Electric Mortice Locks: How to Choose the Right Lock for Commercial Access Control
Essential Security Supplies
Electric mortice locks are the preferred locking solution for commercial hinged doors across New Zealand, providing seamless integration with access control systems, intercoms, keypads, and key switches. Where a standard mechanical mortice lock requires a physical key for every operation, an electric mortice lock allows remote electronic release - making it the foundation of any modern access control installation. Lockwood and FSH are the two leading brands in this category, with Lockwood offering two purpose-built solutions - the narrow-stile 3782EL Series and the standard backset 3570ELM0 - alongside the FSH FEL990M monitored mortice lock, each suited to different commercial door applications across New Zealand.
How Electric Mortice Locks Work in Commercial Access Control
An electric mortice lock fits within the door leaf in the same way as a mechanical mortice lock, but adds an electrically actuated bolt mechanism that can be controlled by an external signal. This allows the lock to integrate with card readers, biometric terminals, intercoms, keypads, and building management systems without changing the outward appearance of the door hardware.
Two operating modes are fundamental to any specification decision:
- Fail Secure (Power to Open / PTO): The lock remains locked when power is removed. Used on high-security doors where the default state must be locked during a power outage or alarm event.
- Fail Safe (Power to Lock / PTL): The lock releases when power is removed. Required on fire egress and emergency exit paths to comply with building regulations for single-action escape doors.
All three locks covered in this guide - the Lockwood 3782EL Series, Lockwood 3570ELM0, and FSH FEL990M - support field-selectable fail safe / fail secure switching, allowing the installer to configure the correct mode on site without ordering a separate model.
Key Reasons to Specify an Electric Mortice Lock
1. Native Integration with Access Control Systems
Electric mortice locks are designed from the ground up to work with access control infrastructure. Unlike electric strikes - which rely on an existing latch geometry - an electric mortice lock provides a self-contained, electrically actuated bolt mechanism with onboard monitoring outputs for request to exit (REX), door position, deadlatch status, key override monitoring (KOM), and locked status. This level of monitoring feedback is essential for managed-access environments such as data centres, healthcare facilities, and commercial office buildings.
2. High Physical Security Rating
Mortice locks seat deep within the door edge, providing significantly greater resistance to forced entry than surface-mounted alternatives. The Lockwood 3782EL Series is rated to Australian Standard AS4145.2-2008 Level S8 (Physical Security) when fitted with door furniture and an anti-drill cylinder, and Level D8 (Durability). The Lockwood 3570ELM0 is SCEC endorsed for intruder resistant and secure areas - a requirement for government and defence installations.
3. Compliance with Egress and Fire Regulations
Commercial buildings in New Zealand must comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) Clause D1 (Access Routes) and relevant fire evacuation requirements. Electric mortice locks with fail-safe operation allow free egress from the inside at all times, satisfying single-action escape door requirements. The Lockwood 3570ELM0 carries a fire rating of up to 4 hours on fire door assemblies (AS1905.1-2005), and both Lockwood and FSH offer fire-rated models to support compliant specification.
4. Multi-Voltage Operation for System Flexibility
All three locks in this guide operate across a 12-24VDC range, making them compatible with the majority of commercial access control power supplies without requiring dedicated voltage regulation. The Lockwood 3782EL Series extends this further with a wider 9-28VDC variable voltage input.
5. Reduced Power Consumption (Lockwood 3782EL Series)
The Lockwood 3782EL Series uses motor-driven actuation rather than a continuous solenoid, reducing continuous power draw to 20mA (with LEDs active) versus up to 300mA momentary. This reduces load on power supplies and improves system reliability - particularly relevant on large installations with many doors on a shared power budget.
6. Three-Wire Control for Long Cable Runs (Lockwood 3782EL Series)
The Lockwood 3782EL Series uses a three-wire control architecture where the power supply and locking control signal are independent circuits. This makes the lock far less susceptible to voltage drop across extended wiring runs - a common issue in large commercial installations. Recommended cabling is 8AWG (0.82mm2) for runs up to 30m, with the 3.6m supplied cable including a 12-pin connector and water-deflecting boot.
7. Maximum On-Site Configurability (Lockwood 3570ELM0)
The Lockwood 3570ELM0 multi-function design means a single lock SKU covers all door functions through field-selectable settings - handing, lever mode (free or locked on either side), monitoring contact polarity (NC/NO), and fail mode - without returning to the supplier. This significantly reduces stock holding and ordering complexity on large multi-door projects.
8. Onboard Door Status LEDs for Faster Installation and Fault Finding
Lockwood's 3782EL locks include onboard door status LEDs that allow installers to verify correct operation during commissioning and rapidly identify faults during servicing - reducing installation time and callback rates on commercial projects.
Lockwood Electric Mortice Locks: The 3782EL Series (Narrow Stile)
The Lockwood Selector 3782EL Series is designed and manufactured in Australia for narrow-stile hinged doors. It is the preferred electric mortice lock for high-specification commercial access control installations where monitoring depth, physical security, and ease of installation are all critical.
The 3782EL Series is available in four backset sizes to suit different door hardware configurations:
- 3782ELNZSS - 23mm backset (narrow stile aluminium doors)
- 4782ELNZSS - 25.4mm backset
- 5782ELNZSS - 30mm backset
- 6782ELNZSS - 38mm backset (standard commercial timber and metal doors)
All models support 9-28VDC variable voltage input, field-selectable fail safe / fail secure operation, and the full monitoring suite (REX, deadlatch, door position, KOM, locked status). Stainless steel latch bolts (15mm) with radius bolt geometry provide smooth, consistent closing action and reliable deadlatching.
The 3782EL is compatible with Lockwood 4800 and 5800 Series Brass Door Furniture (Functions 11 and 12) and accepts standard Lockwood oval cylinders for mechanical key override via X7 or V cam. Locks are supplied with X7 cams included.
View our product - Lockwood 3782ELNZSS (23mm backset)
View our product - Lockwood 6782ELNZSS (38mm backset)
Lockwood 3570ELM0: Standard Backset Multi-Function Mortice Lock
The Lockwood 3570ELM0 is a high-performance multi-function electric mortice lock designed and manufactured in Australia for standard backset commercial door applications. Constructed from high-grade zinc alloy with a stainless steel latch bolt and face plate, the 3570 Series covers all commercial applications and is SCEC endorsed for intruder resistant areas - making it a strong choice for government, defence, and high-security commercial environments in New Zealand.
Where the 3782EL Series targets narrow-stile aluminium doors, the 3570ELM0 is designed for standard backset timber and metal door applications. Its multi-function design means a single lock SKU can be configured on site to cover multiple functions - reducing stock holding requirements across multi-door projects.
Key features of the Lockwood 3570ELM0 include:
- Fail Safe / Fail Secure - field reversible on site
- Multi-voltage input: 12-24VDC
- Field reversible mechanical handing - suits left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) swinging doors
- Field changeable selection of free lever or locked lever on both sides of the door
- Monitoring contacts field changeable between normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO)
- Full monitoring suite: deadlatched and locked status, door position via reed switch, dual key override monitoring (KOM), request to exit (REX), LED indication
- No cylinder supplied - key override monitoring available either side of door
- Available in non-monitored and monitored versions
- Fire rated up to 4 hours on fire door assemblies (AS1905.1-2005)
- SCEC endorsed: 3570 Series for intruder resistant areas; 3579 Series for secure areas
- Standards: S3/D3 Australian Lock Standard (AS4145.2-1993); C-Tick Certified
The 3570ELM0 can be operated via push buttons, intercom systems, and key switches, or fully integrated with electronic access control systems including keypads and card readers.
View our product - Lockwood 3570ELM0 Multi Function Mortice Lock
FSH Electric Mortice Locks: The FEL990M
FSH is an Australian-owned manufacturer with a strong reputation across the New Zealand commercial security market for reliable, field-serviceable electronic locking hardware. The FSH FEL990M is a monitored electric mortice lock designed for integration with access control systems where door status monitoring and combination locking modes are required.
Key features of the FSH FEL990M include:
- Fail-Safe (PTL) or Fail-Secure (PTO) - field selectable
- Non-handed - field selectable to suit left or right hand doors without re-ordering
- 12-24VDC input, 350mA momentary current draw (100mA holding)
- Vestibule or Combination locking modes - field selectable
- LED status output for Legge 700 Series LED furniture
- Fire rated
- Door position monitoring via reed switch
- Full lock status monitoring: locking bar (hub/handle locked), deadlatching bolt (depressed), latchbolt (out)
- Dual key override with Key Override Monitoring (KOM)
- Request to Exit (REX) via hub/handle
The FEL990M's vestibule and combination locking modes make it particularly suitable for lobby, reception, and multi-tenancy environments where access patterns vary by time of day or credential type.
View our product - FSH FEL990M Electric Mortice Lock (Monitored)
Product Specifications
| Specification | Lockwood 3782EL Series | Lockwood 3570ELM0 | FSH FEL990M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Input | 9-28VDC (variable) | 12-24VDC | 12-24VDC |
| Current Draw | 300mA MAX momentary, 20mA continuous (LEDs active) | Multi-voltage solenoid; consult datasheet for draw | 350mA momentary, 100mA holding |
| Fail Mode | Fail Safe / Fail Secure - field selectable | Fail Safe / Fail Secure - field reversible | Fail Safe (PTL) / Fail Secure (PTO) - field selectable |
| Backset | 23mm, 25.4mm, 30mm, 38mm (narrow stile) | Standard backset - consult datasheet for dimensions | 60mm, 70mm, 89mm, 127mm |
| Latch Material | Stainless steel, 15mm | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Case / Cover | High purity zinc alloy with stainless steel chassis plates | High-grade zinc alloy with stainless steel face plate | Fire-rated casing; consult datasheet for material |
| Operating Temperature | -15 to 60°C | Consult datasheet | Consult datasheet |
| Monitoring Outputs | REX, Deadlatch, Door Position, KOM, Lock Status, Onboard LEDs | REX, Deadlatch, Door Position (reed switch), Dual KOM, Lock Status, LED indication | REX, Deadlatch, Door Position (reed switch), Dual KOM, Locking Bar, Latchbolt status |
| Locking Modes | Standard (fail safe or fail secure) | Multi-function - free or locked lever both sides, field configurable | Vestibule, Combination, standard - field selectable |
| Handed | Reversible in field | Field reversible LH/RH | Non-handed, field selectable |
| Fire Rating | Complies AS4145.2-2008 | Up to 4hr (AS1905.1-2005) | Fire rated |
| Standards Compliance | AS4145.2-2008 S8, D8, C6 (168hr) | AS4145.2-1993 S3, D3; SCEC endorsed; C-Tick | Consult datasheet for compliance details |
| Key Override | Lockwood oval cylinder (X7/V cam) | No cylinder supplied; dual KOM both sides | No cylinder; dual key override (KOM) |
| Supplied Cabling | 3.6m cable, 12-pin connector, water-deflecting boot | Consult datasheet | 12-pin connector |
| SCEC Endorsement | No | Yes - intruder resistant and secure areas | No |
| Drive Type | Motor-driven (low power) | Solenoid | Solenoid |
| LED Furniture Compatibility | Lockwood 4800/5800 Series | - | Legge 700 Series LED furniture |
| Weight | Consult datasheet | 2.0 kg | 2.0 kg |
View our product - Full Lockwood range at Essential Security Supplies NZ
View our product - Full FSH range at Essential Security Supplies NZ
Which Electric Mortice Lock Is Right for Your Project?
All three locks covered in this guide deliver reliable, monitored electric mortice locking for commercial access control in New Zealand. The right choice depends on the door type, application, and compliance requirements of the installation:
- Specify Lockwood 3782EL Series when the priority is maximum physical security rating (AS4145.2 S8/D8), motor-driven low-power operation, onboard installation LEDs, and compatibility with Lockwood 4800/5800 Series door furniture. Backset options from 23mm to 38mm cover the full range of narrow-stile aluminium to standard commercial timber and metal doors.
- Specify Lockwood 3570ELM0 when the application requires a standard backset multi-function mortice lock with SCEC endorsement, 4-hour fire rating, and maximum on-site configurability across a large multi-door project. The ideal choice for government, defence, and high-security commercial environments where a single configurable SKU reduces project complexity.
- Specify FSH FEL990M when vestibule or combination locking modes are required, or when the installation calls for Legge 700 Series LED furniture integration. The non-handed field-selectable design reduces on-site stock requirements and simplifies procurement across multi-door commercial projects.
For access control projects that require Kiwi-based technical support and locally stocked inventory, all three locks are available through Essential Security Supplies NZ. Our team works with security installers, specifiers, and procurement teams across New Zealand.
For a broader view of electronic locking options - including electromagnetic locks and electric strikes - view our FSH range or browse the full Lockwood collection.
