McGrath Bardon Smart Lock — Raised Buttons with Braille, Fire Assessed, DDA Compliant Lever
The McGrath Bardon is a commercial-grade digital smart lock designed for residential and commercial applications, including high-traffic environments where durability, compliance, and reliable access management are non-negotiable. It combines raised tactile keypad buttons with Braille markings, a DDA-compliant lever handle, and fire assessment credentials — making it one of the few smart locks in Australia that addresses all three requirements in a single platform.
The Bardon is assessed to achieve up to FRL -/120/30 when installed on compliant Firecore or E-Core fire doorsets with the approved McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock, fitted exactly as assessed. The mortice lock is specified and purchased separately. Management is via the McGrath Locks mobile app over Bluetooth, with optional remote access when paired with a compatible McGrath gateway — see Chapter 14 — Bluetooth vs Gateway for what changes when a gateway is added.
Access methods include keypad PIN, RFID credential, Bluetooth eKey, and mechanical key override (available only with ANSI mortice configurations). The IP66-rated external housing suits exposed commercial door positions.
Same day if ordered before 11am AEST (excluding weekends and QLD public holidays)
The Bardon is built for demanding commercial environments. Raised tactile buttons with Braille markings improve usability in high-traffic and low-vision settings. The tempered glass screen and IP66-rated housing are specified for durability. For context on how build quality affects smart lock lifespan in Australian conditions, see How Long Do Digital Door Locks Last?
The Bardon is fire assessed in accordance with AS 1530.4 and AS 1905.1 for use on Firecore or E-Core doorsets when installed with the McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock, fitted exactly as assessed, with the deadbolt disabled. Mortice lock sold separately. Fire performance is system-based. See Chapter 05 — Fire Door Core Types for the difference between Firecore, E-Core and Pyropanel doorsets.
Lever design meets the requirements of AS 1428.1-2009. Raised tactile keypad buttons with Braille markings improve usability for visually impaired users. Suitable for NDIS, SDA, and applications referencing the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010. See Chapter 09 — the Disability Discrimination Act and Premises Standards for compliance guidance.
Available Finish Options
Black
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Satin Nickel
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Finish selection does not affect functionality, compliance, or performance.
Access Methods
The Bardon supports four credential types. For a detailed comparison of how each method works and which suits your application, see Chapter 03 — Access Methods compared in the Buyer's Guide.
Key Features
- Commercial-grade construction — raised tactile keypad buttons with Braille markings, tempered glass screen, IP66-rated external housing.
- PIN codes, RFID credentials, Bluetooth eKeys, and mechanical key override (ANSI mortice configurations only).
- DDA-compliant lever handle suitable for applications referencing AS 1428.1-2009.
- Fire assessed to FRL -/120/30 on Firecore or E-Core doorsets with approved ANSI mortice and deadbolt disabled.
- Lock and user management via the McGrath Locks App using Bluetooth or remote access via optional gateway.
- Passage mode for temporarily holding doors unlocked during business hours or access periods.
- Anti-peep PIN entry allows random digits before or after the correct code to reduce observation risk.
- Audit trail within the app records door access activity.
- IP66-rated external housing for dust and high-pressure water resistance. The internal battery compartment is not IP rated and must not get wet.
- USB-C emergency power port allows temporary operation from a power bank.
What's in the Box
- Exterior lock assembly
- Interior lock assembly
- Drill positioning template
- 2 x backup mechanical keys
- 2 x RFID access tags
- Mounting screws
- Mini security screwdriver
- Installation guide
Mortice lock not included. A McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock, or compatible European mortice, or tubular latch must be specified separately.
Suitable Uses
- Commercial offices, strata buildings, and shared access areas with high daily use
- Fire-rated doorsets when installed in approved Firecore or E-Core configurations with correct mortice
- Accessible door applications referencing DDA / AS 1428.1-2009
- NDIS and Specialist Disability Accommodation housing requiring accessible, non-biometric smart lock solutions — see Chapter 09 — Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Residential entry and internal doors where raised button usability is required
- Mixed-use commercial and residential buildings requiring fire and DDA compliance in a single lock
Item Code Family — McGrath Fire Assessed Smart Locks
Specifications
Dimensions
Battery, Power & Backup Access
- Powered by 4 x AA alkaline batteries (not included). Terry's Locksmiths recommends Duracell above other battery brands.
- Typical battery life up to 12 months based on approximately 10 uses per day.
- Low battery alerts provided both within the McGrath Locks App and audibly at the lock.
- USB-C emergency power port allows temporary operation from a power bank if batteries are depleted.
- Mechanical key override available only when installed with a McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock — not available with tubular latch or European mortice configurations.
- User access credentials are retained during battery replacement.
Wi-Fi Remote Access (Optional)
This smart lock does not include native Wi-Fi connectivity. Remote access and management features are available only when the lock is paired with a compatible McGrath Locks gateway. When a gateway is installed, users can remotely unlock the door, issue or revoke access credentials, and view access activity through the McGrath Locks App from anywhere with an internet connection.
For guidance on selecting the right gateway model, see Chapter 14 — Choosing the Right Gateway or our McGrath gateway generations comparison.
McGrath gateways connect over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. On modern dual-band routers, the single most common cause of gateway connection failure is band steering — read Chapter 08 on the band-steering problem before setup. If a connected gateway later keeps dropping offline, see Chapter 13's FAQ on Wi-Fi dropouts.
Not sure whether you need a gateway at all? See Do You Actually Need a Gateway?
Fire Assessment
- Fire assessed as door hardware in accordance with AS 1530.4 and AS 1905.1 when installed on compliant Firecore or E-Core fire doorsets.
- Assessed to achieve up to FRL -/120/30 when installed with McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock and fitted exactly as tested.
- The deadbolt function must be disabled for fire door installations.
- Fire performance is system-based and is limited by the FRL of the doorset used.
- Mortice lock is not included and must be specified and purchased separately.
For a full explanation of how the FRL three-number system works and how fire-door hardware is certified under AS 1905.1, see Chapter 11 — AS 1905.1 and FRL ratings explained.
Looking for other fire-assessed smart lock options or more guidance?
We stock a range of smart locks suitable for fire door applications when installed in approved configurations. To view our full range:
Browse Fire-Rated Smart Locks for Fire Doors
Further reading:
Disability Act Compliance (DDA)
- Lever handle design meets the requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 for accessible door hardware.
- Raised tactile keypad buttons with Braille markings improve usability for visually impaired users — a feature not found on standard smooth-glass touchscreen smart locks.
- Designed to assist users with limited grip strength or dexterity.
- Suitable for applications referencing the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010.
- Lever compliance relates to handle design only and does not imply full building-level compliance.
For what AS 1428.1 compliance actually requires of door hardware, see Chapter 11 — AS 1428.1 explained, and for the wider range of accessible smart locks suited to NDIS and disability housing, see our guide to DDA smart locks in NDIS and disability housing.
F05 vs F54 ANSI Mortice Locks — What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
The difference between the McGrath F05 and F54 ANSI mortice locks is straightforward:
- F05 — latch-only mortice lock with no deadbolt.
- F54 — includes a mechanical deadbolt in addition to the latch.
For fire door installations, the F05 is usually the simpler and safer choice — the fire assessment requires the deadbolt to be disabled, which makes the F54's deadbolt redundant. The F54 is suited to applications where a mechanical deadbolt is specifically required outside of fire door contexts.
For detailed guidance on where the most fire-door compliance mistakes happen: F05 vs F54 — fire door compliance considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bardon supplied with a mortice lock?
No. The Bardon smart lock is supplied without a mortice lock. A compatible McGrath F05 or F54 ANSI mortice lock, European mortice, or tubular latch must be specified and purchased separately. Mechanical key override is only available with ANSI mortice configurations.
Can the Bardon be installed on a fire-rated door?
Yes, when installed on a compliant Firecore or E-Core doorset with the correct McGrath ANSI mortice lock, fitted exactly as assessed, and with the deadbolt function disabled. Fire performance is system-based — the complete doorset must comply.
Does the Bardon require internet access to operate?
No. The lock operates locally via Bluetooth using the McGrath Locks App without any internet connection. Remote access, remote unlocking, and credential management from outside the property require an optional Wi-Fi gateway.
What makes the Bardon different from the Hamilton or Stafford?
The Bardon's primary differentiator is its raised tactile keypad buttons with Braille markings, which make it specifically suited to high-traffic commercial environments and accessible applications where a smooth touchscreen alone is insufficient. The Hamilton adds fingerprint biometric access; the Stafford uses a similar raised button design with an adjustable latch. The Item Code Family table above provides a side-by-side comparison.
What door thickness does the Bardon support, and how do I confirm the backset?
The Bardon fits doors 35-55 mm thick. The backset depends on the mortice lock selected — confirm backset requirements against your chosen F05 or F54 ANSI mortice, European mortice, or tubular latch before ordering. See our guide to measuring your lock backset.
Additional Information
The Bardon is supplied without a mortice lock. For fire door compliance, the F05 is typically the better choice as the fire assessment requires the deadbolt to be disabled. The F54 is suited to non-fire-door applications where a mechanical deadbolt is also required. European mortice (85 mm or 92 mm centres) and tubular latch are also compatible — note that mechanical key override is not available with tubular latch or European mortice.
For fire door installations, the deadbolt function must be disabled and the lock must be installed exactly as assessed. Fire performance is conditional on the doorset FRL and the complete system configuration. Before drilling any apartment fire door, read Asbestos in Gold Coast Apartment Fire Doors — an important pre-drilling caution covering the three risk windows.
The raised button keypad with Braille markings is a specific feature for accessible and visually impaired environments — not all McGrath models carry this. For NDIS applications, see Chapter 09 — NDIS Assistive Technology funding for how accessible door hardware can be funded and what to confirm before specifying.
The external housing carries an IP66 rating, providing resistance to dust ingress and high-pressure water jets, which makes the Bardon suitable for exposed commercial door positions. The internal unit — which houses the battery compartment — is not IP rated and must not be exposed to water or moisture. For why coastal Gold Coast conditions are particularly hard on electronic locks, see The Realities of Electronic Door Locks — coastal environments.
The McGrath Locks app manages users, schedules, and access codes. For the full range of passcode types the platform supports — permanent, time-limited, one-time, and cyclic codes — see Chapter 14 — the six passcode types. For how the platform compares with other Australian app ecosystems on data residency and security, see Chapter 15 — Security & Data Sovereignty.
For an independent overview of the McGrath Locks range, the brand's position in the Australian market, and a comparison of fire and DDA-compliant models, see Chapter 10 — McGrath Brand Profile.
The McGrath Locks mobile app is a customised, McGrath-branded version of the TT Lock platform, tailored specifically for the McGrath Locks product range. The app is managed, supported, and distributed locally by McGrath Locks in Australia. Australian-based support staff handle warranty claims, app troubleshooting, and platform queries — you're not dealing with an overseas vendor. Cloud infrastructure is provided by TT Lock, a globally deployed IoT platform.
McGrath smart locks are backed by long-established industry partners and supported locally. To learn more about why we're confident backing McGrath smart locks long-term, read: Why Terry's Locksmiths, LSC & McGrath Locks Give Long-Term Confidence
The Bardon is one of McGrath Locks' named 24-month warranty models. 24-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. McGrath Locks will repair, replace, or refund at their discretion. Proof of purchase required for all claims. Named 24-month models: ALBION, ASCOT, WINDSOR, ULTRA SECUA, HAMILTON, BARDON and STAFFORD.
Returns & Warranty | McGrath Locks Warranty
What's in the Box — Complete Kit
- Exterior lock assembly
- Interior lock assembly
- Drill positioning template
- 2 x backup mechanical keys
- 2 x RFID access tags
- Mounting screws
- Mini security screwdriver
- Installation guide
Mortice lock not included. Purchase separately: McGrath F05 ANSI Mortice or McGrath F54 ANSI Mortice.
Dimensions
McGrath Locks Warranty
Warranty Summary
How to Make a Claim
- Contact Terry's Tradies Pty Ltd and its associated websites, trading names, and subsidiaries (the place of purchase) within the applicable warranty period.
- Supply your proof of original purchase — a receipt or tax invoice is required.
- Provide a clear description of the fault and your contact details.
- You may be asked to return the product for assessment before a remedy is determined.
- McGrath Locks will, at their discretion, repair the product, replace it with the same or an equivalent model, or provide a refund of the purchase price.
Exclusions
This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Products that have been disassembled
- Damage caused by improper handling, incorrect installation, misuse, abuse, neglect, modification, or accident
- Installation by unlicensed persons (including non-licensed locksmiths or technicians)
- Products not used in accordance with the supplied instructions
- Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality
- Labour or installation costs related to the removal or reinstallation of products
- Exposure to conditions outside normal environmental use
- Work completed before warranty approval
- Damage caused by battery leakage, battery failure, or force majeure
Important Notes
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
Further Information
It can be overwhelming with all the choices out there. We can help! We are experts with decades of experience in fitting locks of all types, not just Smart Locks. It is a free service we offer, and with just some photos and a few minutes of your time you can get expert advice and product recommendations tailored precisely to suit your needs.
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