2026-08-20

Mag Lock vs. Electric Strike: Which Fail-Safe Device Should You Source?

author: Laraine Lai

1. Understanding Magnetic Locks vs Electric Strikes

A magnetic lock uses electromagnetic force to secure a door. When powered, the electromagnet on the door frame creates a strong magnetic field that holds a metal plate attached to the door, typically with a holding force exceeding 600 pounds. When power is removed, the door unlocks instantly. A maglock has no moving parts, making it low-maintenance and reliable.

An electric strike, by contrast, is a mechanical device installed in the door frame. It replaces the standard fixed strike plate and works with the existing mechanical lockset. When powered (or unpowered, depending on configuration), the strike's keeper pivots out of the way, allowing the door to open without retracting the latch. The door retains its mechanical locking function as a backup.

**Key differences at a glance:**
Aspect	Magnetic Lock	Electric Strike
Locking mechanism	Pure magnetic force	Mechanical latch + frame
Moving parts	None	Yes (keeper/pivot mechanism)
Door modification required	No (mounts on frame/header)	Yes (requires frame cutting)
Default fail state	Always fail-safe	Configurable

The core difference between a magnetic lock vs electric strike lies in how they hold the door. This distinction influences everything from installation complexity to fail-safe behavior.

2. Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure Mechanisms

This is where the two technologies diverge most significantly.

Fail-safe devices unlock when power is lost. This prioritizes life safety: in a fire or emergency, occupants can exit without obstruction.

Magnetic locks are inherently fail-safe.
When power fails or the fire alarm is triggered, the electromagnetic field collapses and the door releases.
This is why building and fire safety codes often mandate fail-safe operation on emergency egress routes.

Fail-secure devices remain locked when power is lost. This prioritizes asset protection: during a blackout, sensitive areas remain secured.

Electric strikes are available in both fail-safe and fail-secure configurations.
Most electric strikes are fail-secure by default—they require power to unlock.
In this mode, they function as a standard mechanical lock during a power outage.

When evaluating an electric strike vs magnetic lock, consider the primary goal:

Protect people (fail-safe) → Magnetic locks are often the hardware of choice for fire exits.
Protect assets (fail-secure) → Electric strikes are typically preferred for server rooms or storage areas.

3. Installation Compatibility with Different Door Frames

Installation requirements differ significantly between these two hardware types.

Magnetic locks are relatively simple to install:

Mount to the door frame and header
Require no modification to the door itself
Compatible with a wide range of doors, including glass doors and aluminum frames
However, precise alignment between the magnet and armature plate is required to achieve full holding force

Secukey's Clock Series magnetic locks deliver holding forces from 60kg to 500kg, covering everything from interior doors to heavy-duty perimeter entrances—with straightforward surface mounting that minimizes installation time.

Electric strikes require more extensive installation work:
Require cutting into the door frame to recess the strike body
Demand carpentry or metalwork skills
Require careful alignment with the existing latch
Installation must account for latch type, depth, preload from door closers, and fire-rating requirements
Compatibility is highly dependent on the existing lock hardware—the latch must engage correctly with the strike keeper

Selection guidance:

Retrofitting existing mechanical locks → Electric strikes often integrate more naturally
New installations on glass or non-standard frames → Magnetic locks are often the more practical choice

4. Choosing the Right Hardware for Fire Exits

Fire exit applications are governed by strict building and fire codes. These regulations are non-negotiable.

Magnetic locks are commonly used on fire exits in a fail-safe configuration:

When the fire alarm activates or power fails, the maglock releases, allowing free egress
Code compliance requires additional safety features:

A dedicated manual release (e.g., a "PUSH TO EXIT" button)
A motion sensor that works even in smoke
Automatic release upon fire alarm activation

The system must be UL 294 listed and receive fire department approval

Electric strikes on fire doors present more complex compliance challenges:

If used on a fire-rated door assembly, the strike must be specifically fire-rated for that door type
Example: ASSA ABLOY ES110 strike is fire-rated for both timber (30/60 minutes) and steel (240 minutes) doors
Local fire authorities require permit applications and plan submissions before installation
Particularly critical when the strike is on a fire door assembly

For projects requiring electric strikes on fire-rated assemblies, Secukey's C-Strike series offers various configurations—from standard bolt locks to models specifically designed for narrow door frames, with holding forces reaching up to 1500kg.

When selecting hardware for a fire exit, the mag lock vs electric strike decision often comes down to code requirements and the door's fire rating. Maglocks offer simpler fail-safe integration, while electric strikes require more careful specification to meet fire-rating criteria.

Conclusion
Choosing between a magnetic lock and an electric strike is not about which is "better"—it's about which is right for your specific door, security requirements, and compliance obligations.

**Decision Framework:**
Consideration	Magnetic Lock	Electric Strike
Default Fail State	Always fail-safe	Configurable
Installation Complexity	Moderate; frame mounting	High; requires frame cutting
Best Application	Glass doors, high-traffic, fire exits	Retrofits, mechanical lock compatibility
Fire Exit Compliance	Simple fail-safe integration	Requires fire-rated models & permits

By understanding these technical and regulatory distinctions, With over 10 years of access control manufacturing expertise, Secukey delivers the technical knowledge and product range to support these critical sourcing decisions—from magnetic locks to electric strikes, and everything in between.