Security Door Controls Blog

Designed, Engineered, and Built in America 

Since 1972, SDC has manufactured popular electrified access control hardware like Bolt Locks, EMLocks® and Strikes in America while most of our larger competitors manufacture overseas. We’re known as the door control opening experts with more than 40 patents, 20+ active trademark brands and decades of product design firsts.

SDC’s locking systems can be found in virtually any application where access control of a door is required. We’re particularly adept at new or retrofit applications of 1 – 10 doors, where 80% of the security door and hardware market exists. 

There are numerous advantages to choosing our American-made products for your access control and security needs. Not only do these devices offer superior quality and reliability, but they also support the American economy and job market. Additionally, they comply with higher industry standards and provide a wide range of options to suit your specific requirements.

By opting for SDC products made in the USA for over 50 years, you can enjoy enhanced security and peace of mind, knowing that you have chosen a reliable and trustworthy solution.

Even though we premiered a new look show booth, it felt just like old times at the show.

Back to Basics: Electric Bolt Locks

Before SDC invented the 90° electric lock in the 1970’s, installation of electric bolt locks was costly, often requiring the cutting of studs and considerable reconstruction of door frames. Our Spacesaver® bolt lock design is a fundamental access control innovation now used worldwide. They install in any standard frame and most door stiles with a simple mortise cutout. The rotating bolt design makes tampering or cutting very difficult. An automatic relock ball switch keeps the bolt retracted when the door is open.

Additionally, they are field adjustable for wide door gaps and bidirectional for use on swinging or sliding doors. The Spacesaver® FS23M series is still the only dual-failsafe electric bolt lock in the industry.

Today, our comprehensive line of bolt locks use the same practical, yet pioneering approach to meeting access control requirements for safety, security and code compliance.

Security Dealers, Integrators, Installers & Distributors

Back to Basics: Electromagnetic Locks

In 1983, SDC’s EMLock® design became the standard in electromagnetic locking innovation. EMLocks were the first electromagnetic lock to feature an interlocking quick mount assembly with captive mounting screws to simplify installations. With a second-to-none complimentary offering of mounting brackets, kits and hardware, EMLocks can meet virtually any application.

It is no wonder “EMLock” is used synonymously for premium electromagnetic locks throughout the industry today. Over the years, SDC’s
electromagnetic product offering has expanded to meet narrow header, sliding door, gate, cabinet and hazardous applications. The Excel™ product line is our fully featured, economical alternative to low-cost imports.

Centenary – noun: the hundredth anniversary of a significant event. Our founder – Art Geringer - was born 100 years ago making June 10^th not only a significant event in our company history but also in the modern era of the access control and door hardware industry. As a significant contributor to the great migration to locking systems, Art’s innovations helped revolutionize the use of electrified hardware for fire life safety and code compliance throughout the world. We’re proud to celebrate this special anniversary and to continue his legacy of commitment to innovation, skill and quality today.

This post is the third in a series to address concerns expressed on our social media platforms regarding Delayed Egress Systems that indicated misconceptions about their proper application in Security, and Fire and Life Safety applications. Here’s some information and examples of common applications of Delayed Egress Systems.

This post is the second in a series to address concerns expressed on our social media platforms regarding Delayed Egress Systems that indicated misconceptions about their proper application in Security, and Fire and Life Safety applications.

Recently, some readers weighed in with comments on our social media platforms regarding Delayed Egress Systems that indicated misconceptions about their proper application in Security, and Fire and Life Safety applications. This post is the first in a series to address concerns expressed and to provide clarity and resources regarding Delayed Egress systems.