How to design a Door Locking System and what component considerations are required

A Door Locking System requires FOUR basic components to operate. These include; [1] Locking Device, [2] Entry Device, [3] Egress Device and [4] Power Supply. Using this four component model, the following illustration walks through the descriptions, features, and options available to ensure the project is well designed and meets your needs. The links provided are to the online retail provider www.maglocks.com. Maglocks.com carries the full product array of Cobra Controls, elocksolutions and a large number of top quality security providers.

[1] Locking Devices

A locking device (lock) can be mechanical or electronic. Examples of electronic fastening devices include Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock), Electric Strike, Electrified Lockset and Electric dead bolt. The illustration to the right depicts an electromagnetic lock also known as a Maglock.

[2] Entry Devices

In all locking systems, the secure lock needs to be released by a physical object (such as a key, keycard, fingerprint, RFID card, or security token) or secret information (such as a keycode or password), or combination of both. Examples include; Proximity readers, biometric readers (fingerprints), digital keypads, and keyswitch. These devices are mounted on the exterior either on the casing of the door (mullion mount) or on the wall near the door (gang mount).

[3] Egress Devices

To ensure free pass to exit a secure door, all locking systems include a quick exit device. Examples include; push-to-exit buttons, motion detectors, and request-to-exit bars. The illustration depicts a push-to-exit button. These buttons are mounted in the interior, on the casing surrounding the door (mullion mount) or on a wall near the door (gang mount)

[4] Power Supply

An electronic locking system requires low voltage power to operate. The power supply should include battery back-up capability to ensure the system remains operational in the event of a power loss.

[1] COMPONENT CONSIDERATION [ Choose a Locking Device ]:

[A] Magnetic Lock

An electromagnetic lock, magnetic lock, or maglock is a locking device that consists of an electromagnet and armature plate. By attaching the electromagnet to the door frame and the armature plate to the door, a current passing through the electromagnet attracts the armature plate holding the door shut. Unlike an electric strike a magnetic lock has no interconnecting parts and is therefore less suitable for super high security applications because it is possible to bypass the lock by disrupting the power supply. Nevertheless, the strength of today's magnetic locks compares well above that of conventional door locks and they cost less than conventional light bulbs to operate. Power supplies incorporating a trickle-charged lead-acid battery pack should be used to retain security for short-term power outages. Magnetic locks possess a number of advantages over conventional locks and electric strikes. For example, their durability and quick operation can make them valuable in a high-traffic office environment where electronic authentication is necessary.

Advantages

Disadvantages

[B] Electric Strikes

An electric strike replaces the fixed strike faceplate often used with a latchbar (also known as a keeper). Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. However, an electric strike's ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way of the latch allowing the door to be pushed open (from the outside) without the latch being retracted (that is, without any operation of the knob) or while excited the knob or lever can be turned to allow egress from the secured area. Electric strikes generally come in two basic configurations:

Fail-secure

Fail-safe

[C] Electric Deadbolts

An electric deadbolt Recommended for high security interior door and cabinet applications where electromagnetic locks are not required. Electric bolt locks include long life solenoid driven direct throw mortise bolts, some models offer right angle bolts for narrow frames and door stiles and surface mounted bolt locks for door and cabinet applications. Compatible with virtually any access control system, electromechanical bolt locks are available in failsafe and fail secure modes

[D] Magnetic Shear Locks

Magnetic shear locks are recommended to provide superior failsafe holding force and aesthetics for most types of doors, including high profile frameless glass doors. Representing the latest evolution in the development of magnetic locks, shear locks incorporate several features to ensure that the door seamlessly locks and releases without hindrance.

[E] Electrified Locksets

Electrified locksets look like a typical cylindrical or mortise style mechanical lock. However, incorporate internal solenoids to enable the lock and latch feature. Building and fire life safety code compliant for fire rated office doors, corridor doors, lobby doors, exit doors and stairwell doors. Whether failsafe or fail secure, controlled access and remote control capability is provided while the door stays latched even when unlocked, maintaining fire door integrity.

[2] COMPONENT CONSIDERATION [ Choosing an Entry Device ]:

In all locking systems, the secure lock needs to be released by a physical object (such as a stand-alone lock, Key, Combination or fingerprint) or a combination of any or all. Examples include; Proximity readers, Keyswitch, Digital Keypads, and biometric readers (fingerprints). These devices are mounted on the exterior (secured side) either on the casing of the door (mullion mount) or on the wall near the door (gang mount). Examples of Entry Device types are as follows:

Stand-Alone Lock	Keyswitch	Keypad	Biometric
Proximity Card Access	Key Access	Numeric Combination Access	Fingerprint Access

[3] COMPONENT CONSIDERATION [ Choosing an Egress Device ]:

To ensure free pass to exit a secure door, all locking systems include a quick exit device. Examples include; push-to-exit buttons, request-to exit bars, motion detectors, emergency (break-glass) exit and Time delayed exit. These buttons are mounted in the interior, on the casing surrounding the door (mullion mount) or on a wall near the door (gang mount). Examples of Egress Device types are as follows:

Push-To-Exit Button	Push Bar	Emergency Release	Motion Sensors	Delayed Egress
Push Button Exit	Push Bar Exit	Emergency Exit	Motion Activated Exit	Time Delayed Exit

[4] COMPONENT CONSIDERATION [ Choosing a Power Supply ]:

An electronic locking system requires low voltage power to operate. Power supplies fall into two general categories; (1) Switching and (2) Linear.

Switching Power Supplies are typically designed for use with resistive or capacitive loads such as low voltage lamps, alarm panels, cameras and signaling devices. They are lighter in weight, efficient (less heat generated) and are cheaper to manufacture. However, the low price of switching power supplies often encourages its misapplication. Switching power supplies are not recommended for use with access controls and electric locks for several reasons. Typical switching power supplies have trouble handing the inductiv loads produced by locking devices with coils or solenoids due to the limited current reserve available to handle periods of high inrush. Excessive current draw (even for a short period of time) will briefly stop a switching supply from operating and may even permanently damage it.

Linear Power supplies have been used for years for powering resistive, capacitive and inductive loads (devices with coils or solenoids, such as electromechanical and electromagnetic locks and strikes) due to their ability to handle large inrush currents. Since most of the DC filtering is done with large filter capacitors, there is plenty of reserve power and they can provide extra current for short periods of time without malfunction or damage. The output is also free of high frequency noise found in switching power supplies making them practical for use with access controls. However, the penalty in using a linear power supply is the heat generated by the regulator component of the supply due to its moderate efficiency. The heat generated can lead to early failure of the temperature sensitive components housed near to the supply board.

Switching Power Supply	Linear Power Supply	Linear Power Supply
Switching Power Supply	Linear Power Supply	Linear Power Supply
	Battery Back-up	Battery Back-up with Fire Interface

[5] COMPONENT CONSIDERATION [ Assistance with placing your order ]:

Place your order online or contact us for more information and help with your project.