Electric Strikes

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Created: April 15, 2004

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NOTE: When installing an electric strike into an aluminum jamb, make sure the faceplate has radiused corners. There are two reasons for radiused corners in an aluminum jamb; it's easier to install and a radiused corner eliminates cracking occurring at the corners of the cutout.

When installing an electric strike, having a horizontally adjustable keeper provides a horizontal adjustment capability to insure the proper closing of the door.

Do you as a locksmith stock electric strikes, or do you just order electric strikes when there is a job? If you do stock electric strikes, either know your customers or order electric strikes that can be used in as may applications as possible. For example, a non-handed electric strike can operate with the four door configurations: Left Hand (LH), Right Hand (RH), Left Hand Reverse (LHR), and Right Hand Reverse (RHR).

There are removable faceplate electric strikes that can not only accommodate different jamb materials, but they also can accommodate different types of locks. For example, the HES 1006 Series electric strikes are available with 27 different faceplate options.

When choosing an electric strike another consideration is the warranty. Electric strike manufacturers do offer different warranties on their products. Some electric strike manufacturers offer extended warranties if their unit is wired to their power supply and/or other products.

Most models of electric strikes have available options. These depending upon the specific electric strike can include lip extensions, covers, and goof plates. Lip extensions for fixed faceplate models require the extension be ordered when the electric strike is ordered.

Another consideration when installing an electric strike onto an exterior or sensitive outswinging door, would be the installation of a guard plate to protect the electric strike and the latching area on a door that swings out.

Electrical options for electric strikes include LEDs, Piezo/siren, latch monitoring, and door monitoring. An LED can be placed near the door to indicate the condition of the latch. The Piezo/siren can be used to provide notification when the door can be opened. Monitor capabilities permit remote locations to know if the latch is secured and/or if the door is open.

There are many ways to provide power to an electric strike. The cost can range from a few dollars for a door bell transformer to hundreds of dollars to a regulated power supply with backup battery. The electric strike determines the type of power supply. Most electric strikes require that the current be within less than a 10 percent variation of the stated power requirements. For example, a 12-volt electric strike may malfunction if the power source provides more than 13.2 volts or less than 10.8 volts. In addition, the higher quality power sources will maintain a more consistent level of power, and thereby extend the operational life of the electric strike.

Important: Before planning an installation of any electronic locking mechanism, always check with the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ).

For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or an electric strike manufacturer. Electric strikes are available from many sources including:

Adams Rite , 260 Santa Fe Street, Pomona, CA 91767. Telephone: 800-872-3267. Fax: 800-232-7329. Website: www.adamsrite.com .
Folger Adam , 16300 W 103rd St., Lemont, IL 60439. Telephone: 800-966-6739. Fax: 630-739-6957. Website: www.folgeradam.com .
HES , 2040 W. Quail Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027. Telephone: 623-582-4626. Fax: 623-582-4641. Website www.hesinnovations.com .
Lee Electric , 309-11 51st Street, West New York, NJ 07093. Telephone: 800-433-3417. Fax: 201-866-0735. Website: www.leeelectric.com .
Locknetics Security Engineering , 575 Birch Street, Forestville, CT 06010. Telephone: 860-584-9158. Fax: 860-584-2136. Website: www.locknetics.com .
ROFU International Corp , 2004-B 48th Ave. CT. E, Tacoma, WA 98424. Telephone: 253-922-1828. Fax: 253-922-1728. Website: www.ROFU.com .
RCI, 2697 International Pkwy , Parkway 5, Suite 100, Virginia Beach VA 23452. Telephone: 800-899-5625. Fax: 757-427-9549 and 210 Shearson Crescent, Cambridge, ON N1T 1J6 Canada. Telephone: 800-265-6630 or 519-621-7651. Fax: 519-621-7939. Website: www.rutherfordcontrols.com.
Security Door Controls , P.O. Box 6219, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Telephone: 805-494-0622. Fax: 805-494-8861. Website: www.sdcsecurity.com.
Trine Access Technology , 1440 Ferris Place, Bronx, NY 10461. Telephone: 718-829-2332. Fax: 718-829-6405. Website: www.trineonline.com.
Von Duprin , 2720 Tobey Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46219. Telephone: 800-999-0408. Fax: 800-999-0328. Website www.vonduprin.com .