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Electrically Unlocking Doors
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This month we will explain several common ways to lock and unlock a commercial grade door used in an access control application. Although all of these applications require an access control system, this e-mail will focus on the door hardware that secures the door.
Electric Latch Retraction
Advantages include:
- Less affected by side load, door stress, and abuse, providing years of trouble-free operation
- Door remains locked when power is lost but can still be overridden with key
- Can be integrated with automatic door operators
- Available for single-door applications as well as pairs of doors and double-egress applications.
- Available for fire-rated and windstorm-rated applications
- Available weatherized, which makes it perfect for gate applications
Challenges include:
- Requires higher capacity power supply, typically 2 amps
- Cost of latch retraction exit device in addition to higher capacity power supply and electric hinge / power transfer
- Some electric latch retraction exit devices can be noisy
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Electric Strike
Advantages include:
- Slightly less expensive than latch retraction (electric hinge not required and power supply is lower capacity, typically only 1/2 to 1 amp)
- Most electric strikes are field adjustable for fail safe or fail secure, which can ensure the door remains locked when power is lost.
- Can be integrated with automatic door operators
- Weatherized and fire-rated electric strikes are available
- Most electric strikes are very quiet
Challenges include:
- Door frame construction can lead to a difficult installation
- Susceptible to side load & door stress, requiring continuous adjustment
- Typically used in single-door applications, as pairs of doors or double-egress applications can be challenging with electric strikes
- Very few windstorm-rated electric strikes are currently available
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Electrified Trim
Advantages include:
- Less affected by side load, door stress, and abuse, providing years of trouble-free operation
- Door remains locked when power is lost but can still be overridden with key
- Typically requires 1/2-amp power supply and electric hinge
Challenges include:
- Can be as costly as electric latch retraction
- Cannot be integrated with automatic door operators
- Must ensure electrified trim is compatible with exit device
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Electromagnetic Lock
Advantages include:
- Typically requires 1/2-amp power supply
- Able to be used on narrow openings
Challenges include:
- Doesn't secure the door when power is lost
- Door conditions can make installation difficult
- Not allowed in many locations due to code
- Cannot be used on some shorter door heights
- Affected by side load, door stress and abuse
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Some Electric Latch Retraction devices can be loud. Most manufacturers offer a less noisy, motor-driven Electric Latch Retraction device, rather than the noisier solenoid. Some manufacturers offer a pneumatic device as well, but they are also quite loud.
Detex's Electric Latch Retraction devices are quiet because they are motor driven.
Detex also offers Electric Latch Retraction for exterior gates, allowing electric latch retraction to be used outdoors in weatherized applications. Detex also offers gate plates and other outdoor alarmed products that are perfect for outdoor access control applications. These include the EAX-300W Weatherized Door Prop Alarm, Advantex Weatherized Electric Latch Retraction Device, and Value Series Weatherized Electric Latch Retraction Device (for rim and surface vertical rod. |
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Trade Shows
Intermountain Lock & Security Supply (IMLSS) California - Universal City, CA - March 9, 2018
NFM&T
- Baltimore, MD - March 20-22, 2018
ISC-West
- Las Vegas, NV - April 11-13, 2018
Expo Seguridad - Mexico City, MEX - April 24-26, 2018
Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA) - Dallas, TX - April 29-May 3, 2018
Training
Hans Johnsen Company - Dallas, TX - March 2, 2018
Penn-Ohio Locksmith Association Monthly Meeting - Canton, OH - March 11, 2018
IDN Hardware Sales Trade Show - Independence, OH - March 16, 2018
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