Magnetic Lock vs Electric Strike: Which Access Control Lock Fits Your Door?

Magnetic locks and electric strikes are both used in access control systems, but they solve different door problems. The right choice depends on how the door is used, how people exit, what happens during a power failure, and what the building code requires.

The short version: a magnetic lock holds the door closed with an electromagnet, while an electric strike releases the latch in the frame. Both can work well, but they should not be treated as interchangeable parts.

How a magnetic lock works

A magnetic lock, often called a maglock, uses an electromagnet mounted on the frame and an armature plate mounted on the door. When power is applied, the magnet holds the plate and keeps the door locked.

Most maglocks are fail-safe. If power is removed, the magnet releases and the door unlocks. That can be important for emergency egress, but it also means the security plan must address outages with the right backup power, release devices, and code-compliant controls.

Maglocks are common on glass doors, interior secure rooms, and openings where there is no traditional latch to release. They have no latch bolt and few moving parts, so they can be durable when installed and wired correctly.

How an electric strike works

An electric strike replaces the fixed strike plate in the frame. The existing latch stays on the door. When a card reader, keypad, intercom, or release button sends the right signal, the strike keeper releases and allows the latch to pass through.

Many electric strikes are fail-secure, meaning the door stays locked from the outside during a power failure. People inside can usually still exit by turning the lever or using the panic hardware, depending on the door setup.

Electric strikes are common for apartment entries, office doors, reception doors, and controlled commercial entrances where the door still uses mechanical lock hardware.

Key differences to compare

The biggest difference is what the hardware controls. A maglock controls the door from both sides by holding it closed. An electric strike controls entry while usually preserving normal mechanical egress from the inside.

Power behavior is another major difference. Maglocks generally need power to stay locked. Electric strikes are often configured to need power to unlock, although fail-safe models exist for certain applications.

Installation also differs. Maglocks mount to the door and frame and require release controls. Electric strikes require precise frame prep and latch alignment. If the door is sagging, warped, or under pressure from a closer, an electric strike may buzz or fail to release until the door is adjusted.

For planning, link this article to Access Control Systems, Door Repair and Installation, and Commercial Locksmith.

Where magnetic locks make sense

A maglock can be a good fit for interior secure areas, glass doors, or locations where controlling both entry and exit is part of the security design. It can also be useful where a conventional latch cannot be used.

Because a maglock depends on electricity and release devices, it must be designed carefully. The system may need request-to-exit sensors, push-to-exit buttons, fire alarm release, battery backup, or other safeguards based on the opening.

Where electric strikes make sense

An electric strike is often the better fit for a controlled entry door where people inside must leave freely. It works with many cylindrical locks, mortise locks, intercom releases, keypads, and card readers.

Electric strikes also preserve a familiar door feel. The door still latches mechanically, and the access control system only releases the keeper when someone is authorized.

Code and safety come first

The lock should never create a trapped exit. This is especially important for storefronts, apartment buildings, offices, stair doors, and any door in the path of egress. Fire rating, panic hardware, ADA access, emergency release, and power-loss behavior all need to be considered before hardware is ordered.

A professional assessment should look at the whole opening: door, frame, latch, closer, hinges, wiring path, reader location, power supply, and emergency exit requirements.

FAQ

Is a magnetic lock more secure than an electric strike?

Not automatically. Maglocks can have high holding force, but electric strikes can be very secure when paired with the right lock, frame, and access control design. The right choice depends on the door and use case.

What happens during a power outage?

A typical maglock unlocks when power is lost. A typical fail-secure electric strike stays locked from the outside but still allows egress through the door hardware. Exact behavior depends on the model and wiring.

Can both work with card readers or keypads?

Yes. Both magnetic locks and electric strikes can connect to card readers, keypads, intercoms, and access control panels when the system is designed correctly.