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BTI’s Guide to Types of Commercial Door Locks for Security 

Discover the best types of commercial door locks for your business. Enhance security with BTI—schedule your free assessment today!

Table of Contents

Types of Commercial Door Locks Biometric

In the world of commercial security, door locks are more than just physical barriers — they’re a vital part of access control, compliance, and safety. The right hardware ensures your facility runs smoothly while protecting assets and people.

At BTI Communications Group, we partner with top commercial lock brands to deliver integrated, scalable, and high-performance locking solutions. Whether you need electrified cylindrical locks, smart locks, or wireless door locks, our systems combine proven reliability with modern access control technology.

“Our clients don’t hire BTI for hardware — they hire us to remove headaches, reduce risk, and make security invisible so operations can run.”
— Eric Brackett, CEO & Founder, BTI Communications Group

Here’s a breakdown of today’s types of commercial door locks, how they work, and which applications they fit best.

1. Electrified Cylindrical Locks

Commercial Door Lock Types Electrified Cylindrical Locks

Electrified cylindrical locks blend traditional mechanical strength with electronic control, making them ideal for offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. They’re available as fail-safe or fail-secure and integrate easily with keypads or access control readers.

Why they work for commercial buildings:
• Retrofit-friendly — fits existing door preps
• Remote control via access systems
• Available in ANSI Grade 1 heavy-duty models

BTI’s Recommendation: 
Our BTI top lock brands deliver high-cycle durability, precise engineering, and seamless compatibility with modern access systems — perfect for multi-door commercial deployments. 

2. Electric Strikes

Electric Strikes Office Door Locks Types

Electric strikes replace the doorframe’s strike plate, controlling the latch electronically. They’re a staple for controlled access points such as lobbies, secured offices, or intercom-entry areas.

Key benefits:
• Works with both fail-safe and fail-secure systems
• Allows remote release from a security desk
• Integrates with keypads, card readers, or door intercoms

BTI Brand Insight:
BTI partners with brands known for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, stainless-steel construction, and fast retrofit installation, ensuring durability and compliance across commercial facilities.

3. Magnetic Locks (Mag Locks)

Magnetic Locks Commercial Door Lock Types

Mag locks use an electromagnet and armature plate to secure doors with up to 1,200 lbs. of holding force. When power or a signal is released, the door opens instantly — ideal for fail-safe and emergency egress.

Advantages:
• No moving parts → low maintenance
• Works on glass, aluminum, or specialty doors
• Instant unlock with access or fire-system signals

BTI Brand Insight: 
Our mag lock partners provide features like bond sensors, LED indicators, and timers, perfect for corporate offices, healthcare, and government facilities requiring dependable, code-compliant security. 

4. Biometric Locks

Biometric Locks

Overview:
Biometric locks use fingerprints or facial recognition to identify users, eliminating keys or cards. They’re ideal for data centers, research labs, and restricted zones where accountability matters.

Commercial advantages:
• High-security, non-transferable credentials
• Audit trails for compliance
• Works with multi-factor access systems

BTI Brand Insight:
BTI partners with top biometric lock brands offering fast recognition speeds, encrypted data, and network integration, ensuring both security and convenience in high-risk environments.

5. Mortise Locks

Mortise Locks

Overview:
Mortise locks are built into the door cavity, providing unmatched strength and durability. They’re the go-to for high-traffic commercial doors like those in schools, hospitals, or government buildings.

Why they’re preferred:
• ANSI Grade 1 mechanical strength
• Integrated deadbolt for added protection
• Compatible with access-control trims

BTI Brand Insight:
BTI’s mortise lock brands are known for architectural-grade construction, combining aesthetic design with long service life — ideal for commercial facilities that demand both performance and visual appeal.

6. Smart Locks

Types of Commercial Door Locks Biometric

Smart locks bring network connectivity and remote access to door security. Using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID, they enable keyless entry, audit trails, and centralized management — all from a secure platform.

Why they matter for businesses:
• Mobile or cloud control of doors and permissions
• Real-time audit logs for compliance
• Seamless integration with building management systems

BTI Brand Insight:
BTI partners with industry-leading smart lock brands offering encrypted connections, firmware reliability, and cross-platform compatibility, helping businesses modernize access management without sacrificing security.

7. Wireless Door Locks

Wireless Door Locks

Wireless locks eliminate extensive cabling by using RF or encrypted mesh communication to connect with access control systems. They’re ideal for retrofits, heritage buildings, and multi-tenant spaces.

Advantages:
• Fast installation, no hardwiring required
• Battery-powered with long life
• Remote configuration and monitoring
• Reliable even during network outages

BTI Brand Insight:
BTI’s wireless door locks support secure AES encryption, battery status alerts, and offline functionality, making them both cost-effective and secure for modern commercial facilities.

Choosing the Right Commercial Door Lock Type

Facility TypeBest Commercial Door Lock TypeWhy it Fits
Standard OfficesElectrified CilindricalEasy retrofit, strong reliability.
Lobby or recepionElectric StripeEnables remote door realease
Glass DoorsMag LockClean look, fail-safe design
Data CentersBiometric Lock Personal identity verification
Schools/HospitalMortise LockHeavy duty, high-traffic use
Multi-site EnterprisesSmart LockCentralized cloud control
Retrofit or historic buildingsWireless LockNo wiring, fast deployment

BTI’s commercial security specialists can help you design a customized lock system that fits your building’s security, compliance, and operational needs.

Why Partner with BTI Communications

With decades of experience in commercial access control and integration, BTI Communications Group delivers end-to-end business security solutions — from design and installation to maintenance and technical support.

We only work with BTI’s best types of commercial door lock brands known for quality, innovation, and long-term. performance, ensuring your investment provides consistent protection and smooth system interoperability.

Whether you are upgrading a single entrance or standardizing security across a campus, BTI delivers commercial-grade lock and access solutions built for performance, compliance, and longevity.

Secure Every Door with BTI’s Lock and Access Solutions

From electrified locks to smart wireless systems, BTI helps you identify the perfect commercial lock for your facility’s security, compliance, and operational needs. Discover how our experts can simplify your access control strategy and enhance safety across every entry point.

Picture of Eric Brackett
Eric Brackett

Eric W. Brackett is the founder and president of BTI Communications Group, where he’s been helping businesses nationwide simplify communications, strengthen IT security, and unlock growth since 1985. Known for his client-first approach and “Yes! We Can” mindset, Eric transforms complex technology into reliable, cost-saving solutions that deliver long-term value.

Picture of Eric Brackett
Eric Brackett

Eric W. Brackett is the founder and president of BTI Communications Group, where he’s been helping businesses nationwide simplify communications, strengthen IT security, and unlock growth since 1985. Known for his client-first approach and “Yes! We Can” mindset, Eric transforms complex technology into reliable, cost-saving solutions that deliver long-term value.

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Top quality brands, expert engineering, transparent cost, and maximum ROI.