GUIDE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK AND COMPARING MAGNETIC VS. ELECTRIC STRIKES 1st

ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK – Since the days of conventional metal locks and keys, security has advanced significantly. Electric door lock solutions and business smart locks are now commonplace in most commercial settings. Electromagnetic locks for doors come in a wide variety, like most modern technologies.

Electric striking door locks and magnetic door locking systems are the two obvious solutions for bigger size business and residential establishments for optimal protection. But how do maglocks function and what sets magnetic strike locks apart from electric striking locks?

The most common and efficient electromagnetic door locking systems available will be discussed, along with how they integrate with current access control systems. Also, you’ll discover how to weigh the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of electromagnetic locks and electric strikes in order to make an informed choice regarding which option is best for your circumstances.

Before moving on, let’s define the key distinctions between a door mag lock and an electric strike lock.

A door electric strike lock depends on a solenoid to hold the door in a locked position, whereas an electromagnetic lock, often known as a mag lock, uses a secure magnetic lock mechanism to hold the door in place.

To function, both require a power source. The primary distinction between the two is that an electric lock is typically fail-secure and requires electricity to unlock the door, whereas a magnetic lock is typically fail-safe and depends on power to lock the door.

Although both are employed in access control applications, electromagnetic locks are typically used on doors that automatically lock and open, such as security gates and automated doors. Whereas manual operation or situations where keypads or key fobs are needed to enable entrance are more common with door lock electric strike systems.

How does an electric strike door lock operate?
An electric strike latches the door with a hinged piece of metal. The door cannot open without an electronic signal when this metal is locked. The door is opened by the electrical signal moving the metal release latch that is located inside the door frame. An external wireless object, such as a fob, card, key fob, or keypad PIN, activates the door electric strike lock. For doors that need access control to restrict who can open them, electric strike door locks are frequently employed.

An actuator, a lock, and a bolt are used in conjunction with the internal electric strike plate mechanism to regulate the door’s lock. The lock is secured and the metal hinge is moved into position. The actuator, which depends on a power source, is then triggered to move and unlock the door by the electric strike plate.

It’s also crucial to understand the difference between an electric strike and an electric lock system. For wood or metal doors, an electric door lock strike plate is common and can be used in conjunction with a deadbolt. For fail-safe or emergency doors, an electronic latch is frequently necessary. To comply with building requirements for emergency exits and related applications, you will probably be required to install an electric latch rather than an electric strike on doors that include a push bar or escape bar.

How does a magnetic lock (maglock) operate?
How then do mag locks function? A magnetic door strike consists of two components: a magnet mounted to the door and an armature door lock strike plate mounted to the door frame. The door lock’s magnet is powered by an electric field, which creates a magnetic field that holds the armature lock and magnet in place. The magnetic door strike must be de-energized in order to open the door and activate the magnetic release latch, which breaks the field and pushes the plate away from the mechanic. A card reader, keypad, or key fob are just a few of the tools that can be used to accomplish this.

For door security, you might contrast a mag lock with a shear lock. A shear lock is just a hidden magnetic lock that is positioned differently from the surface than a typical magnetic deadbolt lock into the door and the frame. But their forces are what really set them apart. A shear lock provides a draw force in a shear direction, whereas a mag lock provides a force of a straight pull.

The choice between an electric strike and an electric lock for the doors in your building mostly depends on the power supply that is available, the type of door that is installed, and the level of security that you desire for the facility.

The information above ought to make it clearer how an electric release latch and an electric strike system for doors differ from one another. There are many advantages to putting electric locking systems in commercial buildings including offices, schools, and apartment buildings.

Increased security from the outside: Because to its fail-secure nature, a door lock electric strike can help prevent illegal access during a power outage by locking from the outside. In the event of a fire or other emergency, users of electric strike door locks can also exit from the inside. They are particularly common in healthcare facilities and schools since they only permit authorized individuals access into a building and make it difficult to override or bypass an electric door lock strike.
The system can be updated remotely: The electric strike door lock system can be connected to a remote access management platform so that updates can be made from any location in the world. A secure Internet connection can be used to carry out new feature rollouts and security updates for optimal effectiveness.
No more misplaced keys: The use of a key is entirely unnecessary if you use a keypad system for electric strike door locks. Keys are readily lost or stolen when there are multiple users, which raises security issues and increases lifetime expenses.
Visible deterrent: Electric strike locks can also serve this purpose. Electric door locks are more difficult to hack into than mechanical locks, deterring opportunistic burglars. The electrical system also suggests the presence of further surveillance equipment, warning them that their actions won’t go unnoticed for long.
Property owners comply with municipal building and safety requirements thanks to electric latches and strike plates. Also, organizations can benefit from electromagnetic door lock systems by better protecting data and information kept on-site in servers or computers.

Although electric door locks, strikes, and latches have many advantages, they are not always appropriate or reliable for installations. Consider the following disadvantages as well before installing an electric strike plate lock on your doors.

Installation that requires a lot of skill and accuracy: Electric strike plates are difficult to install. An electromagnetic door latch must be compatible with the existing lock bolt on your door, so there is a lot of research to be done before you make the investment, and you’ll probably need a specialist to examine your door systems before you can confidently purchase an electric strike plate.
Further hardware is required: You will need to purchase panic bars or exit hardware on the other side of the door because electric strike door locks only secure one side of the door. In the event of an emergency, this makes sure that anyone inside the building may leave quickly and easily.
Restricted application: Not all types of doors can be fitted with electric striking locks as simply. For instance, hollow doors and doors with aluminum frames cannot be used with electric striking plates.

There is a good reason why magnetic door locks are such a popular security option. Installing a maglock door system for your company has several advantages. While comparing the advantages of a mag lock and an electric strike door lock, take the following into account.

Minimal upkeep: Commercial magnetic door lock systems, once installed, are very dependable and require little upkeep. When compared to electric strike plate locks, magnetic lock mechanisms frequently experience less wear and tear because they make use of electromagnetic energy.
Strength and durability: Electric door magnets and magnetic lock systems are renowned for their exceptional durability and powerful gripping power. They can resist wear and tear from thousands of uses and are extremely challenging to manually force open.
Simple Installation: An electromagnetic door lock system is comparatively easy to install compared to electric strike locks and some mechanical locks that require specialized knowledge. Although it is still advised to engage with a professional for installation, the simple setups can assist save money.
Suitable for the majority of door types: Unlike its electric equivalents, magnetic locks are adaptable and may be adapted to most types of doors. Securing glass doors is one of the best applications for a mag lock door system.

Magnetic lock systems continue to present difficulties that should not be disregarded when it comes to building security. Keep in mind the following disadvantages of installing mag lock systems when comparing electromagnetic locks for doors in your organization.

Security drawbacks: Despite being incredibly powerful, magnetic locks may be more hackable than other choices due to their power supply. If you install these locks, make sure you have backup power and more surveillance to keep your electromagnetic door lock systems safe.
Dependent on constant power supply: To maintain the magnetic field that secures the lock, a magnetic lock system is fully dependent on a constant power supply. In the event of a power loss, the system is compromised and the door will unlock, posing a potential security risk. The lifespan cost of magnetic lock mechanisms can also be impacted by the ongoing drain on power.
Cost: Compared to alternative options, magnetic lock hardware for businesses is typically more expensive. Budget might be a deciding element when evaluating various electromagnetic lock systems, which could be a disadvantage of selecting magnetic door lock for commercial systems.

Electric and electromagnetic locks are both highly adaptable. So it’s crucial to consider the greatest uses for both types of mechanisms to choose which is ideal for your company’s requirements. Before settling on one, consider the following programs, as each has specific benefits and drawbacks as well as installation restrictions.

Top Uses for Electric Locks and Strikes
Access control — Electric striking door locks can grant or deny access in accordance with predetermined identity requirements, credentials, or timetables. They are therefore a common choice in facilities where the highest level of security must be maintained and as part of larger access control systems.
Electric strike locks are a common choice for businesses and organizations with security gates at initial admission to the premises since they can function to restrict unwanted access on one side of an entrance.
Automated doors —- Since they regulate access and make sure the doors are locked while not in use, electric locks are frequently used on automated doors. To enable frictionless and touchless access throughout a facility, these are frequently utilized in businesses and healthcare facilities.
Less frequented areas — Door strike electric locks are a practical choice to prevent unauthorized people out of buildings with side or back doors that are not as often watched. Building managers can ensure that unwanted access is not gained without the proper credentials since they work to keep the doors shut from the outside.
The best uses for magnetic lock doors
Because to its dependability and longevity, magnetic locks are excellent for hotels, commercial buildings, and residential structures. They are normally exceedingly safe against intruders due to their powerful holding force.
Interior doors – Magnetic locks are excellent for interior doors in offices, labs, and nursing homes where you want to restrict access but allow for quick and easy egress in an emergency.
Security doors with magnetic locks give an additional degree of protection and stop unwanted entry. Backup power is advised for these apps to maintain security in the event of a power outage.

There are many aspects to consider when selecting an electromagnetic lock system for your building. The fail-safe and fail-secure procedures are among the most crucial elements to take into account. The type and position of the doors that need to be secured might also affect your decision between an electric strike door lock and a magnetic door locking system.

Electric strike door lock systems are fail-safe.
Electric locks are fail-secure, which means they require power to unlock. Electric strike lock doors can be set up to work with access control systems like keypads and key fobs, which activate the power supply that unlocks the mechanism, and are a remarkably effective part of a larger security system. They are excellent when stronger security is required and approved access is required.

However, door electric strike locks are difficult to install and may need a specialist to evaluate the building and its doors to determine whether installation and configuration are feasible. All doors will be locked in the case of a power outage until the electricity is back on.

Magnetic door lock systems are reliable.
A magnetic field is used to hold the door in place for magnetic door locks, also known as electromagnetic locks. A power source provides the energy for this. Commercial magnetic door lock systems are fail-safe, which means that if the power source fails, the lock will be compromised and lose power. Yet, it also means that people can leave the building, making them a great choice for fire exits in educational institutions and healthcare facilities where people might need to leave the building in an emergency. However, their security is constrained because they can be tampered with, although they often have a strong magnetic force that prevents them from being forced open manually. Magnetic or mag lock systems are dependable, long-lasting, and require little upkeep.

In an emergency, it’s crucial to take into account the door’s functionality. Emergency fire exits are particularly suited for electric mag lock door systems because they make it simple for people to leave the building in the case of an emergency or a fire, even without a power source.

Which electromagnetic lock is best for your company?
To determine whether a magnetic security door or electric strike door lock is the best choice, evaluate the entire needs and uses for your electromagnetic door release systems. This choice will also be heavily influenced by security and protection. Ultimately, it’s preferable to compare the advantages and disadvantages of a mag lock vs. an electric strike, taking into account their uses and installation costs. This should help you determine which is a better investment for your commercial or corporate needs.