In this guide, you will learn exactly what mag locks doors are, how their electromagnetic force provides security, the critical difference between fail-safe and fail-secure systems, and how to choose the right type for your facility. We will cover everything from holding force and installation to integration with access control systems and meeting fire safety codes, giving you the confidence to make smart security decisions.
When you're responsible for securing a commercial or industrial facility, mag locks doors are a seriously powerful and reliable option. Unlike a traditional mechanical lock that relies on bolts and keys, a magnetic lock—or "mag lock"—uses the straightforward force of electromagnetism to keep an entry point locked down tight. They’ve become a cornerstone of modern access control, providing robust security for everything from glass storefronts to critical server rooms.
This isn't just a niche trend. The global market for magnetic door locks is growing steadily, driven by how well they perform in demanding commercial and industrial settings. Valued recently at around USD 2,397.5 million, the market is projected to hit USD 4,500 million by 2035. That kind of growth shows just how much trust facility managers are putting in this technology.
Why Facility Managers Choose Mag Locks
The real appeal of mag locks is in their design. It's elegantly simple, and that simplicity solves a lot of common headaches in facility management.
There are no moving parts like pins or cylinders to wear out, break, or jam. This makes them incredibly durable and a perfect fit for high-traffic areas like loading dock personnel doors or main office entrances. That simplicity also means fewer maintenance calls and a much longer service life, which is central to our philosophy of “Respected Partners, Reliable Service.”
For facility managers, getting a handle on the basics is the first step toward building a smarter, more secure facility. Here’s what you need to know:
- Simple Operation: It all comes down to a powerful electromagnet on the door frame creating a strong magnetic bond with a metal plate on the door itself. When the power is on, it's locked.
- Access Control Integration: Mag locks tie in seamlessly with card readers, keypads, and other modern access control solutions, giving you complete control and a digital record of who comes and goes.
- Versatile Application: You'll find mag locks installed on all sorts of doors, including heavy-duty entry doors, where they add a serious layer of security.
- Enhanced Safety: A critical feature is their "fail-safe" behaviour. We'll dive deeper into this, but it’s a key reason they are trusted for ensuring safe exits during an emergency.
Once you grasp these core ideas, it becomes much clearer how mag locks doors can fit into your facility's overall security strategy.
How an Electromagnetic Lock Actually Works
At its core, a magnetic lock is a surprisingly simple yet powerful device. Forget about complex gears, springs, and moving bolts; mag locks doors run on the straightforward principle of electromagnetism. Think of it as a super-strong magnet that you can turn on and off with the flip of a switch—the perfect blend of simplicity and security for any high-traffic commercial door.
It's this elegant design, free of mechanical parts that wear out, that makes them so incredibly durable and reliable. For example, a mag lock on a busy warehouse personnel door can withstand thousands of cycles a day without the wear and tear you'd see on a traditional keyed lock.
Alt text: A magnetic lock with its electromagnet on the door frame and armature plate on the door, securing mag locks doors.
The Core Components and Process
Every magnetic lock system is built from two main parts that work in perfect harmony:
- The Electromagnet: This is the core of the lock. It’s a coil of wire wrapped around a metal core, which gets mounted directly onto your door frame and connected to a low-voltage power supply.
- The Armature Plate: This is a simple, flat plate made of a ferrous metal (a type of metal attracted to magnets). We install this plate onto the door itself, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the electromagnet on the frame.
When a continuous electrical current flows through the electromagnet, it generates a powerful magnetic field. This field instantly grabs the armature plate and holds it tight, securely locking the door. There's no physical bolt or latch to pick or force—just the immense, invisible grip of magnetism.
Unlocking the door is just as fast. When an authorized user presents a key card or punches in a code, the access control system momentarily cuts the power to the electromagnet. The magnetic field collapses instantly, releasing the armature plate and allowing the door to swing open freely.
Technical Term Explained: An electromagnet is a type of magnet where the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. Unlike a permanent magnet, its magnetic force can be turned on and off.
Understanding Holding Force
When you see mag locks advertised with ratings like “600 lbs” or “1200 lbs,” you're looking at their holding force. This measurement tells you exactly how much direct pressure the lock can withstand before the magnetic bond is broken. Simply put, a higher holding force means a more secure lock.
A 600-pound lock, for example, is often more than enough for interior office doors or other areas with lower security needs. On the other hand, a lock rated for 1200 pounds or more is the right choice for exterior doors, warehouse personnel entrances, or high-security zones where stopping forced entry is the top priority.
Choosing the right holding force is a critical decision. It’s not about just picking the strongest option available; it's about matching the lock’s power to the door’s location, material, and security requirements. For instance, a heavy-duty steel door on a loading dock needs a much stronger lock than a lightweight glass door in a reception area. Our team at Wilcox Door Service helps facilities assess these needs to ensure every entry point has the appropriate level of security.
Understanding this simple mechanism is the first step toward appreciating why mag locks doors are a trusted solution for so many commercial and industrial properties. They offer a blend of strength, reliability, and seamless integration that mechanical locks simply cannot match. For professional guidance on installing or maintaining your access control hardware, explore our comprehensive door services.
Understanding Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure Systems
When you're choosing a locking system, there's one question that trumps all others: what happens when the power goes out? The answer is what separates fail-safe from fail-secure systems. This isn't just technical jargon—it's a critical decision that directly impacts the safety of people in your building and the security of your most valuable assets.
Getting this distinction right is the most important first step in planning your facility’s access control. For mag locks doors, the answer is simple: they are, by their very nature, fail-safe.
Alt text: A comparison graphic showing a fail-safe mag lock on an emergency exit and a fail-secure electric strike on a server room door.
What Fail-Safe Means in Practice
A fail-safe lock is designed to unlock the moment it loses power. Since a magnetic lock depends on a constant flow of electricity to stay locked, any interruption—a power outage, a fire alarm trigger, or a manual override—causes the magnetic field to collapse instantly. The door releases, allowing anyone to exit freely.
This behaviour is a non-negotiable life safety feature. It guarantees that in an emergency, people can always get out of the building without fumbling for a key, punching in a code, or needing any special knowledge.
- Emergency Exits: Main exit routes and stairwell doors have to let people evacuate quickly during a fire. A fail-safe mag lock ensures these paths are never blocked, even if the entire building goes dark.
- High-Traffic Areas: In a bustling lobby or main corridor, fail-safe locks prevent a crowd from getting trapped during a sudden power failure, which is vital for keeping things calm and safe.
Technical Term Explained: Fail-safe means the lock defaults to an unlocked state when power is lost, prioritizing safe exit (egress). The entire point of a fail-safe system is to put life safety above security during an emergency. This is exactly why building and fire codes mandate fail-safe hardware on designated escape routes.
These systems are often used with other important hardware. To get the full picture of how fail-safe devices work together on egress doors, it’s helpful to understand how panic bar doors operate in commercial settings.
Contrasting with Fail-Secure Systems
On the other side of the coin are fail-secure systems. These locks do the exact opposite: they stay locked when the power is cut. A classic example is an electric strike, which needs power to unlock the door's latch. Without that power, the latch stays put, and the door remains secure.
Fail-secure systems are all about prioritizing security over easy exit. Their job is to protect high-value assets or sensitive areas, even if the lights go out.
- Server Rooms: A server room holds a company's digital brain. A fail-secure lock makes sure this room stays sealed off from unauthorized access, preventing data theft or sabotage during a building-wide power loss.
- Pharmaceutical Storage: In a lab or pharmacy, a fail-secure lock on a drug storage closet keeps the inventory from being stolen or tampered with if the power fails.
- Perimeter Security Gates: An exterior gate might use a fail-secure lock to ensure the property line isn’t breached after hours, even in a blackout.
A Clear Comparison
To make the best choice for your facility, it helps to see the two systems laid out side-by-side. Your decision really comes down to what that specific door is supposed to do.
A quick table can make the differences crystal clear.
Comparing Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Locking Systems
| Characteristic | Fail-Safe Systems (Mag Locks) | Fail-Secure Systems (Electric Strikes) |
|---|---|---|
| State Without Power | Unlocks | Remains Locked |
| Primary Goal | Life Safety & Egress | Asset Security & Containment |
| Common Application | Emergency Exits, Main Entrances, High-Traffic Public Areas | Server Rooms, Data Centres, High-Value Inventory Storage, IT Closets |
| Governing Principle | Ensures people can always get out. | Ensures valuable assets stay in. |
Ultimately, choosing between fail-safe and fail-secure isn’t about which one is "better"—it’s about matching the lock’s behaviour to the door’s job. Getting this wrong can lead to serious compliance violations and safety risks. As "Respected Partners, Reliable Service," Wilcox can help you navigate these critical decisions, ensuring every door in your facility is both secure and up to code.
Choosing the Right Type of Mag Lock
Picking the right magnetic lock isn't a one-size-fits-all job. The real security of your mag locks doors hinges on matching the hardware to the specific door, its location, and what you’re trying to protect inside your facility. This guide will walk you through the common types and holding forces to make sure you get it right the first time.
When you start looking at mag locks, the first choice you'll make is how it gets mounted on the door. This decision affects not only how the lock looks but also how complex the installation will be.
Alt text: A diagram showing the three main mag lock types: surface-mounted, concealed mortise, and shear locks for doors.
Surface-Mounted vs. Concealed Locks
You’ve got two main mounting options, and each has its place.
Surface-Mounted Locks: These are the workhorses of the mag lock world. The main electromagnet body bolts directly onto the surface of the door frame, while the metal armature plate attaches to the face of the door. They’re straightforward to install, which makes them a cost-effective and very popular choice for retrofitting existing doors in warehouses, offices, and retail spots.
Concealed (Mortise) Locks: If you want security that doesn't scream "I'm a lock," a concealed lock is the way to go. Here, both the electromagnet and the armature plate are mortised—or cut—directly into the door frame and the top of the door itself. This makes the lock totally invisible when the door is shut, perfect for sleek glass entryways or high-end corporate offices where looks matter as much as security.
Beyond how they’re mounted, you’ll also find that mag locks apply their force in slightly different ways.
Direct-Pull vs. Shear Locks
The vast majority of mag locks you'll encounter are direct-pull models. These are the standard surface-mounted and mortise locks we just talked about, where the powerful magnet pulls the armature plate straight on in a direct, face-to-face connection. It’s simple and effective.
But for some doors, you need a different trick. A shear lock is designed to work on a different principle. Both the magnet and armature are mortised into the frame and door, but they engage with interlocking parts. Instead of a direct pull, the magnetic force resists the shearing or sliding force as the door tries to move.
Technical Term Explained: A Shear Lock provides locking force perpendicular to the door's opening motion, resisting sliding (shear) force rather than direct pulling. They are brilliant for double-acting doors that swing in both directions or for tricky concealed installs where a direct-pull lock just wouldn’t line up right. They deliver serious security while staying completely out of sight.
Decoding Holding Force
Now for the most critical detail of any mag lock: its holding force. Measured in pounds (lbs), this number tells you exactly how much direct pressure the lock can take before it can be pried or forced open. Getting the holding force right is a crucial balancing act between security and cost.
A common mistake is going too big or too small. Putting a 1,500 lb lock on a low-security interior office closet is overkill, but using a 300 lb lock on a main warehouse door is a huge security gap. The force has to match the function. Our technicians are constantly helping facilities select the right hardware for every door, including specialized high-speed doors and other industrial entries.
Here's a quick guide to help you match common holding force ratings to their best applications in a commercial or industrial building.
Mag Lock Holding Force Application Guide
Choosing the right holding force is essential for ensuring your doors are secure without overspending. This table breaks down the most common ratings and where they fit best.
| Holding Force (lbs) | Common Application | Example Location |
|---|---|---|
| 300 – 600 lbs | Low-security interior doors with moderate traffic. | An office door, a supply closet, or a conference room within a secure building. |
| 600 – 800 lbs | Standard commercial interior and some low-risk exterior doors. | A lobby entrance, a staff-only area, or a door leading from an office to a warehouse. |
| 1,200 – 1,500 lbs | High-security doors, main entrances, and perimeter entry points. | A warehouse personnel door, a data centre entrance, or a pharmaceutical storage room. |
| 2,000+ lbs | Maximum security applications for critical infrastructure. | Government facilities, correctional institutions, or airport secure zones. |
By carefully thinking through the door type, security level, and aesthetic needs, you can zero in on the perfect magnetic lock. Making the smart choice upfront prevents frustrating replacements down the line and ensures your facility is properly buttoned up. For expert help selecting and installing the ideal mag locks doors for your facility, contact the Wilcox Door Service team today.
Meeting Building and Fire Safety Codes
When you install mag lock doors, you're not just thinking about security—you have to think about life safety and strict code compliance. This isn't a place for shortcuts. We'll walk through the non-negotiable rules for using mag locks on emergency exits, explaining why things like motion sensors, push buttons, and fire alarm integration are mandatory, not optional.
Getting this right is crucial. For facility managers, understanding these requirements is key to avoiding fines, failed inspections, and serious liability. For example, a mag lock on a main building exit must release without delay when the fire alarm sounds—no exceptions.
The Golden Rule of Egress
Because mag locks are fail-safe by nature, they seem like a perfect match for emergency exit routes. And they can be, but only if they follow the strict rules set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and local fire marshals. These codes are designed to make sure a mag lock never, ever traps someone inside.
The number one rule is simple: anyone must be able to get through a locked door with a single, straightforward action. No special keys, no codes, no confusion.
To make that happen, any mag lock on an egress path must have specific release devices. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they're essential for a safe, compliant setup.
- Request-to-Exit (REX) Motion Sensor: This is a motion sensor installed above the door. It spots someone approaching to leave and instantly signals the system to cut power to the mag lock. The door unlocks before they even have to touch it.
- Emergency Push Button: You'll always see a clearly marked button, usually with a "Push to Exit" sign. Pushing this button must immediately kill power to the lock, offering a surefire manual override. Critically, there can be no time delay on this button.
Technical Term Explained: Egress is simply the act of leaving or exiting a place. In building codes, an "egress door" is any door on a path of travel that leads occupants safely outside during an emergency.
Fire Alarm Integration is Non-Negotiable
Beyond letting people out one by one, the most critical safety feature is tying the mag lock system into your building’s fire alarm control panel (FACP). This is an absolute must.
When a fire alarm sounds anywhere in the building, the FACP must instantly send a signal that cuts power to all designated mag lock doors. This happens simultaneously and with zero delay.
This integration guarantees that every emergency route is unlocked the moment a fire is detected, allowing for a fast and orderly evacuation of the entire building. It's a vital link in your facility’s safety chain. As we've covered in our guide on fire door ratings, every single component in an escape path has to work together flawlessly.
Professional Installation and Code Adherence
Trying to navigate building and fire codes on your own is a minefield. One mistake can lead to a failed inspection, forcing you into expensive rework, or worse, leaving you open to legal liability if something goes wrong. For any complex job, it's wise to work with a certified expert, like a qualified commercial electrician in Brisbane for intricate wiring, to ensure every detail is handled correctly.
The push toward smart building technology highlights just how important these integrated systems are. The market for digital door lock systems is growing incredibly fast. The global market hit about USD 11 billion recently and is expected to soar to USD 48.7 billion by 2034, growing at a strong 16% compound annual rate. This trend shows facilities are moving towards smarter, more connected security.
Partnering with a certified provider like Wilcox Door Service Inc. is the best way to ensure your installation is done right and meets all national and local codes. We’ve built our reputation on reliable service that puts both your security and your people’s safety first.
Integrating Mag Locks with Access Control Systems
A magnetic lock is a powerful piece of hardware, but its real muscle comes from being part of a larger team. The true value of mag lock doors is only realized when they’re wired into a complete access control solution, creating a smart, responsive security network. Let’s break down how all the pieces—from the keypad to the power supply—fit together to keep your facility secure.
A mag lock doesn’t think for itself. It takes orders from a central control panel that acts as the system's brain. This panel processes signals from various inputs to decide precisely when to keep a door locked and when to release it.
The Key Components of an Integrated System
For a mag lock to do its job, it needs to talk to several other devices. Here’s what a typical setup for a single door looks like:
- Credential Reader: This is the part an authorized user interacts with. It could be a keypad for a PIN, a card reader for an access card or fob, or even a biometric scanner. When it recognizes a valid credential, it sends a signal to the control panel.
- Power Supply: This unit is the workhorse that converts your building's standard AC power into the low-voltage DC power the mag lock needs to stay energized and locked.
- Central Control Panel: This is the hub of the operation. It receives the signal from the credential reader, checks the credential against its database, and then tells the power supply to momentarily cut electricity to the mag lock, letting the door open.
These components work in concert to give seamless access to authorized people while keeping the door firmly locked against everyone else. The move toward smart, connected security is gaining serious momentum. In fact, Canada's smart lock market is one of North America's fastest-growing, with revenue expected to jump from USD 186.5 million to USD 481.0 million by 2030. This shows a major shift toward this technology in commercial settings. You can learn more about the growth of the Canadian smart lock market and see where it's headed.
The Critical Role of Backup Power
Since mag locks are fail-safe, a standard power outage would unlock every door in the system. That’s a massive security hole. To plug it, a battery backup or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a non-negotiable part of any professional installation.
A UPS keeps the juice flowing to the access control system during a blackout, ensuring your mag locks stay powered and your facility remains secure. It’s a clever way to bridge the gap between everyday security and emergency readiness.
Technical Term Explained: An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a system when the main power source fails. It contains a battery that kicks in instantly, preventing any downtime.
This setup guarantees you have continuous security without ever compromising life safety. It's the same principle you'd apply to other automated systems; for instance, when you are choosing an automatic door operator, ensuring reliable power and safety overrides is absolutely essential.
For a reliable and code-compliant integration of your access control system, it’s crucial to partner with experts who understand the entire security ecosystem. Contact Wilcox Door Service today for a professional assessment of your facility’s needs.
Common Questions About Mag Locks Doors
Even after you get the hang of how they work, facility managers usually have a few practical questions about using mag locks doors in the real world. We get it. Here, we'll tackle the most common queries we hear, giving you clear, straightforward answers to help you make confident decisions for your commercial or industrial property.
Let's dig into the practical side of things—security, maintenance, and integration—so you have the full picture.
How Much Maintenance Do Mag Locks Need?
One of the biggest draws of a magnetic lock is how little maintenance it needs. Think about it: there are no moving parts. No bolts to grind, no pins to jam, and no springs to wear out from constant use. This design is inherently reliable. For example, a mag lock on a distribution center's main entrance will long outlast a mechanical lock that sees heavy daily use.
However, "low maintenance" never means "no maintenance." A few quick, regular checks are crucial for ensuring your locks are safe and dependable.
- Routine Cleaning: The surfaces of the electromagnet and the armature plate need to be kept clean. Dust, grime, or even a bit of rust can get in the way, weakening the magnetic bond and reducing the lock's holding force.
- Alignment Checks: Make sure the magnet and plate are still perfectly lined up. Over time, especially on high-traffic doors, a building can settle or a door can sag, creating a small gap that compromises security.
- Power and Wiring Inspection: Every so often, give the wiring and power connections a once-over. Look for any signs of fraying, wear, or loose terminals. A steady, uninterrupted power source is the lifeblood of a mag lock.
Can Mag Locks Be Used on Any Door?
While magnetic locks are incredibly versatile, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They're a fantastic choice for many commercial applications, especially on glass, aluminum, or metal-framed doors where cutting in a traditional strike is a major headache. That said, the door and frame must be strong enough to support the lock and withstand its holding force.
It's crucial to match the lock to the door. Installing a heavy, 1,200 lb lock on a flimsy interior door frame could warp or damage the frame over time. A professional assessment ensures the door, frame, and lock work together as a secure, compatible system.
How Secure Are Mag Locks During a Power Outage?
This is the most critical question we get. By design, a standard mag lock is fail-safe, meaning it unlocks when the power is cut. To keep your facility secure during a blackout, a battery backup or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an absolutely essential part of the system. This backup power keeps the locks energized and your building secure when the grid goes down.
The diagram below shows the basic components of a mag lock system, from the access card reader all the way to the lock itself.
Alt text: An access control system diagram for mag locks doors, showing the credential reader, control panel, power supply, and lock.
As you can see, every piece of the puzzle relies on power to function correctly. This really drives home the importance of having both a reliable primary power source and a solid backup plan.
Your facility's security is too important to leave to guesswork. As "Respected Partners, Reliable Service," Wilcox Door Service Inc. offers expert guidance to ensure your access control systems are safe, compliant, and perfectly suited to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive security assessment.