If your office still relies on traditional keys, you already know the frustration. Spare sets go missing, staff turnover means constant rekeying, and locksmith call-outs cost more each year. A push-button lock solves these problems by replacing physical keys with a programmable code that you can change in minutes. This page ranks five Lockey Digital models best suited to commercial office environments, covering everything from high-traffic main entrances to restricted server rooms and fire exits.
Top 5 Digital Locks for Office Doors
Choosing the right code-operated lock for an office depends on traffic volume, the type of internal door you need to secure, and whether you require features like hold-back or emergency key override. The five products below are all part of the Lockey Digital 2000 series, manufactured in Japan and distributed in the UK for over 40 years. Each model uses a mechanical keypad with 14 spring-loaded buttons, runs without batteries or wiring, and features Teflon-coated internal components for long-lasting, low-maintenance performance.
Here is a quick comparison before we dig into each product individually.
| Model | Lock Type | Handle Style | Hold-Back / Free Passage | Key Bypass | Fire Tested | Best Office Application |
| 1. Lockey 2835 | Mortise latch | Lever (both sides) | Yes | No | Yes (BS EN 1634) | Main entrances, high-traffic corridors |
| 2. Lockey 2430 | Mortise latch | Knob (exterior) / Thumb turn (interior) | No | No | Yes (BS EN 1634) | Internal rooms, storage cupboards |
| 3. Lockey 2435KD | Mortise latch | Knob (exterior) / Thumb turn (interior) | Yes | Yes | Yes (BS EN 1634) | Offices needing emergency override |
| 4. Lockey 2430DS | Mortise latch | Knob (both sides) | No | Optional | Yes (BS EN 1634) | Server rooms, restricted-access zones |
| 5. Lockey 2230NL | Front plate only | Knob (exterior) | No | No | Compatible with fire exit hardware | Fire exits, night latch upgrades |
1. Lockey 2835, Mortise Latch with Lever Handles and Hold-Back
For most offices, the Lockey 2835 is the standout choice. Its full-size lever handles on both sides make it accessible for all users, which matters in workplaces where staff may be carrying documents, laptops, or hot drinks. The mortise latch bolt sits inside the door rather than on the surface, providing stronger resistance to forced entry than a rim-mounted alternative.
What makes this model particularly suited to busy commercial environments is the hold-back and free passage function. During office hours, you can set the latch to remain retracted so people can come and go without entering a combination. When the last person leaves, they disengage free passage and the door auto-locks behind them. That kind of flexibility is hard to find in a mechanical unit, and it removes the daily annoyance of punching in numbers every time someone pops to the kitchen.
The 2835 supports an adjustable backset of 60mm or 70mm, plus a 28mm lock case option for aluminium frames. Finishes include satin chrome (recommended for external or heavy-use areas), polished brass, antique brass, antique copper, and jet black. It has been fire tested in accordance with BS EN 1634-1: 2014 and BS EN 1363-1: 2012 when paired with the Lockey intumescent kit so that it can be fitted to rated office partitions without voiding certification.
Over 7,000 possible code groups using three to seven digits give you plenty of scope to create unique combinations for different teams. The slipping clutch on the handles prevents damage if someone tries to force them, which is a small detail that adds years of service life in a demanding setting.
2. Lockey 2430, Mortise Latch with Knob
Not every office entrance needs lever handles. The Lockey 2430 offers a more compact profile with a knob on the exterior and a thumb turn on the inside for unrestricted exit. It shares the same anti-thrust latch bolt and adjustable 60/70mm backset as the 2835, but without hold-back functionality, making it a simpler, cost-effective option for rooms where you want the door secured at all times.
Think storerooms with valuable equipment, archive cupboards, or utility spaces that only a handful of people should enter. The knob-operated design keeps the footprint small, so it works well on narrower frames without looking bulky. Interior staff can exit via the thumb turn at any time, keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
Available in satin chrome and polished brass, the 2430 is also fire tested to BS EN 1634 with the relevant intumescent pack. That dual-purpose, everyday access control combined with regulatory compliance is why it remains one of the most popular models for commercial interiors. Teflon-coated stainless steel internals ensure consistent operation even after thousands of cycles, and the complete kit ships with everything required for installation. No extra parts to source.
3. Lockey 2435KD, Mortise Latch with Key Bypass and Hold-Back
Some facilities need a backup plan. The Lockey 2435KD combines hold-back functionality with a physical key override, so if a combination is forgotten or needs resetting during a busy trading period, authorised staff can still gain entry. That dual-method approach is especially reassuring for office managers responsible for multiple rooms across a building.
The lock is available in keyed-different (KD), keyed-alike (KA), and keyed-to-master (KM) configurations. Keyed-alike is worth considering if you manage several offices within the same building; a single emergency key opens every 2435KD on-site, streamlining your contingency planning considerably.
Specification-wise, you get the same mortise latch with anti-thrust pin, an adjustable 60mm or 70mm backset, and the 14-button keypad offering thousands of possible combinations. Hold-back lets you prop the latch open during working hours, then re-engage the lock by pressing the C button, followed by the correct sequence. It suits any space that balances convenience with the occasional need for traditional key entry, perhaps a managing director’s office or a room housing sensitive documents.
4. Lockey 2430DS, Double-Sided Combination Lock
When both entry and exit need to be controlled by a combination, the Lockey 2430DS is purpose-built for the task. This model places a full keypad on each side of the door, meaning nobody enters or leaves without the correct sequence. That level of control is ideal for IT server rooms, pharmaceutical storage areas, or any office section housing confidential records.
Each side can be programmed with a different code, allowing you to grant access to one group for entry and a separate group for exit, or simply use the same digits on both faces for simplicity. The knob-turn operation keeps the profile low, and the reversible handing means it fits left- or right-opening frames without modification.
One practical consideration: because this lock restricts both entry and exit, it should not be fitted to a designated emergency escape route. Fire safety regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 require that occupants be able to leave without impediment during an emergency. For controlled zones away from escape paths, though, the 2430DS delivers a straightforward, battery-free way to restrict movement in both directions.
5. Lockey 2230NL, Front-Only Digital Plate for Night Latches and Panic Hardware
Office buildings often have existing night latches or panic bars on fire exits that work perfectly well. Replacing the entire mechanism just to add keypad entry seems wasteful. The Lockey 2230NL solves this by fitting a front-only digital plate over your current hardware, converting it from key-operated to code-operated without changing anything on the inside.
From the exterior, staff enter a combination and turn the knob to retract the night latch. From the interior, they simply push the panic bar or twist the existing snib, exactly as before. This maintains full compliance with emergency egress requirements because the inside exit function remains untouched.
The 2230NL is non-handed and reversible, fits on frames between 35mm and 55mm thick, and uses the same 14-button keypad found across the 2000 series. It supports over 2,000 code groups. Because it is a front-plate-only model, no separate latch mechanism is supplied, keeping costs low. If your building has several fire exits or staff entrances with functioning night latches, retrofitting these plates across all of them is a quick project that dramatically upgrades access control for a modest outlay.
How to Choose the Right Model for Your Office
Selecting between these five products comes down to three questions. First, how busy is the entrance? High-traffic main reception areas and corridors benefit from the Lockey 2835’s lever handles and free passage mode because nobody wants to fumble with codes fifty times a day. Second, do you need a restricted exit as well as a restricted entry? If so, the 2430DS, with its dual keypads, is the obvious pick. Third, is a key override important for your risk management plan? The 2435KD gives you that fallback.
For secondary internal rooms with moderate footfall, the Lockey 2430 keeps things simple and affordable. And if you are upgrading an older building with existing rim night latches, the 2230NL saves both time and budget by working with what is already fitted.
It is worth thinking about consistency, too. Fitting the same series across an entire office means spare parts are interchangeable, maintenance procedures are uniform, and staff only need to learn one type of mechanism. The entire 2000 series shares the same 14-button layout and identical code-change process, so training one facilities team member covers every unit in the building.
Installation Tips for Office Environments
Preparing the Frame and Measuring Backset
Most commercial office doors in the UK use a 60mm backset, which is the factory default on every 2000 series model. If your frames use 70mm, the latch cam assembly slides across to match, no cutting or filing required. A template is included with each lock, and the basic tools needed are a Phillips screwdriver, a drill with a 5/16″ bit, and a 1-7/16″ hole saw.
Fitting on Fire-Rated Partitions
Any office with rated partitions, typically FD30 or FD60, must use the Lockey intumescent kitin conjunction with the lock to maintain certification. The kit sits between the lock body and the frame, expanding under heat to seal gaps. Without it, insurance cover could be affected, and a fire risk assessment might flag non-compliance.
Adjusting for Aluminium Frames
Open-plan offices and modern fit-outs frequently use aluminium-framed glazed partitions. The Lockey 2835 offers a 28mm lock case specifically designed for these thinner stiles, which means you do not need to compromise on functionality just because the door profile is narrower than a standard timber frame.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fitting a Keyless Lock in an Office
The most frequent error is choosing a double-sided model, such as the 2430DS, for a room that doubles as a fire escape. UK regulations are clear: any escape route must allow unimpeded exit. A lock requiring an inside code would pose a hazard during evacuation. Always check your fire plan before specifying hardware.
Another mistake is using overly simple code. A three-digit combination might be convenient, but it dramatically reduces the number of possible groupings. Lockey Digital recommends codes of four to seven digits for a reason. Longer sequences are harder to guess and harder for someone watching over a colleague’s shoulder to memorise.
Lastly, some office managers forget to change the combination after staff changes. The beauty of a mechanical keypad is that resetting the code takes only a few minutes and requires no specialist tools. Making this part of your offboarding checklist protects sensitive areas without the cost of a locksmith visit.
Maintenance and Longevity in Commercial Settings
Mechanical keypad locks require very little upkeep compared to electronic alternatives. There are no batteries to replace, no firmware to update, and no connectivity issues to troubleshoot. The Teflon-coated internal parts on every Lockey 2000 series model reduce friction and resist corrosion, considerably extending service life.
For offices in coastal areas or buildings with fluctuating humidity, the satin chrome finish is the recommended option. It handles moisture and temperature changes better than brass or antique finishes. A light wipe with a damp cloth every few months keeps the faceplate looking presentable, and a tiny amount of dry lubricant on the latch bolt once a year is all the mechanical attention required.
Lockey Digital supplies genuine spare parts manufactured in Japan, so if a handle or tumbler eventually wears, replacement components match the original specification exactly. The availability of spares is worth checking before committing to any brand, because a lock that cannot be serviced has a limited lifespan.
UK Building Regulations and Office Door Locking
Fire Safety Compliance
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for a commercial premises must ensure that escape routes remain usable at all times. Fitting a keyless lock to an office entrance or internal partition is perfectly acceptable, provided the lock does not impede egress. Models like the 2835 and 2430 allow free exit via an interior lever or thumb turn, satisfying this requirement.
For fire-rated timber frames, always pair the lock with the correct intumescent kit. The Lockey range has been tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014, which covers fire resistance and smoke control for door assemblies.
Equality Act 2010 and Accessibility
Lever-operated handles, like those on the Lockey 2835, are generally preferred in workplaces because they are easier to use for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity. While push-button locks do not fall under a specific accessibility standard, specifying lever handles over knobs demonstrates good practice and supports obligations under the Equality Act.
Insurance Considerations
Most commercial insurers accept mechanical keypad locks as adequate perimeter and internal door protection. However, if your policy specifies BS 3621-compliant locks for external openings, a push-button latch may need to be supplemented with a deadbolt or used in conjunction with other approved hardware. The Lockey 2210 mortise deadbolt could serve as that additional layer if required, though for internal office partitions, standalone latch models are typically sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to lock a push-button door lock?
Locking a mechanical keypad model from the Lockey 2000 series is automatic. Once you close the office entrance, the spring-loaded latch bolt engages the strike plate and immediately secures the frame. There is no extra step needed. On models with free passage, such as the Lockey 2835, you must first disengage the hold-back function by pressing the Y button followed by the C button. After that, every subsequent closing triggers the auto-latch. The whole process takes roughly five seconds and requires no tools or technical knowledge whatsoever.
How do push-button locks work?
Each Lockey 2000 series unit contains stainless steel tumblers inside the body that correspond to the programmed combination. When the correct buttons are pressed in any order, the tumblers align and release the mechanism, allowing the knob or lever to retract the latch bolt. Because the system is entirely mechanical, no electrical power, wireless signal, or battery supply is involved. Pressing the C button before entering a sequence clears any previously pressed digits. This non-sequential design means the code 1-5-6-0 works identically whether entered as 5-0-1-6 or 6-1-0-5.
How to open a locked door with a push-button lock?
You need the correct combination. Press the C button first to clear the chamber, then enter the assigned digits. Turn the knob or depress the lever to withdraw the latch. If your model is a Lockey 2435KD with key bypass, you can also use the emergency override cylinder located behind the front plate. There is no way to open the mechanism through force or manipulation without the right credentials, as the 2000 series is bump-proof and pick-proof by design. Forgotten codes require a physical reset, as outlined in the included instructions.
How to get a push door to lock?
If your office entrance currently swings freely and you want to add coded entry, fit a mortise latch model from the Lockey range directly into the existing door prep. The Lockey 2430 installs using a standard 2-1/8″ hole and works on timber frames between 35mm and 55mm thick. For aluminium or glazed partitions, the 2835 offers a 28mm case option tailored to thinner profiles. Should your frame already have a functioning night latch, the 2230NL front plate converts it to keypad operation without replacing any internal components. Each option transforms an unsecured opening into a controlled entry point.
Ready to Secure Your Office?
Browse the full range of Lockey Digital 2000 series locks at lockeydigital.co.uk to find the right model for your workspace. If you are unsure which product suits your specific setup, the team is happy to advise. Drop a message to enquiries@lockeydigital.co.uk or call 01763 245245 to speak with a specialist who understands commercial applications inside out.
