--- title: "Magnetic Lock vs Electric Strike: Which Door Lock? | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/magnetic-lock-vs-electric-strike-kenya description: "Magnetic lock (maglock) vs electric strike for access control: how each works, fail-safe vs fail-secure, holding force, door types, power backup and fire-exit considerations." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/magnetic-lock-vs-electric-strike-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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How to choose for glass doors, wooden doors, fire exits and store rooms. A key that was copied once will open your door for as long as the lock stays the same. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - 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. 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. [Photo: Jakub Zerdzicki / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/36K2PZYNfcM) Why this matters now ## Every day with uncontrolled doors is a day you cannot say who was inside. ### If you wait - Keys copied and never returned - A leaver who still holds access - No record of who entered the store room ### What you get - Cards, fingerprints or faces set by door and by hour - Remove a person in one click - A log of every entry [Rosslare AC G44 Reader](/products/rosslare-ac-g44-reader-22147 "Rosslare AC G44 Reader")[ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805](/products/zkteco-zk-lmb-2805-maglock-2637 "ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805 MAGLOCK")[Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller](/products/dahua-dh-ard312-access-controller-13950 "Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20Magnetic%20Lock%20vs%20Electric%20Strike.%20I%20want%20access%20control%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## 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. ## How 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 ## Choosing | 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 | **Warning**: A maglock without power backup unlocks in every power cut. Plan backup, and make sure exit devices always work. ## Installation 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](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-door-not-opening-kenya). ## Frequently 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. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Access Control · Technology Explained Exit Buttons, Break-Glass & Door Sensors The parts that let people out safely and tell the system what the door is doing: exit buttons, break-glass releases, door sensors and closers. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-exit-devices-kenya)[Access Control · Technology Explained Access Control Explained: How Door Access Systems Work Reader, controller, lock, exit device and software: how a door decides who gets in, and what happens when the power fails. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-explained-kenya)[Access Control · Troubleshooting Access Control Door Not Opening Reader accepts the user but the door stays locked: power, lock and controller checks. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-door-not-opening-kenya) ### Related services [Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/door-access-control-kenya)[Access Control Repair](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-system-repair-kenya) ### Related products [ZKTeco F22 fingerprint reader](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-f22-fingerprint-reader-kenya) ### Related projects [Biometric access control installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#biometric-case-study) [← Previous**Intercom System Types Explained**](https://qyvea.co.ke/intercom-system-types-kenya)[Next →**: Metal Detectors for Churches, Schools, Hotels and Events**](https://qyvea.co.ke/metal-detectors-churches-schools-events-kenya) ## Not sure which system you need? Request an assessment and we'll recommend what fits your site. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)