Choosing electric strike vs magnetic lock
Choosing between an electric strike and a magnetic lock is one of the most consequential decisions in any access control project, because the two technologies differ not only in how they operate but also in where they fail, how they integrate with life-safety systems, and what they cost to install and maintain. Understanding those differences before specifying hardware prevents rework, code violations, and avoidable security gaps.
Choosing electric strike vs magnetic lock overview
An electric strike replaces the fixed strike plate on a door frame. When power is applied — or removed, depending on the fail-safe mode selected — the strike’s keeper pivots or retracts, allowing the door’s latch bolt or deadlatch to pass through. The door itself still carries a conventional lockset, which means a physical key or thumb-turn can always operate the door independent of the electrical circuit. That mechanical backup is the defining characteristic of the electric strike form factor.
A magnetic lock, often called a mag lock or electromagnetic lock, works on an entirely different principle. A DC-powered electromagnet mounts to the door frame header, and a steel armature plate mounts to the door face. When energized, the bond between the two surfaces generates holding force — typically 600 lb to 1,200 lb for single-door applications. There is no latch, no bolt, and no mechanical interlock. The door is held solely by magnetism, which means power loss always releases the door (inherently fail-safe).
The phrase “electric strike vs magnetic lock” sometimes implies one option is universally superior, but neither is. Each technology has a defined set of appropriate applications, and selecting the wrong one introduces compliance problems, user frustration, and maintenance costs that compound over time.
Key factors when comparing electric strike and magnetic lock options
Door type and frame material are the starting point. Electric strikes require a frame robust enough to accept a strike housing — hollow metal, aluminum extrusion, and solid wood frames are typical candidates. Mag locks require a continuous header or a bracket system capable of holding the magnet body and transferring shear load. Glass storefront doors with narrow top rails often use Z-bracket or L-bracket mag lock configurations, whereas a solid wood interior door in an office suite is an easier candidate for an electric strike retrofit.
Fail-safe versus fail-secure is the next decision. Life-safety codes in most US and Canadian jurisdictions require that doors on egress paths fail in the open position — meaning power loss must release the door. Mag locks are inherently fail-safe, which simplifies code compliance on exit doors when paired with a request-to-exit (RTE) motion sensor and a door-position switch. Electric strikes can be ordered in either fail-safe or fail-secure configurations. Fail-secure electric strikes are common on server rooms, pharmacy cabinets, and other areas where unauthorized access during a power outage is the greater risk than egress restriction.
Traffic volume and duty cycle matter more than most buyers anticipate. A mag lock that energizes and de-energizes hundreds of times per day in a high-traffic lobby generates heat in the coil and wear on the armature contact surface. Quality commercial mag locks are rated for continuous duty, but the armature plate’s finish can degrade in humid environments, reducing holding force over months. Electric strikes have a mechanical pivot or catch that cycles with every opening, so strike bodies in high-traffic applications should be rated for the expected cycle count — budget-grade strikes may be rated for 250,000 cycles while commercial-grade units reach one million or more.
Integration with access control panels, alarm systems, and building automation is often the deciding factor in larger installations. Mag locks draw 300 mA to 500 mA continuously and require a dedicated power supply with battery backup if uninterrupted access control during outages is needed. Electric strikes draw current only at the moment of release — typically for one to four seconds per event — making them more efficient in battery-backup scenarios. Verify that the access control panel’s relay output matches the voltage and current requirements of the chosen hardware before finalizing the specification.
Costs and risks
Hardware costs for a single-door mag lock installation generally run lower on the component side — a commercial-grade mag lock can be sourced for $80 to $250 — but installation labor tends to be higher because running concealed wiring to the door header, installing a power supply, and setting up an RTE sensor with a door-position switch adds time. A complete single-door mag lock system installed by a licensed technician typically falls in the range of $400 to $900 depending on door construction and wire-run distance.
Electric strike installations vary more widely. A simple fail-secure electric strike on an interior door with an existing access control wire run can be completed quickly and may cost $200 to $500 installed. A fail-safe electric strike on a fire-rated door assembly — which often requires coordination with the door manufacturer to maintain the fire label — can exceed $700 once labor, power supply, and any required frame modifications are included. Average installed cost for a standard commercial electric strike: Average: $320 · Range: $200–$700 · Travel: free in service area.
The primary risks in DIY or under-qualified installation fall into three categories. First, code risk: mag locks on egress doors must comply with NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), IBC Section 1010, and in Canada with the applicable provincial building code. Improper installation — for example, a mag lock without a functioning RTE sensor or a door-position monitor — can result in a failed inspection or, more seriously, a blocked egress during an emergency. Second, fire-rating risk: modifying a fire-rated door frame to accept an electric strike without manufacturer approval voids the door assembly’s fire label, creating liability exposure. Third, electrical risk: incorrect wiring of a 24 VDC power supply, reversed polarity on a mag lock, or a failed suppression diode across the coil can damage access control panels and create intermittent faults that are difficult to diagnose after the fact.
Long-term maintenance costs are another consideration. Mag lock armature plates should be cleaned periodically with a dry cloth — lubricants reduce holding force. The gap between the magnet and armature should be verified to be within manufacturer tolerances, typically 0.005 inches to 0.030 inches. Electric strikes need periodic lubrication of the moving keeper and inspection for metal fatigue at the pivot point, especially in high-traffic installations. Neglecting either creates a progressive reduction in security without any obvious indicator until the hardware fails under use.
When to call a locksmith
A licensed locksmith with access control experience should be involved from the beginning of any project that includes electric strikes or mag locks on commercial or multi-unit residential properties. The reasons are practical: locksmiths familiar with access control hardware understand which products are compatible with specific door assemblies, which configurations satisfy local code requirements, and how to test the final installation properly — including testing fail-safe operation by cutting power and verifying that egress functions correctly.
Specific situations that warrant a professional call include: any door on a fire-rated assembly, any exterior door on a commercial building, any installation where the access control panel brand is not immediately compatible with off-the-shelf hardware, and any situation where the existing wiring run is unknown or the power supply amperage rating is in question. Attempting to retrofit a mag lock onto a glass storefront door without the correct bracket geometry, for example, is a common failure point — the magnet body can be incorrectly positioned, reducing effective holding force from 1,200 lb to under 400 lb.
Troubleshooting is another area where professional involvement pays for itself. Intermittent failures on mag locks — where the door releases unexpectedly or fails to release on credential — can originate in the coil, the power supply, the access control relay, the RTE sensor, or the wiring between any of those components. An experienced technician can isolate the fault systematically rather than replacing components at random. Similarly, an electric strike that fails to retract reliably may have a mechanical issue with the keeper, a voltage drop in the wire run, or a timing mismatch between the access control panel’s relay hold time and the strike’s response time.
Recommended next steps
Start with a site assessment before purchasing any hardware. Walk each door opening and note the frame material, door construction, existing hardware, presence of a fire label, proximity to an electrical panel, and whether the door is on a designated egress path. Photograph the door and frame from both sides. This information allows any locksmith or access control technician to make an accurate recommendation without a site visit, or allows a site visit to be more productive.
Verify code requirements with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in your municipality before finalizing hardware selection. In the US, NFPA 101 Section 13.2.1.6 addresses electromagnetic locks specifically, and local amendments may add requirements beyond the base standard. In Canada, consult the applicable provincial fire code and the National Building Code. If the installation is in a leased commercial space, the landlord’s base building specifications may also dictate hardware type.
Request wiring diagrams and load calculations from the hardware manufacturer or distributor before beginning rough-in. A 24 VDC power supply that is correctly sized for one mag lock may be undersized if a second device is added to the same circuit later. Planning for expansion at the wiring stage costs little; re-running wire after walls are finished is expensive.
After installation, document the system. Record the power supply model and output rating, the mag lock or electric strike model number and fail-safe or fail-secure configuration, the access control panel relay timing settings, and the date of installation. Keep a maintenance log. A system that is documented is a system that can be serviced efficiently by any qualified technician, not only the one who installed it.
Finally, schedule a functional test that includes a simulated power failure. Confirm that fail-safe devices release, that battery-backed power supplies sustain the system for the rated duration, and that all RTE sensors and door-position switches report correctly to the access control panel. This test takes fifteen minutes and is the only reliable way to confirm that the installation performs as intended under the condition that matters most.
You may also find useful: Cost Factors for Electric Strike vs Magnetic Lock, Common Problems With Electric Strike vs Magnetic Lock.
Call Low Rate Locksmith
Low Rate Locksmith provides 24/7 mobile access control installation, electric strike service, and magnetic lock troubleshooting across the US and Canada. Whether the project involves a single office door or a multi-door commercial system, the team handles site assessment, code-compliant installation, and post-installation testing. Call (833) 439-8636 to speak with a technician, get an accurate quote for the specific door type and hardware configuration, and schedule service at a time that works — including nights and weekends.