The Trine 3000 Modular Program

by Tim O'Leary
Created: July 1, 2005

The Trine 3000 program helps the locksmith stock the right electric strike for any job.

Electric strikes (also referred to as electric releases) are making a big comeback in security management, gaining new levels of acceptance as end-users endeavor to protect their customers, employees, inventories and themselves against terrorism and crime. Security providers are realizing that...

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Electric strikes utilize existing door locks and hardware. This means that whether they are fail-safe or fail-secure, the existing lock trim will continue to function under any condition and thereby permit free egress.

Also, electric strikes usually mount in an area of the doorframe that does not place stress on the frame and glass (in the case of doors with glass panels) as do many electromagnetic, shear and bolt locks that are mounted at the top of the door.

If electric strikes have a bad rap, it is primarily for the following reasons:

Selecting an electric strike based on price rather than by rating can lead to disappointing results.
Electric strikes are often installed on doors that needed adjustments or repairs.
Electric strikes are sometimes not matched to the door or the duty cycle properly.

Do not succumb to the lure of selecting an electric strike because of low cost. As is the case with other door hardware items such as closers and hinges, selecting an electric strike solely on the basis of price almost guarantees that the device will not perform satisfactorily. On the other hand, if a product has the appropriate ratings and listings for your application, don't let a good price stand in your way either.

Streamlined manufacturing, smart engineering and simplified marketing channels have made possible the introduction of some great values in a wide variety of door hardware and electric strikes.

Wrong Door Installations: A significant number of door strike failures can be attributed to the fact that the door strike is placed on a door that is misaligned horizontally, where the door interferes with the jamb or the door closer is not functioning. Although horizontal alignment is important on any lock, a newly installed door will age and wear over time and eventually most doors require adjustment. When a door strike is installed on a door that has been in service for a while, deterioration will have begun, and the new strike may already be misaligned. (Sometimes it is common practice for an installer to ignore the condition of existing hardware on the door and forge ahead with an installation.)

Electric Strikes Not Matched Properly: Using the right tool for the job is essential for proper door strike operation. Selecting a strike that is designed for the frame and application means that the optimum level of security will be maintained on the door, the installation will be faster and the electric strike will function reliably. Selecting a door strike that requires minimal cutting on the jamb is advisable for several reasons:

Aesthetics: By not requiring major alteration to the jamb and by using a strike that looks at home in the frame, the installation's appearance will be more acceptable to the client. If the door strike is unobtrusive, it will be less likely to draw attention from vandals or would-be intruders as an attack point on the opening.

Weakening of the Frame: Some door strikes require so much cutting to the doorframe that the structural integrity of the frame is actually jeopardized. You may have selected a door strike as strong as Fort Knox, but what good is that if you destroy the door system when installing it?

Disruption at Installation Site: For retrofits, the less a fuss you create on the site during installation, the better off you are. Although the client wants that electric strike, he may not want you to shut him down for hours, spread debris and make noise. Of course, sometimes installations must be performed during business hours, but your customer satisfaction quota is exponentially inverse to the time you're on the door. Using an electric strike designed to fit also means you'll require fewer tools and will save installation time.

The Trine 3000 Modular Program

The Trine 3000 goes a long way towards providing the locksmith with an electric release solution for any application. The Trine 3000 Modular Program enables the locksmith to have the right strike in stock, without requiring the locksmith to literally have every Trine 3000 model on the shelf. Instead you invest in the kit. Then when you need a specific electric strike, you "assemble" the unit from the parts kit to suit your application, and reorder only the parts you actually used.