Electric strike or electromagnetic lock on access controlled doors?   For Free Exit doors, use electric strikes. Existing door furniture can often be utilised.     Add an electromagnetic lock if you want to prevent free exit or to control exit with a card reader or a keypad. The most common locking devices used in the access control industry are electric door strikes and electro-magnetic locks. To select which locking device should be used on a specific job, the installer must begin with an evaluation that will take into account not only the security requirements, but also the regulations imposed by local or national authorities.   Electric strikes  Because of potential regulations affecting the use of other devices, a door strike will generally be the most economical locking mechanism. Always order electric strikes as: 1) fail locked (fail-secure) which means the strike will be locked when you remove power;  2) Fail open (fail safe) which means the strike will be open when power removed (i.e. if fire alarm activated)  These specifications correspond to the requirements of access control. Electric strikes are generally more difficult to install than electro-magnetic locks. Double doors On double doors, the door strike will be installed on the inactive door which should be bolted down. A door cord or electric-conductive hinge will carry the power to the strike. Or each door can be fitted with a strike fitted to the top of each leaf. Special situations It may not be possible to install door strikes on special doors such as full glass doors. The only alternative may be to install an electro-magnetic lock.   Electromagnetic locks When the exit must be controlled, it is necessary to provide a fail-safe device, such as an electromagnetic lock, that will keep the door locked not only on the entry side but also on the exit side of the door. Regulations Note that if you want to add an electromagnetic lock and keep the door strike (to provide physical security) if, as a result of regulations, the electromagnetic lock must be deactivated during a fire alarm signal or a building power failure. Other locking devices Mechanical devices (such as electric deadbolts) that prevent free exit are usually not permitted for use in access control applications., unless they fail open. Controlled entry and Free exit A controlled door with "Free Exit" means that a reader or keypad is installed outside the controlled area identifying users as they come in but, no control is made during exit of the area. Controlled exit A controlled door with "Controlled Exit" means that readers or keypads are installed on both sides of the controlled door. The users are authorized on entry and exit of the area. Sometimes, the controlled exit is enforced only outside of normal work hours.   RETURN TO TOP