Door Locking Devices

The most common locking devices used in the industry are electric door strikes and electromagnetic locks. To select which locking device should be used on a specific job, you should begin with an evaluation that takes into account not only the security requirements but also the regulations imposed by local and national authorities.

Electric Door Strikes:

Government regulation of entrance and exit devices often renders the door strike the most economical locking mechanism. Always consider the following when ordering electric strikes:

1. You may need to obtain approval from your local fire department before installing a door strike on a fire-rated door to maintain its rating.
2. A fail-locked or fail-secure electric door strike will lock the door when you remove power.
3. Electric strikes can be more difficult to install than electromagnetic locks and may require assistance from a professional locksmith.
4. You should install the door strike on the inactive door of a double door entryway, with the inactive door bolted down. A door cord or electric-conductive hinge will carry the power to the strike.
5. It may not be possible to install a door strike on special doors like full glass doors; in such instances, an electromagnetic lock may prove the only viable option.

Electromagnetic Locks:

When exits must be controlled, it is necessary to provide a fail-safe device such as an electromagnetic lock that will keep the door locked not only on the entry side but also on the exit side. In the past, installing electromagnetic locks was considered less expensive than installing door strikes. As a result, the market for electromagnetic locks has grown exponentially over the past few years. Unfortunately, a great number of electromagnetic lock installations were not performed according to regulations and in some instances actually jeopardized the safety of occupants. The proliferation of electromagnetic lock installations has caused great concern among safety regulators and now stringent local regulations and site inspections are common. This shift has substantially increased the cost of using electromagnetic locks. Because of these extra costs, electromagnetic locks may be more appropriate in situations where they are the only alternative, such as locking a controlled exit door.

Other Locking Devices:

Mechanical devices such as electric deadbolts that prevent free exit are usually not permitted for use in access control applications. Check with local authorities first before you install them.