Electric strikes are fundamental components in access control systems, as they allow or prevent the opening of a door through an electrical signal. They are classified based on their behavior upon activation signal, their security, and additional functionalities.
At Openers & Closers, we are aware that each access control system presents specific requirements in terms of security, reliability, and functionality. Therefore, we've developed a wide range of electric and electronic strikes capable of integrating into a variety of technical applications: from pedestrian access in residential and tertiary environments to fire doors, emergency exits, or high-security automated installations.
Functions adapted to each project
Thanks to our modular approach, Openers & Closers strikes can incorporate various functions that expand their capabilities and allow them to adapt to specific technical demands.
Below, we detail all the functions of our strikes with practical examples to facilitate your choice.
Standard vs. Reverse: Which to choose?
In a new project, the first key decision is to choose between a standard strike or a reverse strike.
- Standard function or Fail-secure (Normally closed) A strike with a standard function keeps the door locked without electrical current and unlocks upon receiving an electrical impulse. It is the most common type and is considered negative security, as it remains closed without electricity. It is the usual option in offices, communities, or homes where access control is prioritized.
- Reverse function or Fail-safe (Normally open) A strike with a reverse function keeps the door locked with electrical current and unlocks when it stops receiving voltage. It is considered positive security, as the door remains closed when receiving the electrical impulse. It is ideal for emergency doors or environments where free exit must be guaranteed in case of electrical failure.
At Openers & Closers, we differentiate the color of our maglocks' strips according to their function: blue for maglocks with standard function; red for maglocks with reverse function.
Standard Maglocks
- Function 0: Standard (Normally closed) As we have explained, a maglock with standard function unlocks when the coil is activated by an electric impulse. It is the most basic type and is usually installed in residential buildings with conventional intercoms.
- Function 1: Standard with release lever It works the same as a standard maglock but includes a mechanical lever that allows manual opening. This type of maglock is suitable for service doors with schedules, where it is necessary to keep the door open for a certain period.
Release lever by Openers & Closers.
It is worth noting that the release lever designed by Openers & Closers is a completely innovative mechanism. Thanks to a lateral sliding system, the maglock unlocks firmly and securely, which improves its resistance and extends its lifespan. Tests conducted in our laboratory have shown that it can exceed 500,000 opening and closing cycles without losing performance.
Automatic Maglocks
These models allow unlocking with a single electric impulse, remaining activated until the door has been opened.
Example of an automatic maglock. Thanks to the adjustable activation cam, it is guaranteed that the lock latch works 100% of the time.
- Function 2: Automatic The maglock unlocks with an electric impulse and remains unlocked until the door is opened. This function makes it the ideal option for residential buildings, as it facilitates user access without the need to keep the current activated, ensuring that the door remains open long enough to allow entry comfortably and safely.
- Function 3: Automatic with release lever Like the previous model, this maglock remains unlocked until the door is opened, but also incorporates the mechanical lever that allows manual opening at any time. It is a very useful option for installations such as offices with electronic access control, where the possibility of manual opening for maintenance or security reasons is also required.
- Function A: Internal automatic Automatic models with internal mechanisms provide a higher level of security, as the system controlling the maglock's opening is completely housed inside, which prevents tampering from the outside. They are especially recommended for doors with adjustment difficulties, as their electronic operation allows for a more precise and stable unlocking management.
- Function B: Internal automatic with release lever Combines the advantages of the internal automatic with the option of mechanical opening.
Timed Strikes
Timed strikes are the combination of convenience and security, as they allow for smooth but controlled access during the precise time needed for passage.
- Function C: Timed Automatic These models offer an extra level of security: the mechanism unlocks for a predefined time according to the electrical impulse received and then automatically locks again, ensuring that the door is never left open. Their installation is suitable for accesses that require an extra point of security, such as internal doors in health centers or hospitals, where it is necessary to ensure both the convenience of passage for workers and the security of the door being closed.
- Function D: Timed Automatic with Release Lever This version combines the advantages of timed unlocking with the possibility of manual opening via lever, thus offering a versatile and secure solution. It is especially suitable for environments like industrial facilities, where it is crucial to prevent doors from remaining open indefinitely, but at the same time, the option to keep them open temporarily during maintenance tasks or technical inspections is required.
Detail of the timed module integrated into the strike.
Monitored Strikes
Door monitoring is a crucial system in security and access management. Monitored strikes incorporate one or more micro switches that allow for real-time supervision of the door's status (whether it is open or closed) and the strike.
Monitoring is important for several reasons:
- Prevents false positives: a door can be physically closed but not electrically locked.
- Allows for safe automation: integrates with CCTV, alarms, or BMS systems.
- Ensures a complete audit and record of the lock's status.
- Function 6: Monitored Standard The standard function with monitoring is suitable for installations in buildings that require remote security, such as public buildings, where both ease of access and monitoring of each door are necessary.
- Function 7: Double Monitored Standard This function adds a second microswitch that also indicates whether the maglock is locked or unlocked, thus increasing its functionality. Its installation is recommended in buildings that require maximum security such as banking and financial institutions, government or military headquarters, critical industrial facilities, etc.
Detail of the microswitches in a maglock with double monitoring.
- Function M: Monitored Automatic These are automatic maglocks that include a door status microswitch. They are usually installed in places where high security is required and where there is a high influx of people, such as shopping centers or other busy buildings.
- Function N: Monitored Automatic with Release Lever This is the most complete version of the automatic model, as it includes monitoring and an opening lever. It is suitable for places where both door status monitoring and the ability to manually keep the door open for a limited time are necessary, such as for maintenance personnel to perform work.
Reverse Maglocks
These are maglocks designed for applications where positive security is a priority: they remain locked when receiving electrical current and unlock when they do not.
- Function 4: Reverse This function is suitable for emergency exits or doors with high evacuation priority.
- Function 8: Monitored Reverse Like the previous model, this maglock unlocks when the power supply is cut, but it also incorporates an integrated microswitch that allows detection of the door status (open or closed). It is an ideal solution for emergency exits connected to control or surveillance rooms, as it allows real-time monitoring of access status.
In emergency exits, positive security is a priority to facilitate people's exit.
Conclusion
The range of maglocks from Openers & Closers not only covers the most common needs but offers specific solutions for each type of installation. Thanks to the combination of electrical, manual, and monitoring functions, our products guarantee safety, reliability, and adaptability in any environment.
Do you have a specific project? Our technical team can help you choose the right function for each application.
Openers & Closers, opening doors to innovation.