Sargent 8204 LE1J Trim Storeroom or Closet Function Mortise Lockset

The Sargent 8204 LE1J brings the full architectural presence of the Sargent 8200 Series mortise platform to storeroom and closet openings that demand both a refined appearance and uncompromising mechanical performance. The LE1 full escutcheon frames the opening with a broad, continuous plate that reads as a deliberate design choice rather than an afterthought, while the J lever delivers a substantial, confident grip that suits institutional and commercial interiors alike. Built around the 8204 Storeroom / Closet function (ANSI F07), this lockset controls access from the outside by key alone, keeps inside egress always free, and holds the latch positively with an auxiliary deadlatch — making it the correct specification wherever controlled single-occupancy or secure storage access is required without a deadbolt or thumbturn.

8204 Storeroom / Closet Function — ANSI F07 Key-Only Outside Entry

The 8204 (ANSI F07) is a single-cylinder storeroom and closet function: the outside trim is locked at all times and only a key retracts the latchbolt from that side. Inside, the lever always retracts the latch freely, ensuring unobstructed egress. There is no deadbolt, no thumbturn, and no occupancy indicator — the 8204 is purpose-built for controlled-access storage or service openings.

• Key-Only Outside Entry: Turning a key in the outside cylinder is the sole means of retracting the latchbolt from the corridor side — the outside trim does not turn in the locked state. This makes the 8204 correct for storerooms and supply closets where access must be credential-controlled at all times without the ability to simply push a button or flip a thumbturn.
• Always-Free Inside Egress: The inside lever always retracts the latchbolt regardless of the outside locked condition. Because egress is never interrupted, the 8204 satisfies life-safety egress requirements for occupied storage spaces without requiring a separate override device.
• Auxiliary Deadlatch — Stainless Steel, Non-Handed: The stainless steel auxiliary deadlatch is depressed by the strike when the door closes, preventing the latchbolt from being pushed back silently with a tool. Being non-handed, it functions correctly on any door swing without adjustment, which also simplifies field re-handing of the lock body.
• Anti-Friction Stainless Steel Latch: The one-piece latchbolt is stainless steel with a 3/4" (19mm) throw and an anti-friction feature that reduces the force needed to close the door against the strike. The Multi-Function 8200 lockbody that carries this latch is the same case used across nine functions in the 8200 Series, meaning replacement parts and lock bodies are broadly interchangeable across a project.

LE1 Full Escutcheon and J Lever — Architectural Presence at Every Opening

The LE1 escutcheon is a full-plate trim that covers the lock area with a clean vertical face, giving the opening a formal, architectural character that a rose-mount trim cannot match. Paired with the J lever — a design with a solid, ergonomic profile — the combination reads as intentional and considered, appropriate for institutional corridors, hospitality back-of-house, and commercial interiors where hardware finish is part of the design narrative.

• 30-Degree Lever Rotation: Only 30 degrees of lever rotation is required to fully retract the latchbolt. That shallow arc reduces the wrist effort needed for each operation — a practical benefit on a heavily trafficked opening and a factor in meeting accessibility requirements.
• ADA Lever Operation: The J lever complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act; consult local authorities to confirm application to your specific jurisdiction and installation conditions.
• Lever Springs Inside the Case: The lever return springs are contained inside the lock case rather than in the trim itself. This means the escutcheon and lever can be removed or replaced in the field without disturbing or losing the spring mechanism — a meaningful advantage during finish changes or trim upgrades after initial installation.
• Through-Bolted, Interchangeable Trim: To ensure proper alignment, the LE1 escutcheon trim is through-bolted and fully interchangeable between rose and escutcheon configurations. The LE1 escutcheon is handed trim — LH, RH, LHR, or RHR must be specified at time of order. Six architectural finishes are offered: 626 Satin Chrome, 630 Satin Stainless, 613E Oil Rubbed Bronze Equal, 605 Polished Brass, 612 Satin Bronze, and 625 Polished Chrome.

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: The 8204 LE1J is certified to and exceeds the highest ANSI/BHMA mortise lock standard with standard trims. Note: LFIC and SFIC cylinder options do not meet Security Grade 1 requirements — specify the LA or LC cylinder options when Security Grade 1 must be maintained.
• 16 Million Cycle Endurance — 16× the ANSI Requirement: The Sargent 8200 Series completed UL above-and-beyond cycle testing at 16 million cycles, exceeding the ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1 cycle requirement by a factor of sixteen (Verification ID: V584148). For a storeroom opening that may see dozens of operations per day, that margin is meaningful assurance of long service life.
• 12-Gauge Zinc Dichromate-Plated Steel Case: The lock case is 12-gauge heavy-duty wrought steel, zinc dichromate plated, at 7/64" (3mm) /.109" thickness — a heavy-duty case construction appropriate for demanding commercial and institutional environments.
• Cold Forged Steel Hubs and High-Carbon Steel Spring Cartridge: The 8200 Series uses cold forged steel hubs (not sintered iron) together with a high-carbon steel spring cartridge, providing superior strength and cycle life specifically in the 8200 platform.
• UL / cUL 3-Hour Fire Door Listed and UL 10C Positive Pressure: The 8204 is UL and cUL Listed for A-label 4×10 single and 8×10 double (3-hour fire door) and lesser-class doors; the armored front is stamped with the letter F and the UL symbol to confirm listing. It also meets ANSI/UL 10C Positive Pressure Fire Test of Door Assemblies.
• 10-Year Limited Mechanical Warranty: Sargent backs the 8200 Series lock body with a 10-year limited mechanical warranty (warranty limited to replacement of the lock body), reflecting confidence in the platform's long-term durability.

Technical Specifications

Ordering & Installation Information

The 8204 LE1J installs to ANSI/SDI A250.14 door prep, modified per template 7057, with a fixed 2-3/4" (70mm) backset — no other backset is available, so verify the door's existing prep before ordering. A 4-1/2" (114mm) minimum stile is required; doors with narrower stiles cannot accept this lockset. Standard door thickness is 1-3/4" (44mm), though the 8200 Series is offered for doors from 1-3/8" to 6" — confirm thickness requirements at time of specification. The lock body is field reversible without opening the case, but this trim is handed: specify LH, RH, LHR, or RHR when ordering. Cylinder options for this listing are LC (Less Cylinder), LA Keyway, 60 (LFIC Less Core), and 70 (SFIC Less Core); note that LFIC and SFIC options do not meet ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Security Grade 1. The LA keyway supports master keying and grand master keying; two nickel silver keys are included. Six finishes are available: 626, 630, 613E, 605, 612, and 625. Allow 3–4 weeks for factory order. The broader Sargent 8200 Series also offers MicroShield antimicrobial coating, status indicators, ElectroLynx electro-mechanical configurations, push/pull ALP trim, and vandalism-deterrent secure-fastener trim as separately specified options.