A Comparison Guide to Electric Door Locks

Electric locking components can seem to some to be a fairly dry subject. If you are coming to this area of door hardware fairly fresh, it can be confusing where to start, and perhaps not a topic you can easily engage with.

This is where we step in. 

We might not be able to give you a lorra lorra laughs but at Door Controls Direct we’re here to make ironmongery, door hardware, and access control as accessible as possible, matching you with the best electronic locking product for your door. 

You’re here for our brilliantly helpful comparison chart, we know. So, scroll right ahead and take a look as we talk shearlock vs maglock, electric strike vs motor lock, solenoid lock vs solenoid bolt in the match-making guide for your facility. But if you need to be warmed up before your introduction to the products themselves, read on.

Let’s Start at the Beginning

If you’re just starting on this journey, you might first want to see what is behind door number 1.  Read our blog: Unlocking UK Security: Modern Access Control Explained. The article covers commonly asked questions starting with ‘what is access control?’, the types of access control systems, integration with physical security, and more.

There are a multitude of reasons to fit access control in your built environment:

● Security

● Health and safety

● Finance

● Personnel management

● Duty of care

● Compliance and audit

● Facilities management

So, if you have already identified that your facility would benefit from access control, (and in this day and age, what building wouldn’t), then what’s next?

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but so is none at all. So, behind door number two is a sneak peek at an access control system and its components.

How Does an Electric Lock Work? 

Whether you find that you need an overhead fail safe maglock with a high holding force, or a discrete fail secure electric strike, they both perform the same function within an access control system.

An electric lock is the component that holds the door in the closed position. It is a powered door hardware item that when activated by a push to exit button, access control fob, or PIN entry, releases the door, allowing it to be opened.

Access control systems are as varied as people using them, but this simplified overview shows where the electric locking mechanism fits alongside all the other hardware elements.

Depending on the locking device you use, they can be installed on the locking stile or at the head of the door.

Entry and exit are controlled by a range of access control products including proximity readers, access control keypads, and in case of emergency break glass units. 

The PSU (power supply unit) and controller elements will depend on the other items of door hardware being used. For example, the Vanderbilt ACT 10 keypad is the brains of the operation so does not require a separate controller. 

It is worth noting that some electric locks have a high activation current so make sure you take this into consideration when specifying your power supply unit.

Types of Electric Door Lock

As our darling Cilla would say, what’s your name and where do you come from? You already know in general terms what access controls is and know where an electric lock fits into the system. But you’re yet to have a proper introduction to them. 

Before diving in head first, take a minute or two to read our blog, A Guide to Different Types of Electric Locking, to get a good introduction to the products we’re now going to discuss. 

The Decision Dilemma

When you’re choosing between one thing and another, or in this case, one out of six, there will be different opinions on how to approach it.

Harry Hill would be leading you towards a different method than we might suggest you take. There’s no need for a fight - maglock vs electric strike. We prefer a path of less resistance, a more gentle plan of attack to selecting the right electronic locking product for the right application.

So, what’s behind door number three? It’s your perfect match of course. 

Say hello chuck to our electric lock comparison chart.

Use this reference guide to determine the most suitable electric lock for each of your internal and external door access control requirements. 

With any first meeting, things aren’t always what they seem on the surface. This comparison guide shows a general overview of electric locking hardware but each brand and model have specific functions so always check individual product data sheets and test evidence for the full details.

Electric Strikes – The Details

Electric strikes can be fitted to double doors, but it is not recommended as the second opening leaf isn’t fixed, and you’d need to run power the length of the doors. Equally they can be installed to outward opening doors but could pose a security risk as the latch is exposed. 

This product isn’t usually associated with heavy duty use doors but there are some models on the market that take significant side load. When installing on security doors it would be prudent to install additional security measures. As would be the case with maglocks, shearlocks and solenoid bolts. 

Fire Rated Electric Locking

Whilst the majority of types of electronic lock can be installed on a fire door, always ensure that an individual model has been tested in accordance with all required standards, is suitable for use, and is compatible with the door you are installing it on. 

Whilst there are no British or European standards for maglocks, they can still be tested to BS EN 1634-1: 2014, and BS 476: Part 22: 1987. Models like the RGL ML600 when installed with the correct armature housing, can be installed to timber fire doors from FD30 up to FD120. There is a wide range of maglock options so discover more by reading our blog: A Guide to Selecting the Right Maglock. 

Final Exit Escape Door Systems

Speaking of standards, we must acknowledge BS EN 13637, the standard for electronically controlled escape door systems for doors along escape routes, in conjunction with BS 7273. An article by Roy Buckingham explains how recent updates assist in achieving best practice for escape door systems (EDS).

A common misconception is that an escape door is an external, final exit door but they also include any door that leads to or across an escape route. There are three main standards that apply to escape doors, one of which we mentioned above, but in addition to BS EN 13637, there is BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125. Maglocks, shearlocks, solenoid bolts, and fail safe electric strikes may not be suitable for use on an escape door unless they are part of a performance tested solution to one of these standards.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) have various specifiers guides, and have produced a Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors in conjunction with the DHF so check out these resources for more information.

Sealing the Deal: Your Guide to a Perfect Electric Lock Match

So, you’ve seen what’s on offer and how they compare but what’s going to be best for your facility?

Here’s our Louise (yes, it doesn’t quite have the same ring as Graham) with a quick reminder.

• Maglocks – A very versatile electric lock. Fail safe operation only. Direct pull force.

• Electric strike – Variety of cost options. Mortice installation. Ideal for single swing single doors.

• Solenoid locks – Mortice installation. Fail safe/fail secure models. Single swing doors.

• Motor locks – Suitable for security doors. Install on all door types. Internal/external use.

• Shearlocks – Shear force. Suitable for double swing doors. Fail safe function.

• Solenoid bolts – Suitable for double swing doors. Fail safe/ fail secure models. Concealed in frame.

There is something for every application but choosing the right electric lock doesn’t have to be a blind date. Use our comparison guide alongside product data sheets and test evidence to find electric locking systems that are a marriage made in heaven for your building.

At Door Controls Direct we’re here to help you help your customers, by keeping people safe and secure. Order, download, or view our product catalogue online today for electric locking products, technical guides, and product details from across our door hardware range. 

Having second thoughts? Before you commit you can always contact our sales team with any product or installation queries, so get in touch today and say ta-ra to those doubts as we guide you to the right product for the right job.

T: 01305 263300 E: [email protected]