Electric Strikes

Electric strikes and door releases provide electronically controlled access while allowing the door to retain a conventional latch or deadlatch. When access is granted by a keypad, proximity reader, intercom or access-control system, the strike releases the latch so the authorised user can open the door.

This collection includes compact fail-safe and fail-secure releases, flexible ANSI-style strikes and Adams Rite electric strikes for narrow-stile aluminium doors. Options include 12V and 24V operation, monitored and unmonitored models, flat and radius faceplates, and accessories for different frame arrangements.

Electric Strike Range at a Glance

Range	Best suited to	Voltage / operation	Monitoring
DS-001A / DS-002	Compact electric-release applications	12V; fixed fail-secure or fail-safe model	No
AS900 / AS900M	Timber and metal door frames requiring short or long faceplates	12/24V DC; selectable fail-safe or fail-secure	AS900M only
Adams Rite 7100 / 7101	Compatible narrow-stile aluminium doors; flat or radius faceplate	12V/24V options depending on variant; fail-safe and fail-secure options	Monitored versions available
Adams Rite 7400 / 7401 UltraLine	Aluminium doors where a shallow high-strength strike is required	12/24V AC/DC; selectable fail-safe or fail-secure	Monitored versions available

How Does an Electric Strike Work?

An electric strike is installed in the frame in place of a conventional fixed keep. When the door closes, the existing latch engages with the strike keeper and the door remains mechanically secured. When the access-control system sends an authorised release signal, the keeper moves and allows the latch to pass through.

This makes an electric strike a useful option where the existing mechanical latch or deadlatch needs to remain part of the door hardware while electronic access control is added.

Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure?

Fail-safe releases use power to remain locked and release when electrical power is removed. The DS-002 fail-safe electric release operates from 12V DC, draws 120mA and has a stated holding force of up to 400kg.

Fail-secure releases remain mechanically locked when power is removed and are energised to release. The DS-001A fail-secure electric release operates from 12V AC/DC and is available for suitable rim or mortice arrangements.

Fail mode should be selected as part of the complete door design. Means of escape, fire strategy and emergency-release requirements must not be determined from the electric strike alone.

AS900 and AS900M 12/24V Electric Strikes

The AS900 electric strike is an ANSI-style model supplied with both 124mm short and 201mm long stainless steel faceplates. It operates from 12V DC or 24V DC and can be configured for fail-safe or fail-secure operation.

The AS900M monitored electric strike provides the same voltage, operating modes and faceplate options with additional NO/COM/NC monitoring contacts for compatible control equipment.

Where additional latch clearance is required around the frame, the EL225 22.5mm extension lip is designed for AS900 and AS900M and can be doubled for wider requirements where the door and frame arrangement allows.

Adams Rite 7100 and 7101 Electric Strikes

The Adams Rite 7100 series is designed for compatible narrow-stile aluminium doors and suitable Adams Rite deadlatches. Choose the 7100 flat electric strike for the appropriate flat-frame preparation or the 7101 radius electric strike where the opposing stile requires a curved faceplate.

Both standard and monitored versions are available. The monitored 7100 flat strike and 7101 radius strike provide latch-position feedback for compatible controllers. The range has a supplier-listed holding force of approximately 907kg (2,000lb), subject to correct installation.

Adams Rite UltraLine 7400 and 7401

The Adams Rite 7400/7401 UltraLine provides a shallower body of approximately 27mm for compatible aluminium door installations where frame depth is limited. Flat and radius faceplate versions are available and the UK stock range is listed for 12/24V AC/DC operation with selectable fail-safe or fail-secure behaviour.

The UltraLine range has a supplier-listed holding force of approximately 1080kg and is designed to release electrically with over 15kg of sideload pressure. Monitored options are available as the 7400M flat strike and 7401M radius strike.

Monitored or Unmonitored?

An unmonitored strike provides the electrical locking and release function without status contacts. A monitored electric strike adds electrical feedback that can be connected to compatible access-control, alarm or building-management equipment.

Monitoring is useful when the controller needs more information than a simple unlock command. The exact monitored condition varies by product, so the strike should be connected and commissioned in accordance with the relevant product information and controller requirements.

Choosing the Correct Electric Strike

Before ordering, check the complete door and frame arrangement rather than choosing on voltage alone. Important points include:

Fail-safe or fail-secure operation
Available supply voltage and current capacity
Whether monitoring feedback is required
Timber, metal or narrow-stile aluminium frame construction
Flat or radius faceplate profile
Existing latch or deadlatch type and projection
Available clearance behind the frame
Door handing, closing pressure and alignment
Whether an extension lip is required
Emergency-release and means-of-escape requirements

A badly aligned door can place pressure on the latch and affect electrical release. The strike, latch and door closer should therefore be checked together during installation and commissioning.

Build a Complete Access Control System

Electric strikes can be controlled by keypads, card and fob readers, intercoms and access-control controllers. Depending on the installation, you may also need a suitable power supply, exit device, emergency release and cable transfer.