Secur-a-Latch Privacy Latch - Fire Door Compliant - Flip Design
The Secur-a-Latch is a purpose-built privacy latch designed specifically for entry fire doors. Originating from Spence Doors and exclusively distributed throughout Australia by Touchwood Doors (ASSA ABLOY), it addresses a problem common to commercial and residential fire door installations: providing occupant privacy without compromising the door's self-latching requirement.
Traditional flip-latches and privacy guards often cause door leaf damage and create a risk of accidental lock-out. The Secur-a-Latch resolves both issues through its distinctive flip mechanism - the latch can only be engaged intentionally, and a simple touch releases it from either side. When the door is opened from the outside during an emergency or housekeeping situation, the latch auto-releases rather than forcing the door to slam against a fixed guard.
Tested and compliant with AS 1905.1-2015 (Australian standard for fire-resistant door sets), the Secur-a-Latch has been evaluated on Pyropanel FR Core (maxis and minis), Pandor, and E-Core fire door systems. It suits both inswing and outswing door configurations and installs via three fixing points, supporting both new installations and retrofitting to existing fire doors.
Available in ten architectural finishes, the Secur-a-Latch is commonly specified in hotels, apartments, aged care facilities, and commercial buildings where fire door privacy compliance is required.
The Secur-a-Latch is tested and compliant with AS 1905.1-2015 (fire-resistant door sets). Tested on Pyropanel FR Core (maxis and minis), Pandor, and E-Core fire door systems. Specifiers should confirm suitability for their specific fire door assembly with Touchwood Doors before installation.
Key Features
- AS 1905.1-2015 compliant - meets the Australian standard for fire-resistant door sets, supporting code compliance on fire door installations.
- Fire door tested - evaluated on Pyropanel FR Core (maxis and minis), Pandor, and E-Core fire door systems.
- Push-to-engage / touch-to-release - simple, intuitive operation requiring no key, knob, or lever to lock or unlock.
- Flip design prevents accidental lock-out - the latch must be deliberately flipped to engage; the door closing on its own cannot trigger it.
- Auto-release on door opening - when the door is pushed open from the outside, the latch releases automatically, preventing door leaf damage.
- Eliminates door and frame damage - no projecting guard for the door edge to strike, removing a common cause of cosmetic and structural damage at fire door frames.
- 13mm view gap - when engaged, allows a 13mm line of sight into the hallway so the occupant can confirm who is outside before opening the door.
- Universal door compatibility - suits both inswing and outswing door configurations.
- Three fixing points - provides a secure, stable mount; also supports straightforward retrofitting to existing fire doors.
- Compact profile - 67mm x 38mm footprint keeps the hardware unobtrusive on the door face.
- Ten architectural finishes - available in a full range of US-series finishes to coordinate with door hardware across a project.
What's in the Box
- 1 x Secur-a-Latch Privacy Latch
Note: Installation fixings are not specified in the product datasheet. Contact Touchwood Doors (ASSA ABLOY) to confirm what is supplied with the unit.
Suitable Uses
- Entry fire doors in hotels, motels, and serviced apartment buildings requiring AS 1905.1-2015 compliant privacy hardware
- Apartment and residential fire door installations where occupant privacy is required without compromising self-latching
- Aged care facilities and healthcare buildings where fire door compliance and ease of release are both required
- Student accommodation, boarding houses, and similar multi-occupancy buildings
- Retrofit installations on existing fire doors where a traditional privacy guard has caused door or frame damage
- Any inswing or outswing fire door where Pyropanel FR Core, Pandor, or E-Core fire door assemblies are in use
Full Specifications
Available Finishes
The Secur-a-Latch is available in ten US-series architectural finishes. Stock finishes are marked (*) and are generally available from Touchwood Doors without extended lead time. Non-stock finishes are supplied to order - confirm lead times with the distributor before specifying on time-sensitive projects.
* Stock finish. All other finishes are supplied to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Secur-a-Latch suitable for both inswing and outswing fire doors?
Yes. The Secur-a-Latch has universal door compatibility and is designed to work correctly on both inswing and outswing configurations. This makes it suitable for a wide range of hotel, apartment, and commercial fire door applications.
How does the flip design prevent accidental lock-out?
Traditional privacy latches can be accidentally engaged as the door closes, leaving the occupant locked out. The Secur-a-Latch requires a deliberate flipping action to engage - the door closing on its own cannot trigger it. When the door is pushed open from the outside, the latch auto-releases, so housekeeping staff or emergency responders can open the door without damaging the latch or the door leaf.
Can this latch be retrofitted to an existing fire door?
Yes. The three-point fixing design supports both new installations and retrofitting to existing fire doors. The compact 67mm x 38mm footprint means it can typically be positioned without interfering with existing door furniture. Self-adhesive decals are available from the manufacturer to cover holes from a previous privacy guard installation.
Which fire door systems has the Secur-a-Latch been tested on?
The Secur-a-Latch is compliant with AS 1905.1-2015 and has been tested on Pyropanel FR Core (maxis and minis), Pandor, and E-Core fire door systems. For assemblies not covered by this test data, contact Touchwood Doors for guidance before specifying. See our guide to fire door types and smart lock certification for more on how AS 1905.1 certification works across different door core systems.
How much of a view gap does the Secur-a-Latch allow when engaged?
When engaged, the Secur-a-Latch allows a 13mm line of sight past the door edge into the hallway. This is sufficient for the occupant to confirm who is outside before opening the door fully.
Additional Information
Fire doors are required under the National Construction Code to be self-closing and self-latching. Adding a conventional privacy guard to a fire door can interfere with this requirement, cause damage to the door leaf or adjacent doors, and in some configurations create a lock-out risk. Hardware used on fire doors must be tested as part of a compliant fire-resistant door set - not just fitted because it is physically compatible. The Secur-a-Latch is specifically designed and tested to avoid these problems while maintaining genuine occupant privacy. See Chapter 05 - Fire Door Smart Locks in our buyer's guide for a plain-English overview of AS 1905.1 requirements.
Compliance with AS 1905.1-2015 means the Secur-a-Latch has been evaluated as part of a fire-resistant door set. It does not independently confer a fire rating on a door - it must be installed on a compliant fire door assembly that has also been tested. Certification for one fire door core type (e.g. E-Core) does not automatically cover another (e.g. Pyropanel). Installers and specifiers should confirm the specific fire door core and frame combination in use is covered by the available test data. For assemblies not listed in the Secur-a-Latch test data, contact Touchwood Doors before specifying. See also our guide to fire door types and certification.
With ten finishes available, the Secur-a-Latch can be matched to most architectural hardware specifications. The two stock finishes - US19 Flat Black and US26D Satin Chrome - are generally available without extended lead time. All other finishes are supplied to order. Confirm lead times with Touchwood Doors before specifying non-stock finishes on time-sensitive projects.
When retrofitting the Secur-a-Latch over an existing privacy guard, the three-point fixing arrangement provides a stable mount and the compact footprint typically avoids conflict with existing door furniture. Self-adhesive decals are available from the manufacturer to cover holes left by the previous guard installation. Refer to the Touchwood Doors datasheet (available below) for full installation guidance and fixing dimensions.
Warranty terms for the Secur-a-Latch are not published in the available product datasheet. Contact Touchwood Doors (ASSA ABLOY) directly for warranty information applicable to your supply.
Touchwood Doors - Ph: 07 3519 5885 | E: enquiries.touchwood@assaabloy.com
Secur-a-Latch Product Datasheet (Touchwood Doors / ASSA ABLOY)
What's in the Box - Secur-a-Latch Privacy Latch
- 1 x Secur-a-Latch Privacy Latch
Secur-a-Latch - Product Datasheet
Secur-a-Latch Product Datasheet (Touchwood Doors / ASSA ABLOY)
