The Electric Strike
Electric Strikes for Commercial Doors
Electric strikes are low-voltage access control devices that help secure commercial doors while allowing
authorized entry through keypads, card readers, buttons, intercoms, or remote release systems.
Remote door release
Traffic control
Access control hardware
Installation and troubleshooting
A Controlled Release for Commercial Doors
An electric strike is a low-voltage solenoid device that replaces the common strike plate in the door jamb.
A standard strike plate keeps the door latch or bolt in place. An electric strike does the same thing, but
its ramped surface can be temporarily released so the door can open when access is approved.
This allows a business to maintain the security of traffic control while still allowing authorized access
when needed. Electric strikes are commonly paired with keypads, card readers, intercoms, push buttons,
reception desk releases, and other access control systems.
Fail-Secure vs. Fail-Safe Electric Strikes
There are two main kinds of electric strikes. The right choice depends on the door, lock hardware, life-safety
requirements, access control system, building use, and what should happen during a power loss.
Fail-Secure Electric Strikes
Fail-secure strikes unlock when electricity is applied. If there is a loss of power, the strike stays
locked from the secured side, while the door can still typically be opened mechanically from the inside
for exiting when the proper exit hardware is installed.
- Stays locked during power loss
- Unlocks when power is applied
- Often used where security is the priority
- Must be paired with proper egress hardware
Fail-Safe Electric Strikes
Fail-safe strikes lock when electricity is applied. If power is lost, the strike releases and the door
is left unlocked from the secured side.
- Unlocks during power loss
- Locks when power is applied
- May be used where access during power loss is required
- Should be selected based on code, security, and building needs
Electric Strikes Work With Other Door Hardware
The electric strike is only one part of a working access control door. The door, frame, latch, lockset,
closer, hinges, exit device, power supply, wiring, and access control reader all need to work together
properly.
Common Control Devices
- Keypads
- Card readers
- Intercom systems
- Reception desk release buttons
- Remote release controls
- Access control panels
Door Hardware Considerations
- Latch and strike alignment
- Frame preparation
- Closer adjustment
- Exit device compatibility
- Fire rating requirements
- Safe egress requirements
Common Electric Strike Problems
If an electric strike is not working properly, the issue may be electrical, mechanical, or related to door
alignment. A door that does not close correctly, latch correctly, or line up with the frame can cause access
control problems even when the reader or keypad is working.
Door Won’t Release
This may be caused by power issues, wiring problems, a failed strike, reader problems, or latch pressure
binding against the strike.
Door Won’t Latch
The strike, latch, hinges, closer, or frame alignment may need adjustment so the door closes and secures
properly.
Access Is Inconsistent
Intermittent release problems can come from wiring, power supply, door movement, misalignment, or worn
hardware.
Electric Strike Installation and Repair in the Denver Metro Area
Automatic Door Doctors can help with electric strike installation, replacement, troubleshooting, door
alignment, closer adjustment, access control hardware coordination, and related commercial door service.
life-safety requirements, safe egress, access control needs, and compatibility with the existing door and hardware.
Call Automatic Door Doctors
If you need help with an electric strike, keypad, card reader, lock, closer, or access control door,
Automatic Door Doctors can help diagnose the problem and recommend a practical solution.
Choosing the Right Electric Strike
Electric strikes can improve access control, but the right choice depends on the door, frame, lock,
power setup, security needs, and how the building should respond during a power loss.
Unlocks during power loss
Stays locked during power loss
Frame and lock compatibility
Reliable access control hardware
Switchable Modes and Audible Release Options
Newer electric strike models may be manually switched from fail-safe to fail-secure, giving building owners
more flexibility depending on the door location, security needs, and access control requirements.
Electric strikes can also be equipped with an audible sound feature that allows a person near the door to
hear when the strike has released. This can make it easier for visitors, employees, or delivery personnel to
know when the door is ready to open.
Switchable Operation
Some electric strikes can be configured for fail-safe or fail-secure operation, depending on the door,
code requirements, and desired security behavior during a power outage.
Audible Release
An audible release feature can help users recognize when the electric strike has unlocked, improving
convenience at controlled-access doors.
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Strike
There are several important things to consider when choosing an electric strike. The right product must match
the door, frame, lock hardware, security goal, power setup, and access control system.
Door and Frame Compatibility
- The type of door jamb where the strike will be installed
- The size and depth of the frame
- The door material and frame material
- The available space for cutting and mounting the strike
- Whether the opening is fire-rated or non-fire-rated
Lock and Hardware Compatibility
- The type of lock the strike will interact with
- Latch size and latch position
- Whether the door uses cylindrical, mortise, or exit device hardware
- Whether a magnetic lock may be a better fit
- Whether safe egress requirements are being met
The Power-Loss Behavior Matters
One of the most important decisions is whether the strike should be fail-secure or fail-safe. This determines
what the door does when power is lost.
Fail-Secure
A fail-secure electric strike stays locked from the secured side when power is lost. This is often used
when security is the main concern, while still allowing proper exiting from the inside when paired with
the correct door hardware.
Fail-Safe
A fail-safe electric strike releases when power is lost. This may be required or preferred in certain
applications, depending on code, life-safety requirements, and building operations.
requirements, access control needs, and the hardware already installed on the door.
Choose a Strike That Matches the Job
Quality matters with electric strikes. A poorly matched or low-quality strike can cause frustrating access
problems, unreliable locking, noisy operation, binding, door damage, or service calls that could have been avoided.
Reliable Release
The strike should release consistently when access is approved and re-secure properly when the door closes.
Correct Fit
The strike needs to fit the frame and interact correctly with the latch or lock hardware.
Long-Term Service
Commercial doors see frequent use, so the strike should be selected for the traffic level and application.
Call Automatic Door Doctors
Automatic Door Doctors can help you choose, install, replace, or troubleshoot electric strikes, locks,
magnetic locks, keypads, card readers, and related commercial door hardware.
(303) 500-6105
Denver, CO