When designing an access control system for a commercial building, one of the most common questions is whether to install an electric strike or a magnetic lock (maglock). Both solutions provide secure electronic access, but they operate differently and are intended for different door types and applications.
Instead of asking which is better, the real question is where each solution should be used. The right choice depends on the door construction, level of security, traffic volume, fire and life-safety requirements, and how the opening will be controlled.
In this guide, we'll compare electric strikes vs. magnetic locks, explain their ideal applications, and highlight popular products from leading manufacturers such as HES, Adams Rite, Securitron, Von Duprin, SARGENT, Schlage, and Command Access.
What Is an Electric Strike?
An electric strike replaces the standard strike plate in the door frame. When connected to an access control system, it electronically releases the latch, allowing the door to open without turning the handle or using a key.
The lockset itself remains mechanically latched, making electric strikes a popular choice for commercial doors that already use cylindrical locks, mortise locks, or panic hardware.
Common Applications
Electric strikes are commonly installed on:
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Office buildings
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Schools
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Healthcare facilities
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Apartment buildings
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Retail stores
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Government buildings
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Commercial tenant spaces
Because the door remains mechanically latched, electric strikes provide a familiar and secure locking solution while integrating easily with card readers, keypads, and intercom systems.
Popular Electric Strike Brands and Series
Some of the industry's most trusted electric strike manufacturers include: These products are commonly specified for offices, educational facilities, healthcare buildings, and mixed-use developments.
|
Manufacturer |
Popular Series / Models |
Typical Application |
|
HES |
Cylindrical & mortise locks |
|
|
HES |
Heavy-duty commercial doors |
|
|
HES |
Surface-mounted and retrofit applications |
|
|
HES |
Surface-mounted access control applications |
|
|
HES |
Surface-mounted applications |
|
|
Adams Rite |
Aluminum storefront doors |
|
|
Adams Rite |
Narrow stile doors |
|
|
Von Duprin |
Cylindrical & mortise locks on single doors |
|
|
Von Duprin |
Double doors with cylindrical or mortise locks |
|
|
Von Duprin |
Rim exit device applications |
|
|
Von Duprin |
Mortise & cylindrical lock applications |
|
|
Command Access |
ET Series |
Commercial retrofit projects |
What Is a Magnetic Lock?
A magnetic lock, often called a maglock, consists of an electromagnet mounted on the door frame and an armature plate mounted on the door. When power is applied, the magnet creates a strong holding force that keeps the door securely closed.
Unlike an electric strike, a maglock does not rely on a latchbolt. Instead, the magnetic force alone keeps the door locked until power is interrupted by an authorized credential or exit device.
Popular Magnetic Lock Brands and Series
Leading manufacturers include:
|
Manufacturer |
Popular Series |
Holding Force |
|
Securitron |
1,200 lbs |
|
|
Securitron |
M380 Series |
600 lbs |
Securitron magnetic locks are among the most widely specified in commercial access control systems due to their reliability and long service life.
Electric Strike vs. Magnetic Lock Comparison
|
Feature |
Electric Strike |
Magnetic Lock |
|
Locking Method |
Releases latch |
Magnetic holding force |
|
Requires Mechanical Lock |
Yes |
No |
|
Best For |
Swing doors with existing locksets |
Glass doors, aluminum storefronts, high-traffic entrances |
|
Common Integration |
Card readers, keypads, intercoms |
Card readers, delayed egress, emergency exits |
|
Typical Door Types |
Hollow metal, wood, aluminum |
Glass, aluminum, hollow metal |
Where Should You Use an Electric Strike?
Electric strikes are an excellent choice when the door already has a commercial lockset or exit device, and you want to add electronic access without replacing the entire locking system.
Ideal applications include:
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Office entrances
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Schools
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Hospital staff doors
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Apartment entry doors
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Commercial tenant spaces
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Government offices
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Interior secure areas
They work particularly well with:
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SARGENT 8200 Series Mortise Locks
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SARGENT 10X Cylindrical Locks
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Schlage ND Series
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Corbin Russwin ML2000 Series
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Von Duprin 98/99 Series Exit Devices
Where Should You Use a Magnetic Lock?
Magnetic locks are commonly selected when a traditional latching mechanism is impractical or when the opening requires continuous electronic control.
Typical applications include:
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Glass storefront entrances
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Aluminum-framed doors
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Data centers
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Clean rooms
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Laboratories
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Healthcare facilities
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Secure office suites
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Reception-controlled entrances
Maglocks are especially popular for frameless glass doors where installing a conventional lock may not be feasible.
Access Control Compatibility
Both electric strikes and magnetic locks integrate seamlessly with modern access control technologies, including:
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Card readers
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Mobile credentials
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Keypad entry systems
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Biometric readers
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Video intercom systems
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Building management systems
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Remote access platforms
Your access control hardware typically determines how the locking device is activated, while the door type and building requirements determine which locking solution is most appropriate.
Fire and Life Safety Considerations
Both electric strikes and magnetic locks can be used on commercial openings, but they must always comply with applicable building and fire codes.
Electric strikes are often specified on fire-rated openings because they retain the mechanical latch, helping maintain the integrity of the fire door assembly when properly listed.
Magnetic locks require additional life-safety components, such as request-to-exit devices, emergency release buttons, and fire alarm integration, to ensure occupants can exit safely during an emergency. Always verify that the complete opening complies with local building codes and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
Popular Commercial Hardware Combinations
Office Buildings
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HES 1006 Electric Strike
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Schlage ND Series Lock
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HID Card Reader
Schools
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Von Duprin 99 Series Exit Device
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HES 9600 Electric Strike
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SARGENT 10X Classroom Function
Glass Storefronts
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Securitron M680 Maglock
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Adams Rite Aluminum Door Hardware
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Keypad or Card Reader
Healthcare Facilities
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HES 4500 Series
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SARGENT 8200 Mortise Lock
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Delayed egress system where permitted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric strike more secure than a magnetic lock?
Both provide effective electronic access control when correctly specified. The appropriate choice depends on the door type, building design, and operational requirements.
Can an electric strike be installed on an existing door?
Yes. Electric strikes are commonly used in retrofit projects because they replace the existing strike plate while allowing the original commercial lock to remain in place.
Where are magnetic locks most commonly used?
Maglocks are frequently installed on glass doors, aluminum storefront entrances, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and other openings requiring continuous electronic locking.
Can both work with card readers?
Yes. Electric strikes and magnetic locks are compatible with most commercial access control systems, including card readers, keypads, mobile credentials, and intercom systems.
Which manufacturers are most popular?
Some of the most trusted brands include HES, Securitron, Adams Rite, Command Access, SARGENT, Schlage, and Von Duprin.
Conclusion
Choosing between an electric strike and a magnetic lock depends on the specific requirements of the opening, not on which technology is universally better.
If your project involves a door with an existing mortise lock, cylindrical lock, or panic hardware, an electric strike is often the preferred solution because it preserves the mechanical latch while adding electronic access control. For glass storefronts, aluminum-framed doors, laboratories, and continuously controlled entrances, a magnetic lock is often the more practical choice.
At QualityDoor.com, we offer a wide selection of commercial access control hardware from industry-leading brands, including HES, Adams Rite, Securitron, Von Duprin, SARGENT, Schlage, and Command Access. Whether you're upgrading a single entrance or specifying hardware for an entire commercial facility, our experts can help you select the right solution for your project.