What is an electric strike and what can it do for businesses, such as offices and warehouses, and even certain residential settings, like apartment buildings and dorm halls? Not only are electric strikes convenient, but in certain settings, they are considered a required safety feature.
In this article, our team at FA Locksmith will share everything you need to know about electric strikes and whether you need them in your Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill NC property.
How do electric strikes work?
All locks have what’s called a strike plate, which holds the latch in place when the door is shut. Electric strikes are designed with a movable keeper that disengages to allow the door to be swung open. This is possible because the strike is attached to a power supply that can be controlled with the use of a button, key card, or remote access control systems.
What kinds of settings require electric strikes?
Electric strikes are convenient and sometimes required by building code. You may have seen them at work in apartment buildings, in which a tenant is able to push a button and temporarily unlock the main entrance to the building. They are also common in banks, police stations, and other high security settings that need to closely control who has clearance to enter the building.
What happens if the power goes out?
Electric strikes can be installed to be either fail-safe or fail-secure, and this refers to how the lock will behave in the case of a power cut.
In the case of a fail-safe electric strike, the lock will disengage when the power source is no longer working. This allows for free entry into the building, which may be crucial in case of an emergency requiring first responders.
A fail-secure electric strike, on the other hand, will remain externally locked in the case of a power outage. This is required for fire doors, which must be closed off to prevent the spread of a fire. It’s also common in high security settings which need to remain secure even in the case of an emergency.
When buying an electric strike, pay close attention to whether a particular model is fail-safe, fail-secure, or able to be installed with the possibility for either mode.
How are electric strikes installed?
There are a few ways that electric strike installation differs from that of a traditional strike:
- Housing. Electric strikes often require a larger housing hole than the existing strike plate to accommodate the hardware as well as the wiring. So, don’t be surprised if you see our FA locksmiths pulling out the drill to cut a bigger hole when we start our installation.
- Wiring. Getting the wiring right is, of course, a crucial part of an electric strike installation. Our experts know how to install the appropriate voltage and run the wire through the wall or door frame.
- Reader set-up. Whether your electric strike will be wired to a card reader, release button, or remote access system, installation of this separate device is another step in the overall process. We’ll work with you to find the right placement for the reader or release button and make sure it works in conjunction with the electric strike.
- Testing. Our last step is to test that the electric strike functions smoothly and reliably.
What’s the cost of an electric strike?
Electric strikes range in price depending on a few factors, including the level of security it provides and whether it’s rated for a fire door.
The level of technology behind the electric strike also plays a big role in the overall price. An electric strike that comes with an advanced control panel, for instance, will be more expensive than one that is controlled by a simpler button system.
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How to choose the right electric strike for your space
When narrowing down your options for the right electric strike, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:
- Brand. There are a few brands that are known to be reliable and durable. HES is a market leader, but you can also trust brands such as SDC (Security Door Controls) and Adams Rite. More recently, electric strikes from UHPPOTE have become best-sellers on Amazon.
- Fire rating. If you will be installing an electric strike on a fire door, it must be rated for that use. You’ll be able to see whether an electric strike is rated for fire doors in its description.
- Design. There are a variety of different styles and designs when it comes to electric strikes. This allows you to choose the model that best conforms with the size of your door frame and the aesthetic of your commercial space.
Ready to install an electric strike in your setting?
With our experience working with business owners, developers, and landlords throughout the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, we know that one thing our customers struggle with is choosing the right hardware. If you’re new to electric strikes and aren’t sure which one is right for you, give us a call. We can guide you towards the right models based on your needs and budget. And when you’re ready for installation, we’ll be there from start to finish to make sure your electric strike offers peak performance, convenience, and safety.
