Emergency function on door cylinders

Do you want to prevent a door from becoming impossible to unlock from the outside when a key has been left in the cylinder on the inside? A door cylinder with an emergency function can provide the solution.

This function allows a double Euro profile cylinder to be operated from one side, even when a key is already inserted on the other side. This can be particularly useful in homes and other entrance doors shared by several people.

Please note: The emergency function in a door cylinder is not the same as a panic function in emergency exit hardware or an escape door system. This page specifically explains the function of the door cylinder.

How Does the Emergency Function Work?

With a standard double Euro profile cylinder, a key inserted on one side may prevent the cylinder from being operated from the other side. This depends on the cylinder's construction.

In a cylinder with an emergency function, the mechanical coupling has been modified. The rotation of the cam is not dependent on which key was inserted first.

As a result, keys can remain inserted on both sides of the cylinder while the cam can still be operated from either side. You can therefore unlock the door with a second key without first removing the key on the opposite side.

When Is an Emergency Function Useful?

An emergency function is particularly useful when a key is regularly left in the cylinder on the inside, while other people still need to unlock the door from outside.

For example, consider the front door of a family home. If someone leaves their key in the cylinder on the inside, other household members can still enter using their own keys.

This function can also be a practical solution for entrance doors shared by several users.

Which Cylinder Type Do You Need?

The emergency function is intended for double Euro profile cylinders. These cylinders are operated with a key from both sides of the door.

A thumbturn cylinder offers a different solution. It has a fixed thumbturn on the inside, allowing you to operate the door without a key.

The difference lies in how the cylinder is operated:

• Double Euro profile cylinder with emergency function: Key operation from both sides, even when a key is already inserted on the opposite side.

• Thumbturn cylinder: Key operation from the outside and a thumbturn on the inside.

Which option is most suitable depends on the door and how it is used.

Explore our range of double Euro profile cylinders and thumbturn cylinders to compare the available options.

Emergency Function on ISEO Euro Profile Cylinders

The emergency function can be incorporated into double Euro profile cylinders across all ISEO cylinder series. It is built into the cylinder as an additional feature.

This means you are not limited to one specific ISEO series. The function can also be selected for other series within the range.

Explore our range of ISEO Euro Profile Cylinders to discover the different series and available options.

Can an Existing Cylinder Be Modified?

Whether an existing cylinder can be retrofitted with an emergency function depends on the brand and cylinder series. You should therefore not assume that a standard cylinder can easily be modified.

If you need a different cylinder or want to change the configuration of your existing one, replacing the cylinder may be a suitable solution.

Read our guide on how to replace a door cylinder.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Emergency Function

Does the Emergency Function Work When Keys Are Inserted on Both Sides?

Yes. That is precisely what this function is designed for. The cylinder can be operated from either side, even when a key is inserted on the opposite side.

Is an Emergency Function the Same as a Freewheel Function?

No. These are two different technical functions. An emergency function allows the cylinder to be operated from the opposite side when a key is already inserted. A freewheel function relates to how the cam operates when no key is inserted.

Learn more on our page about the freewheel function on door cylinders.

Is an Emergency Function Available on a Thumbturn Cylinder?

A thumbturn cylinder already has a fixed thumbturn on the inside, allowing the cylinder to be operated without a key. An emergency function therefore offers no practical additional benefit for this type of cylinder.

Is the Emergency Function Included as Standard on ISEO Cylinders?

No. The emergency function is an additional feature that must be specified when ordering. It is available for double Euro profile cylinders across all ISEO cylinder series.