An electric lock is a great solution for anyone who wishes to modernize from the old fashioned access method of a simple lock and key. Electric locks are more customizable and a good deal more reliable than the traditional method and are able to easily integrate into modern access control in order to provide a solution that offers a considerably greater degree of flexibility.

Moving parts

Electric strikes share similarities with regular strike locks as they are both composed of a strike that is capable of blocking the door latch. An electric strike is installed on the same level as the door handles and is the electric lock that is most commonly used on wooden or metal doors. 

The primary difference between electric and traditional strike doors is of course that they are electrified and are able to be unlocked with the use of electrical impulses. The impulse is also responsible for moving the strike instead of the lock latch as is the case with a normal key. 

Fail-safe/Fail-secure

Electric locks can either be fail-safe or fail-secure depending on the set-up. Fail-safe locks are unlocked when the power is cut, while fail-secure locks actually lock during a power outage, unlocking again only when given power. Because the moving parts within an electric strike are fairly versatile and simple, it can be wired to either activate or deactivate depending on the presence or lack of power. 

This makes an electric lock ideal for installation on any door (other than glass doors because it has to be in the frame). 

Installation and wiring

Electric strike locks are fairly easy to install, as in most cases they will just take the place of a strike lock that already exists. If that is not the case however then a mold will have to be cut in the wall and the electric strike lock drilled in. 

For actual instructions relating to the installation and wiring of an electric strike lock, wiring will have to run through the walls in order to reach a power source so that the lock will function. 

The electric strike lock will also need to be wired into the access control reader or controller.

A vital perquisite to installing an electric strike lock is ensuring that the door and frame are aligned. The frame then needs to be cut so that the strike will fit. Corded drills will be required for the purpose of cutting strikes, and safety equipment such as the likes of safety goggles is required. 

The best solution for the installation of an electric strike is to call a qualified professional. 

Compliance issues may also need to be taken into consideration in regards to a new electric strike lock. Fire safety regulations insist that exit from the building is possible in the event of emergencies, so if an electric strike lock is to be installed on front doors in the fail-safe configuration, the lock should still be operable in the event of power failure. A manual key override could be one option to ensure safety while still preserving security. 

Electric strike locks are a reliable and fairly basic piece of hardware for those interested in modern electronic access control.