What Is a Storeroom Lockset and How Does It Work?

When selecting hardware for a commercial door, the function of the lock is just as important as the type of lock itself. Different lock functions determine who can enter a space, how the door is unlocked, and whether the door remains secure after someone passes through it.

One common option for areas that need to stay secured is a storeroom lockset.

What Is a Storeroom Lockset?

A storeroom lockset is a lock function designed to keep a door secured from the outside while allowing free exit from the inside. The main feature of a storeroom lockset is that the outside lever does not remain unlocked after someone uses a key to enter.

How Does a Storeroom Lockset Work?

The main feature of a storeroom lockset is that the outside lever does not remain unlocked after someone uses a key to enter.

A storeroom lockset is a lock function commonly used on storage rooms and other areas where access needs to be restricted.

Here is how it works:

• From the outside: A key is required to retract the latch and open the door.
• From the inside: The lever operates normally and retracts the latch for exit.
• After the door closes: The outside remains locked, so another person will need a key to enter.

Because the outside lever remains locked, there is no need to remember to manually relock the door when leaving the room.

For example, if an employee needs to enter a supply room, they would use their key to open the door. Once the door closes and latches behind them, the outside is secured again.

What Is a Storeroom Lockset Used For?

Storeroom locksets can be useful anywhere a door needs to remain secured from the outside while still allowing people to exit from the inside.

Common applications include:

• Storage and supply rooms
• Mechanical rooms
• Electrical rooms
• Maintenance areas
• Equipment rooms
• Other restricted-access areas

What Types of Locks Can Use a Storeroom Function?

Storeroom functions are available with different types of commercial locking hardware, including cylindrical locks, mortise locks, and electrified locks.

Cylindrical storeroom locksets are a common option. The outside lever remains locked and requires a key for entry, while the inside lever allows free exit. These locks typically include a deadlocking latch that helps prevent the latch from being forced back when the door is closed.

Mortise locksets can operate with a similar storeroom function, keeping the outside locked while allowing entry with a key and free exit from the inside. Some mortise locks may also include a deadbolt for additional security.

For openings that use electronic access control, electrified locking hardware can provide a storeroom-style function while allowing authorized users to enter with a credential, such as a card or other access control device.

(Read more about each type of Storeroom Locksets here)

What About Exit Devices? Understanding the Night Latch Function

When an opening uses an exit device instead of a traditional lockset, a similar type of operation may be referred to by a different function name.

On exit device trim, the Night Latch function operates similarly to a storeroom lockset. The outside trim remains locked, and authorized entry from the exterior requires a key or other means of retracting the latch. From the inside, pressing the exit device allows free exit.

With a Night Latch function:

• From the outside: The trim remains locked, and a key is typically used to gain entry.
• From the inside: The exit device can be operated normally for free exit.
• After entry: The exterior trim remains locked rather than being left in an unlocked position.

This makes the Night Latch function useful for openings that need to remain secured from the exterior while still allowing occupants to exit freely.

Although Storeroom and Night Latch are different function names used with different types of door hardware, they can provide similar operation. Storeroom typically refers to a lockset function, while Night Latch is a function commonly associated with exit device trim.

Why Choose a Storeroom Lockset?

One of the biggest advantages of a storeroom lockset is that you don't have to rely on someone remembering to lock the door after leaving.

Since the outside lever remains locked, the opening is secured once the door properly closes and latches.

At the same time, the inside lever remains operable, allowing occupants to exit from inside the room.

This combination makes storeroom locksets useful for commercial spaces where controlled entry and reliable security are important.

Choosing the Right Storeroom Lockset

When choosing a storeroom lockset, consider the type of door, level of traffic, security requirements, lock type, and whether the opening will be part of an electronic access control system.

Depending on the application, a cylindrical, mortise, or electrified storeroom function may be appropriate.

If you need help selecting a storeroom lockset for your commercial opening, Beacon Commercial Door & Lock can help you determine which type of hardware and function best fits your application.