When specifying any type of electrified hardware, operations descriptions (also known as operations narratives) should always be used. These are short paragraphs describing the operation of every part of the opening from either side, so the designer, installer, and user can all have the same understanding of what is supposed to happen at the opening at any given time.
It is very important to have the owner or user’s input when specifying door hardware for proper functionality of use. When one decides how someone else will use a room or a door, it might not be exactly what that person has in mind. By coordinating the original specification with all parties involved (including the user, security consultant, installer, contractor, architect, distributor, and any other party affected), the results can be less mistakes and misunderstandings.
Elevation and point-to-point diagrams should also be required as part of the submittal process. Elevations provide an overview of what the opening looks like with all the components of the system connected. The point-to-point shows the system connections as well, but is geared more toward the actual wiring, including the colors and connections of each. A logic diagram might be used by the person who designed the system in order to lay out the system flow and process.
3. Operating trim
Once the door has been hung and secured, the third part of the sequence is to specify operating trim. Whether or not there is a locking device (e.g. mortise lockset or panic hardware), one must specify or schedule a door pull, push plate, or a push-pull bar. There are many different manufacturers and variations of operating trim to ensure something for all aesthetic tastes. Further, some manufacturers have the ability to fabricate custom design or patterns into existing operating trim.
4. Accessories for pairs of doors only
When working with a pair of doors, the next step in the sequence is to include the related accessories, including coordinators and carry bars. These devices help coordinate the closing and opening of certain pair of door applications.
5. Closing and control devices
Closing and controlling a door is important for many reasons, including the protection of lives and materials, traffic control, security, and energy efficiency. Closing devices, also known as door closers, can be manufactured for different types of applications depending on the function, aesthetic, and frequency of use of the opening.
Surface-mounted, concealed overhead in the door or frame, and concealed in the floor are available for different applications with various options for each. A control device, also known as a door stop, can also be manufactured as different types (e.g. floor, wall, and overhead) in order to protect the door, frame, hardware, and the surrounding conditions. Sometimes, a closing device is erroneously used as a controlling device to stop the door from going past a certain point in the open position, which is not its intended application. (In all cases, a door stop of some sort, as described earlier in this article, should be used.) By misusing the closing device, the life of the opening will certainly be shortened, having to maintain and adjust the door, frame, and hardware time and again.
6. Protective plates and trim
Next in the sequence are protective plates, which defend the door as a layer installed on the surface of the door. Some doors can be very expensive to replace, so rather than damaging, dinging, denting, scratching, or ruining their surfaces, the plate can take the abuse. A protection plate is also typically less expensive to replace than an entire door.
7. Stops and holders
If floor or door closers with overhead stops are not applied, the next step in the sequence involves stops and holders. Plates and trim are not enough—the surrounding conditions must also be taken into account. The door and frame can be protected with floor or wall stops, floor or wall holders, and electromagnetic door holders.
8. Accessories
The next item in the sequence comprises accessories that include astragals, thresholds, weatherstripping, and gasketing. These hardware types are employed to seal the clearances around the perimeter of an opening. This can help with many issues, including:
- keeping sound, light, and smoke either in or out;
- maintaining energy efficiency; and
- helping contain indoor conditions inside the structure and the exterior conditions outside.
Although most weatherstripping and gaskets are surface-mounted or recessed installed, some manufacturers offer their door frames with gaskets already installed in kerfs where the rabbet meets the stop of the frame.
9. Miscellaneous items
From bumper guards, card holders, and coat hooks, to signs, silencers, and viewers, this is the part of the sequence that miscellaneous items are listed.
Most of us might think that there is only one type of lock, which is the one we use to get in and out of our homes. When in reality there are many. Like in the second picture, this looks like the type of door you’d see in a bathroom, judging by the mosaic tile. For whatever lock you have, do know that you shouldn’t fear from locking yourself out. A skilled locksmith would be able to get into even the most stubborn of locks.