Overview

Begin by determining the holding force required for your application.

High security applications need 1500 lbs or more of holding force.

Standard applications can use 750 lbs.  This works well for interior doors and low security exterior doors.

The higher the holding force the higher the cost of the mag lock.  But equally important is holding force affects mag lock size, and size can affect your installation.

1. Determine holding force required
2. Study the door and frame
3. Understand available product options

Study the Door and Frame

A standard installation involves a solid door (no glass) in a hollow metal frame.

A Filler Plate is used to "widen" the frame stop, giving the mag lock a full flat surface to mount.

The height of the Filler Plate must match the height of the frame stop.

Carefully measure the stop height before ordering a Filler Plate.  Also pay attention to the depth of the mag lock.  The Filler Plate must be at least as wide as the depth of the lock.

Glass Doors

Most glass doors are Aluminum Storefront doors.  These typically have 2" of metal framing around the glass which leaves little room for mounting hardware.

The strike bolt running through the door must steer clear of the glass.

If the bolt interferes with the glass, the best solution is to use an "offset" strike.

The mounting hole for the bolt is moved up, off center. This allows the bolt running through the door to be moved up as well, away from the glass in the door.

Product Options

The most popular mag lock options are listed below.

LED
LED lights indicate the mag lock is operational.

Timer
Timers are used to set the unlock time for the door (typically around 8 seconds). Every system needs a timer and it's a big advantage to have it built into the mag lock, though few models offer this as an option.

Switches
High security applications monitor the door through remote monitoring stations.  Mag locks have add-on switches for this purpose.

Bond Sensor - Detects when positive contact is made between the lock and the strike.  This not only indicates the door is closed, but it is securely locked as well.

Door Status Sensor - Detects if the door is open or closed.