Maglock vs. Electric strike

[bozzah]

Even though I understand the principles of operation, when do we use magnetic locks, i.e. electric strikes.

Contractors generally run away from maglocks due to the facts there is more labour involved and they need to be interconnected with Fire Alarm pull station (if present at the door), so what is the advantage of the maglocks?

 

[rbulsara]

Do you mean when to use magnetic door holders vs. electric strikes (electrical locks?)

 

[IRstuff]

One advantage is zero moving parts, so no wear and tear.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[itsmoked]

The strike is the metal plate in the door frame. An electric strike messes with that. A magnetic lock is just that. It uses an electromagnet to hold the door locked.

Electric strikes are often easier to use because they can use a conventional lock and they don't automatically unlock with power loss.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[bozzah]

Rbulsara,

yes, I am referring to magnetic door holders mounted close to the top of door.

What about Electrical Code requirements with electric strikes? I guess it there is none, because for most of the egress doors one needs just to push the door to exit. There is nothing holding the door closed which is the case with magnetic locks.

With maglocks, one needs to make sure it meets local requirements for fire and smoke.

 

[dpc]

You can easily configure magnetic locks to de-energize on fire detection, if you have a fire alarm system. Or a break-glass switch at the exit to kill the power to the magnet.

The magnetic "lock" is generally easier to retrofit on existing doors.

If you use electric locks, you still must ensure that panic hardware on the inside will allow the door to be opened regardless of status of the electric latch.

"The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless." -- Steven Weinberg

 

[EEJaime]

I think there are several different references using the same language to differing pieces of equipment.

ELECTRIC STRIKE: This is a powered strike piece which is part of the door hardware package that unlatches upon contact closure or system command depending on control type.

MAGLOCK: This is an electromagnet that can be either embedded in the door frame and door, (coordination issues), or can be surface mounted, (aesthetic issues). Wherein power is turned off to release the door and on to make the magnet hold the door locked.

MAGNETIC DOOR HOLDER: This is usually part of a fire alarm system that is used to hold for example, cross-corridor doors at an occupance seperation or fire rating change in a building or to seperate smoke compartments in hospital. These hold the door normally open, and release upon interruption of power initiated by a fire alarm. These can also be used as part of a security "lock-down" system, but that is in limited locations due to Fire Marshall concerns.

Back to the OP's question. When to use each depends upon your project and the specific system and purpose of the system. Electric door strikes take a lot of coordination with the hardware consultant and door hardware group specifications and architect. They provide a cleaner installation, but there are added hardware costs, rough-in costs and coordination time.

Magnetic locks are easier to specify and install if you are going to use surface units and the Architect does not have an issue with their appearance. There will be the same coordination, rough-in and hardware issues if they are to be concealed. These do have a much longer life as IRStuff stated and the disadvantage of power loss as Itsmoked noted, (except sometimes that is required by the Fire AHJ).

Hope this was of some assistance,
Regards,
EEJaime

 

[ykee]

If you are installing a maglock on an exit door, you may have significant code issues or additional requirements from your AHJ, whereas a strike can have appropriate door hardware installed that takes care of any issues.

 

[rbulsara]

bozzah:

Read EEJamie's post carefully for definitions.

Mag door hodlers and electric strikes has opposing functions.

Door holders are intended to keep the "fire" doors normally held open so as not to impede traffic, and releasing them t close upon a fire alarm (by deenergizing the magnet). They compartmentalisze a corridor or part of a building to contain smoke. While closed then can still be opened with normal human force, trying to exit.

Electric strikes are primarily part of a security sysetm, intened to keep the doors normally locked (closed), only be able to open eiher upon a validation of access or in emergency as designed or requied.

 

[bozzah]

A lot of good responses. thanks all!