Quick answer
A magnetic lock holds the door shut with an electromagnet and releases when power is cut, so it's naturally fail-safe. An electric strike replaces the door's strike plate and lets the existing latch through when powered; it can be fail-safe or fail-secure. Maglocks suit glass and aluminium doors; strikes suit timber doors with existing locks.
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Shop all reader products →Key takeaways
- Maglock: strong, simple, fail-safe, needs constant power.
- Electric strike: works with the door's latch; fail-safe or fail-secure.
- Escape doors need a guaranteed way out.
- Power backup keeps maglocked doors secure during outages.
01How each works
Magnetic lock
Electromagnet on the frame
Steel plate on the door
Power on = locked
Power off = released
Electric strike
Replaces the strike plate
Door keeps its latch/lock
Powered = latch can pass
Fail-safe or fail-secure version
02Choosing
| Situation | Usually better |
|---|---|
| Glass or aluminium doors | Maglock (with the right bracket) |
| Timber doors with existing locks | Electric strike |
| Fire / escape route | Fail-safe arrangement with exit button and break-glass |
| Store rooms, cash rooms | Fail-secure strike |
| Frequent power cuts | Either, with battery backup |
WarningA maglock without power backup unlocks in every power cut. Plan backup, and make sure exit devices always work.
03Installation details that matter
- Door alignment: a misaligned plate reduces maglock holding force
- Door closers so the door actually shuts
- Cable protection on the door side (door loop)
- Door position sensor so the system knows if the door is left open
- Surge protection on the power supply
Doors not releasing? See access control door not opening.
04Frequently asked questions
Are maglocks safe on fire exits?
They can be when used fail-safe with an exit button, a break-glass release and, where required, a link to the fire alarm.
Which is more secure?
Both are secure when correctly installed. Fail-secure strikes stay locked in power cuts; maglocks rely on power backup.
Why does my maglock door not hold?
Usually misalignment, a dirty plate or low voltage from the power supply.
