IS ELECTRIC STRIKE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE?
DOOR ELECTRIC STRIKE
When discussing door hardware, a door electric strike, refers to the metal plate or assembly that’s installed into or onto a door frame to “catch” the latch or bolt to hold the door closed.
Where can you find an electric strike?
- Commercial Buildings
- Banks
- Technology Centers
- Warehouses
- Industrial Facilities
- Technology Centers
- Convention Centers
- Long Term Living Facilities
- Stairwells
- Apartment buildings
- Hotel rooms
- Schools and Universities
- Nursing homes
Electric strikes replace a standard door strike and are connecting to a power supply.
When an electric strike is activated, it releases the latch, unlocking the door.
Electric strike locks remain locked from the outside at all times. When the door closes behind you, it automatically returns to a locked position. Electric strike locks are opened from the inside by pressing a panic bar or other manual release device.
Fail-secure Electric Strike vs fail-safe Electric Strike
Fail-secure Electric strike: A fail-secure electric strike is required for a fire-rated opening and will remain locked during a power outage. That is the safer of the two options since it will keep the building secure and will not allow entry into the building if the power goes out. Of course, exiting inside is always possible with a panic bar or other exit device since the electric strike lock outside.
Fail-secure Electric strike: A fail-safe electric strike will unlock in the event of a power loss, allowing everyone free access.
Magnetic locks, in comparison, are all fail-safe. Therefore, in a power outage, a magnetic lock will remain unlocked and not function. That creates a severe security risk for a building that needs to stay secure in the event of a power outage. For this reason, electric strikes are recommending over magnetic locks.
Benefits of Electric strikes
Security: Electric strikes are a very secure and safe option for latching a door since you can only activate them with a card, pin, or remote device associated with the strike.
Convenience: When it connects to a remote system, you can allow someone entry from the comfort of your desk or bedroom with the push of a button. An electric strike attached to a pin code can also be helpful since no key is necessary, and you can choose who to share the code with.
Easy installation: Installation of electric strikes is quicker and simpler. That’s because electric strikes are mounted only on the frame. Installing them requires only cutting at the structure. Electronic locks, on the other hand, require prep on the door itself, which can complicate.
Low-cost installation: Because electric locks are easier to install, as explained above, a hired contractor or handyman should take less time to install them; therefore, your labor and materials cost should be similar to a standard strike installation.
Two Challenges of Electric Strikes
Don’t lose your card!
If you’re using an electric strike that requires a card for access comtrol system, be sure you keep your card in a safe place. These cards are sometimes expensive to replace. More importantly, you may not be able to enter your property or office building after hours.
The keypad or card reader used to activate the electric strike is quite visible in access control solutions. That, of course, is necessary for people to be able to enter the building quickly after entering a code or swiping a card. However, since it is visible, it may be more prone to tampering or vandalism. However, most electric locks sold today are very safe, and “hacking” a code presents too big of a challenge for would-be burglars.
