Looking to upgrade your building with electronic locks? This guide breaks down the most common electronic locking hardware—what each one is, when to use it, and key pros/considerations. We’ll cover electric strikes, maglocks, shear locks, mortise/cylindrical electrified locks, panic bars, and electric trim, so you can match the right solution to every opening.

---

Quick Primer: Fail‑Safe vs. Fail‑Secure

• Fail‑safe: Unlocks on power loss (common for maglocks and shear locks). Prioritizes life safety and quick egress.

• Fail‑secure: Stays locked on power loss (common for strikes and electrified locksets). Often used on secure perimeters while still allowing free egress via hardware.

Always choose based on your egress and fire/life‑safety requirements.

---

1) Electric Strikes

What it is: A powered strike plate that releases the latch when energized—your existing lever or exit device still does the latching.

Best for: Wood/metal frames on swinging doors, retrofits where you want to keep the existing lock/lever, or doors with exit devices (use a rim strike).

Pros: Clean install on the frame, supports fail‑secure or fail‑safe models, compatible with readers/keypads.

Considerations: Choose listings to match the opening (e.g., fire‑rated), and pick the right strike type (cylindrical, mortise, rim for panic bars).

---

2) Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)

What it is: Surface‑mounted electromagnet + armature plate; holds when powered, releases when power drops.

Best for: Aluminum storefronts, glass doors, or spots where a strike is impractical; also good for predictable fail‑safe release.

Pros: Minimal door prep, strong holding force, clean look on storefront headers.

Considerations: Requires constant power; include request‑to‑exit (REX) and an emergency release. Tie to the fire alarm so it unlocks during an alarm.

---

3) Shear Locks

What it is: A low‑profile concealed maglock that resists sliding (shear) force; great for aesthetics.

Best for: Frameless glass and design‑sensitive interiors where surface hardware is undesirable.

Pros: Clean, hidden appearance with strong holding capability.

Considerations: Needs precise alignment and proper brackets; also fail‑safe by design.

---

4) Electrified Mortise Locksets

What it is: A mortise lock body with power brought into the door for electronic control (e.g., electric latch retraction or lock/unlock).

Best for: High‑traffic commercial doors needing robust hardware and a finished look without visible magnets/strikes.

Pros: Durable, premium feel, supports fail‑secure operation while maintaining free egress.

Considerations: Door prep and power transfer (hinge/loop) required; specify handing, function, and voltage.

---

5) Electrified Cylindrical Locksets

What it is: Cylindrical lever sets with an internal solenoid for electronic control.

Best for: Standard office doors needing simple electronic locking without replacing the frame strike.

Pros: Familiar format, tidy appearance, works with most readers.

Considerations: Verify fire rating, power transfer, and function (storeroom/office, etc.).

---

6) Electrified Exit Devices (Panic Bars)

What it is: Exit hardware with electric latch retraction (ELR) or electric dogging for access control on doors that must allow emergency egress.

Best for: Code‑required exit doors, schools, healthcare, and any high‑traffic egress point.

Pros: Maintains push‑to‑exit while enabling card/PIN/mobile entry; integrates with access control.

Considerations: Choose rim, mortise, or vertical‑rod styles to match the door; size power supplies for inrush current on ELR.

---

7) Electric Trim for Exit Devices

What it is: Electrified outside lever trim that pairs with a panic bar to control outside entry while preserving free egress.

Best for: Retrofit scenarios where the inside needs a panic bar, but you want controlled entry from the exterior.

Pros: Clean solution; no need to change the inside exit hardware.

Considerations: Confirm trim compatibility with your specific exit device brand/model.

---

8) Gate‑Rated Solutions

What it is: Weatherized maglocks or heavy‑duty strikes designed for exterior gates and exposed openings.

Best for: Perimeter pedestrian gates, parking areas, industrial yards.

Pros: Rugged housings and higher holding force for wind/vibration.

Considerations: Plan for proper brackets, conduit, and battery‑backed power.

---

Choosing the Right Hardware: A Quick Guide

• Storefront (aluminum/glass): Maglock or shear lock

• Office door (lever/closer): Electric strike or electrified cylindrical/mortise

• Door with panic bar: Rim strike, electrified exit device, or electric trim

• Frameless glass: Shear lock

• Perimeter gate: Weatherized maglock or heavy‑duty strike

---

Integration & Power Basics

• Works with keypads, card/fob readers, mobile credentials, and intercoms.

• Use 12/24 VDC supervised power supplies sized for locks + accessories.

• Provide REX and emergency release where required; tie locks to the fire alarm for proper release behavior.

---

Final Thoughts

The best electronic locking hardware depends on your door type, safety requirements, and how you manage credentials. Map each opening, decide on fail‑safe vs. fail‑secure, and select the hardware that delivers reliable security and code‑compliant egress.

Need help matching parts to your doors? Contact SNTRY Supply for tailored recommendations and spec support.