Electro-Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)

About Maglocks

Maglocks consist of an electro-magnet and an armature plate. They are easy to install and offer both durability and longevity to physical security and access control systems. These simple locks hold doors closed by using the power of magnetic attraction. The magnet is fitted to the door frame, while the armature plate fixes to the door leaf itself. When electrical power is applied to the magnet, it generates a strong magnetic field. It’s that force of attraction between the magnet and the armature that holds the door robustly locked.

All maglocks are fail safe locks by their nature. If there is no power applied to the magnet, it cannot create a magnetic field that holds the door closed. This inherent nature of electro-magnets means they are ideal for emergency exits and fire doors. In the event of an emergency where power supply drops, any people inside a building can safely exit as the magnet will immediately lose power. In addition, maglocks are well-suited to glass doors, where other types of locks cannot be installed.

👉 Read more about choosing fail safe or fail secure locks. 

Choosing the right holding force

Holding force for maglocks is measured in kilograms and defines the amount of brute force required to pull the magnet away from its armature plate and thus unlock the door.

Our range includes magnets with holding force ranging from 180kg for locking cabinets, through to 500kg maxi maglocks. In addition, we offer transom housings and pull handles equipped with multiple maglocks, doubling or tripling the holding force and spreading the hold across the length of the door.

👉 Read more about choosing the right holding force for your project.

Surface or flush mount maglocks

Every maglock project requires you to select the right model to fit your site’s needs. One key difference between models is surface or mortice (flush) mounting. Surface maglocks fit on top of the existing wall or door frame surface, while mortice locks are backset into a recess, leaving a flush finish.

The type of maglock you select will require different bracketry to safely fix the magnet and armature plate to the door.

👉 For more information about how maglock brackets are installed, read our blog post. 

Fire rated maglocks

Fire rated maglocks have been tested and verified to withstand the effects of fire and smoke for a defined time period – either 30, 60, or 120 minutes. This time period indicates how long the magnet retained full operational functionality under the effects of heat and flame.

👉 Explore our range of fire rated maglocks