Electric Strikes: Everything You Should Know

Over the years, there have been a number of developments in the design, operation, and security features of the electric strike. For me, the most important development was the movement of the solenoid on a heavy duty electric strike from extending out of the case to within the case. This has made installation of electric strikes into concrete poured jambs much easier, as you no longer have to hammer and drill through the concrete to provide space for not only the solenoid, but space for sliding the electric strike into the opening. Additionally, electric strikes have become smaller. Today many models of the recessed electric strikes require minimal modification of the jamb.

An additional development is the surface and the semi-rim mounted electric strike. The surface electric strike is mounted onto the surface of the jamb without any modification. The semi-rim mounted electric strike is only partially recessed. These two types of electric strikes are mainly used for Pullman-style bolt on rim exit devices.

Depending upon the application, some electric strikes are UL Listed for Burglary Resistance and some are UL 10C, a three hour rating for Fire Door Assemblies. To identify a fire-rated electric strike, a capital letter "F" will be stamped into the faceplate. The faceplate will be made of stainless steel and the strike lip will be made of either stainless steel or high temperature steel. The faceplate will be held on with tamper-resistant screws.

Monitoring capabilities have been added to electric strikes. Adams Rite offers two types of monitoring for their electric strikes; latch bolt monitoring and jaw monitoring. The latch bolt monitoring is accomplished by have a sensor switch in the base of the jaw. When the door is closed and secured, the latch bolt contacts the sensor switch, illuminating an LED or other signal. When the latch bolt is retracted or no longer against the jaw, the LED turns off indicating the door is no longer secured.

Jaw monitoring has a sensor within the case that indicates if the blocking mechanism is blocked. When the blocking mechanism is not blocked, the LED extinguishes indicating the door is no longer secured.

When installing an electric strike, there are three considerations. The first is the type and location of the electric release. The second is the type and location of the power supply. The third consideration wiring the electric release, power supply and power source to the electric strike. If you have questions regarding the installation of an electric strike including the type and size of power supply, wire, and release button, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or the manufacturer's technical support group.

For the purpose of this article, we will install a 7100-510 electric strike into a portion of jamb channel. The jamb channel was pre-cut to accommodate the electric strike and the mounting clips. The opening required for the electric strike can be cut using a router and template or the old-fashioned way, using a drill, saber saw and file. Once the opening has been cut and checked for size, drill two holes for attaching the mounting clips onto the jamb.

Note: when install an electric strike using the old fashioned method, be sure to cut the opening slightly smaller. This way, a file can be used to enlarge the opening. A too large opening is much more difficult to repair.

The 7100-510 electric strike comes with mounting clips and adhesive shims to accommodate installation. To install the electric strike:

Step 1. Install the power supply/transformer, release mechanism, and if necessary, the rectifier.

Step 2. Cut out the opening for the electric strike. Check to be certain the electric strike will fit in the opening.

Step 3. Attach the mounting clips onto the top and bottom of the electric strike cut-out. Secure using Phillips head screws.

Step 4. Make the necessary electrical connections.

Step 5. Slide the electric strike into the opening. Secure using Phillips head screws. Test the operation of the electric strike.

Adams Rite electric strikes are available in different configurations for most types of lock hardware. The faceplates are available with different finishes to match hardware, and varying length lip extension up to three inches to accommodate most door and jamb sizes.

For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or Adams Rite, 260 Santa Fe Street, Pomona, CA 91767. Telephone: 800-872-3267. Fax: 800-232-7329. Web site: www.adamsrite.com.