Electric Door Strikes

What is a Fail Secure Electric Strike?

Fire-rated entrances require a fail-secure electric strike. The device maintains its locked state throughout a power outage to provide a secure option that prevents entry during power failures.

A fail secure electric strike prevents fire and smoke from spreading through a facility or building because it locks all openings during power failures which form the basis for its name "fail secure". The purpose of this system is to contain and separate the fire. Fail secure electric strikes play a vital role in life safety code compliance because they save lives during emergencies.

No external access to the building is possible but people inside can always leave. Because the electric strike only locks from the outside you can exit the property using a panic bar or alternative exit device. Free egress describes the ability to exit a building at any time without restriction even when exterior locking mechanisms prevent entry from the outside. The ability to exit during emergencies is crucial for people in larger buildings and facilities.

What is a Fail-Safe Electric Strike?

Fail-safe electric strikes work in the opposite manner compared to fail-secure locks. During power outages this locking device unlocks so anyone can enter the property without restriction.

Fire Codes

Door strike fire code requirements depend on the jurisdiction and the building codes that apply to the property. Fire codes regularly include a set of general guidelines and requirements for door strikes.

Door strikes need to be fail-safe so they will unlock doors automatically during power failures or fire alarms. Emergency situations require easy escape routes which this system provides.

Building fire codes may also require that door strikes work together with the fire alarm system installed in the building. The fire alarm activation requires door strikes to unlock and release the door ensuring safe evacuation.

Fire codes often require door strike systems to have manual override capabilities like keys or levers to permit unlocking and opening doors from the inside during emergencies.

Selecting door strikes requires consulting local fire and building codes to guarantee full regulatory compliance. Violating fire codes exposes businesses to monetary penalties and legal consequences as well as endangering lives during emergencies.

Considerations for All Door Types

1. Check the thickness of your door. Electric door strikes exist in two varieties: one for thin doors and the other for thick doors. It is essential to pick an electric door strike that works with your door's specific thickness measurement.
2. Evaluate the locking mechanism your door utilizes. Electric door strikes exist that function with particular lock types including deadbolts and latch bolts. Select an electric door strike that matches your door's locking mechanism.
3. Select an electric door strike with a faceplate that fits the dimensions of your door frame. The strike plate will fit properly and establish a solid connection between the door and frame when you follow this guideline.
4. Select an electric door strike that operates at the same voltage as your power supply. Electric door strikes generally need either a 12-volt or 24-volt power supply.
5. Consider the level of security you need. Certain electric door strikes include enhanced security options like anti-tamper alarms or auto relocking mechanisms. If you require protection for locations with valuable or confidential contents these features can provide significant advantages.
6. Door frame: Your electric strike must match the door frame type. There are electric strikes which match metal frames and others which match wooden frames.
7. Weather resistance: An exterior door requires an electric strike which can endure harsh weather conditions.

Lockset Types

Electric strikes operate efficiently with numerous lockset types.

1. Mortise locksets: Electric strikes are frequently paired with mortise locksets. The locking mechanism resides within the door while the strike plate attaches to the door frame. The latch bolt moves into the strike plate to secure the door once the lock engages.
2. Cylindrical locksets: Electric strikes work with cylindrical locksets which represent another popular lockset option. Surface-mounted locks extend their latch bolt into the strike plate when activated.
3. Deadbolts: Deadbolts work together with electric strikes to enhance door security. The locking mechanism of a deadbolt extends into the strike plate to supply enhanced security when activated.
4. Panic bars: Exit doors in commercial buildings typically use panic bars for emergency egress. Electric strikes combined with panic bars enable effortless emergency exit capabilities.

Choosing a lockset that matches your electric strike is essential because compatibility between locksets and strikes varies. Proper alignment and installation of both the lockset and strike are essential to maintain security and functionality. When you need help selecting the right lockset or installing the lockset and strike correctly, contact a professional locksmith or security expert for assistance.

12 or 24 Volts

The voltage selection for an electric strike requires consideration of several aspects including the application requirements and access control system used as well as manufacturer guidelines. Electric strikes typically operate using either 12 volts or 24 volts.

A 12-volt electric strike uses less power than its 24-volt counterpart which usually results in better cost-effectiveness over time. Electric strikes that operate at 24 volts demonstrate enhanced performance characteristics and are more appropriate for expansive or intricate access control systems.

The selected electric strike must operate at a voltage that matches both the power supply and access control system in use. Access control systems that operate with a specific voltage level need correct power supply because incorrect voltage will damage both the system and the electric strike.

The electric strike manufacturer's recommendations must be reviewed to confirm the appropriate voltage selection for the specific electric strike model. Some electric door strikes have the capability to function with either voltage option.

Magnetic Locks

Magnetic locks serve as an effective solution to secure metal doors. Electromagnets in magnetic locks maintain door security by locking when activated. The door remains locked when power reaches the magnet and unlocks when the power supply is disconnected.

A selection of magnetic locks for metal doors requires consideration of several key factors.

• Door and frame strength: The robust nature of mag locks allows them to endure significant force yet it remains essential to check if the metal door and frame can handle the magnetic lock's strength.
• Power supply: A mag lock needs electrical power to maintain its locked position. A dedicated power supply or backup battery can provide power for the mag lock during a power outage.
• Compatibility with access control system: Verify that your mag lock works with your intercom, access control system whether it uses a keypad, card reader, or biometric scanner.

Mag locks work for wooden doors and also function with metal and glass doors. Proper reinforcement of the door and frame is essential when installing a mag lock on a wooden door to ensure sufficient strength and security.

Metal doors provide better strength compared to wooden doors which makes it necessary to reinforce wooden doors to bear the weight and force of a mag lock. The reinforcement process might require adding metal plates or brackets on the door and frame together with the use of longer screws to attach the strike plate to the frame.

The mag lock must be accurately installed and aligned with the strike plate to maintain proper functionality and security. Professional locksmiths or security experts can provide guidance if you're uncertain about how to correctly install a mag lock on a wooden door.

Special Considerations for Aluminum Doors

Selecting an electric door strike for aluminum doors requires you to consider specific factors. Here are a few things to consider:

• Door thickness: The thinner nature of aluminum doors compared to steel doors requires that you select an electric strike that matches your door’s thickness. Select an electric strike that is adjustable for multiple door thicknesses and confirm compatibility with your door thickness by reviewing manufacturer specifications before buying.
• Material compatibility: Certain electric strikes are built to work with aluminum doors yet alternative models fit better with steel or wooden doors. Select an electric strike that is designed to work with aluminum doors to ensure proper operation.