Access control systems
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Magnetic locks (maglocks)
Strong, simple, and common on glass and exit doors. Here’s what to know.
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Do magnetic locks unlock when the power goes out?
Yes. Electromagnetic locks need power to hold, so they release when power is lost. That fail-safe behavior is why they’re common on exit doors. If a door must stay locked during an outage, an electric strike set up as fail-secure is the usual alternative.
How they work
- A magnet on the frameholds a steel plate on the door
- Power onthe door stays locked
- Power offthe door releases
Maglock or electric strike?
Maglock
- Unlocks when power is lost (fail-safe)
- Great for glass and exit doors
Electric strike
- Can stay locked without power (fail-secure)
- Works with the existing lockset
Maglock not holding?
- Plate misaligned or loose
- Dirt or rust on the contact face
- Power or wiring problem
Have this ready when you call
- Photo of the lock and door
- What it’s doing
- Is it tied to an access system?
PRICING
Depends on the hardware
We confirm the exact price with you before any work begins.
Get a price rangeWhy does it unlock when the power goes out?
Maglocks need power to hold. Losing power releases them. That’s by design, for safe exit.
Do maglocks need extra devices?
Usually. Egress doors typically need a request-to-exit sensor, an exit button, and fire alarm release. Local code applies.
Can you fix an existing maglock?
Yes. Alignment, the armature plate, and power issues are common fixes.
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