Business owners throughout Brevard County who are upgrading to electronic access control systems face an important choice: should you install a magnetic lock or an electronic strike plate? Both technologies provide keyless entry through keypads, fobs, or mobile credentials, but they operate on completely different principles and suit different door types.
How Magnetic Locks Function
A magnetic lock (mag lock) uses electromagnetic force to secure a door. The system consists of two parts: an electromagnet mounted on the door frame header, and a steel armature plate attached to the door itself. When powered, the electromagnet creates a strong magnetic field that pulls the armature plate tight against the frame, holding the door firmly closed. Power loss—whether intentional, accidental, or triggered by a fire alarm—causes the magnetic field to collapse and allows the door to open freely.
This fail-safe design is critical for emergency situations and building code compliance. During a fire alarm or power outage, mag locks automatically release, ensuring occupants can evacuate without delay.
Magnetic Lock Strength and Applications
Mag locks come in different holding force ratings. Standard models offer 600 lbs of holding force, suitable for most commercial doors. Heavy-duty versions provide 1200 lbs for high-security applications or double doors. According to locksmith experts at Key-En-Lock | Locksmith Services Brevard County FL, the real security limitation isn’t the magnetic force itself—it’s the quality of the mounting hardware and door frame construction.
Mag locks excel in specific applications that electronic strikes cannot handle. Glass doors and frameless glass entries are the most common use case. Since glass doors lack traditional frames with cavities for strike plates, mag locks mounted above the door with an armature plate on the glass panel provide the perfect solution. Similarly, doors without conventional latch mechanisms benefit from mag locks, which don’t require any existing lock hardware to function.
When Electronic Strikes Make Sense
Electronic strikes work differently. Rather than using magnetism, they replace the traditional strike plate on a door frame, controlling whether the latch extends or retracts. This approach works well for standard hinged doors with existing latch mechanisms and offers a more discreet installation in many conventional applications.
Choosing the Right System for Your Business
The choice between these technologies depends on your specific door type, security requirements, and building code obligations. Brevard County businesses benefit from consulting with experienced professionals who understand both technologies.
Key-En-Lock | Locksmith Services Brevard County FL can assess your facility and recommend whether magnetic locks, electronic strikes, or a combination approach best fits your security needs. Learn more about these options at Key-En-Lock | Locksmith Services Brevard County FL.