Single Action Locks and Door Hardware For Assisted Living Facilities

If you’re wanting to update or replace door hardware in assisted living facilities, there are often regulations you must follow. Fire marshals or building inspectors typically require you to use a specific kind of hardware, which is usually some type of single action lock. These locks don’t require a key or special knowledge/effort to exit, placing them in accordance with most state and local regulations for these facilities. So, when selecting door hardware for assisted living facilities, these types of locks are the ideal choice.

How Do Single Action Locks Work?

So what makes these locks ideal for assisted living facilities? Their purpose is to increase efficiency, ease, and safety when exiting a building. When a door is locked from the outside with a key, or from the inside with a thumb turn, all you need to do is push the lever down or turn the knob to exit. These locksets are equipped with an interconnect device between the knob/lever and the deadbolt, requiring a single action to unlock both simultaneously. Once out of the building, it remains unlocked and will not lock behind, you making it the ideal panic-proof lock.

Our Single Action Lock Recommendations

To create the safest and most secure assisted living facilities possible, we recommend taking the time to research and choose the best hardware options. This can be a challenging task, as there are a wide variety of single-action locks to choose from. Luckily, we offer some of the highest-quality options right here at Direct Door Hardware. If you’re looking for new door hardware for your facility, our 5.5 Inch Center-to-Center Interconnected Commercial Locksets are a great option. Read more details as we share a few options for standard door preparations (most common) and specialty preparations (newer doors).

5.5 Inch CC Locks for Standard Door Preparation

In general, the doors in most facilities will feature standard door preparation, meaning the distance between the centers of the two boreholes on measures 5.5 inches. For now, we’ll highlight two of our top recommendations. Not only are these locks sleek and efficient, but they fit the most common door preparation. If you’d like to view our other options, you can browse our complete collection of Interconnect Locks – 5.5” CC Prep and make your selection.

1. Kwikset 508 Interconnected Lock with Hancock Knob 5.5 CC – Light Commercial
   
   
   The Kwikset interconnected locks are easily operated by the door knob on either side. When the deadbolt is locked, one can exit by simply turning the door knob. There is an interconnected linkage between the deadbolt and the doorknob that unlocks the deadbolt when the handle is turned. When the door is locked, entrance is only granted by a key. Featuring Smart Key Rekey technology and all-metal components, this lockset is ANSI/BMHA graded and meets fire code ratings for an emergency panic exit. They’re also easy to install, so they’re one of our top recommendations if you’re looking to upgrade the door hardware in your facility.
   
   
2. Advantage 5.5 Inch CC IP Series Interconnected Lockset
   
   This is the perfect interconnected lock for folks that are converting an existing building to be used as a care facility because this lock fits doors with the most common residential door prep. The 5.5 Inch CC door prep is most common out there, so this lock is an easy replacement in most cases. The EZSet interconnected lock lets you lock with the thumb-turn on the inside and, with a single action, unlock the door by turning the lever. Once out of the building, the door remains unlocked, so you don’t have to worry about it locking behind you. Featuring an adjustable backset latch and a full lip strike, this ADA-compliant lockset is another solid option.

Locks for Specialty Door Preparations

Most doors will require a 5.5-inch lock, however, we know that some new doors have special door preparation requirements. In this case, you will want to check out our interconnected locks that do not require standard door preparation. Here are two alternative options that we offer:

1. Advantage Grade II ILCT Passage Interconnected Leverset
   
   One of the best options for non-standard door preparations is the Advantage Grade II ILCT Passage Interconnected Leverset. This is a commercial lock designed for use with doors ranging from 1 3/8” to 1 ¾” in thickness with a 4-inch CC door preparation. They’re perfect for use in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, apartments, and other public buildings – ideal for assisted living facilities. This single action lock features an interconnected mechanism that retracts both the latch and the deadbolt from the inside in a single motion.
   
   
2. Weslock Unigard Premiere
   Another option for non-standard or newer doors is the Weslock Unigard Premiere. As opposed to the standard requirements, this lock requires a 2 7/8 inch Center-to-Center measurement instead. It still offers the same panic-proof qualities as the other locks – one turn of the interior knob or lever can unlock and open the door with ease. These locks are easy to install, so they’re a great option for anyone looking for a quality product that makes the renovation process easier.

Create A Safe And Secure Environment

These single-action locksets are the ideal door hardware for assisted living facilities in need of an update or hardware replacement. They allow you to create a safe and secure environment for your residents, which we know is extremely important. If you have further questions about interconnected locks and how they work, please refer to our All About Interconnected Locks page. If you need help determining which interconnected lock is best for your facility, give us a call at 307-852-9449 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm MT, or email us at [email protected]. We know there are many style options and applications for interconnected locks, so we’re always happy to help you find the right product for you!