Ordering a maglock and a keypad might seem like a good starting point for securing a door. However, unless you have also considered the power supply, exit arrangements, mounting brackets and emergency release, there is a good chance something important will be missing when installation day arrives.
A reliable single-door access control system depends on all its components working together. The right setup will vary depending on whether you are securing an office entrance, staff door, commercial unit, communal entrance or external gate.
This guide explains the main components involved, how to choose between them and which common mistakes to avoid.
What parts do you need for a single-door access control system?
Most single-door access control systems require:
- An electronic locking device, such as a maglock or electric strike.
- An entry device, such as a keypad, proximity reader or intercom.
- A suitable access control power supply.
- An exit button or other appropriate method of leaving.
- An emergency door release, where required for the installation.
- Suitable mounting brackets, cabling and accessories.
- A controller or interface relay where the chosen equipment requires one.
Some installations also need battery backup, fire-alarm integration, lock monitoring or weatherproof equipment.
You can purchase these items as a complete access control kit or design your own access control system using components selected specifically for the door.
Start with the door, not the equipment
Before choosing a lock or keypad, take a proper look at the door itself.
Is it timber, aluminium, steel or glass? Does it open inwards or outwards? Is the frame deep enough to take the selected hardware? Is it located inside a building or exposed to the weather?
Most importantly, is the door part of an escape route or a fire-resisting doorset?
These details determine which locking arrangement will work. A maglock that suits an internal timber door may not be suitable for a narrow aluminium frame, while a standard electric strike may not match an existing latch.
Getting this right at the start saves time, avoids unnecessary returns and makes the finished installation more reliable.
Choosing the right electronic lock
The two most common locking options for a single-door access control system are magnetic locks and electric strikes.
Both can work well, but they operate differently.
Magnetic locks
A magnetic lock, often called a maglock, uses an electromagnet and a metal armature plate to keep a door closed.
The magnet is normally mounted to the frame or a suitable bracket, while the armature plate is fitted to the door. When power is applied, the magnet holds the armature in place. When power to the lock is interrupted, the door releases.
Maglocks are commonly used on:
- Office doors.
- Communal entrances.
- Aluminium doors.
- Timber doors.
- Access-controlled internal doors.
- Suitable external doors and gates.
Common sizes include 600lb maglocks, often described as approximately 280kg holding force, and 1,200lb maglocks, typically around 545kg holding force.
A higher holding force does not automatically make a lock the right choice. Door construction, mounting position, bracket compatibility, environmental conditions and correct alignment all matter.
A magnet can only achieve its intended performance when the armature plate sits correctly against its face. Poor alignment or the wrong bracket can undermine the entire installation.
Browse our maglocks and magnetic door locks, or read our existing guide to choosing the right maglock, brackets and accessories.
Electric strikes
An electric strike works with a mechanical latch rather than holding the door closed using magnetic force.
The strike is fitted within the door frame. When an authorised user presents a fob or enters a valid PIN, the strike releases the latch and allows the door to open.
This can be a practical option where the door already has a suitable lockcase and handle arrangement.
Electric strikes are often used on:
- Aluminium shopfront doors.
- Timber entrance doors.
- Communal entrance doors.
- Office doors with existing latch mechanisms.
- Doors where a visible surface-mounted maglock is not preferred.
The main point to check is compatibility with the existing latch, frame preparation and faceplate dimensions.
You also need to consider whether the installation requires a fail-safe or fail-secure release.
A fail-safe electric strike releases when power is removed. A fail-secure electric strike remains locked against entry when power is lost, although suitable mechanical escape hardware may still allow people to leave from the inside.
The correct arrangement depends on the door, its intended use and the building’s fire strategy.
Explore our electric strikes and door releases, including specialist products within our Adams Rite collection.
Maglock or electric strike: which is better?
Neither option is automatically better.
A maglock is often a good fit where surface mounting is suitable and there is enough space for the magnet and brackets.
An electric strike can make more sense when a door already has a compatible latch and you want to retain a more traditional handle-and-lock arrangement.
For aluminium doors, pay close attention to stile width and the existing lockcase. For timber doors, consider how the strike or maglock will be fixed without compromising the door or frame.
If the door is fire-rated or forms part of an escape route, the final decision should always be based on the approved door specification and appropriate safety requirements.
Choosing a keypad, proximity reader or intercom
Once the locking method has been selected, the next question is how people will gain entry.
Access control keypads
A keypad allows authorised users to enter using a PIN code.
This can work well for small offices, staff rooms, workshops and other locations where a limited number of people require access.
The main advantage is that users do not need to carry a key, card or fob.
However, shared PIN codes should be managed carefully. If a code is passed around or a member of staff leaves, it may need to be changed.
Some keypads include an integrated controller and relay, while others form part of a wider access control system. Always check what is built into the device before assuming it can operate a lock on its own.
The ACT10 digital keypad is one example of a standalone keypad suitable for compatible door access applications.
You can also browse our full range of access control keypads and proximity readers.
Proximity fob readers
A proximity reader allows users to present a compatible key fob or access card instead of entering a PIN.
This can be a better option where several people need individual access credentials.
If a fob is lost, it may be possible to remove that credential without changing access for everyone else, depending on the controller and how the system has been configured.
For commercial premises, it is also worth considering where the controller and lock-switching relay are located. A reader fitted outside the secure area should not automatically be assumed to provide the same level of protection as a system with its controller housed securely inside.
Our fob reader access control kit with magnetic lock includes a separate proximity reader, controller, magnetic lock, exit button and emergency door release.
Combined keypad and fob access
Some entry devices allow users to enter either a PIN code or present a proximity fob.
This offers more flexibility where different users prefer different access methods.
A combined keypad and fob reader can be particularly useful for staff entrances, communal doors and smaller commercial premises.
The ACKIT-3 keypad and fob access control kit includes a proximity keypad, magnetic lock, exit button, emergency release and user fobs.
Intercom entry systems
Where visitors need to request access, an intercom may be more appropriate than a standalone keypad.
Intercom systems are commonly used on communal entrances, apartment buildings, reception areas and controlled vehicle or pedestrian entrances.
Some systems combine an intercom with keypad entry, while others allow the lock to be released from an internal handset or compatible control device.
Browse our audio intercom systems and door entry equipment if visitor communication is part of the installation.
Selecting the correct access control power supply
The power supply is one of the easiest components to overlook, but it plays a central role in how the system performs.
An access control PSU provides the electrical power needed by the lock, keypad, reader, controller and any other connected devices.
The first thing to check is voltage.
Many access control systems operate at 12V DC or 24V DC, but equipment is not automatically interchangeable. A device designed only for 12V should not be connected to a 24V supply.
It is equally important to check whether the equipment requires AC or DC.
The second consideration is current.
Every powered component draws a certain amount of current. The power supply needs sufficient capacity for the combined load, with any additional allowance required for battery charging, switching demands and future expansion.
For example, a magnetic lock, keypad, controller and interface relay may all be drawing power from the same unit. If the PSU is undersized, the system may behave unpredictably or the lock may not operate as expected.
Cable length matters too. Long cable runs can introduce voltage drop, particularly where the cable has not been selected appropriately for the load.
Our access control power supplies include options for different voltages, current ratings and system requirements.
Do you need battery backup?
Battery backup allows suitable equipment to continue operating when the mains supply fails.
That can be useful where access control needs to remain functional during a power interruption, but the effect on the lock must be considered carefully.
A battery-backed maglock may remain energised even when the building loses mains power. If the door forms part of an escape route, the system still needs to release correctly in accordance with the building’s fire strategy and emergency arrangements.
Battery backup should never be treated as a substitute for a properly designed emergency release.
Compatible standby batteries are available in our lead acid battery collection.
Choosing the right exit button
An exit button, also known as a push-to-exit button or request-to-exit device, allows people to leave through an access-controlled door during normal operation.
The button is usually fitted on the secure side of the door.
When pressed, it signals the system to release the locking device for a set period.
Available options include:
- Stainless steel push-to-exit buttons.
- Green dome exit buttons.
- Surface-mounted exit buttons.
- Flush-mounted exit buttons.
- Touchless exit switches.
- Combined exit and emergency-release units.
The best choice depends on the appearance of the installation, the number of people using the door and whether accessibility or touch-free operation needs to be considered.
A standard exit button is intended for normal day-to-day operation. It should not automatically be assumed to satisfy every emergency escape requirement.
Browse our access control exit buttons and door release domes.
Emergency break-glass units and fire-alarm integration
An emergency door release provides a separate way to release an electronically secured door when required.
These devices are commonly green and positioned near the exit side of the doorway.
Depending on the approved system design, an emergency release may interrupt the locking circuit independently of the normal keypad, reader or exit button.
That distinction matters. If the ordinary controller or exit button stops working, the emergency release may need to provide an alternative method of opening the door.
Green emergency door releases should not be confused with red fire-alarm call points. They serve different purposes, even when both are installed near the same doorway.
For doors on escape routes, the correct arrangement depends on the building’s fire strategy, the door configuration, the fire risk assessment and the relevant installation requirements.
Some installations may also require integration with the building’s fire-alarm system, using a suitable interface or relay.
Explore our emergency break-glass call points, fire and alarm activation products and access control relays.
Any work affecting an escape route, fire-resisting doorset or fire-alarm interface should be designed, installed and checked by a competent person.
Why maglock brackets matter
A maglock is only as effective as its mounting arrangement.
The correct bracket depends on the door construction, frame layout and direction of opening.
An outward-opening door may allow the magnet and armature to be fitted using a standard arrangement or an appropriate L bracket.
An inward-opening door often requires a Z and L bracket arrangement so the magnet and armature can meet correctly.
Other installations may require:
- Glass-door brackets.
- Adjustable mounting brackets.
- Architectural cover brackets.
- Slimline brackets for restricted frame depths.
- Double-door bracket arrangements.
The exact mounting method should always follow the lock manufacturer’s instructions.
A common mistake is ordering a magnetic lock without checking whether the necessary bracket is included. Another is assuming that brackets are interchangeable between different maglock sizes.
A 600lb magnetic lock and a 1,200lb magnetic lock will not necessarily use the same mounting hardware.
Browse our maglock brackets and accessories to find the correct mounting options.
Other components you might need
Depending on the installation, additional accessories may be required.
Door loops
A door loop protects cables passing between the door frame and the moving door leaf.
This can be important where power or signals need to reach a device mounted on the door itself.
Browse our door loops and cable protection products.
Interface relays
Relays can be used where one system needs to control another, subject to compatibility and the approved installation design.
Examples include a keypad controlling an electric lock, an intercom triggering a release or a fire-alarm signal interfacing with an access control circuit.
Our access control relay collection includes products for compatible switching and interface applications.
Monitoring contacts
Some maglocks include monitoring outputs that report whether the magnet and armature have formed a satisfactory bond.
Other systems may use door-position contacts to indicate whether the door is open or closed.
These features can be useful where a building manager needs visibility of door status or where an access control panel requires monitoring inputs.
A monitored maglock should still be selected and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Monitoring does not compensate for poor installation or an unsuitable locking arrangement.
Example single-door access control systems
The easiest way to understand the differences is to look at a few typical arrangements.
Example 1: Internal office door with keypad entry
A straightforward internal office door might use:
- A standalone access control keypad.
- A 600lb magnetic lock.
- A compatible 12V power supply.
- An inward-opening Z and L bracket, where required.
- A push-to-exit button.
- An emergency door release, where required by the door’s safety arrangements.
Our internal keypad access control kit, ACKIT-2, includes a keypad, power supply, magnetic lock, mounting bracket and exit button.
An emergency release is not listed within that particular kit, so it should be added separately where the installation requires one.
Example 2: Staff entrance with fob access
For a staff entrance where several people require individual credentials, a proximity reader system may be more suitable.
A typical setup could include:
- An external proximity reader.
- A controller positioned within the secure area.
- A magnetic lock.
- An integrated or separate power supply.
- A push-to-exit button.
- An emergency door release.
- Individual user fobs.
Our ACKIT-4S magnetic lock and fob reader kit brings these core components together in one package.
Example 3: Aluminium door with an electric strike
If the door already has a compatible mechanical latch, an electric strike may provide a neater solution than fitting a surface-mounted maglock.
The system would typically include:
- A suitable electric strike.
- A compatible proximity reader or keypad.
- An access controller.
- A correctly rated power supply.
- Appropriate exit and emergency-release arrangements.
Our ACKIT-5S electric strike access control kit includes a fail-secure electric release, proximity reader, controller, exit button, emergency release and fobs.
Before ordering, check the strike dimensions, faceplate, latch compatibility and whether the fail-secure arrangement is suitable for the specific door.
Example 4: Entrance with an externally mounted keypad
Some installations need a keypad fitted outside while the magnetic lock remains protected within the building.
The ACKIT-3 keypad and fob access control kit includes a keypad with a rainshield, a magnetic lock, a mounting bracket, an exit button, an emergency release and user fobs.
However, a rainshield on the keypad does not automatically mean every component in the kit is suitable for direct exposure to the weather.
For external gates or fully exposed doors, each item should be checked individually for environmental suitability, corrosion resistance, mounting conditions and the relevant ingress-protection rating.
Common mistakes when buying access control equipment
Most problems can be avoided by checking a few details before placing an order.
Buying the wrong lock for the door: A magnetic lock may need additional brackets, while an electric strike must match the existing latch and frame.
Forgetting the opening direction: Inward-opening and outward-opening doors often require different maglock mounting arrangements.
Mismatching the voltage: A 12V device should not be connected to a 24V supply unless the manufacturer confirms that it supports both.
Undersizing the power supply: The PSU needs to support the combined current requirements of the complete system.
Assuming the exit button is the emergency release: A request-to-exit button and an emergency door-release device are not necessarily the same thing.
Overlooking fire-door requirements: A fire-tested lock does not automatically make an entire access-controlled doorset compliant.
Ignoring weather exposure: Outdoor readers, magnetic locks and gates may need different equipment from internal doors.
Forgetting the controller: Some readers need a separate controller, while some standalone keypads have control functions built in.
Not checking what is actually included: One access control kit may include an emergency release, while another may not.
Assuming all fobs work with all readers: Credentials must be compatible with the specific reader and controller technology.
Should you buy a complete access control kit?
A pre-made access control kit can be a good option when the included components match the door and the intended application.
It reduces the time spent sourcing individual products and makes it easier to compare keypad, proximity and electric-strike systems.
However, a ready-made kit is not always the best answer.
You may need a particular keypad, a specific holding force, a different type of exit button or a power supply with battery backup. You might also need a specialist electric strike, an external-rated magnetic lock or a particular bracket for a narrow frame.
That is where a custom-built system becomes useful.
Our pre-made access control kits are ideal for straightforward applications, while our design-your-own access control system builder allows you to select the individual components that suit the installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a keypad operate a magnetic lock?
Yes, provided the keypad or connected controller has a suitable control output and the system includes the correct power supply, locking arrangement and any required exit or emergency-release devices.
Not every keypad can be connected directly to every maglock, so check the manufacturer’s instructions and relay ratings.
Does a single-door access control system need the internet?
Not necessarily.
Many standalone keypads and proximity systems operate without an internet connection.
Internet access is generally associated with cloud-managed systems, remote administration or networked access control platforms.
Are magnetic locks fail-safe?
A magnetic lock releases when electrical power is removed from the magnet.
However, a battery-backed power supply can keep the magnet energised during a mains failure. The complete system must therefore be designed so any required emergency and fire-alarm release arrangements still operate correctly.
Can I fit a maglock to a glass door?
Some glass doors can accommodate a magnetic lock using suitable glass-door brackets and compatible mounting hardware.
The door design, glass specification and manufacturer’s instructions must be checked before selecting the equipment.
What is the difference between a maglock and a fire-door hold-open magnet?
A security maglock holds a door closed until access is authorised.
A fire-door hold-open magnet does the opposite: it holds a suitable door open during normal operation and releases it when the connected fire-alarm or control arrangement activates.
They are different products with different purposes.
Browse our fire-door hold-open magnets and retainers if you need a door-retention system rather than an access control lock.
Build the right access control system for your door
The best single-door access control system is not simply the one with the strongest lock or the most features.
It is the one that suits the door, allows the right people to enter, provides safe exit and includes equipment that works properly together.
Whether you need a simple keypad and maglock, a proximity reader with an electric strike or a more specialised arrangement, Door Access Supplies can help you source the right components.
Browse our complete access control kits, build your own door access control system, or contact our team for help choosing the right products.
This is for guidance only. You should always check your requirements with a qualified competent professional.
