Magnetic locks vs electric strikes: Which should you choose?
Magnetic locks and electric strikes are two of the most common locking options used with access control systems, door entry systems, keypads, proximity readers, and intercoms. Both allow a door to be controlled electronically, but they work in very different ways and are suited to different types of doors and applications.
Choosing the right option depends on the door type, frame, lock case, security requirement, escape route requirements, power supply, and how the door is used day to day.
How does a magnetic lock work?
A magnetic lock, often called a maglock, uses an electromagnet and an armature plate to hold a door closed. The magnet is usually fitted to the door frame, while the armature plate is fitted to the door. When power is applied, the magnet holds the armature plate securely in place, keeping the door locked.
Magnetic locks are normally fail-safe, which means they release when power is removed. This makes them widely used on access-controlled doors where safe emergency egress is required, provided the full system is correctly designed with suitable exit buttons, emergency door release units, fire alarm interfaces, and power supplies.
How does an electric strike work?
An electric strike, also known as an electric release or rim strike depending on the style, is fitted into or onto the door frame and works with a suitable mechanical latch or lock case. Instead of locking the door with magnetic force, the strike releases the latch when access is authorised.
When a keypad, proximity reader, intercom, or access control system sends a release signal, the electric strike allows the latch to move past the strike keeper so the door can open. Once the door closes again, the latch re-engages with the strike.
Electric strikes are available in fail-safe and fail-secure versions, depending on the application.
Main differences between magnetic locks and electric strikes
The biggest difference is how the door is secured.
A magnetic lock holds the door closed using electromagnetic force. An electric strike releases the existing latch or lock mechanism.
Magnetic locks are usually visible on the door frame and require an armature plate on the door. Electric strikes are usually installed into the frame and work with a latch, making them a more discreet option in many installations.
Maglocks are commonly used where a strong fail-safe locking method is required. Electric strikes are commonly used where you want to keep a mechanical latch or lock case in operation.
Fail-safe and fail-secure operation
Magnetic locks are generally fail-safe. If power is removed, the lock releases.
Electric strikes can be either fail-safe or fail-secure, depending on the model. A fail-safe electric strike unlocks when power is removed, while a fail-secure electric strike remains locked when power is removed and unlocks when power is applied.
The correct choice depends on the door, escape route, security requirement, and fire safety design. Escape route doors and fire door applications should always be assessed by a competent person to ensure the locking method, release devices, and wiring are suitable.
When to choose a magnetic lock
A magnetic lock may be the better option when:
- A fail-safe locking method is required
- A high holding force is needed
- The door does not have a suitable latch or lock case
- The door is part of an access control system
- A clean and simple electronic locking method is preferred
- A monitored lock or door status option is required
- The installation allows suitable brackets and armature plates
- Safe emergency release can be correctly provided
Magnetic locks are commonly used on internal access control doors, communal entrances, commercial buildings, office doors, reception areas, education buildings, healthcare sites, and restricted access areas.
When to choose an electric strike
An electric strike may be the better option when:
- The door already has a suitable latch or lock case
- A more discreet frame-mounted release is preferred
- You want the door to operate like a standard latched door
- Fail-secure operation is required
- The door needs to remain mechanically latched when closed
- The installation requires controlled release from an intercom or keypad
- The frame and door type are suitable for strike installation
Electric strikes are commonly used with timber doors, metal frames, aluminium doors, apartment entrances, office doors, reception doors, and door entry systems.
Which is more secure?
Both magnetic locks and electric strikes can provide secure access control when correctly specified and installed.
A magnetic lock is often chosen for its holding force and simple fail-safe operation. Electric strikes are often chosen where the existing mechanical lock or latch provides the main physical locking point.
The level of security depends on the product, door construction, frame strength, fixing method, monitoring options, access control system, and installation quality.
Which is easier to install?
This depends on the door and frame.
Magnetic locks can be relatively straightforward to install, especially on doors where a latch or lock case is not already suitable. However, they may require brackets, armature plates, emergency release units, and careful positioning.
Electric strikes can provide a neat installation, but they usually require accurate cutting into the door frame and must be compatible with the latch or lock case.
For retrofit installations, the easiest option depends on the existing door hardware and available cable routes.
What other equipment is usually required?
A complete access control locking installation may include:
- An access control keypad or proximity reader
- An access control controller
- A suitable power supply
- A press to exit button
- An emergency door release unit
- A fire alarm interface where required
- A timer relay or control relay
- Door contacts or monitoring devices
- Mounting brackets, plates, or fixings
- Suitable cabling and installation accessories
The lock is only one part of the system, so the full installation should be designed around the door, users, safety requirements, and security level needed.
Magnetic Lock vs Electric Strike: Quick Summary
Choose a magnetic lock if you need a simple fail-safe electronic lock with strong holding force and suitable emergency release arrangements.
Choose an electric strike if you want to electronically release a mechanical latch or lock case while keeping the door operation more like a traditional locked door.
Both options can work well with access control systems, door entry systems, intercoms, keypads, proximity readers, exit buttons, and electronic security equipment. The best choice depends on the door type, required operation, fire safety requirements, and installation environment.
Browse our range of magnetic locks, electric release locks, access control power supplies, exit buttons, and emergency door release units to find suitable products for your installation.