What are magnetic lock brackets used for?
Magnetic locks are widely used in access control systems because they provide a simple, reliable and effective way to secure a door. In many installations, the magnetic lock can be fitted directly to the door frame, with the armature plate fitted to the door. However, not every door or frame allows for a straightforward installation.
This is where magnetic lock brackets and accessories are used.
Magnetic lock brackets help adapt the installation to suit the door type, frame design, opening direction and available fixing space. They are commonly used with both mini magnetic locks and standard magnetic locks, especially where the lock or armature plate cannot be fitted directly in the standard position.
What is a magnetic lock bracket?
A magnetic lock bracket is a mounting accessory used to help fit a magnetic lock, also known as a maglock, to a door or frame. Brackets are often needed when the standard fixing method is not suitable.
Depending on the installation, a bracket may be used to mount the magnetic lock body, support the armature plate, change the fixing position, or provide a neater finished installation.
Common magnetic lock accessories include:
- L brackets
- Z & L brackets
- Adjustable L brackets
- Armature mounting plates
- Armature Plate housings
- Extended Top plates
- Glass mounting brackets
- Safety end caps
- Fixing kits
The correct accessory depends on the magnetic lock model, holding force, door type, frame arrangement and opening direction.
Why are magnetic lock brackets needed?
Magnetic locks rely on correct alignment between the lock body and the armature plate. If the magnet and armature do not meet correctly, the lock may not achieve its full holding force.
In some installations, there may not be enough space to mount the magnetic lock directly to the frame. In other cases, the door may open inward, the frame may be narrow, or the armature plate may need additional support.
Magnetic lock brackets can help with:
- Mounting the lock where the frame does not provide enough fixing space
- Positioning the armature plate correctly
- Supporting inward opening door applications
- Improving the finished appearance of the installation
- Adapting the lock to different door and frame types
- Providing additional fixing support
- Replacing missing or damaged installation parts
Choosing the correct bracket is important because magnetic locks need secure fixing and accurate alignment to operate correctly.
What is an L bracket?
An L bracket is normally used to mount the magnetic lock body to the door frame, header or transom area. It provides an alternative fixing surface when the frame does not allow the maglock to be mounted directly.
L brackets are commonly used where the door frame is too narrow, uneven or unsuitable for direct mounting. Adjustable L brackets can provide additional flexibility, helping installers position the magnetic lock correctly where standard fixing is difficult.
An L bracket is mainly used to support the magnetic lock body, rather than the armature plate.
What is a Z & L bracket?
A Z & L bracket set is commonly used when fitting a magnetic lock to an inward opening door.
In a typical magnetic lock installation, the magnet is fitted to the frame and the armature plate is fitted to the door. On some inward opening doors, the armature plate cannot be fitted in the standard position. A Z & L bracket set helps reposition the armature plate so that it can meet the magnet correctly when the door is closed.
The L bracket part normally helps support the magnetic lock body, while the Z bracket helps position the armature plate on the door.
Z & L brackets are one of the most common magnetic lock accessories because inward opening doors are often more difficult to fit with a maglock using standard fixings alone.
What is a Z & L bracket with cover?
A Z & L bracket with cover performs the same basic function as a standard Z & L bracket, but includes an additional cover to provide a neater and more enclosed finished installation.
This can be useful where appearance is important, such as office entrances, reception areas, apartment blocks, schools, healthcare buildings and public-facing doors.
A covered bracket arrangement can help make the installation look tidier while still providing the mounting support needed for the magnetic lock and armature plate.
What is an armature plate?
The armature plate is the metal plate fitted to the door that the magnetic lock holds against when powered. When the door is closed and the lock is energised, the magnet grips the armature plate to secure the door.
Correct armature plate alignment is essential. If the armature plate is not positioned correctly, or if it is fixed too tightly, the magnetic lock may not achieve the correct holding force.
Replacement armature plates are useful where the original plate is missing, damaged or required as a spare part.
What is an armature mounting plate?
An armature mounting plate is used where the armature plate cannot be fitted directly to the door in the standard way. It provides additional fixing support and can help create a suitable mounting surface.
This may be needed where the door construction, fixing position, door face or available mounting area is not suitable for the standard armature fixing method.
Armature mounting plates are available for different lock sizes, so it is important to choose the correct version for the magnetic lock being fitted.
What is an armature housing?
An armature housing provides a neater mounting solution for the armature plate. It can help improve the finished appearance of the installation and provide a more enclosed fixing arrangement.
Armature housings are commonly used where the armature plate needs additional support or where a cleaner finish is preferred.
Like other magnetic lock accessories, the housing must be compatible with the lock size and armature plate being used.
Mini magnetic lock brackets vs standard magnetic lock brackets
Magnetic lock accessories are not always interchangeable. Mini magnetic locks and standard magnetic locks normally require different brackets, plates and housings.
Mini magnetic locks are commonly rated at 600lbs (272kg) holding force. These locks are smaller and require compatible mini magnetic lock accessories.
Standard magnetic locks are commonly rated at 1200lbs (544kg) holding force. These locks are larger and normally require standard magnetic lock accessories.
Using the wrong bracket size can cause alignment problems, poor fitting or an unsuitable installation. Always check the lock model and holding force before ordering accessories.
What should you check before ordering a magnetic lock bracket?
Before ordering a magnetic lock bracket or accessory, check the following:
- Magnetic lock model
- Holding force of the lock
- Mini or standard lock size
- Door opening direction
- Door material and construction
- Frame profile and available fixing space
- Whether the door opens inward or outward
- Whether an L bracket, Z & L bracket or armature plate accessory is required
- Whether a covered bracket is preferred for appearance
- Installation instructions for the magnetic lock
If the installation is for a fire-rated door or escape route, additional checks may be required. The full door assembly, locking method, fire test evidence, installation method and emergency release requirements should all be considered.
Common applications for magnetic lock brackets
Magnetic lock brackets and accessories are used across a wide range of access control and door security installations, including:
- Commercial buildings
- Office entrances
- Schools and colleges
- Healthcare buildings
- Apartment blocks
- Industrial premises
- Restricted access areas
- Door entry systems
- Single-door access control systems
- Retrofit maglock installations
- Inward opening doors
- Narrow frame applications
They are especially useful where the door or frame does not allow a standard magnetic lock installation.
Summary
Magnetic lock brackets are used to help fit maglocks securely and correctly when standard fixing methods are not suitable. They can provide additional support, improve alignment, adapt the installation to different door types, and create a neater finished appearance.
L brackets are commonly used to support the magnetic lock body, while Z & L brackets are often used for inward opening doors where the armature plate needs to be repositioned. Armature plates, mounting plates and housings provide additional support for the door-mounted side of the installation.
When choosing magnetic lock accessories, always check the lock model, holding force, door type, opening direction and fixing requirements before ordering. Selecting the correct bracket helps ensure the magnetic lock can be fitted securely and operate reliably as part of the access control system.