9 April 2025
A customer calls, an office building needs secure, keyless entry, but they also want free egress in case of an emergency. You’re thinking of an electro-magnetic lock. Good choice. But which one?
In this guide, we will walk you through some of the features and benefits of electro-magnetic locks and what you should consider when choosing a maglock for your next project.
What is an Electromagnetic Lock?
An electromagnetic lock (or maglock) is a type of locking device that uses an electromagnet and an armature plate to secure a door. Maglocks are also fail-safe by design. When power is applied, the magnet creates a strong magnetic field that holds the plate tight, essentially “glueing” the door shut with magnetic force. When the power is cut, the armature is released and the door unlocks. Simple and effective. That's why they are a go-to solution for securing doors in places where access matters, like apartment blocks, offices, hospitals, server rooms and storage areas. With the right setup, only authorised users get through, helping protect people, property and information without slowing anyone down.
Another thing you should keep in mind when fitting a maglock is that electromagnetic locks rely on a steady magnetic field to remain locked. That's why they require DC (Direct Current) to function properly.
Most maglocks are rated for 12v or 24v DC, and using AC directly can damage the lock or make it ineffective.
Types of Maglocks
Electromagnetic locks come in different variants and options. Let's have a look at some of the most common ones;
- For single or double doors: Maglocks can be installed on single or double doors.
- Monitored: These maglocks have built-in sensors that report their status (locked or unlocked) to an access control system, providing real-time feedback.
What are The Main Benefits?
Electromagnetic locks are very efficient, low-power locks and have a range of accessories that make them suitable for many applications. Let's see why you may want to consider using a maglock in your next project.
Perfect for Non-Traditional Doors. Not every door is built for a standard deadbolt. Take glass shopfronts or slim aluminium frames, for example – places where traditional locks are more trouble than they’re worth. Maglocks offer a neat, secure solution without having to wrestle with awkward fittings or make major adjustments to the frame.
No Moving Parts. There are no latches, springs or mechanical parts to wear down over time. That means fewer faults, less upkeep, and peace of mind all around. You fit it, and chances are you won’t hear about it again, which is how most jobs should go.
Instant Lock and Release. Maglocks respond straight away. Whether it’s a card swipe, motion sensor or fire alarm, the door reacts without delay. That keeps everything moving as it should, without any hold-ups or frustrating sticking points.
Plug-and-Play with Access Control. Maglocks work effortlessly with keypads, card readers, buzzers and motion sensors. You won't need to mess about with complicated wiring or worry about whether the system will talk to the lock. Everything fits together cleanly, making for a tidy install that does exactly what it’s meant to.
High holding force and security. They resist more weight due to the large electromagnetic surface area. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas or locations where doors need to withstand stronger forces, ensuring long-term durability and reliable performance.
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Maglock for a Job?
1. Holding Force That Holds Up
Picture this. You fit a maglock to a glass door in a shop, but within a week, it’s failed after someone gives it a bit of a shove. The customer’s not happy, and neither are you. Now compare that with a solid 1,200-pound maglock on a busy entrance, holding steady every time. The client feels confident, and you’re not getting called back to fix it.
It all comes down to matching the holding force to the job:
- 300 to 600 pounds for internal doors.
- 600 to 1,200 pounds or more for external or high-traffic doors.
Higher holding force requires more continuous electrical power and sturdier mounting hardware, so it's important to factor that in when deciding how much strength your installation needs.
2. Ensure the Right Dimensions for the Job
Choosing a maglock isn’t just about picking the right brand, it’s about choosing the right fit. A maglock that’s too small might not provide enough holding force, while one that’s too large could be cumbersome or overkill.
Make sure you select a lock that suits the specific door or gate it will be installed on. Consider the door’s weight, thickness, and the traffic it will handle. A properly sized maglock ensures maximum security without unnecessary strain, keeping everything secure and functional for the long haul.
3. Environment-Proof Your Install
Replacing a rusted-out maglock after a few months isn’t a good look. Outdoor installs take a beating from the weather, and if the lock isn’t rated for it, problems are only a matter of time. Go for maglocks with proper weather protection. They’re built to handle rain, moisture and dust without letting you down. Ideal for outdoor gates, car parks and exposed access points.
4. Make It Smart with an Access Control System
A good maglock can work hand in hand with the rest of an access control setup. You mount the lock, wire it to the reader and exit button, and everything works as it should. The door secures properly, the card reader responds, and people can come and go without issues. It’s a straightforward install that gets the job done without complications.
To make your life even easier, we have put together some access control kits that include everything you need in one package: the lock, power supply, keypad or reader, and an exit button. No need to piece it all together from different sources, it’s ready to go, straight out of the box. Click here to see them: https://www.keyprint.co.uk/access-control/keypads-proximity-kits.
Take a look at the table below for a brief overview of the different types of maglocks and applications.
5. Frame It Right
Surface mounted or mortice mounted? Is the door sturdy enough? Is it inward-opening or outward-opening? Don’t just follow the specs, but make sure the lock is mounted properly to the frame. Normally mounted on the frame of a wooden door. For hollow aluminium doors, use a Z-bracket kit instead. A good-looking install can still fail if the mount flexes. Keep it solid.
Take a look at our guide below to see some of the most common applications.
Let's Talk Standards
You can fit an electromagnetic lock to a fire door, but it's essential to choose a model that has been tested and certified for this specific application.
Although there are no specific British or European standards dedicated solely to maglocks, they can still be tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014 and BS 476: Part 22:1987, which assess fire resistance.
Maglocks may be installed on panic or emergency exit doors only if they have been tested as part of a complete system in accordance with EN 13637, the standard for electrically controlled escape door systems used on escape routes.
While maglocks can allow single-action egress and be integrated with fire alarm systems, they do not comply with EN 179 or EN 1125, which are the standards specifically governing hardware for panic and emergency exit doors.
Ready to Make Maglocks Part of Your Go-To Kit?
Whether you're securing a shopfront, fitting out a school, or upgrading access on a busy office door, maglocks offer a reliable, clean solution that keeps things moving and secure. With the right setup, they’re quick to install, easy to integrate, and built to last.
Need help choosing the right kit for your next job? Email sales@keyprint.co.uk or call 0131 55 0909, and we will be happy to help you find the best fit, fast.