Which is better - Magnetic Locks or Electric Strikes

Is one really better than the other?

For someone who comes from a long background of physical security and wokring with numerous security systems the answer is yes. I have been in the locksmithing and door hardware field for many years. When thinking about security I believe that you have to look at the worst possible case. When it comes to a locking device, in my opinion, the worst case is a fail-safe device leaving an area or building unsecured.

Failure of a lock can come in a few ways. One would be a person who has presented their credential and is not able to get in even though the system granted them access. Although this is not an outcome you would want, no security breach has occurred. This would be considered a fail-secure device (i.e. the lock has failed but the building remains secure). With fail-secure locks people can continue to exit a door or building as long as the mechanical door hardware is working. This is more of a life safety issue than a security issue but I feel it is still relevant for this topic.

Another type of failure would be a secure door that is left unlocked. This would be a fail-safe lock type or typically a magnetic lock. This does present a security breach since a door left unlocked leaves a secure area or building completely unprotected. Lou Picciocchi a locksmith for over 20 years said "Sure mag locks are sometimes easier to install but the security risk just isn't worth it. I'd rather take a little more time and make sure a customer has a truly secure system."

The last failure that I'm going to talk about isn't a security risk but I feel that it should be commented on because of the numerous systems I see installed improperly that present hazardous life safety issues. If a magnetic lock fails in the locked position or the devices that release the lock fails, there is a real life safety risk. In this situation people, including employees and even fireman trying to escape a burning building can be locked inside. NFPA and BOCA codes require the following when using any magnetic locking device on an emergency fire exit.

No prior knowledge to exit out of the door. This means a person must be able to walk up to a door and push on it and the door opens to exit. Forcing a person to press a button or present a card is not acceptable. (Certain local fire code officials will allow exceptions if all of the other criteria are met.)

Request to exit redundancy. This means there must be two forms of request to exit devices that will unlock the magnetic lock. In a typical installation a motion sensor above the door satisfies the first criteria and an emergency "Push to Exit" button satisfies the second.

One of the request to exit devices must be a direct cut to power of the magnetic lock. This means that no programming or panel intelligence is required to open the lock. Having both devices trigger the request to exit input on your access control system does not meet code. At least one of the devices must be in line with the power to the magnetic lock.

Connection to the buildings fire alarm system. In this case the power supply that keeps the magnetic lock secure must drop power to the magnetic lock if the fire alarm system is activated. I make such a big deal out of this because loss of life due to a faulty installation is extremely negligent, yet I see these incorrect installations daily from companies that are supposed to be providing security to their clients.

So the answer to the question is fail-secure electric strikes are the better choice for securing a door. They typically require no modification of the existing door hardware and the worst case is that a person is denied access in a lock failure but your assets remain secure.

To learn more about what electric locking devices are best for your company contact an Access Security sales representitive at (866) 325-6925. Access Security provides high quality Burglar Alarm Systems and Integrated Access Control in the Philadelphia metro area.