For certain commercial buildings, there will be a call for greater security. In retail-centered settings, you may desire or be required to focus on ease of entry and exiting. This will be somewhat standardized throughout perimeter entry points but may vary in the case of employee entrances.

Who needs access?

How many people need access to an area affects the approach to securing that entry point. For example, the front entrance of a 24-hour liquor store is going to allow more entry than it turns away. For that reason, the commercial lock you are using does not have to provide the same level of security as the back storeroom door lock, which is the room that houses the company safe.

Even in a restricted area that customers or guests are meant to be denied access to, you may have to give access to dozens of employees. The formula breaks down like so:

• The greater the number of patrons, guests, employees, etc. who need access, the less the security of lock matters.
• The fewer number of patrons, guests, employees, etc. who need access, the less you need to worry about the ease of egress.

In order to be up to date on not only your legal responsibilities but to find out your options for the latest security devices, contact a local locksmith in Los Angeles. Issues such as master key systems, and other more complex access control frameworks, can be devised and implemented to take your specific needs into account.

What increases a lock’s security?

1. Security Pins – A security pin is used to increase the difficulty of lock picking, lock bumping, lock impressioning, etc. Security pins can even make a commercial lock more difficult to drill open if you use hardened steel security pins. Security pins can be used in pin tumbler locks, though there are similar concepts for lock types such as slider locks, disc detainer locks, keyed magnetic locks, etc.

2. Metal Content – The metal content of a commercial lock affects how well it will withstand the brute force and destructive entry methods. The amount of metal, and the strength of the metal matter the most. Ideally, you want hard and hefty locks, as a door becomes vulnerable at every point where a hole has been drilled for a lock to be installed. The more metal that can fill the gap, the stronger the door and the lock are. 

3. Key Complexity – Security pins increase the complexity of the commercial lock cylinder, but the key may still be easy enough to copy. Key complexity can get to the point where new keys can only be made through the manufacturer or a licensed commercial locksmith. If no one can copy your keys, there is less risk of unauthorized key copying.

4. Fail-Secure – A lock that is fail-secure means that it must have an electrical current in order to open. This precaution protects the security of a room or building by making sure that an interruption to the flow of power does not leave the area vulnerable. EMP attacks and disasters will not open these locks.

What increases a lock’s convenience?

1. Key Hierarchy – With a master key system, one key can open several locks while lower keys in the hierarchy will work for as little as one of the locks in the system. With fewer keys to keep track of, getting through your layers of security is simple for those with full access, while those with less access are prohibited. 

2. Electronic Integration – By using electronic protocols, you can easily remove and add keys to an access chain. Lock combinations and security protocols can be centrally controlled to allow for overrides that offer convenience to users. 

3. Crash Bars – Also known as panic bars, crash bars provide a simple way for anyone trying to exit a commercial building to open a door. No matter if their hands are full, visibility is decreased, or movement is limited, a crash bar will unlock and open the door if the bar is depressed. 

4. Fail-Safe – A fail-safe lock opens during emergencies and power outages. When power is interrupted on a fail-safe lock, the doors will unlock automatically. A sustained electrical current is used to keep the door locked, making this the ideal protocol for all locks involved in emergency evacuation.

Closing Advice

With this information, you should have a better idea of what type of commercial locks are ideal for your business. If you need any further explanation or would like a professional locksmith in Los Angeles to perform a security assessment so you can know exactly what you need, call Locksmith Pros USA. We have a lot more to say on the topic of commercial locks.