Maintenance & Corrosion
Latches must have the explosion-venting feature tested periodically to insure that corrosion and/or build-up of foreign materials has not affected the mechanism. Under normal operation conditions, lubricate the bearing pin within the laminated cam with an SAE 30-50 high temperature oil EVERY TWO MONTHS.
Model 3H and 4H latches should have the set screws in the handle tightened as needed.
We recommend the Brixon® 90 Series all stainless steel investment cast latches for most corrosive applications.
Maintenance of all Brixon® latches is important at regular intervals.
If you need further information on maintenance of Brixon® latches or if you wish to replace your latches with corrosion resistant latches, contact Brixon.
Our model 91, 2, 3, 83, 93, 84 & 94 latches are available with the following options for corrosion resistance.
Brixon® Model SP2B sparkproof Brass, and SP2A sparkproof Aluminum latches are also available for exterior or interior corrosive applications.
Iron latches can rust and could subsequently freeze up so that the latch could become a lock and would not open if there were an explosion. In prior Product Information Packages, Brixon has always warned against the use of iron latches in exterior or interior corrosive applications and if despite our warnings they continue to be used, we strongly suggest that they be replaced by a latch recommended for corrosive conditions to avoid possible accidents or injury.
Aluminum will oxidize and discolor with time, but the discoloration will not affect the strength or overall life of aluminum. It may be difficult, however, to distinguish corrosion from discoloration.
Salt or corrosive atmospheres can cause aluminum to break down and become weakened. At the spot of corrosion, powdering will occur and also pitting of the latch body or strike. For this reason Brixon suggests that aluminum should be preserved with a protective coating if it is exposed to corrosive conditions. Black E Coat and Duplex anodizing are options available to preserve aluminum.
Spark proof Brass latches are corrosion resistant and are available in our #2 model only. For marine conditions with heavy salt corrosion such as on ships or on oil rigs at sea, an aluminum bronze can be special ordered in the #2 model. (See "LIMITATIONS" section.)
**Brixon uses the following stainless steel alloys: 15-7, 301, 302, 303 and 304, 416 (hardened & passivated), and 316
Model 3H and 4H latches should have the set screws in the handle tightened as needed.
NOTICE FOR LATCHES IN EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
Regular Brixon® iron safety latches (which are designed for interior use) are not recommended for exterior or corrosive applications.We recommend the Brixon® 90 Series all stainless steel investment cast latches for most corrosive applications.
Maintenance of all Brixon® latches is important at regular intervals.
- Check to see that the latch is properly lubricated.
- Open the door to make sure all parts are free to move.
If you need further information on maintenance of Brixon® latches or if you wish to replace your latches with corrosion resistant latches, contact Brixon.
Our model 91, 2, 3, 83, 93, 84 & 94 latches are available with the following options for corrosion resistance.
| Paint | Powder Coat | E-Coat | Duplex Anodize | Chrome Plate | Nickel Plate | Galvanize | Electropolish | Polished Brass & Electropolish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Aluminum | X | X | X | ||||||
| Brass | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Stainless Steel | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Steel | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Brixon® Model SP2B sparkproof Brass, and SP2A sparkproof Aluminum latches are also available for exterior or interior corrosive applications.
Iron latches can rust and could subsequently freeze up so that the latch could become a lock and would not open if there were an explosion. In prior Product Information Packages, Brixon has always warned against the use of iron latches in exterior or interior corrosive applications and if despite our warnings they continue to be used, we strongly suggest that they be replaced by a latch recommended for corrosive conditions to avoid possible accidents or injury.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: CORROSION
Stainless steel** internal parts should last approximately five times as long as steel parts depending on the severity of the corrosive atmosphere. Trace metals in stainless steel tend to create chromium oxide coating which can be attacked by a wet chloride ion in marine conditions, and eventually rust will occur. Only the end-user can know the severity of corrosive conditions, and proper, regular maintenance becomes even more important under severe corrosive conditions.Aluminum will oxidize and discolor with time, but the discoloration will not affect the strength or overall life of aluminum. It may be difficult, however, to distinguish corrosion from discoloration.
Salt or corrosive atmospheres can cause aluminum to break down and become weakened. At the spot of corrosion, powdering will occur and also pitting of the latch body or strike. For this reason Brixon suggests that aluminum should be preserved with a protective coating if it is exposed to corrosive conditions. Black E Coat and Duplex anodizing are options available to preserve aluminum.
Spark proof Brass latches are corrosion resistant and are available in our #2 model only. For marine conditions with heavy salt corrosion such as on ships or on oil rigs at sea, an aluminum bronze can be special ordered in the #2 model. (See "LIMITATIONS" section.)
**Brixon uses the following stainless steel alloys: 15-7, 301, 302, 303 and 304, 416 (hardened & passivated), and 316