What is the best type of electric lock for Access Control

The electric lock is a critical part of the Access Control System yet it is sometimes overlooked during the planning of the door access control system. Among the most common electric locks are the electric strike and the magnetic (Mag) lock, each offering distinct advantages and best suited for specific scenarios. Understanding the differences between these two types is essential to ensure the security and functionality of your access control system.

This article compares the mag lock to the strike electric locks.

Overview of Electric Strikes and Magnetic Locks Used in Access Control

Electric Strike Locks:

• An electric strike replaces the standard strike plate in a door frame.
• Works with mechanical door locks and latches, allowing the door to open when power is applied (or removed, depending on configuration).
• Primarily used in doors with lever or knob handles.
• Egress is provided by turning the latch on the door, making it compatible with fire codes.

Magnetic Locks (Mag Locks):

• A Mag lock uses a strong electromagnetic force to secure a door.
• Consists of an electromagnet installed on the door frame and a metal armature plate on the door.
• Keeps the door locked as long as power is supplied to the electromagnet.
• Requires backup power to keep the door closed in a power failure.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting the Electric Lock

There are several things to consider when selecting the electric lock such as power required, type of door, power failure modes, fire alarm integration, and ease of installation.

Power Requirements

• Electric Strike:
  • Requires less power, as the strike is only energized during activation (when the door is open).
  • More energy-efficient, especially for high-traffic areas where doors remain locked most of the time.
• Magnetic Lock:
  • Requires constant power to maintain the electromagnetic force keeping the door locked.
  • Higher power consumption compared to electric strikes, which can increase operational costs.

Door Type and Application

• Electric Strike:
  • Compatible with standard doors, often used for interior and exterior applications.
  • Works well with doors that need traditional mechanical locking mechanisms (e.g., key locks or handles).
• Magnetic Lock:
  • Ideal for doors that do not have mechanical locks or where quick release is necessary.
  • Commonly used on glass doors, aluminum frames, or emergency exit doors due to their ability to secure without mechanical latches.

Power Failure Modes

• Electric Strike:
  • Can be configured as Fail-Safe (unlocked when power is lost) or Fail-Secure (locked when power is lost).
  • The choice depends on the security and safety needs of the location (e.g., unlocked for emergencies like fires).
• Magnetic Lock:
  • Typically Fail-Safe by design, meaning the door will unlock if power is lost.
  • This is crucial for safety in emergency situations but may pose a security risk during power outages without a backup system.
  • Requires special wiring to the fire alarm system that ensures that the doors are unlocked if there is a fire. See our article Access Control and Fire Alarm System Integration.

Fail Secure or Fail Safe

Configuring the electric lock is an essential part of your access control system installation. The electric lock can be configured for Fail-safe or Fail-secure.

Fail-secure, is also called Fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, the door stays locked if there is a power failure. The electric strike requires current to open the lock so if power is lost, the lock stays shut.  People can’t get in if the door has a strike in the fail-secure configuration and a power failure occurs. But, people can still exit by turning the knob from the inside.  A maglock would require a backup battery to be configured in a fail-secure configuration.

Fail-Safe, or in fail-open configuration, the door is unlocked if there is a power failure. A maglock is an example of a fail-safe type of lock because it requires a current to stay closed so this is “safer” in a fire.

To learn more, please read our article Access Control Locks FAQ – Fail-Secure or Fail-Safe.

Fire Alarm Integration

• Electric Strike:
  • Can be integrated into fire alarm systems to ensure doors are unlocked during emergencies, depending on the fail mode selected.
  • Often used in fire-rated doors or areas requiring compliance with safety codes.
• Magnetic Lock:
  • Requires integration with fire alarm systems to immediately release the door when triggered. Installation needs to conform with local fire codes.
  • Can only be used for emergency exits or high-traffic escape routes if special egress methods are installed such as Exit buttons, mechanical releases, and power control from the fire panel.

Ease of Installation in the Access Control System

• Electric Strike:
  • Installation involves replacing the strike plate and wiring to the access control system, which can be more complex on older doors.
  • May require cutting or modifying the door frame, depending on the door type and strike model.
• Magnetic Lock:
  • Typically, it is easier to install, as the lock is surface-mounted onto the door frame.
  • Does not require modifications to the door or mechanical lock systems, making it a good choice for retrofits.
  • If special egress circuits or mechanical devices can make installation more complicated.

Advantages and Best Uses of Access Control Locks

Feature	Electric Strike	Magnetic Lock
Power Efficiency	Low power usage, energizes on activation	Constant power required, higher usage
Fail Mode Options	Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure	Fail-Safe
Door Compatibility	Works with mechanical locks	Suitable for doors without latches
Fire Alarm Integration	Flexible for fire safety requirements	Requires fire alarm connections, mechanical releases, or Request to Exit (REX) buttons
Ease of Installation	Moderate complexity	Simple surface mounting but some complication for emergency exit requirements.

Selecting the Right Lock for Your Access Control System

Choosing between an electric strike and a Mag lock depends on your specific needs:

• Choose Electric Strikes if:
  • You need low power consumption.
  • Your doors use mechanical locks or require a Fail-Secure option.
  • The application involves both interior and exterior doors.
• Choose Magnetic Locks if:
  • Your doors lack mechanical locking mechanisms (e.g., glass doors).
  • Installation simplicity and fire alarm integration are priorities.

Conclusion of Selecting Mag locks or Electric Stikes

Both electric strikes and magnetic locks play essential roles in access control systems, each excelling in different scenarios. Understanding your facility’s requirements—such as power needs, door type, and safety priorities—will help you make the right choice, ensuring that your security system is both effective and efficient.

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For help in selecting the right solution, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.