The electric door strike is designed with a moveable stainless steel jaw, which when an electrical current is applied either opens or remains in the locked position. In this way the traffic using the door can be rigorously controlled.

Electric door strikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the generally accepted footprint for a product of this type is the “ANSI” preparation for the door. The unit is made from a robust construction of mild and stainless steel and has various depths of jaw to accommodate the myriad of locks available to work with this product.

The functionality of the electric door strike is achieved by having various options available, which include 12 and 24v AC and DC current facilities and most electric door strikes come with a facility for either a Fail Safe option (when no power is applied the door remains open) or a Fail Secure option (when no power is applied door remains closed). Various options are available to switch the electric strike from DC to AC and this usually comes in the form of an additional small circuit board, which when installed achieves the changeover.

Modern day electric door strikes have over the years evolved with the above functions designed into one strike, thereby allowing the customer or end user to purchase one generic type model, which incorporates all the features and benefits.

The electric door strike is also designed to offer simple and easy change over from Fail Safe to Fail Secure and visa versa. The modern day range of electric door strikes also come with a range of extension lips to accommodate the various thicknesses of door jambs and door configurations being used in the architectural hardware arena.

The holding force of an electric door strike varies from product to product, so it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before purchase, explaining what is actually required of the door strike.

Electric door strikes also come in a variety of mounting configurations, mortise being the most popular but surface mounted rim electric strikes are also available. The electric strikes can also be fitted with a facility to monitor the traffic going through the door and again when ordering these type of products reference should be made to the supplier.

Overall electric door strikes form an important part of any access control system, but caution should be exercised when deciding what the door strike is there to do. Because of the design of the electric door strike, it is always recommended that the strike be used as an access control product only. If additional higher levels of security are required, it may be pertinent to fit additional devises to operate during the hours of darkness or other times the building may be unoccupied.

Electric door strikes are now becoming the subject of more and more onerous requirements of European legislation. CE marking is an important ingredient in the quality and operation of the product. Reference to the manufacturer should be made therefore to ensure the correct product is selected, to ensure no difficulties arise at a future time.

For additional advice with models, functions and general specifications, please contact the Alpro sales office on 01202 676262.

Show less