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A night latch (or night-latch or nightlatch) is a lock that is fitted on the surface of a door; it is operated from the exterior side of the door by a key and from the interior (i.e. "secure") side of the door by a knob.[1][2][3]

Overview

Night latches are usually rim locks[4] and are available as deadlocking (automatically locks once shut) and non-deadlocking versions.

Historically, such locks were intended for use at night-time, hence the name.[5] The keyless egress that they offer is a valuable fire safety measure, but may be a security risk if breaking a glass panel (usually in the door) or a nearby small window allows an intruder to reach the knob inside and open the door from the outside.

References

  1. ^ "Definition of NIGHT LATCH". www.merriam-webster.com.
  2. ^ Hasluck, Paul N. (8 February 2011). The Handyman's Guide: Essential Woodworking Tools and Techniques. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9781626366589 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Mitchell, John Ames (26 September 2018). "Life". Life – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Jones, Tony L. (1 January 2003). COURT SECURITY: A Guide for Post 9-11 Environments. Charles C Thomas Publisher. ISBN 9780398084356 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ Sturgis, Russell; Davis, Francis A. (23 April 2013). Sturgis' Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture and Building: An Unabridged Reprint of the 1901-2 Edition. Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486145921 – via Google Books.

Sources

External links

Locks, locksmithing, lock picking, and security alarms
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