Securing the Door

As always, this year’s New Products issue features the latest door hardware and access control solutions (see page 38), with many new products from the ASSA ABLOY family of brands. At ISC West and the Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA) Industry Advancement Summit earlier this year, Locksmith Ledger had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at many of the new products and speak with those who are spearheading not only product development but training and working with locksmiths.

High Security Redefined

Securitech, which recently joined the ASSA ABLOY family of brands, is a leader in high security products and solutions that fortify the door against all intruders. The company’s new PARAMAXX product offers high-level forced entry protection with flexible locking options and is designed for a variety of high-traffic doors. It’s cost-effective for users who don't need motorized bolt retraction, making it ideal for both perimeter and interior applications.

“It gives you the ability to provide forced entry protection on a wide variety of perimeter doors or interior locations where you'd like to provide it without having to visit the door and physically go and lock it, even when there may be high traffic or any other activity through that door during the day,” says Mark Berger, president, Securitech. “And this gives you the ability to put it on a timer to have a button to do whatever you need to lock it down.”

Berger points out that it becomes less expensive than a motorized version, which Securitech also offers, because “other than using with it with an automatic operator, we found that most of our clients would rather pay less for the product than have a feature that they don't need,” he explains. “So, the great advantage of PARAMAXX is that ability to lock and secure multiple doors in a code compliant manner and have the highest level of forced entry protection.”

As Berger points out, the PARAMAXX supports both everyday access control and emergency lockdown functionality, including shelter-in-place scenarios, which is especially valuable in environments like safe rooms or areas requiring quick lockdowns without public access to controls. He says increasing incidents of workplace and public violence drive are driving demand for built-in shelter-in-place capabilities across sectors including retail, industrial, government, utilities, and schools.

“We have a lockdown turn piece and control on the interior so that if you want to use a room as a safe room, or shelter in place location, then you can now have that combination with that high level of force entry protection,” he says. “And this would give people within the space the ability to lock it down. So, it's got all the multipoint locking features and all those great things we have on our other product series, but we've added greater functionality to it, which why I received the honorable mention at the New Product Showcase Awards at ISC West.”

Shelter in place is going to become “as natural as an exit device at the end of a corridor leading into a stairwell leading to the street,” says Berger. “Every floor is going to have a shelter in place location; it's just what's going to happen over the next 10 years so. You want to be able to shelter in place because when there is a madman with a gun running around a building, your safest option is generally sheltering in place as opposed to going out to an exposed area.”

Berger says the PARAMAXX is a great example of how Securtiech offers multiple levels of sheltering in place.

“The big thing with Securitech is you don't sacrifice one level for functionality,” he says. “We like to have our functionality match the level of life safety and security and forced entry protection that you'd like.”

Looking at security trends, Berger says he sees growing threats to credential-based access systems (e.g., skimmers, fake readers), which “highlights a return to more secure, mechanical solutions,” he asserts. “PARAMAXX also includes features like disabling card readers during lockdowns to prevent credential misuse, underscoring the importance of thoughtful, professional security design.”

Five Out of Phoenix

With this year’s SHDA Summit location in Phoenix, Ariz., ASSA ABLOY was able to feature its Phoenix, Arizona home of group brands including Adams Rite, Alarm Controls, HES, Securitron and LifeSafety Power, many which featuring new products in this issue.

HES

While HES is featuring its KS-EM Server Cabinet Locks in the new product section, the company is also well known for its electric strikes and accessories.

For example, earlier this year the company introduced new monitoring capabilities to its 9800 Series (see photo) of high-security, surface-mounted electric strikes with the addition of LBM (latchbolt monitoring) and LBSM (latchbolt and strike monitoring) options. This latest addition enables the ability to monitor latch, strike and door position and provide real-time status notifications on whether openings are securely closed or open, the strike is locked and the latch is correctly affixed. Security personnel receive instant notifications on unauthorized access attempts or product malfunctions. The outdoor rated 9800 with LBM and LBSM options can be integrated with existing access control systems for data and reporting on the current integrity of the opening, enhancing overall security and perimeter door reliability.

The 9800 is part of HES’s feature-rich 9000 family of electric strikes, a complete, premium line of no-cut solutions for applications with rim exit or tubular vertical rod exit devices. The 9800 is the only electric strike designed to work specifically with the Adams Rite 8800 Rim Exit Device, where the unique Starwheel bolt interlocks door to frame for enhanced strength and to prevent jamb spread. 

Built for compliance with and code requirements, HES strikes are tested and certified to perform in real-world environments, with features including:

·       Fire-Rated & Windstorm-Rated: Ensure compliance with NFPA, UL10C, and ICC 500 requirements for safe egress in emergencies.

·       Outdoor-Rated Models: Weather-resistant designs sealed and certified under UL1034 to withstand harsh conditions.

·       Strength & Durability Testing: Third-party verified for forced-entry resistance and millions of operation cycles.

·       Fail Safe or Fail Secure Options: Select the strike mode that aligns with your life-safety and security needs.

Beyond certifications, the best electric strikes come equipped with features that make every installation smarter, faster, and more secure. Here are the key enhancements that the company says help HES electric strikes stand apart:

·       Advanced Monitoring Options From latchbolt and strike status to door position sensing and REX support, our monitoring capabilities help ensure every opening is secure—and let you know when it's not.

·       Certified Strength & Durability Many HES strikes are third-party tested for endurance and strength. That means fewer callbacks, longer lifespans, and peace of mind across high-traffic and high-security environments.

·       Adjustable Installation & Templates Misaligned frames and inconsistent preps are no match for our install-friendly features—like adjustable keepers and included templates that help get it right the first time.

·       Architectural Finish Options Performance and appearance can go hand in hand. With a variety of finishes, including our popular Black Suede Powder (BSP), HES strikes meet project needs without compromising aesthetics.

·       Preload Capability Preload occurs when pressure is applied to the door, preventing traditional electric strikes from releasing properly. Select HES models are preload-capable—meaning they’ll operate reliably even when pressure builds.

HES strikes are also built with the installer, often the locksmith, in mind and include:

·       Adjustable housings and faceplates simplify alignment and accommodate imperfect conditions in the field.

·       Pre-aligned installation templates and template kits provide more accurate prep and faster mounting.

·       Retrofit-ready designs match legacy footprints—like the 1500 and 1600, which align with older models for fast, seamless upgrades.

·       Surface-mounted strikes in the 9000 Series install without cutting—just align to the latchbolt, secure to the frame, and you're done.

·       Ideal for mechanical-to-electrified upgrades, electric strikes are the easiest way to introduce access control without overhauling your entire opening.

Alarm Controls

For more than 50 years, Alarm Controls “has excelled at meeting our customers’ requirements with a broad line of standard products at an exceptional value,” says the company. “We remain committed to delivering custom solutions! As always, "YOU DREAM IT. WE BUILD IT. Alarm Controls is proud to be part of ASSA ABLOY, more specifically part of the group based out of Phoenix, AZ, offering premium customer care, ease of ordering and short lead times that our customers have grown accustomed to over the years.”

For our New Products issue, Alarm Controls is featuring its new MTK-1 Metal Marking Template, a lightweight, precision tool designed to simplify maglock installation. Made from durable aluminum with printed instructions directly on the surface, this reusable template makes bracket-mounted maglock installs faster, easier, and more accurately, especially when working overhead.

The MTK-1 is compatible with Alarm Controls’ most popular models, including the 600S, 600L, 600LB, 1200S, 1200L, and 1200LB. Built-in alignment guides help ensure perfect placement every time, while magnetic backing keeps the template securely in place during marking. Save time on-site and take the guesswork out of maglock installation with the MTK-1.

For example, the MTK-1 is compatible with the company’s 600 series (see photo) of bracket mounted single magnetic lock with 600 lbs. holding force that can be easily installed without special tools and used with any access control system. Ideal for high-use areas for traffic control in interior applications, it is available with LED, bond sensor and door status signaling options.

Lifesafety Powe

Lifesafety Power is highlighting how many of its solutions help locksmiths and installers save wall space and installation time. The company’s Unified Power Solutions combine power with access control modules in one compact enclosure. They require fewer network drops for remote managed power and fewer enclosures on the wall, simplifying installations and streamlining costs.

The latest release in the Unified Power Solutions line integrates ProdataKey’s (PDK) cutting-edge access control technology with the trusted, quality power supplies from LifeSafety Power. All PDK Red series controllers are compatible, ensuring broad application flexibility and future scalability. Solutions are available supporting up to 32 doors.

The company’s Unified Power Solutions are award-winning power management systems that bring access hard ware, system power, lock power and optional network management modules together in a single, optimized wall enclosure. FlexPower Unified Power systems integrate directly to the controller products of leading access manufacturers, offering substantial savings in installation time and labor. Highlights include:

·       Pre-engineered - FlexPower products are designed in partnership with industry leading access manufacturers including: Genetec, Lenel, Avigilon, ACRE, HID, Honeywell, Software House, Brivo and Paxton.

·       Seamless design - All units feature the mechanical integration of lock and system power, alongside access panel hard

·       ware into a single, UL-listed, access power management system.

·       Labor savings - A single enclosure with one AC drop, removable back plate and a flexible mix-and-match mounting pattern significantly reduces field installation times and errors.

·       Innovative architecture - The system’s unique dual-buss structure distributes 12 and 24VDC to all accessory modules with bi-color LED voltage indicators, so system and lock power are always available on a user-select basis

Adams Rite

Earlier this year, Adams Rite expanded its finish offerings for the 8800 Series Starwheel Rim Exit Devices (see photo) to include Black Suede Powder (BSP). Adams Rite 8800 Rim Exit Devices offers reliable security, durable construction and streamlined design for narrow stile aluminum doors. Its unique Starwheel bolt interlocks door to frame to provide enhanced strength and prevent jamb spread, while a clean profile and fewer pinch points make it ideal for high-traffic storefronts.

The 8800 is part of a premium series of life-safety and fire-rated exit devices by Adams Rite, available with a range of mechanical and electrical options, multiple finishes and compatible products for a seamless solution. 

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Going Beyond GREEN

ASSA ABLOY's drive to make sustainability an integral part of its business philosophy and culture is apparent in the ASSA ABLOY Phoenix building, home of group brands Adams Rite, Alarm Controls, HES, Securitron and LifeSafety Power, and incorporates sustainable construction methods that have earned the facility LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

USGBC is an internationally recognized organization that provides the LEED rating system, a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Phoenix facility is the first ASSA ABLOY Americas building designed to the LEED Silver level. 

Adams Rite moved to the 94,000 square-foot Phoenix facility in 2012, joining HES and Securitron under one roof. Alarm Controls moved in 2013 and LifeSafety Power joined in 2021. When designing the facility, one main priority was to make it as eco-friendly as possible. ASSA ABLOY Phoenix incorporated a wide variety of building design features to help improve energy efficiency, air quality, and sustainability.

The building features skylights, automatic controls and sensors that conserve energy as well as lights on motion sensors and timers for climate control. Upgraded insulation and reduced water consumption for plumbing fixtures reduce energy and water usage. Employees in the new building benefit from improved interior air ventilation.

Site features that contribute to the Silver LEED rating include close proximity to a variety of services for employees and the use of native plants in landscaping for reduced irrigation water use. Bicycle parking and shower facilities support a reduced carbon footprint.

Sustainable practices used in the construction process include recycling and minimizing construction waste, using FSC-certified wood, and low VOC emitting paints, adhesives, and other surfaces throughout the building. Air was also filtered during construction to reduce the spread of dust.