Sargent 8204 LE1F Trim Storeroom or Closet Function Mortise Lockset

The Sargent 8204 LE1F brings together the proven engineering of the Sargent 8200 Series mortise lockset with a clean, plate-mounted escutcheon presentation designed to reinforce and protect the door face while delivering a refined architectural appearance. Built to the 8204 Storeroom or Closet function (ANSI F07), this trim code pairs the LE1 Escutcheon with the F lever — a combination that suits commercial and institutional interiors where controlled entry with unrestricted egress is the governing requirement. Certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Series 1000 Operational Grade 1 and Security Grade 1 with standard trims, the 8204 LE1F is an appropriate specification for storerooms, utility closets, and similar spaces demanding reliable, key-controlled access with a finish and form that integrates cleanly into contemporary commercial interiors.

8204 Storeroom / Closet Function — ANSI F07: Key-Controlled Entry, Always-Free Egress

The ANSI F07 function is purpose-built for spaces that must stay locked to outside entry at all times yet permit immediate free egress from within. The outside trim is permanently locked — no pushbutton, no thumbturn — so the room cannot be left unsecured by accident. Entry requires a key every time, while the inside lever always retracts the latchbolt without a key or any additional action.

• Key-Only Outside Entry: The outside trim is locked at all times and requires a key to retract the latchbolt — there is no pushbutton hold-back and no thumbturn. This single-cylinder, storeroom-grade design means access is not granted from the outside without the correct key.
• Always-Free Inside Egress: The inside lever retracts the latchbolt at all times without a key, ensuring occupants can exit immediately. This is the defining characteristic of the storeroom function and the reason it is correctly specified wherever unimpeded egress from a secured room is required.
• Stainless Steel Auxiliary Deadlatch: The auxiliary deadlatch is stainless steel and non-handed. When the door closes, the deadlatch automatically guards the latchbolt against being pushed back by shimming — an important detail on a door that is locked continuously from the outside.
• Anti-Friction Latchbolt and Multi-Function Lockbody: The one-piece stainless steel latchbolt features a 3/4" (19mm) throw with an anti-friction design that reduces door-closing force for smoother, quieter latching. The lockbody is Sargent's multi-function case — the same body that supports nine different ANSI functions — so hardware can be re-specified to a different function in the future without replacing the door preparation.

LE1 Escutcheon and F Lever: Plate-Mounted Precision for Commercial Interiors

The LE1 Escutcheon presents a full escutcheon plate at the lock area, creating a substantial, door-reinforcing mounting surface that frames the F lever with a clean, uncluttered profile. The plate-mounted format distinguishes this trim from rose-mounted configurations, making it well suited to modern commercial and institutional interiors where a strong horizontal visual line is the design intent.

• Escutcheon Plate Construction: The LE1 Escutcheon spans the lock area as a full plate, providing a solid mounting surface for the F lever. Because the lever and cylinder are carried on this plate, alignment and rigidity are maintained across the full span of the trim — the catalog specifies that trim shall be through-bolted and fully interchangeable between rose and escutcheon configurations.
• 30-Degree Lever Operation: Only 30 degrees of lever rotation are required to fully retract the latchbolt. This low-effort, short-arc operation reduces hand and wrist strain during repeated use — a practical advantage in high-traffic service corridors and utility areas — and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act; consult local authorities regarding jurisdiction-specific requirements.
• Lever Springs Inside the Case: The F lever's return springs are housed inside the lock case rather than in the trim assembly. This keeps the escutcheon plate profile clean and simplifies trim removal and reinstallation without disturbing the spring mechanism.
• Trim Handing — Order Carefully: This trim is handed and must be specified as LH, RH, LHR, or RHR at time of order. This is separate from the lock body, which is field reversible. Available finishes include 626 Satin Chrome, 630 Satin Stainless, 613E Oil Rubbed Bronze Equal, 605 Polished Brass, 612 Satin Bronze, and 625 Polished Chrome — select the finish at order to match the door hardware schedule.

Function (Sargent Catalog)

• Key outside retracts latchbolt
• Trim outside locked at all times
• Trim inside always retracts latchbolt
• Auxiliary deadlatch
• A Multi-Function 8200/7800 Lockbody

Key Product Features

• ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Series 1000 — Operational Grade 1 and Security Grade 1: Certified to and exceeding the highest ANSI/BHMA grade for mortise locksets with standard trims. Note that LFIC and SFIC cylinder options do not meet Security Grade 1 requirements — specify the LA keyway or Less Cylinder option when Security Grade 1 is required.
• 16 Million Cycle Durability — Verified: The 8200 Series completed UL cycle testing at 16 million cycles, exceeding the ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1 requirement by 16 times (Verification ID: V584148). For a storeroom lock used repeatedly throughout a facility's service life, this margin is meaningful.
• 12-Gauge Zinc-Dichromate Plated Steel Case: The lock case is 12-gauge heavy-duty wrought steel with a zinc dichromate plating, at 7/64" (3mm) /.109" thickness. The cold-rolled steel inside front holds the lock body securely in the door mortise.
• Cold Forged Steel Hubs and High-Carbon Steel Spring Cartridge: The 8200 Series uses cold forged steel hubs — not sintered iron — combined with a high-carbon steel spring cartridge. Together these components are rated for the superior strength and cycle life the 16-million-cycle test result confirms.
• UL/cUL 3-Hour Fire Door Listed and UL 10C Positive Pressure Tested: Listed to US and Canadian standards for A-label 4×10 single and 8×10 double (3-hour fire door) and lesser class doors. Also meets ANSI/UL 10C Positive Pressure Fire Test requirements — the armored front is stamped with the letter F and UL symbol to confirm listing at installation.
• 10-Year Limited Mechanical Warranty and Field-Reversible Lock Body: Sargent backs the 8200 Series with a 10-year limited mechanical warranty (warranty limited to replacement of lockbody). The lock body is field reversible — it can be re-handed without removing parts or opening the lock case — reducing installation time and the risk of ordering errors on mixed-hand openings.

Technical Specifications

Ordering & Installation Information

The Sargent 8204 LE1F requires door preparation per ANSI/SDI A250.14 modified per template 7057. The lockset is designed for doors 1-3/4" (44mm) thick standard, with a fixed 2-3/4" (70mm) backset — no other backset is available, so confirm the door and frame before ordering. A minimum 4-1/2" (114mm) stile width is required. The lock body is field reversible without opening the case; however, this trim is handed — specify LH, RH, LHR, or RHR with your order. Available door handings are LH, RH, LHR, and RHR. Finishes offered on this listing: 626 Satin Chrome, 630 Satin Stainless, 613E Oil Rubbed Bronze Equal, 605 Polished Brass, 612 Satin Bronze, and 625 Polished Chrome. Cylinder and keyway options are: LC (Less Cylinder), LA Keyway, 60 (LFIC Less Core), and 70 (SFIC Less Core); note that LFIC and SFIC cores do not meet ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Security Grade 1. Two nickel silver keys are included with keyed cylinders. This is a factory order item with a lead time of 3–4 weeks. The broader Sargent 8200 Series also offers optional configurations including electro-mechanical functions, MicroShield antimicrobial finish coating, status indicators, and security trim variants — consult the series catalog or your DoorwaysPlus representative for separately specified options.