How To Choose An Electric Strike Lock

The electric strike lock may not be a colorful component in a locking system, but it is one of the most important. This type of lock is not only cost-effective, but also a better alternative than electrified lock mechanisms in some circumstances.

 

Reasons for An Electric Strike Lock

Electric strikes are devices installed on doors to allow entry via an access system or remote release system.

 

Unlike a magnetic lock, a strike does not secure a door; that’s the responsibility of the door handle or lockset. The electric strike allows access to a secured door with a key card, pass, etc., without the need for a key to the lockset.

 

Types of Electric Strike Locks

There are two styles of electric strike lock:

 

  • Fail-Safe Locks

Fail-safe locks (also called fail-open) operate as a magnetic lock would. A direct electric current is applied to the strike, causing the door to lock. In a power failure, the door can be pushed or pulled open.

 

  • Fail-Secure Locks

Fail-secure locks (also called non-fail safe or fail-locked) open when an electric current is applied to them. In a power failure, this kind of lock will remain locked, although the mechanical can still be used to open the door from the inside.

 

An electric strike lock is useful on any door where high traffic occurs and requires monitoring or where items need to be secured and safeguarded. It also regulates employee access and helps prevent employee theft.

 

Choosing An Electric Strike Lock

Choosing the right kind of electric strike lock depends on the kind of door you have. The door material, and whether the door is internal or external, double or single, determines which electric strike lock is best. Strikes are available for nearly all door styles and of various material types, like aluminum and timber.

 

Security and Monitoring Requirements

The level of security desired will impact the type of strike that is best for your doors and circumstance.

 

For example, a low-security situation with no defined holding force may only require a low-cost electric strike. However, in a high-security environment, a strike with a maximum holding force of 1,500 pounds or more may be necessary.

 

Most electric strike manufacturers produce strikes with or without a monitoring facility. Door state monitoring should involve the use of a separate reed switch on the door or frame.

 

Type of Lockset

Your electric strike lock must be compatible with the type of lockset on your door. Use the lockset manufacturer’s compatibility chart to determine if your electric strike works with the lockset in question.

 

Latch Bolt Dimensions

Similar to a lockset, your choice of electric strike lock will need to accommodate the type of lock bolt sizes. Make sure that the centerline location of the latch bolt is correctly positioned around the centerline of the lockset to ensure that the lock will work as desired.

 

Power Needs

Most electric strike locks are 24 VDC, although 12 and 24 VAC options are also available. Choosing AC or DC power is critical because each strike application is different. Consider regulated or filtered power sources where practical as these sources will extend life to the strike’s operating capacity.

 

Code Compliance

Fail-secure electric strike locks must be used on fire-rated doors so that the door automatically goes into a locked position when the power is turned off. Because fail-safe locks go into an unlocked state when no power is applied, they do not meet code requirements for fire doors.

 

Consult the professional electric locks company if you are uncertain about what kind of electric strike lock you need for your building or office. Here, I recommend that you can visit Pongee Industries Co., Ltd.

 

Pongee is an experienced automatic identification systems manufacturer in Taiwan. They have different type of high quality electric strike locks to meet various needs of clients. If you need more information about strike locks, welcome to check out their product pages and feel free to send inquiry to Pongee.

 

 

Article Source: KENNYSLOCK.COM

About Electromagnet Lock

An Electromagnet (EM) Lock is a locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate. There are four main types: U-bracket for glass door without frame, L-bracket for a narrow door frame, LZ-bracket for in-swing door and the regular installation lock.

 

How It Works

The concepts of electromagnetism apply here. When energized, a current passes through the electromagnet and attracts the armature plate with such a force that it shuts down the door. When both the plates attach with each other, they are literally inseparable unless made to do so using the valid key. That valid key is what is called the switch meaning the tool that can break the strong magnetic field.

 

An Electromagnetic manufacturer has to ensure that wiring inside the plates is done with no fault. Electromagnets have a high attracting power because of a high flux density created by the magnetic field of the coil inside the device. This is because of the solenoid wire inside.

 

And this is the precise reason why use of such a device is a safe option.

 

Installation

EM locks installation should always be done on the inside (the secure side). Most installations are surface mounted. For safety reasons, cables and wires should be inserted in the door.

 

Installation is quite easy but there are different methods of installation for different types for e.g. the installations of a U-bracket would be different from that of an L-bracket lock.

 

Advantages

  • Strong and sturdy
  • Easy to install
  • Huge magnetic holding force (safe)
  • Very suitable for emergency and fire exits
  • Quick to operate

 

Disadvantages

  • Requires a power source continuously
  • Can be disconnected in the event of a power outage disabling security
  • Expensive compared to the mechanical locks

 

Categorization

An EM lock is categorized as a “fail-safe” and “fail-secure” device.

 

With fail-safe, when power is lost from the device, the lock automatically de-energizes and releases allowing free access. Whereas in fail-secure, power loss is not a concern as it remains intact.

 

Hence, a fail-secure device is your best friend in a panic room situation (for thieves and burglars) as it won’t open without electricity and a key, while a fail-safe device is useful in an emergency situation (in case of fire).

 

Conclusion

In modern times the use of such devices are on a rise which is an excellent tool in the field of security. Compared to its mechanical counterpart, it sure bags points for being a safer option. However, the most important aspect of the device is its dependence on power. How the future can help in resolving this issue remains to be seen!

 

If you are looking for quality electromagnetic locks, then you are in the right place! Pongee has specialized in series of auto identification systems and related accessories since 1987, we manufacture only the best products. The EM locks (Electromagnetic locks) are designed with different holding force electromagnetic and magnetic lock. To see more specification about our EM lock series, please browse the product introductions and feel free to contact Pongee!

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9179009