You have a door installed, but now you have to choose between business-grade locks and consumer-grade smart locks. The latter are usually designed for frequent use, have low voltage wiring, can withstand a specific amount of force, and have improved fire ratings and certifications.

Your door typically has the following components: a door, cabling, locks, and readers. Remember that there are two variations of locks:

– Fail safe: When turned on, the lock’s power is cut off, and the lock opens.

– Fail secure: When the lock unlocks after being powered on after being triggered.

You’ll need to choose whether doors should be left locked or open during emergencies, such as power outages, based on your preferences.

Other than this technical distinction, various voltages are given for electronic locks. For electronic door locks, typical power supply ratings are as follows:

– 12V – 2A

– 24V – 1A

Electric Strikes / Electronic Latches

A typical electric strike used with access control systems is the HES 1006 industrial electric strike/heavy duty lock.

Expert opinion: For metal or wood doors, electric door strikes are usually the best choice. They are frequently the most cost-effective choice for door security devices as well. Compare us to other commercial smart locks to see how we stack up.

Here is an example of how the access controller would be wired to an electric strike

Magnetic Locks

We recommends the M400 Schlage Lock.

Perhaps magnetic locks should be the standard in today’s modern offices. The straightforward explanation is that many architects use beautiful glass doors, which are incompatible with traditional locks. Magnetic locks have been created to solve that “small” issue. They differ according on how much power they can withstand; for example, conventional locks hold 600 lb of force, whereas larger doors may require a lock that holds 1200 lb.

Expert opinion: Because they are used with glass doors, magnetic locks are common and help create a fantastic workplace environment. Keep in mind that installing motion sensors and backup batteries is probably not the most affordable solution.

Here is an example of how the wired to a magnetic lock

Electrified Pushbars / Electronic Exit Bars

‍Electrified pushbar by Adams Rite or Sargent Exit Devices

Usually, electric pushbars are utilized to adhere to fire regulations. The door is locked by default but may be unlocked from the outside. Yet in the event of a fire, there cannot be any electrical or mechanical devices that slow down a quick evacuation from the structure. Push-bars are therefore necessary in particular circumstances or under certain legislation. Large buildings frequently have such on side entry doors with street-facing doors. They rush down the stairway and push the bar to escape as soon as there is a fire. To change an analog pushbar into an electric one, conversion kits are available.

According to the experts, electrified pushbars are a perfect combination when both a fire code and a contemporary access control system are desired for that entrance.

Electrified Mortise Locks / Wired Mortise Locks

We recommends the Schlage L Series Mortise Lock.

The main difference between wired mortise locks and normal locks is that a power cable connects the lock to the power source. The problematic component of wired mortise locks is that the wire is hooked back to the main wall through the door itself. Electric door hinges or on-wall wiring are the two installation choices for mortise locks.

Expert opinion: With the wide range of architectural forms and styles available, a wired mortise lock is unquestionably the most elegant. The only issue is that glass doors won’t function with it!