The Dormakaba Simplex 1000 is a mechanical pushbutton lock designed for secure and user-friendly access control in residential and commercial settings. This lock supports multiple operation modes, including Pushbutton Access, Passage, and Lockout, making it a versatile solution for different security requirements. Installation involves preparing the door, assembling the lock, and configuring it for use, while changing the combination requires careful adherence to a specific procedure. This guide draws on official documentation to provide a detailed breakdown of the installation process, technical specifications, and operational features of the Simplex 1000 model.
Overview of the Dormakaba Simplex 1000
The Dormakaba Simplex 1000 is a mechanical pushbutton lock intended for installation on interior and exterior doors where key access is not always practical. The lock is factory-handed for left-hand doors but can be easily reversed in the field for right-hand doors. It operates with a pushbutton interface, allowing users to enter a numeric combination to unlock the door. In addition to the standard pushbutton access mode, some models include a Passage feature, which allows the door to be opened without using the lock combination from the inside, and a Lockout feature, which restricts access to key override only.
The lock is built with heavy-duty components, including a cylindrical lock housing, a cast front housing, and a unified trim plate. It is available in multiple configurations, including different backset measurements and latch throw lengths, to accommodate a wide range of door types and thicknesses. The lock supports both small and large format key override cores, which can be replaced independently of the main lock mechanism.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
The Dormakaba Simplex 1000 is designed to be adaptable to various door types and configurations. It features a standard backset of 2¾" (70 mm) or 2⅜" (60 mm), depending on the model. The latch throw is ½" (13 mm) as a standard option, with a ¾" (19 mm) throw available as an optional upgrade. The minimum recommended stile width is 5" (127 mm), ensuring the lock can be securely mounted on doors of sufficient size.
Door preparation for the Simplex 1000 requires an ASA 161 door preparation, including additional through bore holes for the lock to function correctly. The door thickness must be between 1⅜" (35 mm) and 2¼" (57 mm), with the lock pre-assembled to fit doors with a thickness ranging from 1⅝" (41 mm) to 2" (51 mm). This flexibility allows the lock to be used on both wood and metal doors.
The lock supports key override options through interchangeable and removable cores. Small format cores include Best and equivalents with 6 or 7-pin lengths, while large format cores include Medeco/ASSA/Yale/Abloy, Corbin Russwin, Schlage, and Sargent with 5 or 6-pin lengths. These cores are not included with the lock and must be sourced separately.
Installation Procedure for the Simplex 1000
Proper installation of the Dormakaba Simplex 1000 is essential to ensure its functionality and durability. The process involves preparing the door, assembling the lock components, and securing the lock in place. Below is a step-by-step overview of the installation process based on the manufacturer’s documentation.
Step 1: Door Preparation
Before installing the lock, ensure the door is prepared according to the ASA 161 door preparation standards. This includes drilling the necessary holes for the lock components, including the keyhole, thumbturn, and pushbutton assembly. The door thickness must fall within the acceptable range of 1⅜" (35 mm) to 2¼" (57 mm), and the lock must be pre-assembled to fit the specific door thickness.
Additionally, the door must have sufficient stile width to accommodate the lock. The minimum recommended stile width is 5" (127 mm). If the door does not meet these requirements, modifications may be necessary before proceeding with the installation.
Step 2: Assembling the Lock Components
Once the door is prepared, the next step is to assemble the lock components. Begin by attaching the pushbutton assembly to the lock housing. Ensure that the wiring (if applicable) is properly connected and secured. Next, insert the key override core, if one is being used. The core can be a small or large format core, depending on the keying system being implemented.
For models with a Passage feature, the thumbturn must be attached to the inside of the lock. This allows users to engage or disengage the Passage mode from the inside of the door. Similarly, models with a Lockout feature require the installation of a key override mechanism that prevents the combination from being used to unlock the door from the inside.
Step 3: Mounting the Lock on the Door
With the lock components assembled, the next step is to mount the lock on the door. Begin by aligning the lock housing with the prepared holes on the door. Secure the lock using the provided screws, ensuring that the lock is firmly attached and aligned with the door frame. For left-handed doors, the lock is factory-handed, but it can be reversed in the field for right-handed doors.
Once the lock is mounted, test the door to ensure that the lock operates correctly. Turn the thumbturn (if applicable) to engage the Passage or Lockout mode, and test the pushbutton to verify that the combination unlocks the door as expected.
Step 4: Installing the Strike Plate
The final step in the installation process is to install the strike plate. The strike plate must be aligned with the latch to ensure proper operation. Use the provided screws to secure the strike plate to the door frame. The strike plate can be a standard strike or an ASA strike, depending on the door type and installation requirements.
After the strike plate is installed, test the door again to confirm that the latch engages and retracts correctly. If the door does not close or lock properly, adjust the strike plate or reposition the lock as needed.
Configuring the Lock for Use
Once the lock is installed, it must be configured for use. This includes setting the initial combination and verifying that the lock operates as expected. The process for changing or setting a new combination is outlined in the manufacturer’s documentation and must be followed carefully to avoid damaging the lock or locking the user out.
Step 1: Verifying the Lock Type
Before beginning the configuration process, it is important to verify that the lock is a Dormakaba Simplex 1000 model. This is crucial because the procedure for changing the combination is specific to this model and may not apply to other types of locks. If the lock type is not confirmed, the user risks damaging the lock or being unable to reset the combination.
Additionally, the user must know the existing combination in order to proceed. If the combination is unknown, the user should contact a licensed locksmith for assistance. Attempting to change the combination without knowing the current code may result in the lock becoming inoperable.
Step 2: Preparing the Lock for Combination Change
To change the combination, the door must remain open throughout the entire process. This is a critical requirement that ensures the lock is not engaged during the configuration. Additionally, for models with the Passage feature, the Passage function must be disengaged, and the knob must be in its vertical position. This ensures that the lock is in the correct state to accept the new combination.
The first step in the configuration process is to insert the DF-59 control key into the combination change plug assembly, which is located on the back of the lock. The key must be turned counterclockwise to unscrew the cylinder and remove the combination change plug. This provides access to the combination change sleeve, which is used to reset the combination.
Step 3: Entering the Existing Combination
After the combination change plug is removed, the user must turn the outside knob once clockwise, all the way until it stops, and then release it. The latch should not retract during this step. Next, the user must enter the existing combination by depressing the pushbuttons in the correct sequence. A slight click should be felt as each button is pressed. This confirms that the combination is being recognized by the lock.
Once the existing combination is entered, the user must insert the spanner wrench into the combination change sleeve. The wrench should be turned clockwise to the stop position, which should produce a slight click. Then, the wrench must be turned counterclockwise to the stop position. After this, the spanner wrench should be removed.
Step 4: Setting the New Combination
With the combination change sleeve engaged, the user can now set the new combination. The new combination must be chosen carefully, and it is recommended to use at least three digits in the code. The combination can use one or all five pushbuttons, but each button can only be used once in the sequence. Additionally, the user can depress two or more buttons simultaneously as part of the combination.
After the new combination is chosen, the user must enter it by depressing the buttons in the correct sequence. Once the new combination is entered, the user must turn the outside knob clockwise once, all the way until it stops, and hold the position until the latch is retracted. This confirms that the new combination has been successfully set.
Step 5: Securing the Combination Change Plug
Once the new combination is set, the user must turn the outside knob clockwise again to the stop position. At this point, the latch should not retract unless the new combination is entered. This confirms that the lock is now using the new combination.
Finally, the user must re-secure the combination change plug assembly by screwing it back into place using the DF-59 key. It is important not to over-tighten the plug, as this may damage the lock. After the plug is resecured, the DF-59 key and the spanner wrench should be removed and stored in a secure location.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Despite following the correct installation and configuration procedures, users may encounter common issues that affect the performance of the Dormakaba Simplex 1000. These issues can range from mechanical malfunctions to misalignment of components. Below are some of the most common problems and potential solutions.
Issue 1: Lock Will Not Unlock with the Combination
If the lock fails to unlock when the correct combination is entered, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- The combination has been changed incorrectly.
- The lock is not in the correct mode (e.g., Passage mode is engaged).
- The latch is misaligned with the strike plate.
To resolve this issue, the user should first verify that the combination has been correctly set and that the lock is in the correct mode. If the combination is incorrect, the user must follow the combination change procedure to reset the code. If the lock is in Passage mode, the user must disengage the mode before attempting to use the combination. If the latch is misaligned, the user should adjust the strike plate to ensure proper engagement.
Issue 2: Knob Will Not Turn or Is Stuck
If the outside knob is stuck or will not turn, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- The lock is engaged and the combination has not been entered.
- The lock is in Lockout mode.
- The lock mechanism is jammed or damaged.
To resolve this issue, the user should first verify that the combination has been entered correctly and that the lock is not in Lockout mode. If the lock is in Lockout mode, the user must use the key override to unlock the door. If the lock mechanism is jammed or damaged, the user should contact a licensed locksmith for assistance.
Issue 3: Latch Does Not Retract
If the latch fails to retract when the combination is entered or the knob is turned, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- The lock is not properly assembled.
- The latch is misaligned with the strike plate.
- The lock mechanism is damaged or worn.
To resolve this issue, the user should first verify that the lock is properly assembled and that the latch is aligned with the strike plate. If the lock is not properly assembled, the user may need to disassemble and reassemble the lock to ensure all components are correctly positioned. If the latch is misaligned, the user should adjust the strike plate to ensure proper engagement. If the lock mechanism is damaged or worn, the user should contact a licensed locksmith for assistance.
Conclusion
The Dormakaba Simplex 1000 is a reliable and versatile pushbutton lock that offers secure access control for a wide range of applications. Its installation and configuration require careful attention to detail and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions. By following the proper installation procedure and configuration steps, users can ensure that the lock functions correctly and provides long-term performance. Additionally, understanding common issues and their solutions can help users troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.