Electric Strike Vs Maglock: Key Differences, Pros, And Which One Fits Your Door

If you are trying to secure a door with an electronic access control system, you have probably run into this question: should you go with an electric strike or a maglock? Both are popular choices, but they work very differently and are better suited for different situations.

Understanding the key differences between electric strike locks and magnetic locks can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road. Let us break it all down in plain language.

What Is an Electric Strike?

An electric strike lock is a type of electronic lock that replaces the standard strike plate on the door frame. Instead of a fixed plate, it uses a movable latch mechanism. When the door is closed, the lock bolt on your door sits inside the electric strike plate, keeping the door shut.

When someone is granted access – through a keypad, keycard lock, or remote signal – the strike releases the latch, allowing the door to open. What makes this type of lock unique is that a person can exit from inside by turning the door handle or pushing a crash bar, independently of the electric system. The electric strike is installed inside the door frame, making it a clean and low-profile solution.

Electric strikes are used in a wide range of settings, from apartment buildings to commercial offices. They work well with existing door hardware, including a standard lockset or deadbolt, which means you are not always starting from scratch.

How Electric Strikes Work

The difference between the electric door strike and a traditional mechanical lock comes down to one key factor: power. The strike plate on the inside of the door frame receives an electric current from a power supply or relay. When the signal is received, the strike releases and the door unlocks, allowing the door to swing open.

Electric strikes can be set to fail-safe or fail-secure mode. Fail-safe means the door stays unlocked when power is lost – important for emergency exits. Fail-secure keeps the door locked during a power outage, which is better for securing high-value areas.

What Is a Maglock?

A magnetic lock – often called a maglock – works on a completely different principle. It uses an electromagnet mounted onto the door frame and an armature plate on the door itself. When power flows, the magnetic field created between the magnet in the door frame and the metal plate on the door holds them together with impressive force, often up to 1,200 pounds of holding strength.

The key thing to understand about maglocks is that they are fail-safe by default. Cut the power, and the magnetic charge drops instantly, releasing the door. This makes electromagnetic door locking a common choice for fire rated door applications and buildings where fire safety regulations require free egress during emergencies.

How Maglocks Work

The electromagnetic lock does not use a lock bolt or latch at all. It relies entirely on electromagnetism to keep the door closed. Power to lock the door is always on when the door is secured. To unlock the door, the system simply cuts the electric current, and the door is free to open.

Because maglocks only secure the door when powered, building code and local jurisdiction requirements often dictate whether a magnetic door lock is appropriate for a given installation.

Electric Strike Vs Maglock: Side-by-Side Differences

Here is a straightforward look at the differences between electric strike locks and magnetic locks:

• Locking mechanism: Electric strikes use a latch and door strike system. Maglocks use magnetic force with no moving parts.
• Power behavior: Electric strikes can be fail-safe or fail-secure. Maglocks are inherently fail-safe.
• Egress: With an electric strike, you can exit from one side of the door by turning the door handle or pushing a crash bar. With a maglock door, a separate release switch or motion sensor is usually required.
• Installation: Installing electric strikes typically requires modification to the door frame and a metal strike housing. Installing magnetic locks requires mounting the magnet and armature plate on the door, which may need a different type of door or reinforced frame.
• Door hardware compatibility: Electric strikes work with most existing door hardware. Maglocks require clean, flat surfaces to maintain proper contact.
• Cost and skill: Comparing magnetic lock options to electric strike options, maglocks are often simpler to install but may require additional components like a request-to-exit switch or electric battery backup.

Pros of Each Option

Pros of Electric Strikes

Electric strikes integrate naturally with existing lock and key systems and door hardware. They allow free egress from the inside – a major advantage for panic situations or fire alarm system compliance. They also support both fail-safe and fail-secure modes, giving you more flexibility depending on the risk level of the space.

Because the electric strike plate sits installed inside the door frame, there is minimal visual impact on the door itself. They are a solid choice for interior doors, offices, and apartment entry points where electromechanical door locking is needed without heavy modification.

Pros of Maglocks

Maglocks have no moving mechanical parts, which means less wear and maintenance over time. The electromagnetic door release is fast and reliable. They also work well on glass doors, wood doors, and other surfaces where installing electric hardware inside the door frame is not practical.

For high-traffic doors that need to hold against significant force, maglocks deliver. The door cannot operate against an energized maglock without triggering an alarm or cutting power first.

This makes them excellent for controlled access points in commercial and enterprise settings.

Choosing the Right Lock for Your Door

So, what is the right type of lock for your situation? Here is a simple way to think about it.

If your priority is keeping people out while still allowing easy egress from inside – think a fire door, office entrance, or apartment lobby – an electric strike is likely your best fit. It supports lock or panic hardware, keeps the door secure, and integrates cleanly.

If you need to hold the door against a higher level of force, want fewer mechanical parts, or are working with a type of door that cannot easily accommodate a door strike mechanism, a maglock may be the right call.

For access control systems in larger commercial environments, the choices are electric strikes or maglocks, depending on egress requirements, building codes, and the specific door in place.

Selecting the right electromagnetic door hardware is something a professional can help you evaluate quickly.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Whether you’re trying to decide between electric strikes and maglocks, or you already know what you want, proper installation is critical. A poorly installed electric lock or maglock can fail at exactly the wrong moment.

At True Home Protection, we help Texas businesses and homeowners choose and install the right access control solution for their property. Our team handles everything from structured cabling to full access control systems, and we back our work with a limited lifetime warranty and no hidden fees.

Conclusion

The electric strike vs maglock debate does not have one universal answer – it depends on your door type, security needs, egress requirements, and budget. Electric strikes offer flexibility and compatibility. Maglocks offer strength and simplicity. Both are excellent when installed correctly.

If you are ready to secure your property with the right solution, reach out to True Home Protection at +1-800-393-6461. We are here to help you make a confident, informed decision.