Magnetic Door Lock
A door access control system has many options for locking devices. Between electric strikes, mag locks, and drop bolts, you have no shortage of items to choose from. Each type has their advantages. Magnetic door locks commercial buildings use can be any locking device. Here, though, we’ll explore the magnetic door lock, and why you should consider it for your door access control system.
Magnetic Door Lock, what is it?
A magnetic door lock is one that uses an electromagnetic pull to lock an armature plate and the magnetic mechanism together in door entry systems. An electrical current passes through the device to activate the magnetization that bonds them together. Once the two pieces bond together, the door remains locked keeping out anyone who doesn’t have permission to pass through. A door access control system would allow the door to open when it receives the correct authority. It would then enable the lock to reactivate once the door closes.
Magnetic Door Lock How Does it Work?
The magnetic door lock solutions for buildings use are for keeping unauthorized people from entering through a door in a specific area or into the structure itself. Those who need to gain entry into these areas must show that they have permission to enter. They’ll use some form of Identification to alert the access door entry system, so it will send the signal to unlock the door. These locks install on fail-safe doors as well as fail-secure ones. However, they’re more often used in fail-safe doors.
On the fail-safe door, the armature plate and magnetic door lock mechanism lock together when an electrical current passes through them. When the electrical current is interrupted, the lock will become disengaged until the power flows through the locking device again. A door access control system will send the signal to interrupt the current, so the door can be opened for a moment while a person passes through. When the door closes, door entry systems will allow the current to flow again, and the lock will engage.
For the fail-secure door, electricity is applied through the lock to keep it unlocked. This energizes the mechanism, so when the power goes out, for whatever reason, the door would then lock. You’ll see this in specific entryways used for fire prevention and to keep people from getting in. When electricity comes back on, the door will then unlock.
Why Should You Choose an Electromagnetic Door Lock for Commercial Buildings?
There are many advantages to using a magnetic door lock with commercial door entry systems. Some of them include:
Easy Installation- These locks don’t have any bolt to extend and lock into a strike plate. You simply install the armature plate on the door, and the magnet mechanism on the door frame, and attach the electrical wiring to power the magnetic lock. Whatever access door entry systems you use will also have to connect to the lock, so it can send the signals to unlock the door when needed.
Ease of use in Emergencies- When the power goes out, the door automatically will unlock, since it needs the power to activate the magnetic pull that keeps the door shut.
Works Well with Many Access Devices- The electromagnetic lock works well with key readers, key code pads, and even fingerprint scanning. Whatever access device you decide to use, the magnetic door lock will work with it.
Contain 1,000 lbs. or More of Force- Magnetic door locks commercial buildings use need to be secure. Most provide a lot of power when the electrical current flows to the lock. The magnetic force will be equivalent to 1,000 lbs. or even more, depending on which lock you buy. It would be hard to pry a door open with this kind of lock.
Less obvious- Other types of door locks can be clunky and will detract from the design of the impressive storefronts many businesses have. Glassdoor entryways are an example of a stylish architectural feature that would be ruined by other types of locks. The magnetic door lock will blend in easier and will accent them instead of clashing with them.
Low maintenance- These locks are known for their low-maintenance. They’re durable enough to withstand the wear and tear it would endure as you use it over time.
Customizable- Some offer door plates to suit your aesthetic. If a large plate isn’t what you want, you may be able to get a smaller door plate to use instead.
Magnetic Door Lock Disadvantages?
As you can see, there are many advantages to using a magnetic lock. However, as with anything else, there are disadvantages to using one of these locking mechanisms with your door entry systems. For the most part, people aren’t deterred from using one but check these out for yourself to see if any are deal breakers with you.
Magnetic Lock Disadvantages
Unlocks in power outages- Magnetic door lock solutions commercial buildings use are an impressive way to keep unwanted people out of a room or building, but, if the power goes out the door automatically unlocks. Unless you have some backup way to provide the current needed to keep the door shut. Yes, it’s great in case of emergency, because people can safely leave without dealing with the door, but this allows anyone else to enter the premises.
Must comply with Local Codes- Different areas have different codes regarding door locks, and what you can and can’t use. Your area may not allow the type of magnetic lock you want to use in specific areas of your building. You would need to check first.
Energy consumption-Because they rely on the constant flow of electricity to provide the magnetic pull, it will add more dollars to your electricity bill every month.
Not tamper-proof- Unfortunately, since they rely on the magnetic pull, anyone desperate enough to gain entry, could tamper with the lock to get access to the room or building. This doesn’t often happen, though.
Who Should Choose Electromagnetic Door Locks?
These locks can be used just about anywhere you want to use them. However, there are a few places where they would work well. Experts recommend that you should use one in high traffic areas, such as:
- Airports
- Shopping Malls
- Auditoriums
- Railroad Stations
- Department Stores
Of course, you can install one anywhere that you want a durable, secure lock. Exterior perimeter doors on commercial buildings would be the optimal choice, as well as interior doors that have access control devices.
What Types of Exit Devices Can be Used With a Magnetic Door Lock?
A Door access control system works hard to provide the security you want to keep out those unwanted people from entering your business. However, it’s important to make sure you get the best egress device to complement your locking mechanism. Because a safe and easy exit is just as important as keeping others out. Magnetic door locks commercial buildings use work well with just about any exit devices. Here are a few of the best choices available:
Exit buttons– A button that alerts the access control device, which will send a signal to interrupt the electrical flow for a few seconds so you can pass through the door.
Request to Exit Bar- A bar that acts as a switch allowing the magnetic lock to disengage and allow passage through the door. Once the door closes, the latch activates once again.
Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- This device would detect someone approaching the door and would allow the magnetic lock to disengage long enough for someone to pass through.
