Understanding Electric Strikes: How They Work and Best Applications

When it comes to electronic locks for commercial doors, electric strikes are one of the most common and versatile solutions. They provide reliable access control, integrate with a wide range of door hardware, and can be tailored for both fail-safe and fail-secure requirements. But what exactly are electric strikes, and where should you use them? Let’s break it down.

What Is an Electric Strike?

An electric strike replaces a standard fixed strike plate in the door frame. Instead of relying only on a key, the electric strike uses a powered mechanism to control the latch of a lockset or exit device.

• When powered (or unpowered, depending on configuration): The strike releases the latch so the door can open.

• When locked: The strike holds the latch in place, keeping the door secure.

Electric strikes are compatible with cylindrical locks, mortise locks, and even rim exit devices when paired with a rim strike model.

Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure Electric Strikes

• Fail-Safe (Unlocks on Power Loss): Ideal for doors that must allow free exit during emergencies (e.g., stairwell doors tied to fire alarms).

• Fail-Secure (Stays Locked on Power Loss): Keeps the door locked from the outside even during outages, but always allows free egress. Common on perimeter and security-sensitive openings.

Choosing the right mode depends on life-safety codes and the function of the door.

Key Applications for Electric Strikes

1. Office Entry Doors

Electric strikes are widely used on office suite entries where access is managed via card readers, keypads, or intercom systems. They allow staff to enter with credentials while maintaining security.

2. Perimeter Doors

For exterior doors on commercial properties, fail-secure electric strikes provide a reliable way to control access without compromising building security during power loss.

3. Doors with Panic Hardware

Special rim strikes are designed to pair with exit devices (panic bars). This combination allows code-compliant free egress while securing the outside with electronic control.

4. Multi-Tenant Buildings

Apartment and multi-use buildings often use electric strikes with intercom/buzzer systems to allow tenants to remotely grant entry to visitors.

5. Restricted Areas

Server rooms, supply closets, and cash-handling rooms benefit from electric strikes that can be easily integrated into broader access control systems.

Benefits of Electric Strikes

• Broad compatibility & easy retrofits: Works with cylindrical, mortise, and rim exit devices, so you can keep existing levers or panic bars and upgrade only the frame hardware.

• Code‑friendly egress: Maintains free egress with the lever or exit device. Fire‑rated models are available to preserve the opening’s listing when required.

• Flexible security modes: Available in fail‑secure or fail‑safe (and many are field‑selectable), so you can match life‑safety and security needs per door.

• Energy efficiency (vs. maglocks): In fail‑secure configuration, an electric strike doesn’t require continuous power to stay locked—reducing standby draw compared with maglocks.

• Monitoring & integration: Many strikes offer keeper/latch monitoring or pair well with door position switches, giving clean signals to access control, intercoms, and video systems.

• Durability & adjustability: Heavy‑duty keepers and adjustable latch cavities/keepers on some models help handle minor misalignment and day‑to‑day abuse.

• Lower total install cost: Often faster and cleaner to install than electrified trim/mortise sets; you upgrade the frame hardware instead of replacing the entire lockset.

• Clean aesthetics: Minimal change to the door leaf—no surface magnet on the header—keeps storefronts and interiors looking tidy.

• Reliable on power loss (fail‑secure): Doors remain secured from the exterior while still allowing free egress, supporting business continuity.

Cons of Electric Strikes

• Sensitive to door preload: Air pressure, tight weather stripping, warped frames, or people leaning on the door can preload the latch against the strike keeper, causing buzzing or intermittent release. Proper alignment and hardware selection help minimize this.

• Requires precise alignment & the right model: Strikes must match the specific lock/exit device and be installed square to the latch. The wrong model—or sloppy alignment—can cause binding or, in some cases, make the latch easier to manipulate.

• Frame cutting & aesthetics: Many installs require cutting the frame. On fire‑rated frames, you must use a strike listed for that application and follow the listing or you can jeopardize the rating.

• Fire/life‑safety constraints: On fire doors, strikes are typically specified fail‑secure to preserve positive latching—which may conflict with re‑entry needs in some stair applications. Always coordinate with your AHJ.

• Compatibility limits with rim devices: Not every strike works with every rim panic bar; rim strikes are model‑specific. Check the manufacturer compatibility chart.

• Noise on some models: AC‑powered or preloaded strikes can “buzz” or rattle; DC and properly aligned hardware are quieter.

Considerations Before Choosing an Electric Strike

• Door/frame type: Wood, hollow metal, or aluminum may affect strike selection.

• Rating: Check for fire-rated strikes where required.

• Power: Verify voltage (12/24 VDC) and ensure proper power supply.

• Installation: Some models require frame cutting; professional installation is recommended.

• Local codes: Always confirm fail-safe vs. fail-secure requirements with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Final Thoughts

Electric strikes offer flexible, reliable access control for a wide range of doors and applications. Whether you’re outfitting an office, retail space, apartment building, or high-security perimeter, there’s an electric strike designed for your needs. By understanding fail-safe vs. fail-secure modes and selecting the right strike for your door type, you’ll get a secure, code-compliant solution that integrates seamlessly with your access control system.