North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What does the term 'positive latching' indicate about a door?

1. It requires key access for opening

2. It must be manually locked after closing

3. It automatically engages the latch when closed

4. It allows push access without locking

The correct answer is: It automatically engages the latch when closed

The term 'positive latching' indicates that when a door is closed, the latch mechanism automatically engages, securing the door in place without requiring additional manual effort. This feature ensures that the door is effectively latched shut immediately upon being closed, thereby enhancing security and convenience. By automatically engaging the latch, positive latching systems help prevent accidental openings, and they are particularly useful in high-traffic areas where doors may be frequently opened and closed. Considering the other options, requiring key access for opening pertains to locks that necessitate authorization with a key, but does not address the latching mechanism. The need for manual locking after closing suggests a latch that does not automatically secure the door, which is contrary to the principle of positive latching. Allowing push access without locking implies that the door is not secured, contrasting the security provided by a positive latching mechanism. Thus, the concept of positive latching fundamentally revolves around the automatic engagement of the latch to secure the door immediately after closure.