Choosing the right security system for your building can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it's easy to lose track of the technical terms. Two of the most common components in modern access control systems are electric locks and electric strikes. While they both secure a door using electricity, they function in fundamentally different ways.

Understanding the difference between electric locks and electric strikes is essential for selecting the best solution for your property's needs. We can help you learn the basics about each security measure and which one works best for your business’s needs.

Electric locks, also known as electrified locks, are complete locking mechanisms where electricity controls the latch or bolt. Unlike traditional locks that require a physical key to retract the bolt, an electric lock uses a power signal to either lock or unlock the door. These work within a comprehensive access control system.

The most common types of electric locks are magnetic locks (maglocks) and electric mortise or cylindrical locks.

• Magnetic locks (maglocks): These are electromagnets mounted on the frame of the door and a metal plate on the door. When energized, the magnet creates a powerful force that holds the door shut. To open the door, you have to cut the power, releasing the magnetic bond.
• Electric mortise/cylindrical locks: These look more like traditional mechanical locks but have electronic components inside. The handle can be electronically "locked" or "unlocked." When unlocked, the handle will retract the latch. When locked, the handle moves freely without engaging the latch, a feature known as "freewheeling."

Electric locks operate on one of two principles: fail-safe or fail-secure.

In a fail-safe configuration, the lock requires power to remain locked. If your building loses power (for example, during a power outage or when a fire alarm is triggered), the door automatically unlocks. This is crucial for safety and allows for easy emergency egress. Maglocks are almost always fail-safe.

Fail-secure configurations require the lock to unlock. The door remains locked when the building loses power, keeping the area secure from outside entry. You can still access the door from the inside with a mechanical key or panic hardware. This is ideal for high-security areas like IT server rooms or storage facilities.

When an authorized user presents a credential (like a key card, fob, or mobile pass), the access control system sends a signal to the lock. Depending on its configuration, the system either cuts power (fail-safe) or applies power (fail-secure) to allow entry.

An electric strike is not a complete lock. Instead, it's a device that replaces the strike plate that you would normally use—the metal plate on the door frame that holds the latch in place. The electric strike has a hinged "keeper" or jaw that pivots to release the latch from the outside without turning the handle.

The door's existing lockset (the handle and latch) remains purely mechanical. The electric strike controls whether a person can pull the latch free from the frame.

Like electric locks, electric strikes come in fail-safe and fail-secure models.

• Fail-safe: The strike requires continuous power to keep the keeper closed. When you lose power, the keeper opens, allowing them to push or pull the door open. This configuration works for emergency exit routes.
• Fail-secure: The strike remains locked without power. When an authorized credential is presented, the system sends a pulse of electricity to the strike, causing the keeper to pivot and release the latch. This is the most common configuration for electric strikes.

When a person needs to enter, the access control system energizes (or de-energizes) the strike. This releases the keeper, and the person can push or pull the door open. You do not have to operate the main lockset from the outside. From the inside, you can always open the door by turning the handle, which mechanically retracts the latch.

Now that we understand the basics of each, let's compare them across several key factors.

• Electric locks generally offer a higher level of security. Maglocks can provide immense holding force (over 1,200 lbs), making them difficult to pry open. Electric mortise locks are also robust, providing strong physical barriers. Their fail-secure nature in high-security applications ensures that a power loss doesn't compromise the perimeter.
• With electric strikes, security can vary. While sufficient for many interior doors, a standard electric strike can sometimes be vulnerable to manipulation. Because it works with the existing latch, overall security depends partly on the quality of that lockset. Heavy-duty strikes are available for higher-security needs, but maglocks or electric mortise locks are often preferred for exterior or critical doors.

• Electric locks: Installation is typically more invasive and expensive. Maglocks require mounting both the magnet and the armature plate, as well as power. Electric mortise and cylindrical locks require cutting into the door itself (mortising) to accommodate the lock body, a specialized skill.
• Electric strikes: Installation is usually simpler and more cost-effective. Since it only replaces the standard strike plate, there's less modification needed on the door frame and none on the door itself. This makes retrofitting existing doors with an access control system much easier and more affordable.

• Electric locks can be more conspicuous. A large maglock mounted at the top of a door frame is clearly visible and can detract from the building's aesthetic, particularly in high-end corporate or residential environments. Electric mortise locks are less visible but still require you to prepare the door and frame for wiring.
• Electric strikes offer a much cleaner and more discreet look. Because the device sits flush within the door frame, it is nearly invisible when the door is closed. This makes electric strikes an excellent choice for buildings where design and appearance are important.

Electric locks are best for:

• High-security areas (server rooms, labs, exterior doors)
• Doors that require a strong holding force
• Emergency exits where you need a fail-safe operation (especially maglocks)
• Double doors, where installing a strike system can be complex

Electric strikes are best for:

• Interior office doors, residential buildings, and retail spaces
• Retrofitting existing buildings with access control
• Situations where maintaining a clean aesthetic is a priority
• Doors where it works best for free egress with a mechanical handle (like stairwell doors)

The decision between an electric lock and an electric strike is not about which one is universally better, but which is better suited for a specific door. To make the best choice, evaluate your needs based on the security you require, whether you are building or retrofitting doors, and the project budget. Each of these answers can help you decide which option is best for you.

Door Hub offers a variety of electronic door locks that can suit your business. No matter your security needs, we have a lock solution for you. Browse our catalog to explore your lock options.