Electric Strikes & Access Control: What Businesses Need to Know
- B-SAFE Lock & Key
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Electric strikes are an important part of many commercial access-control systems. They allow a business to control who enters a building or restricted area without requiring someone to physically unlock the door each time.
But installing an electric strike involves considerably more than cutting one into a door frame and connecting a couple of wires.
The electric strike must work correctly with the existing lock, latch, door, frame, power supply and access-control equipment. Door alignment, traffic levels and the way the building is used also matter. On fire-rated and required-exit doors, life-safety requirements can affect which hardware and installation methods are appropriate.
At B-SAFE Lock & Key, we install, repair and service electric strikes and commercial door hardware throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. We evaluate the complete opening—not simply the electrical component—to determine what will provide dependable access and proper door operation.
What Does an Electric Strike Do
On a conventional door, the latch engages a fixed strike plate mounted in the frame. An electric strike replaces or modifies that function with an electrically controlled keeper.
When an authorized signal is received, the keeper releases and allows the door to open without requiring the person entering to turn a key from the outside.
That signal might come from a:
Keypad
Card reader
Proximity card or key fob
Mobile credential
Intercom or reception release button
Push button
Access-control system
The mechanical lock remains an important part of the opening. The electric strike simply provides a controlled method of releasing the door for authorized entry.
That distinction is important because a poorly functioning door doesn't suddenly become a good door because an electric strike has been installed.
The Existing Lock Determines the Electric Strike
One of the first things we examine is the hardware already installed on the door.
Commercial buildings can have cylindrical locks, mortise locks, storefront locks, rim exit devices, panic hardware and numerous other configurations. Electric strikes are designed for specific latch arrangements and applications.
A strike intended for a standard cylindrical lock isn't automatically appropriate for a mortise lock or exit device.
The latchbolt, deadlatch, frame preparation and available depth all affect which electric strike can be installed.
This is why B-SAFE evaluates the existing door hardware before recommending equipment. In many situations, existing quality hardware can remain in service and be incorporated into the access-control system. In others, repairing or upgrading the lock or door hardware first produces a much more reliable installation.
Door Alignment Matters More Than Many People Realize
An electric strike cannot compensate for a badly aligned door.
If a commercial door has sagging hinges, a damaged closer, worn hardware or improper weatherstripping, the latch may put constant pressure against the electric strike.
You may see a common symptom: the card reader or keypad accepts the credential and the strike releases, but the person still has to pull, push or lean against the door before it opens.
That's not how a properly operating access-controlled door should work.
Before replacing electrical components, we look at the mechanical condition of the opening. Sometimes the actual problem is the hinges, door closer, latch alignment or frame—not the electric strike.
Correcting those problems can improve reliability and extend the life of the access-control hardware.
Fail-Secure vs. Fail-Safe Electric Strikes
Electric strikes can operate differently when electrical power is removed.
A fail-secure electric strike generally remains locked from the secured side when power is lost. Electrical power is used to release the strike.
A fail-safe electric strike generally releases when electrical power is removed.
Those terms can sound straightforward, but choosing between them isn't simply a matter of preference.
The purpose of the door, building design, fire and life-safety requirements, access-control system and required operation during a power failure all need to be considered.
Just as importantly, controlled entry should never prevent required free egress from inside the building. The electric strike, lock, panic hardware and other components must work together as a complete opening.
Electric Strikes and Access-Control Systems
The electric strike is only one component of an access-control system.
Depending upon the building, controlled access may include card readers, keypads, proximity credentials, electronic locks, power supplies, controllers, request-to-exit devices and other equipment.
A small office may simply need employees to enter through one controlled exterior door.
A larger commercial property may need different employees to have access to different doors or areas. Management may also want the ability to add or remove credentials without changing mechanical keys throughout the building.
That's one of the major advantages of electronic access control: access can be managed as personnel and business needs change.
Mechanical keys still have their place, and many buildings use electronic access control together with a conventional or master-key system.
12-Volt and 24-Volt Electric Strikes
Commercial electric strikes are commonly available for 12-volt and 24-volt systems, and some models accommodate multiple voltage configurations.
But voltage is only part of the electrical requirement.
The strike, power supply, controller, wiring and other equipment must be compatible. Long wire runs, multiple controlled doors and other electrical loads can also affect system performance.
An electric strike that isn't receiving the proper power may operate intermittently, buzz, fail to release consistently or create problems that appear to be mechanical.
Proper diagnosis means checking both sides of the equation: the electrical system and the physical door.
Commercial Door Frames Require Different Solutions
Electric-strike installation can vary considerably depending upon the frame.
Commercial openings commonly include:
Hollow-metal frames
Aluminum storefront frames
Wood frames
Narrow-stile storefront systems
Fire-rated door and frame assemblies
Available space inside the frame matters. So do reinforcement, existing wiring, glass stops and the original strike preparation.
This is another reason there isn't one universal electric strike that fits every commercial door.
Sometimes a relatively straightforward installation is possible. Other openings require specialized hardware or more extensive preparation.
Preload Can Cause Electric-Strike Problems
A commercial door can place considerable side pressure—or preload—against an electric strike.
Weatherstripping, door closers, building pressure, misalignment and heavy traffic can all contribute to it.
Some electric strikes are specifically designed to release under greater preload than others. However, replacing the strike with a stronger or more expensive model isn't always the proper answer.
If the door itself is causing excessive pressure, correcting the mechanical problem may be the better long-term solution.
This is especially important when an access-control system works electrically but employees routinely have to pull or push the door before it releases.
Panic Hardware and Exit Doors Need Special Attention
Access control on an exit door requires looking at the entire opening.
Panic hardware, exit devices, lever trim, electric strikes, request-to-exit equipment and door closers may all need to work together.
Commercial exit hardware from manufacturers such as Von Duprin, Sargent, Corbin Russwin, Dormakaba, Detex and Falcon can require different access-control solutions depending upon the device and application.
The objective is straightforward: provide controlled entry from the secured side while maintaining proper exit operation from inside.
That is not a place for guesswork or a one-size-fits-all electric strike.
Fire-Rated Doors Require the Correct Hardware
Fire-rated door assemblies have additional requirements.
The door, frame and hardware work together as a tested assembly, and inappropriate field modifications can affect the integrity of that opening.
Before modifying a labeled opening for an electric strike or other access-control equipment, the existing door, frame and hardware should be properly evaluated.
This is particularly important in apartment buildings, commercial properties, schools, healthcare facilities and other occupancies where rated openings are common.
Electric Strike Brands B-SAFE Works With
There are numerous manufacturers of commercial electric strikes and access-control hardware.
B-SAFE Lock & Key works with commercial security products and door hardware from manufacturers including HES, Securitron, Adams Rite, Von Duprin, Schlage, Sargent, Corbin Russwin, Dormakaba, Alarm Controls, Trine, Command Access and SDC, among others.
The brand is important, but the application matters more.
A quality electric strike installed on the wrong opening can perform worse than a properly selected strike matched to the door, lock and access-control system.
That's why we start with the door rather than simply starting with a catalog number.
When Should You Call a Locksmith About an Electric Strike
An electric strike or access-controlled door should be inspected when it begins operating inconsistently.
Common problems include a door that:
Requires pulling or pushing before it releases
Buzzes but doesn't open
Works intermittently
Doesn't latch consistently
Doesn't close completely
Releases from the reader but remains mechanically bound
Has a loose or damaged electric strike
Stops working after a power or access-control problem
Replacing the strike immediately isn't always necessary.
The problem could be the electric strike, but it could also be the lock, latch, hinges, door closer, alignment, wiring, power supply or access-control equipment.
Finding the actual cause before replacing parts can save money and produce a more dependable repair.
Commercial Electric Strike & Access Control Service in Minneapolis
Whether you're adding controlled entry to a single employee entrance or troubleshooting an existing access-control door, B-SAFE Lock & Key can evaluate the complete opening and recommend the appropriate solution.
We provide commercial locksmith service, electric-strike installation and repair, access-control solutions, commercial lock repair, door hardware service, panic and exit-device service, door-closer service, master-key systems and commercial rekeying throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.
B-SAFE Lock & Key
4757 Lyndale Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55430
763-900-8119
Serving the Twin Cities since 1972.
Areas We Service
Minneapolis • Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Columbia Heights • Fridley • Robbinsdale • Crystal • New Hope • Golden Valley • St. Louis Park • Plymouth • Maple Grove • Osseo • Champlin • Coon Rapids • Blaine • New Brighton • Mounds View • Roseville • Shoreview • Arden Hills • Hopkins • Minnetonka and surrounding Twin Cities communities.
Commercial Lock & Door Hardware Brands We Service
HES • Securitron • Adams Rite • Schlage • Von Duprin • Sargent • Corbin Russwin • Dormakaba • Detex • Falcon • LCN • Norton • Hager • ASSA • Medeco • BEST • Alarm Lock • Alarm Controls • Trine • Command Access • SDC • Folger Adam • UScan • Arrow and other commercial door and access-control hardware.
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