What is the eye hole in a door called?

The eye hole in a door is most commonly known as a peephole. A peephole is a small hole located in an exterior door that allows the occupant to see who is outside before opening the door. Peepholes are a basic security feature found in many front doors.

What is the Purpose of a Peephole?

A peephole serves several important purposes:

• Safety – It allows the occupant to see who is outside without opening the door. This helps assess any potential threat before allowing access.
• Privacy – It provides a way to identify visitors without fully revealing one’s self or home interior.
• Convenience – It enables screening guests or deliveries without the hassle of repeatedly opening the door.

Overall, a peephole gives peace of mind and control over one’s entryway. It is a simple way to improve home security.

What are the Different Types of Peepholes?

There are a few different types of peepholes commonly used:

Standard Peepholes

The most basic type is a standard peephole consisting of a small drilled hole fitted with a lens. Standard peepholes provide a basic field of view straight ahead.

Wide-Angle Peepholes

Wide-angle peepholes use a specialized lens to significantly expand the viewing angle compared to a standard peephole. This allows a more panoramic view of the entryway.

Security Peepholes

Security peepholes provide added protection features such as being recessed or consisting of one-way glass. This prevents tampering and blocks vision from the outside.

Smart Peepholes

Smart peepholes take capabilities a step further by integrating a camera and monitor screen. This enables seeing visitors from anywhere via a smartphone.

What are Peepholes Made of?

Peepholes consist of a few key components:

• Outer housing – Usually made of brass or steel for durability.
• Viewing lens – Typically made of glass or plastic. Provides magnification.
• Backing cup – Attaches peephole securely into door. Often plastic.

High-end peepholes may use higher-grade metals for enhanced security. The glass lens may also be treated for optimal light transmission and viewing clarity.

What is the Average Size of a Peephole?

The most common peephole diameter is about 0.5 inches. However, sizing can vary:

• Standard peepholes – 0.5 inches
• Wide-angle peepholes – 0.8 to 1 inch
• Security peepholes – 0.2 to 0.4 inches

Larger diameters allow for a wider field of view. However, most peepholes remain fairly small and discreet.

Where Should a Peephole be Positioned on a Door?

Proper peephole height helps optimize the line of sight. General recommendations include:

• Standard height – 48 to 52 inches from floor
• Accessible height – 43 inches from floor
• Children’s height – 32 inches from floor

Standard height suits most adults. Lower placements improve accessibility for young children or wheelchair users. Building codes may dictate proper heights in public buildings.

How are Peepholes Installed?

Installing a peephole is a straightforward process:

1. Mark and drill a hole in the desired location using a hole saw bit matched to the peephole diameter.
2. Insert the exterior portion of the peephole from the outside of the door and screw it into place.
3. Insert the interior portion of the peephole from the inside and attach the two halves together securely.
4. Test the peephole and make any adjustments to optimize the viewing angle.

Total installation time is about 10 to 15 minutes. Some basic DIY skills are needed, though most homeowners can handle the job with ease.

Pro Tips

Here are some best practices for peephole use and installation:

• Clean the lens regularly using glass cleaner and a soft cloth to maintain visibility.
• Apply weatherstripping around peephole exterior housing to prevent air/water intrusion.
• Avoid positioning peepholes where they will be exposed to direct sunlight to prevent glare.
• Consider a secondary peephole at children’s height for better accessibility.
• Select a wide-angle peephole if door area visibility is limited.

Safety Considerations

While peepholes enhance security, some safety precautions apply:

• Avoid opening the door if suspicious individuals are spotted outside.
• Take care not to reveal any personal information while looking through peephole.
• Use caution to prevent fingers/eyes from being poked by objects from outside.
• Supervise young children using the peephole unaccompanied.

Conclusion

In summary, the eye hole in a door is called a peephole, and it serves as an important home security feature. Basic peepholes provide straight-ahead viewing, while wide-angle and security peepholes offer expanded sightlines and protection. Peepholes are commonly made of brass, steel, glass, and plastic, with diameters averaging around 0.5 inches. They are positioned at heights ideal for adults or children and installed by drilling a hole and affixing the exterior and interior hardware. With proper placement and lighting, peepholes give homeowners enhanced control over their entry access.