Double Cylinder Locks Illegal

A double cylinder lock requires a key to be opened from both the inside and outside which could leave you trapped in your home during an emergency.

Double cylinder locks illegal.

Illegal in some states. Danger of double key locks. Jay staats 4 years ago. Dual cylinder deadbolts require a key to open the deadbolt from both the inside and outside.

In short it is helpful only if an easily broken pane of glass would allow access to the thumb turn of the lock but not passage into the house. Without a button lock mechanism intruders cannot unlock the door manually. Double cylinder deadbolts are therefore not ideal for emergency exits. Typically the outer casing is made from hardened steel and resilient against hammer blows.

One important disadvantage is the extra safety concern. Now under what circumstances is a double cylinder lock helpful. Deadbolt locks are made to withstand amateur attempts at illegal entry. There s a reason people want to equip their homes with double cylinder locks.

When i was a los angeles county deputy sheriff i had the sad observation of seeing a young woman who was killed by smoke inhalation. Fire safety issue solved. Double cylinder locks are a big no no. Also you must have an emergency escape plan.

In the u s there is no single comprehensive law against dual cylinder deadbolts. Double cylinder locks are an extra layer of protection for home and business security. For example if there s a window on or nearby the door think of sidelight windows. The interior thumb turn can be removed to create a keyhole.

Replacing single cylinder locks with double cylinder models may reduce successful break ins by 50 or more. A double cylinder lock requires a key to operate the door from either side. She had left the. Only lock the double cylinder deadbolts when everyone is away unable to monitor the premises.

The locks have no handle. Deadbolts with a captured key feature operate like a single and double cylinder lock. Even when the door is considered or designed for use during emergency only double cylinder deadbolt should not be installed in it. While this isn t the official phrasing in the fire code double cylinder locks are both dangerous and illegal.

Before you decide to install double cylinder deadbolts in your building check the local codes.