Choosing between electric door locks, maglocks, and electric strikes is one of the most important parts of planning an access control system. The wrong choice can lead to poor security, awkward installation, unreliable performance, or problems with safe exit. The right choice helps the whole system work better from day one.
This guide explains the difference between electric door locks, electric lock releases, and magnetic door locks. It also looks at the real-world question many buyers ask: maglock vs electric strike — which is the better option for your door?
By the end, you will understand how each lock type works, where each one fits best, what to consider around fire safety and power loss, and which products are worth exploring for timber doors, aluminium doors, glass doors, metal doors, and gates.
Overview of Electronic Locking Options
Electronic locking is used across offices, flats, schools, warehouses, shops, and managed buildings. In most cases, the lock is connected to an access control system that allows entry by keypad, key fob, card reader, intercom, or video entry panel.
The three most common options are:
- electric door locks
- magnetic door locks
- electric strikes
These are often grouped together, but they do not work in the same way. Each has its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
If you are comparing products, Door Entry Online offers useful categories to review:
What Are Electric Door Locks?
The term electric door locks is often used broadly to describe locking hardware that can be controlled electrically. In practice, it can include several products, such as electric lock releases, electric strikes, maglocks, shear locks, and other access control locking devices.
In everyday buying terms, most people use electric door locks to mean any powered locking solution that works with an access control system.
Where electric door locks are used
You will commonly find electric door locks on:
- office entry doors
- communal residential entrances
- staff-only doors
- internal secure rooms
- gates
- rear service entrances
The best type depends on the door construction, the security requirement, how people exit, and what should happen if power fails.
What Is an Electric Lock Release?
An electric lock release is a device fitted into the door frame that works with a latch or lockcase already on the door. When power is applied or removed, depending on the model, the release changes state and allows the door to open.
This is one of the most common forms of electronically controlled locking and is often chosen where installers want a neat, practical solution that works with traditional door hardware.
Why electric lock releases are popular
Electric lock releases are often chosen because they:
- work well with many timber and aluminium doors
- can give a cleaner finish than some other lock types
- integrate easily with access control systems
- suit both commercial and residential applications
Electric strike lock UK demand
Searches for electric strike lock UK products are common because electric strikes are widely used across British commercial and residential access control projects. They are especially popular on pedestrian doors where a latch-based locking method is already in place.
If the door already has suitable mechanical hardware, an electric strike can be a very efficient upgrade path.
What Is a Maglock?
A maglock, or magnetic lock, is an electromagnetic locking device that secures a door using magnetic force. The magnet is fixed to the frame, and the armature plate is fixed to the door. When power is applied, the magnet holds the plate firmly and keeps the door locked.
These magnetic door locks are common in access control because they are simple, strong, and effective when installed correctly.
Where magnetic door locks are used
Magnetic door locks are often used on:
- office doors
- communal entrances
- schools
- warehouses
- internal secure areas
- some fire exit arrangements with the right release hardware
They are especially common on high-traffic doors and on doors where fitting a traditional strike is less practical.
What Is an Electric Strike?
An electric strike is a specific type of electric lock release. It replaces or works alongside the standard keep in the frame and allows the latch or bolt to release when triggered electrically.
In simple terms, an electric strike controls the latch, while the door’s mechanical lock hardware still does part of the securing.
Why electric strikes are widely used
An electric strike lock UK setup is often popular because it can:
- work with existing door hardware
- provide a tidy, lower-profile installation
- suit many timber and aluminium door frames
- offer either fail safe or fail secure operation depending on the model
This makes electric strikes one of the most flexible options in access control.
Maglock vs Electric Strike: What Is the Difference?
The maglock vs electric strike comparison matters because these two lock types solve the same problem in very different ways.
How a maglock secures the door
A maglock uses electromagnetic force to hold the door shut. It does not rely on a latch entering a keep. Instead, the strength comes from the magnet holding the armature plate.
How an electric strike secures the door
An electric strike works with the mechanical latch or lockcase on the door. The strike releases the latch when triggered, allowing the door to open.
Why that difference matters
This affects:
- installation method
- appearance
- fire and escape planning
- behaviour during power failure
- compatibility with the existing door hardware
That is why maglock vs electric strike is not just a product comparison. It is a door design decision.
Key Differences Between Lock Types
Security
Security is one of the first things buyers look at when comparing electric door locks.
Maglocks and holding force
Many magnetic door locks offer high holding force, such as 300lb, 600lb, or 1200lb models. This makes them attractive for busy entrances and doors where strong holding performance matters.
That said, real security also depends on the door, frame, bracket alignment, and supporting hardware. A strong magnet on a weak frame will not solve the problem.
Electric strikes and latch security
Electric strikes rely on the mechanical latch and lockcase. If the mechanical door hardware is good quality and correctly fitted, this can provide a very secure setup.
For many commercial doors, an electric strike lock UK installation gives a strong balance of security and practicality.
Power Requirements
Power behaviour is a major difference between lock types.
Maglocks need constant power
Most magnetic door locks need continuous power to stay locked. Remove power, and the door releases. This is why maglocks are usually fail safe.
Because they stay energised in normal use, maglocks often place more ongoing demand on the power supply.
Electric strikes use power differently
Many electric strikes only use power during the unlock event. In a fail secure setup, the strike remains locked when power is absent and releases only when powered.
This can make them more efficient in some installations.
To build a reliable system, always match the lock to a suitable Power Supply.
Door Compatibility
Not every lock suits every door.
Maglocks suit some doors better than others
Maglocks can be easier to fit on certain doors where frame design or door hardware makes strike fitting awkward. They are also common on glass doors with specialist brackets and on double doors.
Electric strikes depend on latch alignment
Electric strikes usually need the right relationship between the latch, frame, and lockcase. On the right timber or aluminium door, they can be very neat. On some glass doors or unusual frames, they may be less practical.
Fire Safety
Fire safety should always be considered when choosing electric door locks.
Maglocks and escape routes
Because maglocks are usually fail safe, they can be suitable in some escape route applications when the full system includes the correct safety hardware, such as emergency release units and suitable exit devices.
They should never be fitted on escape routes without proper planning.
Electric strikes and secure areas
Electric strikes are often used where the door needs to remain secure during power loss. That can suit secure internal rooms, stock areas, and certain non-escape doors.
The role of the door matters more than the popularity of the product.
Cost
Cost is not only about the price of the lock.
Maglock costs
Maglocks may appear simple, but the full installation can also require:
- brackets
- armature plates
- power supplies
- emergency release units
- exit buttons
Electric strike costs
An electric strike may be cost-effective if the door already has suitable mechanical hardware. But if the lockcase, frame, or latch arrangement needs changing, the full cost can rise.
The better value option is usually the one that best matches the existing door and the site requirements.
Installation Complexity
Maglocks can be straightforward in some cases
Surface-mounted maglocks can be simpler to fit in some retrofit jobs. They are often chosen where a quick, practical locking method is needed and the door design allows it.
Electric strikes can be cleaner but more exacting
Electric strikes often offer a neater finish, but they need correct frame prep, latch alignment, and compatibility with the door hardware. That can make them more precise to install.
Best Lock by Door Type
Timber Door
A timber door can work well with several types of electric door locks.
Best options for timber doors
For many timber doors, electric lock releases and electric strikes are an excellent choice because they work neatly with latch-based locking. On internal timber doors or commercial timber entrances, this is often the most common approach.
Maglocks can also work on timber doors, especially on communal or higher-traffic applications where electromagnetic locking is preferred.
Aluminium Door
Aluminium entrance doors are common in offices, schools, and commercial buildings.
Best options for aluminium doors
An electric strike lock UK setup is often a strong choice for aluminium doors, especially when paired with suitable narrow-style hardware. These doors often lend themselves well to strike-based access control.
Maglocks may also be used where the door design suits bracket mounting better than strike fitting.
Glass Door
Glass doors need careful lock selection.
Best options for glass doors
Magnetic door locks are often a practical option for glass doors because they can work with specialist brackets and do not rely on a standard timber-style latch arrangement.
Electric strikes can be less straightforward on full glass doors unless the system has compatible framing and hardware.
Metal Door
Metal doors are often used in commercial, industrial, and service settings.
Best options for metal doors
The best answer depends on the frame, the lockcase, and whether the door is internal or external. Electric strikes are often used where the hardware suits them. Maglocks may be preferred on some higher-traffic or specialist setups.
This is one of the cases where the maglock vs electric strike decision needs a closer look at the actual door rather than general rules.
Gate
Gates can be more complex than doors.
Best options for gates
Many gate setups need specialist locking hardware that can cope with movement, weather, and outdoor exposure. Some electric releases and magnetic solutions can work, but the choice must be based on the gate construction and environment.
A standard indoor lock should never be assumed suitable for a gate.
Fail Safe vs Fail Secure Considerations
Understanding fail safe and fail secure is essential when comparing electric door locks.
What fail safe means
A fail safe lock releases when power is lost. Most magnetic door locks work this way.
This can be useful where safe escape is the priority.
What fail secure means
A fail secure lock stays locked when power is lost. Many electric strikes and electric lock releases work this way, although some models differ.
This can be useful where security during a power cut matters most.
Why this choice matters
The correct choice depends on:
- whether the door is on an escape route
- whether the area must remain secure during power failure
- the building fire strategy
- the lock type
- the system design
For example:
- a fire exit often leans towards fail safe thinking
- a stock room often leans towards fail secure thinking
Never assume one is better in all situations. It depends on the job the door needs to do.
What Accessories Might You Need?
The lock is only one part of the system. A complete installation may also require:
Depending on the setup, you may also need:
- emergency release units
- brackets
- controllers
- keypads
- fob readers
- door contacts
Choosing the right accessories is just as important as choosing the lock itself.
How to Choose the Right Lock
If you are still comparing electric door locks, ask these questions first:
- What type of door is it?
- Is the door internal or external?
- Does it already have mechanical latch hardware?
- Is safe escape or security during power loss the bigger priority?
- Will the lock be used with keypads, readers, or intercoms?
- Does the site need a maglock or would an electric strike fit more neatly?
The clearer these answers are, the easier it becomes to choose between electric lock releases, maglocks, and electric strikes.
FAQs
What are electric door locks?
Electric door locks are locking devices controlled by electricity, usually as part of an access control or door entry system. The term can include electric strikes, maglocks, and other powered lock releases.
What is the difference between electric lock releases and electric strikes?
An electric strike is one type of electric lock release. It works with the latch or bolt on the door and allows access when electrically triggered.
Are magnetic door locks secure?
Yes, magnetic door locks can be very secure when they are correctly specified and fitted with the right brackets, armature plates, and supporting hardware.
Which is better: maglock vs electric strike?
There is no single winner in the maglock vs electric strike comparison. A maglock may be better for some high-traffic, glass, or escape-route-related applications. An electric strike may be better where the door already has suitable latch hardware and a neater finish is preferred.
What is the best electric strike lock UK option for offices?
For many office doors, an electric strike lock UK setup works well on timber or aluminium doors with suitable latch hardware. The best choice depends on the frame, traffic level, and access control method.
Are maglocks fail safe?
Most maglocks are fail safe, which means they release when power is lost.
Are electric strikes fail secure?
Many electric strikes are fail secure, but not all. Always check the exact product specification before ordering or installing.
Which lock is best for a glass door?
In many cases, magnetic door locks are a strong choice for glass doors because they can work with specialist brackets and do not rely on a conventional latch arrangement.
Do I need an exit button with an electric lock?
In many systems, yes. Exit Buttons are often used to allow safe and practical egress from the secure side of the door.
Can electric door locks be used with access control systems?
Yes. Electric door locks are commonly used with Access Control Kits, keypads, fob readers, intercoms, and video entry systems.
Final Thoughts
The best electric door locks are the ones that suit the real conditions of the door, not just the product description. A maglock can be a strong choice where simple electromagnetic holding, high traffic use, or glass door compatibility matters. An electric strike or other electric lock releases solution can be the better option where the door already has suitable latch hardware and a cleaner mechanical fit is preferred.
If you are weighing up maglock vs electric strike, focus on the door type, the frame, the power behaviour, and the safety needs of the site. That approach will help you make a better choice than comparing holding force or price alone.
For a closer look at compatible hardware, explore Door Entry Online’s Electric Locks, Magnetic Locks, Access Control Kits, Power Supplies, and Exit Buttons.
