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How to Choose an Electric Lock? Understand Common Types Like Bolt Locks, Electric Strike Locks, and Magnetic Locks!
How to Choose an Electric Lock? Understand Common Types Like Bolt Locks, Electric Strike Locks, and Magnetic Locks!
In modern building security and access management, electric locks have become an essential solution. Whether for corporate offices, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or even personal storage lockers, the right electric lock is crucial for ensuring security. However, the market offers a wide range of electric locks, including magnetic locks, electric strike locks, and bolt Locks, making it difficult for many to make the right choice. This article provides a detailed introduction to the main types of electric locks, key selection factors, and suitable application scenarios to help you find the most appropriate electric lock.
Main Types of Electric Locks
Electric locks are categorized based on different unlocking mechanisms and application environments:
● Electromagnetic Lock
Magnetic locks use electromagnetic attraction to secure doors. When an electric current passes through the lock, it generates a strong magnetic force that keeps the door locked. When power is cut off, the magnetic force disappears, and the door automatically unlocks. Magnetic locks are ideal for environments that require extended locking while still allowing quick unlocking, such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and fire escape doors. With no mechanical latch, magnetic locks have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs, making them a preferred choice for modern building security.
● Electric Strike Lock and Bolt Lock
The structure of an Electric Bolt Lock is different from that of an electromagnetic lock; it employs a bolt design. When the door is closed, the latch drops down to secure the door. If the Electric Bolt Lock does not feature a rapid unlock function during a power failure, a backup unlocking method—such as using a key or other manual means—must be provided to ensure operability under power outages or other special circumstances.
In contrast, an Electric Strike Lock primarily relies on electronic control to engage or release the mechanical latch and must be paired with a mechanical lock case. For emergency manual unlocking, the installed mechanical lock case can be used to release the latch with a key, thereby allowing the door to open.
● Drawer and Cabinet Locks
These electric locks are specifically designed for small storage spaces, such as mailboxes, file cabinets, and personal lockers. They can be configured to operate in either power-to-unlock or power-off unlock modes, according to your needs. Due to their compact size and ability to accommodate various voltage requirements, these locks are widely used for securing personal belongings and safeguarding documents, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access them.
Key Factors in Choosing an Electric Lock
Not Sure How to Choose the Right Electric Lock? Let PONGEE Help!
Electric Lock Usage and Maintenance Tips
Electric locks play a crucial role in modern access control systems, and different environments require different types of locks. Whether it's magnetic locks, electric strike locks, and bolt Locks, or drawer locks, choosing the right electric lock can enhance security and convenience, ensuring long-term stability while protecting assets and personnel.
Contact us at Pongee to learn more about electric lock technology and solutions, and let's work together to push your business toward a smarter, more efficient future!
Main Types of Electric Locks
Electric locks are categorized based on different unlocking mechanisms and application environments:
● Electromagnetic Lock
Magnetic locks use electromagnetic attraction to secure doors. When an electric current passes through the lock, it generates a strong magnetic force that keeps the door locked. When power is cut off, the magnetic force disappears, and the door automatically unlocks. Magnetic locks are ideal for environments that require extended locking while still allowing quick unlocking, such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and fire escape doors. With no mechanical latch, magnetic locks have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs, making them a preferred choice for modern building security.
● Electric Strike Lock and Bolt Lock
The structure of an Electric Bolt Lock is different from that of an electromagnetic lock; it employs a bolt design. When the door is closed, the latch drops down to secure the door. If the Electric Bolt Lock does not feature a rapid unlock function during a power failure, a backup unlocking method—such as using a key or other manual means—must be provided to ensure operability under power outages or other special circumstances.
In contrast, an Electric Strike Lock primarily relies on electronic control to engage or release the mechanical latch and must be paired with a mechanical lock case. For emergency manual unlocking, the installed mechanical lock case can be used to release the latch with a key, thereby allowing the door to open.
● Drawer and Cabinet Locks
These electric locks are specifically designed for small storage spaces, such as mailboxes, file cabinets, and personal lockers. They can be configured to operate in either power-to-unlock or power-off unlock modes, according to your needs. Due to their compact size and ability to accommodate various voltage requirements, these locks are widely used for securing personal belongings and safeguarding documents, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access them.
Key Factors in Choosing an Electric Lock
Not Sure How to Choose the Right Electric Lock? Let PONGEE Help!
| Suggested Environment | Recommended Lock Type | Key Features | Ｍodel |
| Fire Exit Doors & Main Entrances | Electromagnetic Lock | Electromagnetic locks provide a powerful magnetic hold with instant unlocking upon power loss, offering high stability and making them suitable for long-term use. |
PML-1100 / PML-1101 |
| Office Wooden Doors | Electric Strike Lock | Depending on your requirements, choose either fail-safe unlocking (power-off unlock) or fail-secure unlocking (power-on unlock). ● Fail-Safe Unlocking: The door unlocks rapidly as soon as power is cut, enhancing convenience. ● Fail-Secure Unlocking: This option is more energy-efficient, but manual unlocking must be available during power outages. |
PGS-502NS Fail-Secure Unlocking |
| Automatic Doors & Main Entrances | Bolt Lock | Depending on your needs, select either fail-safe or fail-secure unlocking to guarantee safe evacuation. ● Fail-Safe Unlocking: The door unlocks immediately upon power loss, improving convenience. ● Fail-Secure Unlocking: It offers better energy efficiency; however, manual unlocking must be provided when power fails. |
DA-64A/D Fail-Safe Unlocking |
| Personal Lockers, Community Mailboxes | Drawer Lock | Based on your requirements, opt for either fail-safe or fail-secure unlocking to boost the security of personal items. ● Fail-Safe Unlocking: Allows the door to unlock instantly when power is lost, increasing ease of use. ● Fail-Secure Unlocking: Provides energy savings, but requires a manual unlocking option in case of a power outage. |
PCL-100 Adjustable Fail-Safe / Fail-Secure Unlocking |
Electric Lock Usage and Maintenance Tips
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Action | Frequency |
| Test the access control system | Ensure the lock is functioning properly | Once a month |
| Check the power supply | Prevent voltage fluctuations from affecting functionality | Once per quarter |
| Clean the lock body and contact surfaces | Prevent dust from affecting the lock’s adhesion | Once a month |
| Ensure stable installation | Verify the secure installation of cathodic and anodic locks | Once every six months |
Electric locks play a crucial role in modern access control systems, and different environments require different types of locks. Whether it's magnetic locks, electric strike locks, and bolt Locks, or drawer locks, choosing the right electric lock can enhance security and convenience, ensuring long-term stability while protecting assets and personnel.
Contact us at Pongee to learn more about electric lock technology and solutions, and let's work together to push your business toward a smarter, more efficient future!