Tell LC1284 CTL Classroom Lock

The Tell LC1284 CTL is a Grade 1 commercial classroom lever lock built for schools and other secure institutional doors, with the durability of premium hardware at a value price. The classroom function (ANSI F84) is purpose-built for the classroom door: a deadlocking latchbolt operated by the lever from either side, where the outside lever is locked and unlocked only by key from the outside, and the inside lever always operates the latch for free exit. A teacher locks or unlocks the door from the corridor with a key, and no one inside can ever be locked in, which is exactly the behavior a classroom needs. The LC1284 is non-handed, UL fire listed, and part of Tell's LC1200 Grade 1 series.

How the classroom function works

This is the heart of why you'd specify the LC1284, so it's worth being precise. With the classroom function, the outside lever is controlled entirely by key from the outside: insert the key and turn to lock the outside lever (so the door is secured against entry), turn the other way to unlock it. There's no button or thumbturn on the inside to fumble with, the locking is done from the hallway by key. Meanwhile the inside lever always retracts the latch, so anyone in the room can always exit freely, which is the core life-safety requirement.

That key-from-outside-only control is the traditional classroom lock behavior: a teacher can lock the door from the corridor (including during a lockdown) without stepping inside, and occupants are never trapped. The deadlocking latchbolt resists being shimmed or carded once the door is closed, adding security. For schools, training rooms, labs, and any supervised space that needs keyed exterior control with guaranteed free egress, this is the function to spec.

Grade 1 performance at a value

The LC1284 is built to the top commercial rating: ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Series 4000, Grade 1, tested to 800,000 cycles, and UL listed for 3-hour fire doors, important for the rated corridor doors common in schools. The lever is solid cast and non-handed, the latch is stainless steel with a 1/2" throw, and it fits standard 161 door prep with through-bolting on doors 1-3/8" to 2" thick. Tell delivers that genuine Grade 1 durability and fire rating at a lower cost than premium brands, which is why it's a popular classroom-security spec for budget-conscious districts that still need real Grade 1 hardware.

Keys into virtually any system

This is a practical advantage for schools managing an existing key system. The LC1284 comes with a Schlage C 6-pin cylinder standard, but it's available in a wide range of keyways, Schlage E and F, Arrow A, Corbin 60 and 59A1, Corbin Russwin L4, Russwin D1, Sargent LA, Weiser E, Yale 8 and GA, and more. It's also available prepped for BEST small format interchangeable cores (less core, or with a BEST A through U core), so it drops onto an existing BEST IC system. Full keying options include keyed different, keyed alike, master keyed, grand master keyed, and construction master keying, so the LC1284 fits right into a school's master key hierarchy.

Tell LC1284 CTL specifications

• Function: Classroom, ANSI F84. Deadlocking latch, lever both sides. Outside lever locked/unlocked by key from outside only. Inside lever always free.

• Grade: ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Series 4000, Grade 1. 800,000 cycles. UL listed 3-hour fire door. Non-handed.

• Lever: Solid cast, non-handed.

• Latch: Stainless steel, 1/2" throw, 1-1/8" x 2-1/4" square corner faceplate, 1" housing. 2-3/4" backset.

• Strike: ANSI ASA 1-1/4" x 4-7/8" square corner standard. T strike and F strike available.

• Door range: 1-3/8" to 2". Fits 161 prep with through-bolting. 2-1/8" lever bore, 1" latch bore.

• Cylinder: Schlage C 6-pin standard. Many keyways available (Schlage E/F, Arrow, Corbin, Russwin, Sargent, Weiser, Yale). BEST SFIC prep (less core or with core).

• Keying: KD, KA, MK, GMK, CMK, IC uncombinated, 0-bitted. Two nickel silver keys per cylinder.

• Warranty: 5-year limited.

Why choose the Tell LC1284

Tell Manufacturing builds value-focused commercial hardware, and the LC1284 is a genuine Grade 1 classroom lock without the premium price. You get the correct classroom-security function (keyed exterior control, free interior egress), 800,000-cycle durability, a UL 3-hour fire listing, a deadlocking latch, non-handed installation, and a huge range of cylinder and keying options that let it join your building's key system. For schools and institutional buildings that need real Grade 1 classroom locks on a budget, the LC1284 is a smart, practical choice.

One thing to confirm before ordering: the LC1284 is the classroom function (F84, key locks the outside lever from outside). If you need a different behavior, the LC1200 series also offers entrance (LC1281), office (LC1282), storeroom (LC1286), privacy (LC1276), and passage (LC1275). Choose your cylinder keyway or BEST IC prep, finish, and keying to match your system.

Order the Tell LC1284 from American Locksets

We stock the full Tell LC1200 series from authorized distribution, so every lock ships with the manufacturer warranty. Compare functions in the Tell LC1200 Series Grade 1 category, see all Tell lever locks, or browse all commercial locks.