Selecting the correct electronic locking hardware is a critical decision in access control architecture. The choice between electromagnetic locks (maglocks), electric strikes, and specialized lock mechanisms determines a building’s security posture, life safety code compliance, and long-term maintenance costs.
Evaluating these 5 core selection factors ensures your locking hardware meets physical security requirements while upholding egress safety regulations.
[ Access Control Signal ] ➔ [ Power Supply Unit (PSU) ] ➔ [ Lock Mechanism: Fail-Safe / Fail-Secure ]
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[ Electric Strike / Maglock ]
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Physical security requirements & lock mechanism
Security levels vary significantly across entry points, requiring tailored locking hardware:
- Electric Strikes: Mounted in the door frame to secure standard cylindrical or mortise latches. They provide strong mechanical resistance against forced entry while maintaining standard mechanical key overrides.
- Electromagnetic Locks (Maglocks): Use magnetic field strength (typically 300 kg to 500 kg+ holding force) to hold doors shut without moving parts. They are ideal for high-traffic doors, glass doors, and shear-force installations.
- Gate Maglocks: Specially engineered perimeter maglocks with sealed, weather-resistant housings designed for outdoor gates and perimeter fences.
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Life safety: Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure operation
The behavior of locking hardware during power loss is critical for building safety:
- Fail-Safe (Power-to-Lock): Unlocks automatically when power is removed. Required on primary egress doors, fire routes, and stairwells to allow unhindered emergency evacuation.
- Fail-Secure (Power-to-Unlock): Remains locked when power is lost, preserving physical security. Ideal for perimeter entrances, IT server rooms, and asset vaults where protecting property during power outages is paramount.
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Regulatory compliance & fire code ratings
Egress doors must strictly adhere to national and regional building codes:
- Fire-Rated Doors: Locks installed on fire-rated assemblies must hold appropriate certifications (e.g., UL listed / fire-tested) to ensure the door prevents fire and smoke propagation during a fire event.
- Accessibility & Automatic Operators: Lock hardware installed on public or accessible doors must integrate seamlessly with automatic door operators to ensure hands-free, low-barrier entry for individuals with disabilities.
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Environmental conditions & durability
Installation conditions directly impact a lock’s operational lifespan:
- High-Traffic Endurance: Magnetic locks lack moving mechanical parts, making them extremely resilient to wear in high-frequency commercial entrances.
- Outdoor & Perimeter Exposure: Exterior gate locks require corrosion-resistant housings (e.g., stainless steel), potted electronics, and IP ratings to withstand rain, humidity, and temperature extremes.
- Continuous Duty Cycles: Ensure coils and solenoids are rated for continuous power draw without overheating in fail-safe configurations.
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Total cost of ownership & maintenance
Focusing solely on upfront hardware cost leads to higher long-term expenses:
- Quality Certification: Specifying UL-listed hardware reduces field failures, nuisance callbacks, and premature replacement costs.
- Serviceability: Choosing standard lock footprints and readily available replacement parts minimizes system downtime during repairs.
Electric Lock selection matrix
| Lock Type | Common Application | Security Level | Fail-Safe / Fail-Secure | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Maglock | Interior Office Doors / Glass Entrances | High Holding Force | Fail-Safe Only | No moving mechanical parts; long service life |
| Electric Strike | Standard Commercial Wooden/Metal Doors | Medium–High | Available in Both | Preserves existing mechanical lock & key override |
| Gate Maglock | Exterior Gates & Perimeter Fences | High Outdoor Security | Fail-Safe Only | Weatherproof, corrosion-resistant housing |
| Fire-Rated Strike | Emergency Exit Routes / Stairwells | High Security / Code Compliant | Fail-Secure / Fail-Safe | Maintains fire door integrity during emergency |
Balancing security, safety, and compliance
Selecting the right electronic lock requires balancing physical holding force, emergency egress behavior (fail-safe vs. fail-secure), fire ratings, and environmental durability.
Partnering with an established manufacturer like CDVI ensures access to a full range of UL-listed maglocks, electric strikes, and gate hardware engineered for seamless integration with modern access control systems.