HES 9600 in School and Campus Lockdown Systems

The HES 9600 integrates with school lockdown systems by providing fail-secure operation on classroom doors equipped with rim exit devices, enabling instant lockdown through the access control system while maintaining code-compliant egress. Hanchett Entry Systems (HES), an ASSA ABLOY company, designed the 9600 Series to operate continuously without duty cycle limitations—a requirement for lockdown scenarios where strikes remain energized for extended periods during an emergency.

K-12 schools, colleges, and universities specify the HES 9600 for 3 primary reasons: 2,000 lbs static holding force exceeds forced-entry resistance requirements, the LBM/LBSM monitoring options provide lockdown verification to security personnel, and the surface-mount installation retrofits existing doors without frame modification. This guide covers lockdown system integration, code compliance for educational facilities, and monitoring configurations for lockdown status verification.

School Security Requirements

Educational facility security standards require door hardware to meet 4 functional criteria:

Fail-Secure Operation for Lockdown

The HES 9600 ships configured for fail-secure operation: the strike keeper remains locked when power is removed and unlocks when energized. This configuration provides automatic lockdown protection—doors secure immediately when the access control system de-energizes the strikes, without requiring teachers to manually lock doors.

Lockdown Activation Methods

School access control systems activate lockdown through 4 common methods:

1. Global lockdown button: Single-action panic button at main office de-energizes all HES 9600 strikes simultaneously
2. Software command: Security personnel initiate lockdown through access control software (Lenel, Software House, Genetec, AMAG)
3. Zone lockdown: Individual buildings or wings lock independently based on threat location
4. Scheduled lockdown: Automatic lockdown during class periods with scheduled unlocks for passing time

Classroom Door Hardware Configuration

A complete HES 9600 classroom lockdown installation includes 5 components:

Classroom Function Operation

The classroom security configuration provides 3 operational states:

• Normal/Class in Session: HES 9600 de-energized (locked), corridor entry requires card credential or teacher release
• Passing Period: HES 9600 energized (unlocked), doors swing freely for student movement
• Lockdown: HES 9600 de-energized (locked), all corridor entry blocked except emergency responders

In all states, occupants exit freely by pushing the rim exit device bar—the latchbolt retracts and the door opens outward.

Lockdown Verification with LBM/LBSM

The HES 9600 with LBM (Latchbolt Monitor) or LBSM (Latchbolt/Strike Monitor) provides real-time door status feedback to the access control system. Security personnel verify lockdown completion without physically checking each door.

LBM Monitoring

The LBM option adds a Form C switch that reports latchbolt position:

LBSM Dual Monitoring

The LBSM option provides both latchbolt and strike keeper monitoring. During lockdown, security personnel verify 2 conditions:

1. Latchbolt engaged: Door is closed and latched
2. Keeper locked: Strike is in secure (de-energized) state

A door showing "latchbolt engaged" but "keeper unlocked" indicates a power or wiring fault requiring immediate attention during lockdown.

Code Compliance for Educational Facilities

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

NFPA 101 Chapter 14 (Educational Occupancies) and Chapter 15 (Day-Care Occupancies) permit classroom lockdown hardware provided:

• Egress doors unlock by single motion from the egress side without keys, tools, or special knowledge
• Hardware does not require more than 15 lbs force to operate
• Doors swing in the direction of egress travel when serving 50+ occupants
• No more than 1 releasing operation is required to unlatch the door

The HES 9600 with rim exit device complies with all NFPA 101 egress requirements—pushing the exit device bar is the single releasing operation.

State Education Codes

Individual states mandate classroom security hardware. Examples:

ADA Compliance

ADA requires door hardware operable with no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting and no more than 5 lbs force for interior doors. Rim exit devices meet ADA requirements; the HES 9600 does not affect the operating force or motion required for egress.

Installation Considerations for Schools

Frame Types in Educational Buildings

School construction uses 3 primary frame types for classroom doors:

• Hollow metal frames: Most common in new construction; direct tap or blind nut installation (see HES 9600 installation on hollow metal frames)
• Aluminum storefront: Common in exterior entries and atriums; blind nut required (see HES 9600 installation on aluminum storefront frames)
• Wood frames: Older buildings; wood screw or through-bolt installation

Retrofit Considerations

The HES 9600 surface-mount design enables retrofit of existing classroom doors without frame cutting or door replacement. Retrofit installations require:

1. Existing rim exit device with 3/4" Pullman latchbolt (most panic hardware qualifies)
2. Power availability at frame location (low-voltage wiring from access control panel)
3. Frame stop width of at least 1-3/4" for strike mounting

Summer Installation Schedule

School lockdown hardware installation typically occurs during summer break to minimize classroom disruption. A single installer completes 8-12 HES 9600 installations per day on pre-wired frames, or 4-6 installations per day when pulling wire and installing the complete system.

Access Control System Integration

The HES 9600 integrates with access control platforms installed in educational facilities:

See the HES 9600 access control system wiring guide for detailed integration instructions.

HES 9600 Specifications for School Applications

Related Guides

• HES 9600 in commercial buildings
• HES 9600 in healthcare facilities
• HES 9600 access control system wiring
• HES 9600 latchbolt monitor
• HES 9600 fail-safe vs fail-secure
• HES 9600 certifications