Magnetic locks vs electric door strikes: access control hardware explained

When designing an access control system, choosing the right door locking hardware is just as important as selecting the access control software. Two of the most common options used in commercial and industrial environments are magnetic locks (maglocks) and electric door strikes.

In this guide, we explain the difference between magnetic locks and electric strikes, how fail-safe and fail-secure systems work, and which access control accessories are required to build a compliant and reliable door setup.

What is a magnetic lock (Maglock)?

A magnetic lock, commonly referred to as a maglock, uses an electromagnet mounted on the door frame and a steel armature plate attached to the door. When power is applied, the magnet creates a strong holding force that keeps the door locked.

Magnetic locks are widely used in access control systems because they:

• Provide high holding force with no moving parts
• Are ideal for glass, aluminium, and frameless doors
• Have a clean, modern installation
• Unlock instantly when power is removed

A popular example is the ZKTeco AL-280 magnetic lock, which offers up to 280 kg holding force and is suitable for high-traffic commercial environments. For proper installation, compatible ZKTeco mounting brackets are typically required depending on door type.

Are magnetic locks fail-safe?

Yes. Most magnetic locks are fail-safe, meaning they automatically unlock when power is lost. This makes them suitable for:

• Emergency exits
• Fire escape routes
• Public and commercial buildings where safe evacuation is required

What is an electric door strike?

An electric door strike is a mechanical locking device installed into the door frame. It works with an existing latch or bolt, releasing the door electronically when access is granted.

Compared to maglocks, electric strikes:

• Retain the use of traditional mechanical locks
• Can be configured as fail-safe or fail-secure
• Are commonly used on perimeter doors and higher-security areas
• Allow doors to remain physically latched

Electric strikes are often preferred where doors must stay locked during a power failure or where fire regulations require mechanical latching.

Magnetic lock vs electric strike: which should you use?

Choosing between a magnetic lock and an electric door strike depends on several factors

In many access control installations, both maglocks and electric strikes are used on different doors within the same building.

Fail-safe vs fail-secure access control explained

Understanding fail-safe and fail-secure locking is critical for legal compliance and safety.

Fail-safe locks

Fail-safe locks unlock when power is lost. These are required for:

• Emergency exits
• Fire escape routes
• Public access areas

Magnetic locks typically fall into this category.

Fail-secure locks

Fail-secure locks remain locked when power is lost. These are commonly used for:

• Server rooms
• Storage areas
• Perimeter or restricted-access doors

Electric strikes are often configured as fail-secure where security takes priority.

Access control accessories that complete the system

Door locking hardware works best when paired with the correct access control accessories.

Door sensors (magnetic contacts)

Door sensors monitor whether a door is open or closed, providing status feedback to the access controller or alarm system.

Exit buttons

Exit buttons allow safe egress without compromising security. Common options include:

• Touch exit buttons
• No-touch exit buttons for hygienic environments

Access control power supplies

Reliable power is essential for maglocks and electric strikes. Dedicated access control power supplies provide:

• Stable voltage output
• Protection for locking hardware
• Optional battery backup for power failures

ZKTeco access control power supplies are commonly used to support these installations.

How access control door components work together

An access-controlled door typically includes:

• A magnetic lock or electric strike
• A card reader or biometric reader
• An exit device
• Door sensors
• A dedicated power supply

When installed correctly, these components work together to deliver a secure, compliant, and reliable access control solution.

Choosing the right access control hardware

Understanding how magnetic locks, electric strikes, and access control accessories work together helps you make informed decisions about security, safety, and compliance.

Have a question? Chat to Nova, our AI-powered MiRO product specialist, for instant answers and product guidance.

Prefer to speak to a human? Contact our sales team at sales@miro.co.za. You can also reach us on 012 657 0960 [Centurion], 021 555 3207 (Cape Town), 031 564 7283 (Durban ), 013 752 4654 (Mbombela), or WhatsApp on +27 12 657 0960.