Being considered one of the most secure locks you can have, magnetic locks are exceptionally reliable and rarely hacked. More recently, properties are gravitating toward the use of magnetic locks due to the increased security they offer, ease of installation and for faster access.
What is a magnetic lock?
A magnetic lock is a lock that uses an electric current to produce a magnetic force. As a result of the current, the increased strength allows the doors to withstand pressure. Therefore, the doors can’t be forced open without use of the confirmed access method. Put simply, when electricity activates the magnet, a bolt will lock the door. While, removing the power source will unlock the door.
How do they work?
Magnetic locks work by North and South ends meeting and sealing, alongside using an electrical current to produce a stronger magnetic force. Electromagnetic locks consist of an electromagnet and an armature plate. The plate is attached to the door, while the electromagnet is fitted to the door frame. The locks work by creating a magnetic field that causes both the plate and the magnet to attract to each other, forcing them to seal together and prevent doors from opening. As they require power to remain locked, this allows them to be fail-safe, making electromagnetic door locks safe for use as emergency exits. If the power was to go out in a fire via a fire relay or call button, the door would unlock, allowing people to exit the building.
The door can be unlocked remotely and allow entry in two main ways: by pushing the buzzer switch which cuts off the power to the magnet or using an access control system. With a keypad, card reader or biometric scanner, an access control system verifies the identity of each person and unlocks the door for authorized users. Some access control programs also have smartphone apps with remote locking and unlocking capabilities or this type of hardware can be equipped with a sensor for automatic opening as someone approaches the entryway.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic locks?
Advantages
- Easy to install.
- User friendly as no keys are needed and no copies have to be made. The locking and unlocking function is also instantaneous, meaning it is a efficient and safe solution.
- Highly durable as magnetic locks have no moving parts, meaning they can’t jam.
- Secure and reliable as this type of lock can’t be forced or picked like a traditional bolt lock.
Disadvantages
- Potential to fail in the event of a power outage, therefore disabling security.
- Can become difficult to open the longer the mag lock is continuously locked.
- Expensive in comparison to traditional mechanical locks.
Goudsmit UK
High performance magnets from Goudsmit UK are used daily in hundreds of industrial applications worldwide. Should you have a special requirement, our team of design engineers will be happy to create a custom solution. All magnetic products manufactured by Goudsmit UK also meet or exceed ISO 9001 and AS 9120B quality standards.
With over 21 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance magnets, magnetic assemblies, and precision parts, Goudsmit UK supply critical parts to some of the leading names in the most demanding industries.
For more information on our products and services download our brochure.
Contact us on +44 (0) 2890 271 001 or also at info@goudsmit.co.uk
