ELECTRIC STRIKE VS MAGLOCK
ELECTRIC STRIKE VS MAGLOCK: DIFFERENCES
An electric strike vs maglock are both access locking mechanisms, but they operate in very different ways and are suited for different applications.
ELECTRIC LATCH
- Works with mechanical locks (like a door handle or latch).
- The door access control can still be open with a key from the outside if needed.
- Can be fail-secure (stays locked during power loss) or fail-safe (unlocks during power loss).
- Commonly used on swing doors in offices, apartments, and commercial buildings.
ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK
- Operates purely by magnetic force—no moving parts.
- Typically fail-safe (unlocks when power is lost).
- Common in glass doors, automatic doors, and emergency exits.
ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK
An electromagnetic lock is an electromagnetic locking device commonly use in access systems to secure doors without using mechanical parts. It operates on the principle of magnetic attraction between an electromagnet mounted on the door frame and a metal armature plate attached to the door access control.
HOW A ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK WORKS?
When electric current passes through the electromagnet, it creates a strong magnetic field that tightly bonds the armature plate to the magnet, keeping the door locked. When the power is cut off (by an access signal, fire alarm, or manual release), the magnetic field dissipates, and the door unlocks immediately.
Most maglocks are fail-safe, meaning they unlock when power is lost — ideal for emergency exits and fire safety compliance.
ADVANTAGES
Maglock system possess many advantages especially over traditional strikes and electromagnetic locks:
Simple Installation
Surface-mount with minimal modification.
High Reliability
No mechanical wear or jamming.
Silent Operation
Ideal for offices or high-traffic areas.
Versatile
Compatible with a wide range of door types.
ELECTRIC LATCH
An electric strike is an electrical device that operates locking doors in access systems. Basically, it works with mechanical door locks (like latchbolts or deadbolts) to control entry electronically—allowing a door to remain lock or unlocked based on user permissions, access credentials, or security systems.
Additionally, an electric latch is an access device with an installation on a door to allow access with an access system or some other type of remote release system. Definitely, electric strikes are normally in commercial access products because they allow doors to remain lock on the behind to prevent public access.
ELECTRIC LATCH ARE GENERALLY AVAILABLE IN TWO CONFIGURATIONS
Fail-Secure
Stay lock when power is lost (use for security).
Fail-Safe
Unlock when power is lost (use for safety and emergency exits).
ADVANTAGES
Provides control access without replacing the entire lock.
Mechanical key override remains possible.
Energy-efficient compared to maglocks (no continuous power needed).
Discreet appearance—looks similar to a regular strike plate.
Suitable for interior and exterior doors.
COMPARISON TABLE
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I CAN USE AN ELECTRIC LATCH OR ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK?
Knowing when to use an electric latch vs electromagnetic lock depends on the type of door, the security requirements, and the safety regulations of the installation site.
ELECTRIC LATCH
- THE DOOR HAS A LATCH OR DEADBOLT
The design for an electric lock is to work with mechanical locks (like cylindrical or mortise locks).
- YOU NEED KEY OVERRIDE CAPABILITY
If you want users to still open the door with a physical key (for example, in power outages), electric strikes are ideal.
- FAIL-SECURE OPERATION IS REQUIRED
Definitely, for high-security areas that must stay lock when power is lost (e.g., offices, storage rooms, restricted areas), electric strikes can be configured to remain locked.
- THE DOOR SWINGS OPEN MANUALLY
Perfect for swinging doors in offices, apartment entries, and secure interior rooms.
- DISCREET APPEARANCE IS DESIRED
The installation of electric latchs are inside the frame, making them nearly invisible once installed.
ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCK
- THE DOOR DOESN'T HAVE A LATCH MECHANISM
If it’s a frameless glass door, automatic door, or sliding door, an Electromagnetic Lock is often the best choice.
- FAIL-SAFE OPERATION REQUIRED
Also, electromagnetic lock unlock automatically when power is lost — essential for emergency exits or fire-rated doors.
- YOU NEED QUICKM SILENT LOCKING
Ideal for high-traffic areas where doors need to lock/unlock frequently and quietly.
- YOU WANT EASY INSTALLATION
Electromagnetic Lock are surface-mounted, meaning minimal alteration to the door or frame.
- YOU'RE INTEGRATING WITH ACCESS DEVICES
Electromagnetic Lock pair easily with card readers, motion sensors, push-to-exit buttons, and biometric systems.