Fire-rated doors require fire-rated locking hardware that has been tested and listed for use on a fire door assembly. The specific lock you can use depends on the door's function (office, exit, stairwell, hotel room, etc.) and applicable building and fire codes.
Here are the most common types:
| Lock Type | Typical Use | Fire-Rated Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Mortise Lock | Commercial offices, schools, hospitals | Yes (very common) |
| Cylindrical Lock | Interior commercial doors | Yes |
| Deadlatch Lock | Storefront aluminum doors | Yes |
| Deadbolt | Limited applications; must comply with fire door listing | Some models |
| Exit Device (Panic Bar) | Exit doors and stairwells | Yes (Fire Exit Hardware) |
| Electrified Mortise Lock | Access control systems | Yes |
| Electrified Cylindrical Lock | Card access doors | Yes |
| Electric Strike | Access-controlled openings | Yes, if listed for fire doors |
| Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock) | Access-controlled doors | Generally not used to provide the fire door's positive latching; must meet specific code requirements |
| Hotel/Guestroom Lock | Hotels and apartments | Yes |
Common Fire-Rated Lock Functions
Commercial fire doors often use these lock functions:
Passage Lock – No locking, free access.
Privacy Lock – Bathrooms or private rooms.
Entrance/Office Lock – Lockable from outside, free egress from inside.
Classroom Lock – Lock/unlock from corridor side.
Storeroom Lock – Outside always locked; inside always allows free exit.
Institutional Lock – Controlled from both sides.
Dormitory Lock – Used in residential occupancies.
Classroom Security Lock – Allows locking from inside while maintaining free egress.
Fire Exit Hardware
For fire-rated exit doors, the hardware typically includes:
Fire-rated panic device (fire exit hardware)
Positive latching mechanism (required)
No mechanical hold-open feature
Fire-rated trim and cylinders
Unlike standard panic hardware, fire exit hardware must positively latch whenever the door closes.
Electrified Options
Modern fire doors may include:
Electrified mortise locks
Electrified cylindrical locks
Electric strikes
Delayed egress devices (where permitted)
Controlled egress systems (in healthcare and similar occupancies)
Wireless electronic locks listed for fire doors
These must be specifically listed for fire-door use and installed according to both the hardware manufacturer's instructions and the door manufacturer's listing.
Key Requirements for Fire-Rated Door Locks
A lock used on a fire-rated door should generally:
Be listed and labeled for use on fire doors.
Allow the door to positively latch when closed.
Not interfere with the door's self-closing and self-latching operation.
Maintain the door assembly's fire rating.
Meet the applicable building and fire code requirements for free egress and accessibility.
Major Manufacturers
Well-known manufacturers of fire-rated commercial locks include:
Allegion (Schlage, Von Duprin, Falcon)
ASSA ABLOY (Corbin Russwin, SARGENT, Yale, HES)
dormakaba
BEST Access Systems
Marks USA
Shanghai Xunzhong Industry Co., Ltd is a leading professional manufacturer of fire door&window and other special doors,contact us if you need more information
Contact our sales-Juliet
Email: juliet@ulfiredoormfg.com
Tel number/Whatsapp: +86 13798578202
