When you step onto a site to fit or maintain door entry hardware, the reader and the controller often get all the attention. However, the physical locking mechanism is the true workhorse of any security setup. If you choose the wrong lock for the door type or building usage, even the most advanced access control systems will fail to keep the premises secure.
For junior installers, locksmiths, and facilities maintenance teams, navigating the different types of electronic locks can be daunting. Should you use a maglock or an electric strike? What about fail-safe versus fail-secure requirements?
At Door Entry Online, our founders spent years working as experienced installers fitting access control systems across the UK. Because of this hands-on background, we know exactly which hardware performs best in real-world scenarios. Our kits are carefully selected by trade professionals, which is why they are trusted by both experienced installers and retail consumers looking for reliable security.
In this guide, we will break down the differences between maglocks and electric strikes, how they work, and when you should use them to ensure a successful, compliant installation.
The Role of the Locking Mechanism in Access Control Systems
The locking mechanism is the physical barrier between an open door and a secure building. In modern access control systems, the controller sends an electrical signal to the lock, instructing it to either engage or release based on the user's credentials (like a fob or PIN code).
Choosing the right lock is not just about security. You must also consider life safety, fire regulations, and the physical construction of the door and frame. A lock that draws too much power, doesn't align properly, or traps people inside during a power cut is a liability. Getting the lock specification right is the first step to a flawless installation.
What is a Magnetic Lock (Maglock)?
A magnetic lock, commonly known as a maglock, is an electromagnet fitted to the door frame with a metal armature plate attached to the door itself. When power runs through the electromagnet, it bonds instantly to the armature plate, locking the door firmly in place.
How They Work (Holding Force, Standard vs. Mini)
Maglocks have no moving parts, which makes them incredibly durable and low-maintenance. They rely entirely on electrical current to stay locked. Because they require constant power to hold the door shut, they are inherently "fail-safe." If the power cuts out or the fire alarm triggers a break-glass switch, the magnet loses power, and the door opens freely.
Maglocks are categorised by their holding force:
- Mini Maglocks (approx. 600lb holding force): Ideal for standard internal doors, office suites, and low-to-medium risk areas.
- Standard Maglocks (approx. 1200lb holding force): Designed for heavy external doors, perimeter security, and high-risk commercial entrances.
Best Applications for Maglocks
Maglocks are highly versatile but perform best in specific environments:
- High-traffic doors: With no moving mechanical parts to wear out, they can handle thousands of daily cycles.
- Glass doors: Specialised brackets (U-brackets) allow maglocks to fit seamlessly onto frameless glass doors.
- Fire escape routes: Because they are fail-safe, they integrate perfectly with fire alarm relays to ensure safe evacuation.
What is an Electric Strike / ANSI Lock Release?
An electric strike (or ANSI lock release) works alongside a traditional mechanical mortice lock. Instead of replacing the entire lock, the electric strike replaces the fixed strike plate on the door frame. When a user presents a valid fob to the access control systems, the electric strike's metal lip pivots, allowing the door to be pulled open without turning the mechanical handle or key.
How They Work (Mortice Locks, Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure)
Unlike maglocks, electric strikes have mechanical moving parts. They are incredibly popular because they allow you to keep the existing mortice lock and handles on the door.
Electric strikes give you a crucial choice in fire strategy:
- Fail-Secure: The strike remains locked if the power fails. The door remains secure from the outside, but users can still exit by using the internal mechanical handle. This is excellent for high-security areas that must not be left open during a power cut.
- Fail-Safe: The strike unlocks automatically when power is removed, allowing free flow through the door.
Best Applications for Electric Strikes
Electric strikes are the go-to choice for many locksmiths and installers working on retrofits.
- Wooden and UPVC doors: They easily replace standard strike plates in timber or plastic frames.
- Residential flats and HMOs: They allow tenants to use a fob to enter but still use a mechanical key as a backup.
- Budget-friendly retrofits: You save time and money by integrating the strike with the existing mortice lock rather than starting from scratch.
Other Options: Electronic Drop Bolts and Shear Locks
While maglocks and electric strikes cover 90% of installations, sometimes you need a specialist solution for your access control systems:
- Electronic Drop Bolts: These feature a metal pin that drops down from the door frame into the top of the door. They provide high physical security and are often used on double-swing doors (doors that push and pull).
- Shear Locks: A type of concealed maglock that uses both magnetic force and a physical interlocking tab. They offer the holding power of a maglock but are hidden entirely within the door frame for a clean, architectural finish.
Which Lock Should You Choose for Your Installation?
To make the right choice on-site, ask yourself these three questions:
- What is the door made of? Wooden doors suit electric strikes. Glass or heavy metal doors usually require maglocks.
- Which way does it open? Single outward/inward opening doors suit standard maglocks. Double-swing doors need drop bolts.
- What is the fire strategy? If the door is on a fire escape route, you must use a fail-safe device (like a maglock) linked to the building's fire alarm panel.
Choose Reliable Locks for Every Job
Understanding the mechanics behind electric strikes and maglocks ensures you build reliable, compliant access control systems every time. If you specify the right lock, you drastically reduce maintenance call-outs and ensure the safety of everyone in the building.
At Door Entry Online, we leverage our years of hands-on installation experience to supply you with hardware that simply works. Whether you need a robust 1200lb maglock or a versatile ANSI electric release, our kits are chosen by professionals, for professionals.
Browse our "Electric Locks & Releases" and "Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)" categories today to find the perfect fit for your next project. Don't forget, trade buyers enjoy automatic tiered discounts to boost their margins: get 3% off orders over £250, 10% off orders over £750, and a massive 15% off orders over £1,500.
