Electric locking: Which is the right solution for the application? Article 5: Magnetic vs electric – Benefits and considerations
In this series,?Roy Buckingham Dip.GAI Reg.AI M.InstAI, Regional Specification Development Manager at Abloy UK, explains how to select the most appropriate electric locking solution, based on functional and regulatory requirements and current best practice.
Article 5: Magnetic vs electric – Benefits and considerations
Generally, face to face magnetic locks are used in low security applications, as they can be easily overcome. Plus, holding forces claimed by manufacturers are usually the best that could be achieved in a laboratory test condition, and are rarely replicated on an actual site installation. ?
Given that magnetic locks have a fail unlocked operation, it is not recommended to install these on an external door to a building, due to the risk of the door becoming insecure when there is a system or power failure.??
The same consideration would apply to any fail unlocked electric strike or other fail unlocked locking device. Face to Face magnetic locks may not be an aesthetic solution to use, as many are surface mounted and visible on the door when the door is closed. ?
Electric strikes can offer slightly enhanced physical security and a more aesthetic solution, and these range in the security afforded with heavier duty solutions applying higher holding forces for higher security applications. ?
When installed to an escape door electric strikes must be CE certificated in accordance with the EN 14846, EN 179, EN1125 harmonised (designated) standards or EN 13637 standard for escape applications outside the scope of EN 179 / EN 1125.?
Solenoid Bolts and Shear magnets provide much higher degrees of physical security and are concealed when installed, to provide an aesthetic solution. However, these solutions should generally not be installed onto any doors defined as an escape door. ?
The reason for this is due to the way they operate - there is a risk that if electrically unlocked (power removed), they would remain physically locked when side pressure is present, for instance, if someone was pulling/pushing on the door at the time the power was removed or a seal had become trapped or the door had warped.?
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Electric mortice locks are available in a number of variants which include both solenoid handle controlled and motorised versions, with a range of functions available. As they are similar to conventional mechanical mortice locks, when installed they have a similar appearance and operation and will provide an aesthetic solution because they are concealed inside the door. ?
Typically, they will provide a much higher degree of physical security, which can be at least six times the physical holding force of a full size electro-magnetic lock or electric strike. This is because many of these electric locks have multiple locking points, which include a deadbolt or deadlocking latch. ?
Many electric mortice locks will provide full compliance with the escape standards EN 179 or EN 1125 when fitted with the correct ‘As Tested’ operating furniture (lever handle, push pad or panic bar), and can be set to Fail locked without hindering the ability of occupants to safely exit through the door in an emergency.?These solutions are becoming more and more popular due to the enhanced security and single operation exit they provide.?
Of course, there will also be some specialised electric locking solutions that are intended for specific applications such as for sliding doors, glass doors or extremely high security applications.
The correct choice in these instances will often be governed by the suitability of the locking device for the application, but the need to achieve compliance with any fire rating or escape requirement must not be forgotten. ?
In some instances it may not be possible to achieve all that the lock is required to do and a compromise may be required which should be risk assessed, documented and recorded.
For further information on compliant electric locking solutions, please visit: https://fal.cn/3v5gw.
Or contact Roy Buckingham Dip.GAI Reg.AI M.InstAI on 07976 744 678, or via?[email protected].