What is a Door Strike?
As Electric Strikes originate from normal door strikes, or fixed strikes, it would help to first inform the reader about the door strike and its basic functions.
A door strike is one of the primary components of a typical door locking system. Most regular doors have 3 major parts that work together to keep the door secure.
The 1st and 2nd parts are the handles and the latch. Both of which, along with several other components, are commonly called the lockset. The handle is pretty self-explanatory. Typically, the latches are spring-loaded and lock into place when the door is fully closed, keeping the door secure.
The third part is the door strike. The door strike essentially looks like a metal plate with a hole/holes cut out of it. They usually fasten it, with screws, onto the frame of a doorway. And it’s carefully aligned with the lockset in order to give the latch a place to sink into when the door closes.
How is the Door Strike Designed?
Door strikes are designed to conform to the shape of the latch as well as the thickness of the door frame. They help protect the door jamb from the friction that is created by the latch bolt during normal use. They also provide additional reinforcement for door jambs that are made of softer materials such as wood.
For doors in heavily trafficked areas, it’s a good idea to perform regular maintenance by keeping the screws on the strike plate tightened. Therefore, the strike can stay in proper alignment with the lock set. If the strike plate becomes loose, it can cause several problems, including making the door more difficult to open or close. Even causing damage to the door or jamming it.
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Types of Electric Strikes
An Electric Strike is an access control device that is used to secure a door after use. It replaces the fixed strike plate that you see on most conventional doors. That being said, an Electric Strike normally has a ramped surface that comes up to the locking latch, which allows the door to close and latch like a fixed strike would.
- Fail Secure– Also called a “fail-locked” or “non-fail” safe. In this configuration, applying electric current to the strike will cause it to unlock.
- Fail-Safe– Also called “fail open”. In this configuration, applying electric current to the strike will cause it to lock. It operates the same as a magnetic lock would. So if there is a power failure, the door opens merely by being pushed or pulled. Additionally, Fail-Safe units are always operated with direct current.
- Hold-Open- In this configuration, one applies electric current to the strike, which causes it to unlock and remain unlocked until it is used again.
You can differentiate Electric Strikes in a number of ways. One way is by its frame type, duty continuous or intermittent, and which variety of locking mechanism on the door it can work with.
Electric Strike Add-ons
Additionally, electric strikes are sometimes equipped with buzzers that allow someone outside the door to hit when the door is open. The buzzing noise is typically made by applying alternating current to the strike instead of direct current. There are many manufactures of electric strikes and there are many things that have to be considered when buying one. In some cases, it’s a good option to choose a magnetic lock.
Electric Door Strikes in Las Vegas
If you have any questions or concerns about Electric Strikes, go ahead and speak to one of our specialists today! Contact Locksmith Las Vegas at (424) 251-9622 and set up an appointment with a technician the same day. 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!