Electric Strikes vs. Electric Locks: Which One Should You Choose?

When considering a robust access control system, the options are plentiful, but two of the most widely used devices are electric strikes and electric locks. Both provide security and convenience, but they function quite differently and cater to various needs. If you are trying to decide between these two systems for your home or business, it’s essential to understand the distinctions, advantages, and applications of each. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about electric strikes vs. electric locks, helping you make the most informed decision.

What is an Electric Strike?

An electric strike is a device installed on the door frame, replacing the traditional strike plate. Its function is to control the door latch, and it works in conjunction with a traditional lockset. When activated, the electric strike moves a plate that holds the door’s latch bolt, allowing the door to open without the mechanical action of turning the door handle or knob.

The electric strike works with various access control systems such as card readers, keypads, or biometric systems, giving you flexibility in how you control access to the space. It’s important to note that electric strikes do not lock or unlock the door entirely; instead, they manage the door’s latch, allowing authorized entry without needing to turn the knob or handle.

How Does It Work?

The electric strike has a strike plate, typically made of metal, that replaces the conventional doorframe strike. When a valid access credential is presented (like a keycard or code), the strike plate pivots to release the door’s latch, allowing it to be pushed or pulled open.

Electric strikes are often installed on doors where electronic control is needed, but free egress is still important. They come in fail-safe and fail-secure options, giving you the choice to decide whether the door should lock or unlock during a power outage.

Electric Strikes Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1. Cost-Effective: Electric strikes are usually more affordable than other access control devices, making them a popular choice for both small businesses and residential buildings.
• 2. Retrofitting: These devices can be added to existing doors with relative ease, without the need for significant modifications to the door structure. This makes them ideal for retrofitting existing buildings.
• 3. Free Egress: In many setups, electric strikes allow free egress (exit), which means that even when the door is locked, people can easily exit the building without the need for a key or access code.
• 4. Customizable for Different Locks: Electric strikes can be used with various types of locksets (e.g., cylindrical, mortise), making them versatile.
• 5. Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Options: Depending on your security needs, you can select a fail-safe (unlocks when power is lost) or fail-secure (stays locked during power failure) model.

Cons

• 1. Less Secure than Electric Locks: Since electric strikes only control the latch, they may not be as secure as electric locks that fully engage the door.
• 2. Potential Compatibility Issues: Not all electric strikes are compatible with every type of lockset. Ensuring proper alignment and compatibility with your current system can be a challenge.
• 3. Not Ideal for High-Security Areas: For areas requiring maximum security (like server rooms or vaults), an electric strike may not provide the level of protection you need compared to other access control options.

Electric Strikes Applications

Electric strikes are used in a wide variety of settings, particularly in commercial buildings and residential complexes. They are typically found in areas where there’s a need for controlled access but also a need for free egress. For instance:

Office Buildings:

Electric strikes are often used on entry doors, allowing employees to use keycards or codes for access while providing easy exit in case of emergencies.

Residential Properties:

Apartment complexes often use electric strikes at the main entrance to ensure secure access for tenants.

Commercial Spaces:

Retail stores may install electric strikes to secure backroom doors or private offices.

Schools and Universities:

Used for classroom doors, electric strikes allow teachers to lock down rooms while still permitting quick and easy exit.

What is an Electric Lock?

An electric lock is an advanced locking system integrated directly into the door, controlling the entire lock mechanism electrically. These systems can include electric mortise locks, electric deadbolts, or even electromagnetic locks (commonly referred to as maglocks). Electric locks are generally more advanced than electric strikes and provide higher security because they directly manage the locking and unlocking of the door.

Electric locks are often integrated with comprehensive access control systems that can include biometric scanners, keypads, proximity cards, or mobile app controls. They are available in fail-safe and fail-secure models, depending on the specific security requirements of the area where they are installed.

How Does It Work?

An electric lock is powered by electricity to either engage or disengage the lock. When a valid access credential is presented, the electric lock will either retract the bolt (for deadbolts) or release the lockset (for mortise locks or maglocks). These locks are often connected to building security systems, allowing for remote control and monitoring.

Unlike electric strikes, electric locks control the door’s locking mechanism itself, not just the latch. This allows them to provide a higher level of security, especially in locations where unauthorized access could be a significant risk.

Electric Locks Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1. Enhanced Security: Electric locks manage the entire locking mechanism, providing a higher level of security than electric strikes.
• 2. Integration with Smart Systems: Many electric locks can be integrated with smart home or building security systems, allowing for remote access, monitoring, and control via mobile devices or computers.
• 3. Variety of Lock Types: Electric locks come in different forms, including mortise locks, deadbolts, and maglocks, offering flexibility for various security needs.
• 4. Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Options: Like electric strikes, electric locks can be configured to unlock or stay locked during a power failure, depending on your preference.

Cons

• 1. Cost: Electric locks tend to be more expensive than electric strikes due to their advanced technology and higher security features.
• 2. Complex Installation: Installing an electric lock often requires door modifications, making it less suitable for retrofitting compared to electric strikes.
• 3. Power Dependency: While fail-safe or fail-secure models mitigate this issue, electric locks still depend on a continuous power supply, or at least reliable backup power, to function properly.

Electric Locks Applications

Electric locks are ideal for environments where high security is required. You’ll often find them in:

Commercial Buildings:

Offices, banks, and government buildings frequently use electric locks to secure sensitive areas.

Server Rooms:

Data centers and IT departments install electric locks to protect server rooms, ensuring that only authorized personnel can gain access.

Luxury Residences:

High-end homes and condos may use electric locks as part of a smart home system for seamless security and access control.

Healthcare Facilities:

Hospitals and clinics often rely on electric locks for areas containing sensitive or hazardous materials.

Electric Strikes vs. Electric Locks: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you understand the differences between electric strikes and electric locks, here’s how to choose the right one. If you're upgrading an existing door without major modifications, electric strikes are easier and more affordable to install. For high-security areas, electric locks provide better control by securing the entire locking mechanism. Budget-wise, electric strikes are typically cheaper, making them ideal for lower-risk spaces. If you're integrating with smart home or building systems, electric locks offer more advanced features. In places like schools or hospitals, where quick emergency exits are crucial, electric strikes are the safer option.

Conclusion

Both electric strikes and electric locks have their place in access control systems, and the right choice depends on your specific needs for security, cost, and installation requirements. Electric strikes are cost-effective, easy to retrofit, and provide a balance of security and convenience. Electric locks, on the other hand, offer a higher level of security and can be integrated into advanced access control systems for more comprehensive protection.

At Park Avenue Locks, we offer a wide range of both electric strikes and electric locks to meet your access control needs. Whether you are retrofitting an existing system or building a new one from scratch, we can help you choose the best product for your project. Visit our website to explore our extensive collection of high-quality security solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more secure, an electric strike or an electric lock?

While both devices enhance security, an electric lock is generally more secure because it controls the entire locking mechanism rather than just the latch, as with an electric strike. Electric locks are typically used in higher-security environments like banks or server rooms.

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