Re: Electric Lock choice

[J. Sloud <jsloud@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 29 Jul 2005 18:53:11 -0700, bhnjr@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

>We usually use electric strikes when installing electric door locks in
>a commercial installation.  We have an upcoming job that has a number
>of double doors, that meet in the middle of the 6' door opening,
>without a center jamb.  Therefore, I guess my choices are magnetic
>locks, or a Bolt type lock.  Our experiences with the Bolt type lock is
>that it takes a long time for the installation (alighment problems).
>Is it reasonable to assume that for this type job a magnetic lock is
>the better choice?  I also understand that if any electric lock is used
>during business hours, that the door must have an auto Passive unlock
>device, and also a "Push to exit" button, to break the circuit.   Any
>comments on this will be most appreciated.

Aside from fire code issues others have , maglocks are, by design,
fail safe devices.  That means that if power to the maglock is lost,
the door will no longer be locked.  Unless steps are taken to ensure
power cannot be disrupted to the maglock, they really aren't suitable
for exterior door or high security use.  Typical power supplies use
battery backup that can be used for a few hours.  We typically put all
mags on UPS/ generator power and also monitor the power going to the
mags with an alarm contact at will alert the end-user if power fails.
Depending on your location, maglocks will need to be interconnected to
the building fire alarm and you will have to supply emergency egress
that can be operated with no prior knowledge.  A REX motion detector
and 2" illuminated timed REX button are accepted around here for
unsecured egress.  For secured agress, you'd need a touch sense bar
with delayed opening that conforms to NFPA101.  It amazes me that you
need a license in my state to put in a residential burglar alarm, but
anybody can do access control in a public building and put hundreds of
lives at risk with no regulation at all.

J.