Proven Delayed Egress Innovation

SDC pioneered the revolutionary delayed egress locking category to the industry in 1985 before patenting and launching ExitCheck® 1511S series in 1995 – the world’s first delayed egress lock to integrate a visual digital display, verbal countdown and alarm tone, alternating verbal message and door release indicator. Since then, SDC has developed the premier line of delayed egress solutions offering the most choices, flexibility and customization available in the market.

Why Delayed Egress?

Based on acceptance by the door hardware and security industry starting in 1981, Delayed Egress 
has become a recognized code compliant exit door solution for a variety of non-emergency security applications - while still providing immediate release with smoke or fire detection or other condition as needed. 

What are Delayed Egress Locks?

Delayed Egress Systems are door locking solutions designed for use in non-emergency situations to prevent a door from opening immediately when egress is attempted. Fire, Life Safety and Building codes usually require that occupants can freely exit in a single motion to unlatch the door without special knowledge, effort, or the use of a key or tool. Delayed Egress systems are an exception to the rule. Delayed Egress systems are used to control pedestrian traffic in government, public and transportation facilities, including airport jetways and tarmacs. They provide theft protection of merchandise, technology and other valuables such as art and museum artifacts in stores, warehouses, art galleries, museums and technology facilities. Delayed Egress locks also restrict movement of wandering patients in senior assisted living, psychiatric, and drug rehab facilities and guard against infant abduction in hospital nurseries.

How Did We Get Here?

Prior to 1981, emergency exit doors could only be locked by means of a latching exit device. Frequently, alarm devices were paired with the door to sound when egress was attempted. Although immediate egress was always possible, little security was provided. Because of this it was not uncommon to find exit devices chained and/or padlocked illegally during certain times of the day. In 1981, the NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code was changed to allow for a 15 second delayed release of a failsafe locking device on openings of this type to provide more security without compromising life safety. SDC responded to the change in code by pioneering the delayed egress locking category, patenting the first exit door security system with a 15 second delayed door release in 1985. Then, in 1995, we patented and launched ExitCheck® - the world’s first delayed egress lock to integrate a visual digital display, verbal countdown and alarm tone, alternating verbal message and door release indicator.

See us at Banner's Security Professional Trade & Training Expo and discover the latest innovations in access control, electrified door hardware, locking solutions, and integrated security technologies.

Featured At The SDC Booth:

SDC AUTO Series - Architectural Low Energy Swing Door Operators.  
ADA compliance is essential in high traffic environments. SDC AUTO Operators provide low-power door control in high-use environments. A built-in 1 Amp+, 24VDC power supply supports seamless integration with access control systems, electrified locks, fire alarms, and presence sensors. High traffic and compliance—right at the door. 

Installation Certification! SDC LR100 Series

The SDC LR100 Installation Certification Course provides hands on comprehensive instruction on the selection, installation, wiring, and troubleshooting of SDC LR100 electric latch retraction (ELR) kits for retrofit. This training applies across major exit device manufacturers and is designed for installers, technicians, and integrators responsible for field ELR installations. Saturday, July 18, 8:00AM – 12:00PM.

Sign Up and Get Certified Today!

Learn the advantages of the LR100 Series and enjoy all the benefits only Security Door Controls can offer; cost savings, easy installation, and compliance with the Buy American Act. Designed, Engineered and Built in America.

Whether you're a locksmith, distributor, integrator, or security professional, our experts will be available to help identify the right solution for your applications.

See us at 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, stop by the SDC booth - #117 - and discover the latest innovations in access control, electrified door hardware, locking solutions, and integrated security technologies.

Featured At The SDC Booth

SDC Auto EntryControl low-energy swing door operators. In today’s high-traffic facilities, ADA compliance isn’t optional—it’s operational. These low-energy operators provide smooth, predictable motion that improves accessibility for everyone—wheelchair users, mobility-assisted pedestrians, delivery staff, and visitors carrying bags or equipment.

Hands-free activation through push plates or sensors reduces congestion at entrances while improving hygiene and user comfort—especially critical in healthcare and education settings.Motorized ELR Solutions. For more than a decade, Security Door Controls (SDC) has quietly but consistently led the evolution of electric latch retraction technology. Since introducing QuietDuo™ in 2012—the industry’s first motorized ELR kits for converting mechanical exit devices—SDC has earned the position of true category leader. Today, SDC delivers the industry’s most complete lineup of motorized ELR solutions, engineered for new construction, modernization, and retrofit applications alike.

All SDC ELR solutions—whether retrofit kits, exit devices, mortise locksets, or factory-installed ELR—share the same core advantage: Motorized technology, not solenoids.Standalone digital keypad access control. For business owners, office managers, or facility administrators, the EntryCheck^® series delivers a significant upgrade to your security landscape without the steep learning curve. Control who has access to your premises with personalized PINs, and swiftly add or revoke access for employees, contractors, or visitors. The straightforward PIN entry allows for seamless day-to-day access, eliminating the costs associated with re-keying and replacing lost keys.

The SDC EntryCheck^® self-contained digital keypads represent the perfect fusion of simplicity, security, and adaptability. 

Whether you're a locksmith, distributor, integrator, or security professional, our experts will be available to help identify the right solution for your applications.

How Comsense® Helps Streamline Architectural Openings and Access Control Projects

A Day to Celebrate!

In 1972, SDC founder Art Geringer created the blueprint for the modern era of electrified access control door hardware and controllers. We proudly continue his commitment to innovation, skill and quality today.

Our Founder: A Tribute to Art Geringer

Electronic Security and Door Hardware legend, Arthur V. Geringer passed on September 5th, 2016 at age 93. Art was a door hardware innovator and pioneered the design and practical application of electricity to door openings for security and fire & life safety. As the inventor of numerous electronic lock designs, Art is credited with ushering in the modern era of access control hardware with his development of the 90° throw electric lock. Now commonly used, this creation opened the potential of electric locking capabilities and began the great migration to electric locking systems. 

 Electrified Access Control Without Compromise

In today’s commercial security environments, access control hardware must do more than simply lock and unlock a door. Facilities require dependable performance, code compliance, long-term durability, and seamless integration with modern access control systems. That’s where the Electra™ 7200 series solenoid controlled cylindrical locks from Security Door Controls deliver unmatched value.

Designed for commercial, industrial, institutional, and retrofit applications, the 7200 Series combines heavy-duty mechanical reliability with advanced electrified access control functionality — all while maintaining fire door integrity and life safety compliance.

Designed for Reliability and Flexibility

The 7200 series is packed with installer-friendly and facility-focused features that simplify deployment while maximizing performance. 

Because the7200 Series replaces most major brands of mechanical locksets, integrators can upgrade existing openings without extensive door modifications or expensive frame work.

Key Features Include:

•  Heavy-duty Grade 1 cylindrical lock construction 

•  Solenoid-controlled operation 
  

•  Vandal-resistant clutch mechanism 

•  Key latch retraction capability 

• Power regulator included

Built for Modern Access Control Environments 

As organizations continue investing in smarter physical security infrastructure, electrified locksets are becoming a preferred solution for secure perimeter management, shared spaces, and controlled interior openings.

The7200 series supports modern access control strategies by eliminating the need for exposed auxiliary locking hardware while delivering clean aesthetics and dependable operation.

Whether securing a server room, office suite, corridor, or restricted-use area, the 7200 series provides the performance and flexibility today’s security professionals demand.

Power Without Wires. Security Without Compromise. 

Wireless power bridges the gap, delivering consistent energy across the door gap—no core drilling, no exposed wiring, no compromise to design.

And when applied in failsecure configurations, this solution ensures that doors remain locked during a power loss, supporting perimeter security and controlled access requirements.

Why Security Professionals Choose SDC

Since 1972, Security Door Controls has been a trusted manufacturer of premium access control and electromechanical locking solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation, code compliance, and installer-focused design has made SDC products a trusted choice across commercial security markets worldwide.

The 7200 Series continues that tradition by delivering a durable, secure, and code-compliant electrified cylindrical lock solution built for the demands of modern facilities.

SDC Earns 1^st Place DHI Robert G. Ryan Editorial Award

Last month’s issue of Door Security & Safety announced the 2025 DHI Award Achievement Recipients, including the Robert G. Ryan Editorial Awards for articles that appeared the previous calendar year. Our Electronic Access Control Business Opportunities in the Long-Term Care Market captured 1^st place in the Business Topics category – proving that after all these years, we still know a thing or two about business and where opportunities are available for access and egress control professionals.

Access Control in Long Term Care

Here’s the published story in case you’re interested in the Long-Term Care Market.