Single point latches: The perfect solution for every door
Whether in outdoor electrical installations for power supply, control modules in mechanical engineering, or electrical components in building technology – small housings must be securely locked to restrict access solely to authorized personnel and to protect sensitive components from environmental influences. In this context, factors such as sealing performance, stability, access security, and ease of operation play a crucial role. Single-point latches offer a reliable, compact, and economical solution here. But which variant is suitable for which area of application? A look at the different locking mechanisms and their properties will help you make the right choice.
Choosing the right latch for small housings depends on the specific requirements and the area of application. A key factor is whether the housing is to be used indoors or outdoors. While simple solutions are often sufficient for indoor environments, outdoor applications demand latches that withstand weather conditions and prevent unauthorized access. Mechanical loads acting on the latch from inside the door should also be considered. Once basic requirements – such as protection class, material resistance, and mechanical strength – are defined, the selection can be narrowed down further: Are simple quarter turns sufficient, or are compression latches more suitable because they guarantee a higher sealing performance due to the additional compression? Lockable versions are recommended where unauthorized access must be prevented. In environments with strong vibrations, safety quarter turns are useful to prevent unintentional opening. Quick and easy installation is also a key factor. Tool-free assembly systems, for example, offer advantages for housing manufacturers, especially in high-volume production.
A variety of functional concepts – from quarter turns to compression latches
Single-point latches are available in various designs. Simple quarter turns are a cost-effective solution for many applications. A 90° turn swings the locking cam behind the housing frame, securely locking the door. The EMKA portfolio offers customers a broad selection of materials, sizes and operating options. A particularly ergonomic option are quarter turns with handle. They enable convenient handling and transmit higher operating forces for opening and closing. EMKA offers various handle shapes and sizes, including L-handles, T-handles and knob handles.
The quarter turns with handle are available in stainless steel, steel, plastic and die-cast zinc as well as in special material combinations, ensuring the perfect solution for every application. To ensure security and prevent unauthorized access, versions with locking cylinders are available. They can only be opened with the matching key, which guarantees the protection of sensitive components. Despite the enhanced security, operation remains user-friendly and installation straightforward.
Compression latches provide optimum security
Compression latches are also a type of single-point latches. They are used wherever harsh environmental conditions require a particularly reliable sealing to effectively protect the inside of the housing. The mechanism of a compression latch differs from that of a simple quarter turn. Locking and tightening the door are two separate movement sequences here.
With the first 90° turn of the actuator, the locking cam swivels behind the frame and thus already locks the door. With a further 90° turn, the door is moved linearly in the direction of the housing frame and is usually pulled 6 mm against the gasket. This compression ensures a superior sealing performance of the compression latch.
Another advantage of this latch type is the increased ease of operation, since the actual locking motion is usually torque-free, and the door tightening against the gasket occurs only in the next step. EMKA now also offers customised solutions that close and compress after just a 90° turn. These solutions are often complemented by an opening indicator that visibly shows the latch position from the outside, further enhancing operational safety.
Benefits of safety quarter turns
Safety quarter turns are used in applications where increased vibrations occur that can cause the lock to open automatically. Safety quarter turn work with a special locking mechanism that requires two-stage actuation to open. This mechanism ensures that the lock remains secure even in the event of strong vibrations and does not open on its own. As it can only be operated from the outside, functionality is maintained even under extreme conditions. This makes safety quarter turns particularly suitable for use in mechanical engineering, railway vehicles or other demanding applications.
Suitable customised solutions for a wide range of industries
At EMKA, the technical core concepts of quarter turns are continuously refined and adapted to meet evolving requirements – always with the goal of fulfilling customer needs in the best possible way. One prime example is the quarter turn with profile half cylinder, offering an ideal combination of maximum access security and enhanced locking convenience. This is achieved through a housing that also functions as a handle, allowing even sealed small housings in control cabinet construction to be opened and closed with ease.
In the food and medical sectors, stringent hygiene and sealing requirements for locking systems are paramount. These are met, among other things, through the use of special moulding and suitable stainless steel materials and silicone gaskets.
As a result, the locking solutions fulfil the hygiene requirements of DIN EN 1672-2, DIN EN 14159, and EHEDG Doc. 8 and the gaskets meet the requirements of FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and Regulation 1935/2004. There are hygienic compression latches that offer protection class IP69k not only from the outside to the inside, but also inside the application if required. This highest protection class for electrical equipment guarantees tightness during high-pressure cleaning at close range and with high-temperature water (hot water).
In the caravan sector, the “Double Red” offers the perfect combination of function and design. This compression latch ensures secure, tight, and comfortable closure of caravan flaps – and clearly indicates when the latch is not yet closed. Primarily made of plastic, it also stands out for its low weight.
The compression latch is also ideally suited for use in railway vehicles. Since fire protection is a key factor in this application, stainless steel is the material of choice. EMKA has developed a specialized solution with an open-position indicator: If the compression latch is not fully closed, the cover protrudes at a clearly visible 90° angle. The latch is optionally available with coloured marking in the cover. Even under vibration, it stays securely closed and provides reliable protection against dust and water ingress.
Conclusion
Choosing the right single-point latch for small housings depends on a variety of factors. With its broad portfolio, EMKA ensures that there is a perfect solution for every specific requirement. Whether the focus is on sealing performance, ease of use, or high load-bearing capacity – the company offers locking solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing systems. Thanks to the high level of vertical integration, EMKA can react flexibly to customer requirements and supply durable, reliable products with high precision.