Product Spotlight: Southco EM Series Electronic Keepers
The Southco EM series is your affordable solution for new or retrofit applications in a variety of enclosures, both large and small. The EM Series Electronic Keepers provide greater versatility for a wide range of enclosure applications. Southco electronic keepers include: E-Keeper Electronic Strikes and Miniature Electronic Keeper Systems.
E-Keeper Electronic Strikes

Product Spotlight: Southco AC Actuators
Introducing Southco’s AC Series Actuators
Southco’s AC Series of actuators completes Southco’s system for remote actuation of light, medium, and heavy-duty rotary latches using a cable connection. Multiple cable placement options satisfy in-line and perpendicular cable orientations. Ample hand-grip promotes easy user operation while low protrusion improves enclosure aesthetics.

Product Spotlight: Southco R4-EM-9 Rotary Locks
Southco’s R4-EM-9 Series electromechanical rotary locks provide key features that are ideal for security monitoring on applications such as buses, RVs, point of sale product enclosures, and data storage/server enclosures. R4-EM-9 series locks are controlled by a microprocessor that provide the attached signal device with the lock status. For example, if the lock is connected to an electronic keypad the screen will show if the latch is open or locked.
R4-EM-9 Lock Settings
The R4-EM-9 rotary lock offers both auto relock or delayed relock settings.
Auto Relock
In this mode a signal device (such as a computer or keypad) is used to unlock the latch. When the door is pushed back to the closed position the latch automatically locks.
Delayed Relock
Like auto relock mode, the delayed relock mode uses a signal device to release the latch and open the door. However the delayed relock mode differs in that the signal device must also be used when closing the door. When the door is pushed shut the user must then use the signal device (keypad, computer, etc.) to reengage the lock and secure the door.
Additional R4-EM-9 Lock Features
- Simple two-hole installation
- Minimal power draw (energy efficient)
- Accommodation for existing control systems
- High electromechanical release load – (latch has a high resistance to breakage when force is applied.)
- Kick-out spring door assist (optional for delayed relock versions)
R4-EM-9 Part Configuration
Part configuration for the R4-EM-9 series electronic locks is relatively simple. By referring to the figure below you can identify the complete part number by selecting a trigger style and base mounting style. For additional details checkout the Southco R4-EM-9 rotary lock spec sheet.
Availability & Pricing for R4-EM-9 Series Electromechanical Rotary Locks
bisco industries is your local authorized distributor for Southco R4-EM-9 series locks. Visit biscoind.com to request pricing and availability at the click of a button.

Product Spotlight: Southco Heavy Duty AV-D40 Dynamic Display Mounts
AV-D40 Dynamic Display Mount Arms
Adding to their well known, reliable line of AV display mounts, Southco has just announced the launch of their AV-D40 dynamic mounting arms. The AV-D40 mounting arms holds larger, heavier displays securely in place for touchscreen applications, high vibration applications and unbalanced or uneven mounting surfaces.
This new series adds depth to Southco’s current display mount offering which currently consists of:
- Tilt, Swivel and Swing Arm Display Mounts (A Series)
- Tilt Display Mounts (T Series)
- Tilt and Swivel Display Mounts (K Series)
Features and benefits of the new AV-D40 display mounts include:
- Extended length, dual swing arm assembly maximizes reach
- VESA compliant and simple wall mount installation
- Integrated wire management channels for power cables
- Smooth exterior with minimal joints for ease of cleaning
- Validated for 20,000 cycles of operation without maintenance or adjustment
Learn More About AV-D40 Display Mounting Arms
As a premier authorized Southco distributor, bisco offers the product expertise to help you select the display mount that’s right for your project. Not only that but bisco provides the inventory to get your items to you on schedule once you’re ready to order. To learn more about the AV-D40 display mounts view the updated catalog here.
What is a Draw Latch?
Draw Latch Description
Draw latches operate on the principle of drawing two items together using tension. The main components of a draw latch assembly are the blade (a hooked plate or a wire formed loop), the keeper (a hooked plate that receives the blade), and the hinge. The tension is created when the blade is hooked to the keeper and clamped down. For typical draw latches the tension is released when the latch is rotated to a vertical positon and is applied when the latch is rotated to a horizontal position.
Draw Latch Styles
Despite shared functionality, draw latches come in many different styles.
Draw Latch Applications
Because of the simplicity and effectiveness of draw latches they are utilized in a large number of applications. Draw latch applications include HVAC systems, exhibits, signs, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, trucks, and lawn/garden equipment.
Learn More About Draw Latches
For more information about draw latches view these helpful catalog pages from Southco or contact bisco’s product support team.
Where to Buy Draw Latches
bisco industries offers a wide selection of draw latches from leading access hardware manufacturer, Southco. Visit biscoind.com to buy rotary draw latches, over-center draw latches and more.

Product Spotlight: Southco Electronic Locking Swinghandles
Southco’s H3-EM series electronic locking swinghandles are used widely to secure datacenters, industrial enclosures, medical equipment and many other applications. H3-EM swinghandles feature an energy efficient microprocessor controlled motor that provides state of the art locking capability. In addition, Southco’s electronic locking swinghandles are available with multiple manual key code options, card reader, and integrated biometric reader. These swinghandle locks are easily integrated into existing security systems and also offer remote monitoring and user tracking.
Key H3-EM Swinghandle Features
- Fits industry standard panel preps
- Easy integration with standard rack monitoring and security systems
- Integrated sensors for lock and latch status, monitoring and alarm functions
- Efficient gear motor design for low power consumption
- Momentary or continuous lock actuation with integrated manual override lock
bisco – Premier Distributor of H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandles
bisco has recently increased our stocking levels for Southco locks and latches including electronic locking swinghandles. Not only that, but bisco is a premier level Southco distributor enabling us to offer the most competitive pricing on the market. Our top selling H3-EM series swinghandles include H3-EM-60-10 and H6-EM-69-100. For product info, stock status, and pricing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week visit biscoind.com
What is a Grabber Catch Latch?
A grabber catch latch is a push-to-close style latch which locks when the hooked keeper is inserted into the catch and the cam rotates into the hook of the keeper creating the necessary tension to secure the latch in place. Grabber catch latches are typically actuated (unlocked) using electronic switches or pressure (pushing or squeezing the latch to release the cam). Grabber catch latches can be used on swinging or sliding doors and can be mounted to any orientation as long as the keeper and catch orientation correspond.
Advantages of Grabber Catch Latches
- Easy mounting and installation
- Extra closure force which minimizes space between the door and panel
Grabber Catch Latch Applications
- Automotive, Passenger Vehicles, Trucks
- Electronic Enclosures
- Exhibits/Signs
- Industrial Enclosures
- Vending Machines
Learn More About Grabber Catch Latches
One of the leading manufacturers of grabber catch latches in the world today is Southco. Southco offers a variety of grabber latch configurations including microswitch actutation and snap-in and side-mount installation. To learn more about grabber catch latches and to configure products view Southco’s grabber catch latch catalog. Popular Southco grabber catch latches include the C3-303, C3-310, and C3-810 latches.
Still have questions? bisco’s product support team is standing by to answer your questions. Just send us an email.

bisco Retains Premier Status with Southco
For the second year in a row, bisco industries has achieved premier status as a Southco authorized distributor. bisco’s overall Southco revenue growth, expanded marketing efforts, and training engagements were all key elements in securing Southco premier status for 2016.
Benefits of Southco Premier Status
As a premier authorized Southco distributor bisco is able to provide clients with special pricing even compared to other authorized Southco distributors. In addition, premier status enables bisco to provide faster delivery by stocking more Southco product in bisco’s seven North American distribution centers.
About Southco
Southco is the leading manufacturer of engineered access hardware solutions, including a wide variety of latches, locks, captive fasteners, quick access fasteners, hinges, and handles. Southco’s products are used for applications in the networking, telecommunications, computer, automotive, aerospace, mass transit, construction, industrial machinery, marine and HVAC industries. Southco is committed to connecting, creating and innovating to provide the best solution for every access engineering problem.
Find Southco Product Info & Stock
For more information on Southco products, to browse by product attribute, and to find pricing online visit the Southco microsite on biscoind.com.

Manufacturer Profile: Southco
Southco, Inc. was founded all the way back in 1899 as a specialty pipe manufacturer servicing the Pennsylvania oil industry. Today, their corporate headquarters is still in Pennsylvania but their product offering has exponentially expanded, along with their global presence. Southco is now the premier provider of engineered access hardware including products such as locks, latches, handles, hinges, and captive fasteners.
Combining Functionality & Aesthetics
Southco’s commitment to quality, performance, aesthetics, and ergonomics allow them to service countless industries. Southco latches and access hardware can be found in applications ranging from aircraft to consumer electronics. Southco provides solutions that are not only highly functional, but also visually pleasing. But, perhaps the biggest contributor to Southco’s success is their unparalleled quality. Southco is certified to both ISO9001 and ISO/TS 16949 standards.
Authorized Southco Distributor
bisco industries is a Diamond level Southco distributor allowing us to offer superior service, pricing, and availability compared to other Southco distributors. In addition, bisco recently increased our stocking levels for many of Southco’s top selling items including the Southco series listed below. Search biscoind.com to find pricing, availability, product info, and to place orders. Need further assistance? Contact a bisco representative near you.

What is a Captive Screw?
Captive screws are specially designed to lock into pre-drilled holes so that the screw can be fastened and unfastened without the screw being detached. One of the primary benefits of captive screws is that they provide secure fastening while reducing costs associated with lost screws or damage from foreign object debris (FOD). Captive screws are available in a variety of styles and materials to suite diverse application needs. Captive screws are frequently used in electronic enclosures, exhibits/signs, medical devices, and network cabinets.
Leading Captive Screw Manufacturers
- Southco
- Alcoa
- RAF
- Essentra
- PEM
- PSM
Learn More About Captive Screws
To learn more about captive screws, read this helpful article from IHS Engineering 360 or contact bisco’s industries’ customer support team. Be sure to visit bisco’s blog each Wednesday to learn about other commonly used fasteners and electronic components.