Conversion of Locks to Upgrade Security and Comply with Fire Regulations

One of our larger customers for whom we do regular work for has a number of factories and other large industrial sites around the Falmouth area. We replace, repair and fit from new all their security on both internal and external doors and windows.

In December 2018, we were asked if we could upgrade for both security and also Fire Safety two external service doors of wooden construction. The locks fitted into the doors were of a type that limited the options for replacement unless new locks were fitted in a different position which would have raised the cost of the job quite considerably, or the other option would be to replace the doors entirely which again was not a viable option.

The option chosen was to convert and upgrade from the existing “deadlocking” latch only to full mortice deadlocks which used a euro cylinder with a thumbturn instead of a standard key. In this way the doors would be both highly secure and would also comply with Fire safety regulations.

As mentioned, we were limited in options as the locks were very large so to replace them we had to use lock cases of the same family.

The old locks were removed and after a little alteration to the doors, the new locks complete with euro cylinders were fitted in place.

Because the old locks used a standard mortice key, the handles were for them locks so when the new locks were fitted with euro cylinders the handles had to also be changed. Unfortunately, there are no handles with a strong face plate available for these locks as for some “daft” reason, the manufacturers have ceased producing them so the only option was to use the handles fitted.

These handles work well on some doors but in our opinion, they are not the most suitable for doors where they will be used very frequently, but as stated, our options are limited.

Also, the doors are rebated but for these locks now, we are unable to obtain rebate kits so we had to pack out the lockcases and the box keeps. This works alright and does not affect the overall security of the doors.

Once all the parts were fitted, the holes from the old handles were filled and the doors are going to be painted by the companies maintenance team as required.