Every industry uses words and phrases that are very specific to certain materials, products, and processes. If you are listening in on a fencing industry conversation and are unfamiliar with common jargon, it can almost sound like experts are speaking in another language.
Our expert team has put together a glossary to guide you through common industry words and phrases.
Cipher Locks and Combination Locks
A cipher or combination lock is a handle that uses a keypad to stay secure. The lock can be disengaged when a user puts in the correct code. These locks are great for areas that require a high level of security or limited access.
Electric Strike
An electric strike is a type of mechanism used to keep a gate closed and is most often paired with a panic bar. However, unlike a fixed strike, electric strikes can be operated remotely. That means that a gate or door can be opened by a user without manually interacting with the bar. These are great for areas where access may need to be granted by a person who is not within the immediate vicinity of the lock.
Electrified Handle
Electrified handles are hardware that can be opened with a keycard. These always require access to a power supply. When a keycard is waved in front of the sensor, the gate opens. Many electrified handles also allow for a manual key override.
IC Housing
IC stands for “Interchangeable Core.” These housings are designed so that you can change the lock without uninstalling the housing. Applications for this type of core include rental properties and other areas that may need to be rekeyed on a frequent basis.
Magnetic Lock
Magnetic locks are a type of mechanism that relies on an electromagnet as a locking mechanism. These can be fail safe or fail secure. Fail safe magnetic locks need a constant source of electricity to remain locked, while fail secure locks remain locked even when power is cut off.
Mortise Cylinder
A mortise cylinder is a special kind of cylinder that includes a cam and features a flat back. Unlike a rim cylinder, this hardware fits securely into a lock without the need to reserve extra space for a tailpiece. It also features an interior lock body, which means that there in no need for another external mechanism on the opposite side.
Rim Cylinder
A rim cylinder is a type of cylinder that features a tailpiece on its back. Rim cylinders are ideal for locks that will require opening hardware on either side of the gate. The tailpiece can thread into the other opening mechanism. Because of this, a rim cylinder is most commonly used with a panic bar.
Panic Bar
Panic bars, also known as crash bars, push bars, and exit bars, are mechanisms that allow someone to push on a gate or door to open it. A panic bar is ideal hardware for emergency exits, since the bar design allows for people to quickly egress. Because of the emergency nature of some of these bars, some panic bars are fitted with alarms.
Now that you are well versed in fencing industry jargon, check out our new catalog to test your fencing hardware knowledge. Have questions on what hardware is best for your latest project? Give us a call. Our team would be happy to provide clarity.