Electric lock
An electric lock makes use of an electric current to operate a mechanism to either hold shut or release a securing system.
Very often they are encountered in or around buildings as part of access control systems.
Electric locks may be split into two basic groups: those where the physical securing is achieved by use of a magnetic holding force, and those where an electric current is used to physically move a bolt or latch, usually via a magnetic solenoid or motor action.
Magnetic locks or ‘maglocks’ are the most common type used in access control systems. They work on the principle that when an electric current is applied to an electromagnet, its magnetising force attracts and holds firmly a magnetic material such as iron or steel, and when the electric current is stopped, the magnetic force ceases.
The usual arrangement for a maglock on a door or gate consists of a large electromagnet which is fixed to the door or gate frame, and an accompanying steel plate, or armature, which is secured to the door or gate itself.
When powered, the door or gate is held securely to the electromagnet, effectively preventing it from being opened – even with force.
Another form of electric lock is where a solenoid mechanically operates a bolt into its keep, or directly operates the keep itself. The keep is the part of the lock on the door frame that the bolt engages with.
A solenoid is itself a simple electromagnet that converts electrical current into mechanical movement.
Controls such as an access control system can energise and de-energise electric locks. Such controls may often be activated via PIN code readers, proximity sensors or fobs, key code pads or remotely via manual switching in a secured area of the building.
Often, such access control systems need very careful design considerations with regards to how the control is handled during an emergency, when the door or gate might be needed for safety or escape. In some instances, designers may elelct to link such access control systems to the building’s safety systems such as fire alarms.
In all cases with electric locking systems it is essential to weigh up the need for absolute security on one hand, against safety egress and building evacuation logistics on the other.
It should also be noted that with any locking system, overall security will always be governed and limited by the strength of the door or gate and the frame into which it is secured.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access control.
- CCTV.
- Commercial security systems.
- Digital door lock market.
- ECA articles.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical power.
- Entry control.
- Home security solutions market.
- How door locks work.
- Outbuildings security.
- Perimeter security.
- Proximity access control system.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Types of alarm.
- Types of door.
- Types of lock.
- Visitor door entry system.
Featured articles and news
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.