How each works
- Maglock (electromagnetic lock): a magnet on the frame holds a steel armature plate on the door. Power on, the door is held; power off, it releases. The door's own latch is not involved.
- Electric strike: replaces the strike plate in the frame. When it is energized (or de-energized, depending on type) the keeper lets the door's latch pass, so the door opens without retracting the latch.
Product images: manufacturer marketing materials.
Power failure and egress
- Maglocks release when power is cut, so they are inherently fail-safe. Because they hold the door regardless of the lever or bar, they need a way to release for exit, such as a request-to-exit sensor and push button, and they are commonly tied to the fire alarm.
- Electric strikes come in fail-secure (stays locked without power) and fail-safe versions. Because the door's latch still retracts from the inside lever or exit device, exit works mechanically.
- Building and fire codes regulate electrified locks on egress doors. The right setup depends on the door and the building, so we confirm requirements during the survey rather than guessing.
Which door suits which
- Glass and aluminum storefront doors: maglocks with the right brackets are common; strikes depend on the frame profile.
- Hollow metal and wood doors with a latch: electric strikes are often the cleaner choice, especially on doors that should still latch mechanically.
- Doors with exit devices: strikes for rim devices, or electrified exit devices, keep exit mechanical.
- High-traffic entrances: whichever you pick, the closer must pull the door fully shut or neither will lock reliably.
What to ask your installer
- What happens to this door in a power failure?
- How do people exit, and does it tie to the fire alarm?
- What power supply and backup is being installed?
- Who services the intercom, the reader and the lock, and is it one company?
More
See maglock and electric strike installation and access control. We install and service Securitron maglocks and HES electric strikes, among other lines.