Solenoid locks vs motor locks: what is the difference?
Solenoid locks and motor locks are both used in access control systems to secure doors electronically, but they operate in different ways and are suited to different types of applications.
Choosing between them depends on factors such as door type, traffic level, locking strength, access control requirements, escape route considerations and whether automatic door operation is required.
This guide explains the main differences between solenoid locks and motor locks, how each type works, and what to consider when selecting an electric locking solution.
What is a solenoid lock?
A solenoid lock uses an electrically operated solenoid to control part of the locking mechanism.
Depending on the design, the solenoid may control a handle, latch or internal locking function. When the access control system sends the correct signal, the lock allows the authorised user to operate the door.
Solenoid locks are commonly used with:
- Access control systems
- Keypads
- Proximity readers
- Door entry systems
- Intercom systems
- Timers and relays
- Remote release devices
They are widely used on commercial, educational, healthcare, residential and industrial doors where controlled entry is required.
How does a handle-controlled solenoid lock work?
Many access control solenoid lockcases are handle-controlled.
In this type of lock, the access control system controls whether a handle can operate the lock.
For example, on a read-in / free egress installation, the outside handle may be electrically controlled while the inside handle always operates.
This allows authorised users to enter using a card, fob, keypad or other credential while people inside can leave freely.
Some solenoid lockcases control both handles. These are commonly used for read-in / read-out access control, where authorisation is required from both sides of the door.
What is a motor lock?
A motor lock uses an electric motor to physically move the locking mechanism.
Rather than simply enabling or disabling a handle, the motor can drive a deadbolt, latch bolt or multipoint locking arrangement into the locked or unlocked position.
Motor locks are commonly used where a higher level of locking security or automated locking is required.
Depending on the lock design, they can be used with:
- Access control systems
- Remote door control
- Automatic door operators
- High-security entrances
- Multipoint locking systems
- Monitored door systems
Motor locks are often selected for higher traffic or higher security applications.
What is the main difference between a solenoid lock and a motor lock?
The main difference is how the electrical operation affects the lock.
A solenoid lock normally uses electrical power to control a handle, latch or locking function.
A motor lock uses an electric motor to physically move the locking mechanism.
This means a motor lock can provide automated deadlocking or multipoint locking functions that are not normally available from a standard handle-controlled solenoid lock.
Solenoid locks for read-in / free egress
One of the most common uses for a solenoid lock is a read-in / free egress door.
In this arrangement:
- The outside handle is controlled by the access control system
- The inside handle operates freely
- Authorised users can enter using a credential
- Users can leave without needing a credential
This type of system is commonly found in offices, schools, healthcare buildings, commercial premises and controlled internal areas.
ABLOY EL460, EL560 and EL580 lockcases are examples of handle-controlled solenoid locks that can be used in suitable read-in / free egress applications.
Solenoid locks for read-in / read-out
Some solenoid lockcases are designed so that both handles are electrically controlled.
This allows access control to be applied from both sides of the door.
A read-in / read-out system may be used where:
- Entry needs to be logged
- Exit needs to be logged
- Both sides of the door need controlled access
- The area requires additional security
- Free egress is not required through the standard handle arrangement
ABLOY EL461 and EL561 lockcases are examples of products used in suitable read-in / read-out applications.
Why choose a motor lock?
A motor lock may be more suitable where the application requires increased locking security, automated deadlocking or operation with certain door automation systems.
Depending on the model, a motor lock can automatically secure the door when it closes.
This can be useful for:
- High-security doors
- High traffic entrances
- Automated doors
- Restricted access areas
- Multipoint locking applications
- Doors requiring automatic deadlocking
ABLOY EL420 and EL520 motor locks are examples of electric lockcases designed for these types of applications.
What is a multipoint motor lock?
A multipoint motor lock secures the door at more than one point.
Instead of relying on a single central locking point, the lock may operate additional hook bolts or locking points along the door.
This can provide greater resistance against forced entry and is commonly used where a higher level of physical door security is required.
Multipoint motor locks are often used on:
- High-security entrances
- Commercial buildings
- Restricted access areas
- Narrow stile doors
- Secure external doors
- Access-controlled doors requiring additional physical locking
Fail-locked and fail-unlocked operation
Some electric lockcases can be supplied or configured as fail-locked or fail-unlocked.
A fail-locked lock remains secure if electrical power is removed.
A fail-unlocked lock releases or allows operation if power is removed.
The correct option depends on the door application, building use, security requirements and escape strategy.
The terms are sometimes also described as fail-secure and fail-safe, but the exact behaviour should always be checked against the individual lock specification.
What about mechanical key override?
Many electric lockcases can also be operated mechanically using a cylinder.
This provides an alternative way of opening the door if required.
Mechanical override can be useful for:
- Maintenance
- Emergency access
- Facilities management
- System faults
- Access outside normal operating hours
Depending on the lock and application, key operation may be available from one side or both sides.
Can solenoid locks be used with door automatics?
Not every solenoid lock is suitable for use with an automatic door operator.
Handle-controlled solenoid locks often depend on somebody physically operating the lever handle, so they may not be appropriate for automatic door applications.
Push & pull electric locks are different. These allow the door to open once electrically released without requiring normal lever handle operation.
For example, the ABLOY EL404 is designed as a push & pull electric lock and can be used with compatible automatic swing door operators.
Always check the manufacturer’s specification before combining an electric lock with door automation.
Can motor locks be used with door automatics?
Many motor locks are well suited to automatic door applications because the motor physically withdraws the locking mechanism before the automatic operator opens the door.
However, compatibility still depends on the specific lock, automatic operator and control arrangement.
The lock and operator need to be correctly sequenced so that the locking mechanism has fully released before the door begins to open.
What about fire doors and escape routes?
Electric locking on fire doors and escape routes requires careful specification.
The lock itself is only one part of the complete door assembly.
Other considerations may include:
- Door certification
- Lock certification
- Handle or panic hardware
- Door closer
- Access control interface
- Emergency release arrangements
- Fire alarm interface
- Installation method
- Relevant escape standards
EN 179 is commonly associated with emergency exit doors used by people familiar with the building.
EN 1125 is commonly associated with panic exit doors where members of the public may be present.
Where a lock package is used on an escape route, the lock, furniture and complete door hardware arrangement must be suitable for that specific application.
Solenoid lock or motor lock: which should you choose?
A solenoid lock may be suitable when:
- Controlled handle operation is required
- The door has medium traffic
- Read-in / free egress is required
- Read-in / read-out is required
- A conventional handle-operated door is preferred
A motor lock may be more suitable when:
- Higher security locking is required
- Automatic deadlocking is required
- The door has high traffic
- Door automation is required
- Multipoint locking is required
- The application needs motor-driven bolt operation
The correct choice depends on the complete door and access control requirements rather than the locking technology alone.
What should you check before ordering?
Before choosing a solenoid or motor lock, check:
- Door type
- Door material
- Standard or narrow stile profile
- Single-point or multipoint locking
- Backset
- Operating voltage
- Fail-locked or fail-unlocked requirement
- Read-in / free egress or read-in / read-out operation
- Cylinder requirements
- Handle furniture
- Door loop or cable transfer requirements
- Door automation requirements
- Traffic level
- Escape route requirements
- Fire door requirements
Checking these details before ordering helps ensure the lock, door furniture and access control system are compatible.
Summary
Solenoid locks and motor locks both provide reliable electronic door locking, but they are designed for different applications.
Solenoid locks are commonly used where an access control system needs to control a handle or locking function. They are particularly useful for read-in / free egress and read-in / read-out door arrangements.
Motor locks physically drive the locking mechanism and are often selected for high-security, high-traffic, automated or multipoint door applications.
The correct choice depends on the door, required security level, access control arrangement, traffic level and any escape or fire door requirements.
When specifying an electric lock, always consider the complete door system rather than selecting the lockcase in isolation.