Magnetic Electric Lock System Is the New Future

A magnetic electric lock is a magnet created when an electrical current passes through a wire with multiple coils around an iron core or a solenoid (single coiled wire wrapped around a metal core). When the electrical current flows into the metal wire is no longer magnetized. Because of the very nature of an electromagnet, it cannot be fail-secure, which means that in the result of an emergency or power outage hence door will unlock. The built-in feature of unlocked the door in the power outage (referred to as fail-safe) is the basic operating premise of the magnetic electric lock or magnet lock.

When there is no emergency or power failure to disable the locks, the magnets can be manipulated with a push-button, keypad, or card reader that temporarily interrupts the electrical current. After a few seconds, the current will return, and once the door has closed it will magnetically bind the door to the door frame. This lock set up is constructed by fixing a plate of magnetic metal (usually iron) to the door, and the electromagnet to the door frame.

An magnetic electric lock is a locking device that stops a door from opening without correct access credentials. An magnetic electric lock can pair with a switch to remotely release the lock, or credential accessories can approve access at the door. This type of lock has many uses in access control applications, especially with:

• Electronic glass doors that control access,
• Fire doors, openings, and emergency exits with a controlled exit,
• Single, standalone doors, and
• Doors requiring an inexpensive or basic level of access control.

An magnetic electric door lock consists of an electromagnetic core, which is a laminated

Steel-core enclosed by hundreds of fine copper wire turns, and an armature plate, which is a carbon-free steel plate. Widely considered extremely reliable and one of the most secure locks for your property, magnetic electric locks are quick and easy to install. This is a flexible solution that easily fits the access procedures of retrofit or new security situations. The two main types of electric locking devices are

1. Fail Safe:

When de-energized, a fail-safe locking device becomes unlocked. Because this type of lock requires power to stay locked, it’s not typically used in high-security situations, simply because breaking the power supply disables the lock. For this reason, the combination of a magnetic bond sensor with a power supply and battery backup capabilities makes the lock secure enough to allow implementation in certain applications.

2. Fail Secure:

When power fails, a fail-secure locking device will stay locked.

How magnetic door lock works

Magnetic door locks use an electromagnetic force to stop doors from opening, so they are ideal for security. Mag locks, such as the Deadlock mag locks are made up of an electromagnet and an armature plate. The plate is attached to the door and the magnetic to the door frame. Depending on the lock chosen, depends on the voltage – and strength – of the electromagnetic force. The rule of thumb is the more expensive the electromagnetic lock the higher the holding force, it can range anything from 250kg up to an impressive 1000kg.

An electromagnetic lock creates a magnetic field when energized or powered up, causing an electromagnet and armature plate to become attracted to each other strongly enough to keep a door from opening. As they require power to remain locked, this allows them to be fail-safe, making electromagnetic door locks safe for use as emergency exits. If the power was to go out in a fire via a fire relay or call button, the door would unlock, allowing people to exit the building.

How do you open a magnetic lock

Before getting started, it will be good to find out how exactly magnetic locks work. It depends on the type of lock, as each of them has different principles of usage. The construction is simple - it’s a metal bar that comes with a magnet. There are two basic types of magnetic locks, fail safe and fail secure.

A fail-safe magnetic lock remains unlocked when the power is turned off. To lock the door, you need to restore the power. To avoid unnecessary difficulties with the mechanism, make sure that there is stable electricity in your facility. Fail secure locks work differently as they remain locked if the power goes off. Most Entrepreneurs use these types of locks to protect their businesses.

Basic methods of unlocking a magnetic lock. Keycard Reader

There are several methods of unlocking a magnetic lock, and it all depends on how exactly you activate the mechanism. For example, it could be equipped with the HID keycard reader. You simply swipe the card in front of the reader to send a signal and activate the mechanism. However, this method has one huge disadvantage. You need to keep your card with you. If you lose it or someone steals it, you might be in trouble.

Numeric Keypad

This method allows you to set up a keypad and have your password to unlock the magnetic lock. If you want to limit the number of users who have access to what is located behind the door, program the keypad to the limited number of passwords you need. Everyone who needs to be there will have their passcodes. If you have things of value behind the door, think about a creative passcode and don't share it with anyone. It should also be a very strict rule that a person hides the digits they use on the keypad as they are putting them in.

Use Biometric Sensors to Unlock a Magnetic Lock

This method may look more reliable than the previous one because it requires biometrics of a specific person. It could be a fingerprint (the most common option) or a retinal scan. Like with the fingerprint, you can program the system, so it will work for several users who have access to the facility. It's easy. You simply put your finger to the scanner and when it matches your fingerprints, stored in the database, it unlocks the lock.

Good Old Mechanical Key for a Magnetic Lock

It may be unusual because mechanical keys are associated with traditional locks. Well, it's just a misconception, and mechanical keys could easily match with magnetic door locks. The problem is that you can lose your key or get it stolen. To prevent such issues, make sure that all involved choose a safe place for their key storage.

Exit Switch - Unlock the Lock from The Inside

You don't need to use keys, cards, or enter the passcode here. Simply push the button and pull the handle if you want to go outside. You might be wondering, how does one unlock the lock if the power cuts off? The truth is you don’t have to worry, you won't be trapped inside. If the electricity is shut down, the lock will automatically unlock itself.

Summing Up

All the previous methods work when there are no issues with the lock. However, if it breaks, you should know what to do. You can analyze the situation and try to fix it yourself with the required tools (a drill driver, a skill driver, screws, etc.). However, it takes time and requires needed skills and knowledge about how exactly the mechanism works.

With a local locksmith, you can count on an intelligent solution as he will know exactly how the mechanism works and how to fix the issue. Sure Lock & Key is always ready to assist, 24 hours a day. Our job is keeping you safe day by day. Have problems with a magnetic lock? Give us a call. Our technicians will arrive at your location, unlock the lock and fix it if needed and we will do it quickly.

Lock Electric magnetic lock installation

The electromagnetic part of the lock attaches to the door frame and the armature plate attaches to the door. When a current passes through the electromagnet, it attracts the armature plate, effectively holding the door in the lock position. electromagnetic Door Locks require constant power because they have no interconnecting mechanical parts. The two parts of the lock are only in contact when the door closes.

As you now know, an electromagnetic lock needs electricity for power. The lock also needs to know when to open, so it needs wiring to the access controller. The fail-safe aspect of these locks means they unlock by cutting power when triggered. The power temporarily cuts out when the access control readers send impulses to the lock, and the door opens. Note that you can program the length of time the power cuts out.

The above is an example of how to wire Lock Security access controllers to an electromagnetic lock. You can see that there’s a dedicated power supply to the lock, while the controller has a separate power supply. Both the lock and the lock’s power supply connect to the controller, enabling the power to cut out when the door should unlock.

Are electronic magnetic locks secure?

An electromagnetic Door Lock uses powerful magnetic force to hold gates closed or locked together. The only way to release them is to cut power to the magnetic lock. One of the advantages of this type of lock is that there’s nothing to break and there are no moving parts to jam up or get stuck. While electromagnetic Locks are suitable for any type of electric swing gate, they are not suitable for solar gates.

Because electromagnetic Locks need the power to stay locked, they’re virtually fail-safe, thus making them ideal for use in emergency exits.

Can electronic locks be hacked

Security is an ever-increasing concern for homeowners, particularly as technology infiltrates into new spheres of our lives. Since technology became a part of the home, it was only natural for people to start adding smart touches and features that would increase how much they could protect their valuables and homes.

Locks have gone through a lot of changes and advancements in technology. Many companies tried to step up their game with smart locks that quickly become the standard for anyone who wishes to add high-tech features to their home.