occlocks

Occ locks, also known as occupancy locks or simply occlocks, are a type of locking mechanism commonly found in hotel rooms and other commercial establishments. They are designed to indicate whether a room is currently occupied or vacant. This is typically achieved through a visual indicator on the exterior of the door, often a small slide or rotating plate that can be set by the occupant. The indicator usually displays two distinct symbols or colors, such as red for occupied and green for vacant, or a symbol for "do not disturb" and another for "make up room."

The primary purpose of occ locks is to facilitate the work of housekeeping staff. When the indicator shows "vacant" or "make up room," housekeeping can enter the room to clean it. Conversely, when the indicator is set to "occupied" or "do not disturb," it signals to staff that the occupant is present and wishes not to be interrupted. This helps to prevent awkward encounters and ensures guest privacy.

While their function is straightforward, the design and implementation of occ locks can vary. Some are simple manual sliders, while others might be integrated into more complex electronic door lock systems. In some cases, the "occupied" setting might also serve as a security measure, preventing the door from being opened from the outside even with a key or card. The term "occlock" itself is a portmanteau of "occupancy" and "lock."