Many businesses opt for electronic locks as part of their access control system. These smart locks enhance security, streamline access management, and eliminate the hassle of physical keys. With 78% of commercial buildings now using some form of electronic access control, it’s clear these solutions are becoming the standard for modern businesses.
Whether starting from scratch or upgrading from traditional lock-and-key systems, electronic door locks provide flexibility, convenience, and enhanced security features that manual locks can’t match.
Choosing the right type of electronic door lock for your commercial property depends on several factors, including your budget, security requirements, building architecture, and specific door types. Learn more about the different commercial electronic door locks types to decide which is best for you.
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4 Electronic Door Lock Types To Check Out
1. Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks (maglocks) operate via an electromagnet and armature plate system. When electricity activates the magnet, it creates up to 1,800 pounds of holding force, securely locking the door. Typically installed at the top of the door, the electromagnet mounts on the door frame while the armature plate attaches to it.
Key benefits of magnetic locks include:
- Durability: No moving parts means minimal wear and maintenance
- Aesthetics: Clean, minimalist appearance ideal for glass doors and modern buildings
- Strength: Highest holding force of all electronic lock types
- Simple integration: Easy connection to access control systems
All magnetic locks are fail-safe by design, automatically unlocking during power outages to ensure emergency egress.
2. Electric Strike Locks
Electric strike locks modify traditional mechanical locks by replacing the standard strike plate with an electronically controlled version. When access is granted, the electric strike releases the latch, allowing the door to open without turning the handle.
These locks offer significant advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness: Lower installation and hardware costs
- Easy retrofitting: Simple integration with existing door hardware
- Flexibility: Available in both fail-safe and fail-secure configurations
- Versatility: Compatible with most door materials and frames
Electric strike locks are typically an incredibly affordable and easy-to-install option for most businesses. They only require a simple installation in the doorframe.
3. Electric Cylindrical and Electric Mortise Locks
Electric cylindrical and mortise locks resemble traditional mechanical locks but incorporate electronic components for remote control. Mortise locks sit inside a recess or pocket in the door (a mortise), while cylindrical locks are mounted on the door.
Both electronic lock types are connected to a power supply, and the wire needs to run through the door itself and then through the frame to eventually be connected to the power supply. Both electric cylindrical and electric mortise locks can be fail-safe or fail-secure.
These locks provide excellent security while maintaining a traditional appearance, making them suitable for businesses that want electronic functionality without changing their aesthetic.
4. Electric Push Bar Locks
Electric push bar locks (panic bars or crash bars) are surface-mounted devices that allow easy exit during emergencies while controlling entry from the outside. They also meet fire codes and can serve as emergency exits. While they’re less often installed on main front entrances, they can be. You’re more likely to use them as side exits or on stairwell doors.
Electric push bar locks can also be installed as panic bars designed only for use as a fire exit or in an emergency. These panic bar locks, a credential reader, or a keypad (which does not require physical keys) can be used.
Making an electric push bar lock allows you to electronically release the strike with a keypad, numerical code, or other means. Electric push bar locks used as emergency exits in stairwells should be fail-safe. Except for that use, electric push bar locks can be either fail-safe or fail-secure.
Electronic Door Lock Safety Considerations
When selecting electronic locks for your business, safety must remain a priority alongside security.
Buildings housing sensitive materials or businesses requiring maximum security may prefer fail-secure smart locks that remain locked during power outages. However, life safety codes require that even high-security doors provide emergency egress in crises.
Key safety features to look for include:
- Manual override options: Physical key backup or emergency release mechanisms
- Battery backup systems: Maintaining functionality during power failures
- Fire alarm integration: Automatic unlocking when fire alarm systems activate
- ADA compliance: Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities
When choosing a specific model for your electronic keypad locks, inquire about manual override options, such as a physical key. Once you choose a lock, learn how to complete a manual override and familiarize yourself with the locking mechanism to override it if necessary swiftly.
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Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure Locks
All electric locks use electricity to engage or disengage. The main difference between a fail-safe lock and a fail-secure lock is whether electricity locks or unlocks the door.
Fail-safe locks engage when they have power. When power is lost on a fail-safe lock, the lock is unlocked and will remain unlocked until power is restored. Fail-secure disengage when they have power.
When power is lost on a fail-secure lock, it is locked. During a power outage, a fail-safe lock will unlock, while a fail-secure lock keeps the door closed and secure.
Choosing the Right Type of Electronic Lock
Evaluate Surface Type and Application
Choose the appropriate lock type based on the surface and application. Maglocks are ideal for glass doors, while electric cylindrical, strikes, and mortise locks are suitable for wood doors and metal plate enclosures. Depending on traffic patterns, some electronic doors in retail stores may benefit from different solutions.
| Door Type | Recommended Lock Types | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Doors | Magnetic Locks | Clean appearance, no drilling required |
| Wood/Metal Doors | Electric Strikes, Mortise, Cylindrical | Strong security, traditional appearance |
| Emergency Exits | Electric Push Bars | Code compliance, easy egress |
| High-Security Areas | Mortise, Fail-Secure Strikes | Maximum protection, audit capability |
Review Budget & Options
Assess available options within your budget. Eliminate less suitable choices based on financial constraints. Consider factors such as durability, features, and compatibility with an existing lock system.
If you have an additional budget, you can invest in a lock mechanism that requires human-body authentication, such as a thumb turn. Consider models that support automatic lock functionality or passage mode for hands-free operation for high-traffic periods.
Consider Aesthetics & Security Needs
Choose something that complements the building’s aesthetic while meeting the safety requirements. Choose finishes and styles that blend seamlessly with the architecture.
Prioritize those that offer robust additional security features (such as biometric locks, facial recognition, electronic deadbolts, radio frequency identification compatibility, and a Bluetooth sensor) to safeguard occupants and assets effectively. Modern systems may include a smartphone app for remote management and electronic strikes that can be configured to lock after a set period automatically.
Also read: Guide in Installing a Smart Lock
FAQs
What type of electronic lock is the most reliable?
Magnetic locks and electric strikes are considered highly reliable due to their robust design and durability. They keep the door closed and secure.
The reliability of electronic locks depends on various factors, including the specific brand, model, and installation quality. For maximum dependability, look for commercial-grade locks with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, which indicates testing for at least 1 million operating cycles.
Are electronic locks safe?
Electronic locks can be safe and secure when implemented correctly. They often include more advanced forms of security features such as encryption, tamper detection, and access control capabilities.
However, like any security device, they are not immune to vulnerabilities, so it is essential to choose reputable brands and follow best practices for installation and usage.
What’s the best electronic lock for high-traffic commercial doors?
For high-traffic commercial entrances, electric strikes and magnetic locks typically offer the best combination of durability, ease of use, and reliability. Electric strikes work well when integrated with automatic door operators, while magnetic locks provide the strongest holding force for busy doorways.
Can electronic locks be hacked?
Like any digital system, electronic locks require proper implementation of security protocols. Modern commercial-grade electronic locks use encrypted communication, regular firmware updates, and tamper detection to minimize vulnerabilities. Implementing proper access control policies and keeping systems updated significantly reduces security risks.
What are the advantages of keyless entry systems?
Keyless entry systems eliminate the need to manage physical keys, reducing security risks from lost or stolen keys. They also allow for detailed access logs, customizable permissions for different users, and the ability to grant or revoke access remotely. Many systems integrate with card readers to provide multi-factor authentication for sensitive areas.
In Conclusion
The four main types of electronic door locks are magnetic locks, electric strike locks, electric cylindrical and mortise locks, and electric push bar locks.
When deciding between the four electronic door locks for your business, consider whether you want a fail-safe or a fail-secure lock.
If you want a fail-safe lock, you can choose any of the four types, and if you want a fail-secure lock, you can choose any type except a maglock.
Maglocks are best for glass and electric strikes, and electric cylindrical and mortise locks are common on wood and metal doors. Electric push bars are often installed on metal external doors that are not main entrances.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and installation.
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