Education Solutions

A standard classroom function lock (ANSI/BHMA A156.2 function F84) keeps the outside lever locked or unlocked by key only, so a teacher has to step into the hallway, insert a key, and lock the outside lever to secure the room, which costs precious seconds during a real threat and exposes the teacher in the doorway. A classroom intruder lock, like PDQ's XGT/GT135 Series, keeps the outside lever locked at all times unless a staff key unlocks it, while the inside lever always turns freely so anyone in the room can exit immediately. PDQ's LED variant adds a push-button status indicator on the inside rose so staff can visually confirm the door is secure without opening it to check.

Generally, no. Aftermarket barricade and door-blocking devices that aren't listed and tested as door hardware typically violate NFPA 80 and NFPA 101, because they defeat the fire door's positive latching and prevent the one-motion, no-key, no-tool egress that life-safety code requires from inside the room. They also commonly fail ADA operable-force requirements. PDQ's classroom intruder lock is a listed, ANSI/BHMA A156.2-certified lockset that keeps the door legally fire-rated and always allows free egress from inside, so schools get lockdown capability without creating a life-safety or code violation.

PDQ's classroom intruder lock addresses the physical door-locking piece of school security, letting staff secure a classroom from inside without opening the door. Alyssa's Law and similar state mandates vary significantly by state and often bundle additional requirements beyond hardware, such as silent panic alarm systems, live video feed access for first responders, and two-way communication. Confirm your specific state and district requirements with your school safety committee, architect of record, or authority having jurisdiction, and talk to a PDQ sales rep about how the classroom intruder lock fits into your overall compliance plan.

Most school districts, architects, and state fire marshals specify Grade 1 locks certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.2 (cylindrical/bored locks) or A156.13 (mortise locks) for classroom and corridor doors, since Grade 1 is the highest cycle and security rating in the standard. PDQ's XGT/GT135 Series classroom intruder lock and MR Series mortise locks are both certified Grade 1 and commonly specified on new-construction and renovation school projects.

Yes, when the hardware is designed for it. Code-compliant classroom locks keep the outside lever locked while leaving the inside lever free at all times, so anyone inside the room can exit with a single motion, no key, tool, or special knowledge required, meeting NFPA 101 and model building code egress requirements. This is the key difference from non-compliant barricade devices, which physically block the door and can prevent that same free egress.

Yes, through PDQ's own Spirit electronic lock line and through PDQ's OEM/ODM technology partners. Options include badge-based access for staff and admin doors, scheduled unlock/lock for corridor and exterior doors, and mobile-credential locks for higher-education residence halls. Because PDQ continues to add technology partners, the current lineup is maintained on PDQ's OEM/ODM partner directory rather than duplicated here.