Mortise pocket in door edge
ANSI/BHMA A156.13 · A156.25 · UL 10C
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
An electrified mortise lock is a heavy-duty lock that fits into a pocket cut in the edge of the door. A small electric part inside lets your access control system lock or unlock the outside lever. When a card or code is accepted, the lever releases and the door opens. From the inside, the lever always lets people out freely. These locks run on low-voltage power, usually 12 or 24 volts, and suit busy commercial, medical, school and government doors that need strong, reliable security.
A steel case and long latch resist prying, kicking and forced entry better than lighter locks.
Lock, unlock and schedule doors from your access system, so lost keys never force a rekey.
Free exit from inside and fire-rated models help doors meet life safety, fire and ADA codes.
King Locksmith And Doors Inc. is a commercial locksmith and door company serving Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Our technicians install, wire and repair electrified mortise locks for small businesses, government agencies, hospitals, hotels and large organizations. We match each lock to your door, frame, power supply and access system, then test every function before we leave. We also handle fire-rated doors and code checks, so one trusted team covers the whole door opening.
The right electrified mortise lock depends on your door, your safety codes and how people move through the space. Use these five key points to narrow your choice before you request a free site assessment.
A fail-secure lock stays locked from the outside when power is lost or cut. A fail-safe lock unlocks the outside lever when power is lost. Either way, people can still leave freely from the inside.
Most offices, storerooms and server rooms use fail-secure. Stairwell doors that must allow re-entry during a building fire alarm often use fail-safe. Because the latch still holds the door shut, fail-safe models can also work on most rated fire doors.
Function means how the lock behaves from each side. Common choices include storeroom, office, classroom, privacy and intruder functions. Some include a deadbolt for extra security, and others add an indicator that shows when a room is locked.
A storeroom door may stay locked at all times, while a lobby door may unlock on a schedule. Choosing the right function keeps traffic moving and protects sensitive spaces. We review each door with you before ordering.
Electrified mortise locks need low-voltage power, most often 12 or 24 volts DC. The wires must pass from the frame into the door through a power transfer hinge or a concealed transfer device. Long wire runs may need a heavier gauge to hold steady voltage.
A power supply sized to the lock, with battery backup where needed, keeps the door working. Clean, protected wiring prevents the shorts and voltage drops that cause many service calls.
Many electrified mortise locks can include built-in switches. A request-to-exit switch tells the system someone is leaving, so alarms do not sound. A latchbolt monitor confirms the latch is fully thrown and the door is secure.
A door position switch shows whether the door is open or closed. It can sit inside the lock or in the frame. Together, these signals help your team spot propped doors, forced entry and hardware problems before they grow.
Commercial doors in Maryland, DC and Virginia must follow building, fire and accessibility codes. Look for locks that meet ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1, carry a UL fire listing for labeled doors, and use lever trim that meets ADA rules.
Egress doors must open from the inside with one easy motion and no special knowledge. Local fire marshals may also review access control changes. We help you stay compliant and avoid failed inspections and costly rework.
Both locks give you keyless control, but they are built very differently. This simple side-by-side view shows exactly where an electrified mortise lock pulls ahead for busy, high-security commercial doors.
Consideration
Electrified Mortise Lock
Electrified Cylindrical Lock
Heavy steel case resists prying and forced entry
Smaller chassis is easier to pry open
Built for heavy daily use in busy halls
Wears faster under constant high-traffic use
Deadbolt, privacy and indicator options in one case
Fewer functions and no built-in deadbolt
Exit, latch and door switches built in
Monitoring is limited or needs add-ons
Lasts decades with simple, routine maintenance
Often replaced sooner on demanding doors
Most electrified mortise lock failures come from power, wiring or wear, not the lock itself. Watch for these warning signs, and call us before a small issue locks people out.
We install electrified mortise locks or convert existing mortise locks, prepping doors and frames for clean wiring.
We run low-voltage wire, install power transfer hinges and size power supplies so locks get steady power.
We connect locks to card readers, keypads and access panels, and test each function with your team.
We diagnose dead levers, solenoid failures, wiring shorts and monitor faults, then repair or replace worn parts.
We install UL-listed locks on fire-rated doors and check labels, latching and egress so openings pass inspection.
Scheduled checks catch worn latches, loose wiring and weak power supplies before causing lockouts or security gaps.
Get expert advice, a clear, written quote and professional installation from the DMV’s trusted commercial locksmith and door team.
