Electric strikes provide electronically controlled access while allowing the door to continue using a conventional latch or lock case. When the correct signal is received from a keypad, proximity reader, intercom or access control system, the strike releases the latch so the authorised user can open the door.

Our range includes electric strikes and releases for timber and metal doors, with 12V and 24V options, fail-safe and fail-secure operation, monitoring contacts and alternative faceplate arrangements. These products are suitable for new access control installations, replacement work and door entry system upgrades in commercial, residential and managed buildings.

How Does an Electric Strike Work?

An electric strike is normally installed within the door frame in place of a traditional fixed keep. The existing latch enters the strike when the door closes, allowing the door to remain mechanically secured.

When access is granted, the strike keeper releases and allows the latch to pass through without the user having to operate a key. Once the door closes again, the latch returns to the secured position.

Electric door strikes can be controlled using a range of compatible equipment, including:

• Access control keypads

• Proximity card and fob readers

• Audio or video intercom systems

• Door entry controllers

• Push-to-exit buttons

• Timers and relays

• Building access control systems

An electric strike can be a practical choice where the existing mechanical latch needs to be retained while electronic access control is added to the door.

Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Electric Strikes

The operating mode is one of the most important considerations when selecting an electric strike.

Fail-Safe Electric Strikes

A fail-safe electric strike uses power to remain locked. If the power supply is removed, the strike releases. This is also described as power-to-lock operation.

The DS-002 Fail-Safe Electric Release operates from a 12V AC/DC supply and is suitable for timber and metal doors. It has a mortice faceplate, consumes 120mA and has a stated holding force of up to 400kg.

Fail-safe operation may be required where the door needs to release following a power interruption, but the complete system must always be designed around the building’s fire strategy, emergency arrangements and means-of-escape requirements.

Fail-Secure Electric Strikes

A fail-secure strike remains mechanically locked when electrical power is removed. Power is applied to release the strike, which is why this arrangement is also referred to as power-to-open.

The DS-001A Fail-Secure Electric Release operates from a 12V AC/DC supply and is suitable for timber and metal doors. Its compact design can be used with rim or mortice installation arrangements, depending on the required configuration.

Fail-secure operation is commonly considered where maintaining security during a power failure is important. The method of escape from the secure side must still be considered separately and should not depend solely on the electrical release unless the complete door system has been designed for that purpose.

Configurable 12V and 24V ANSI Electric Strikes

For installations requiring greater flexibility, the AS900 range can be configured for either fail-safe or fail-secure operation. Both models support 12VDC and 24VDC supplies and are provided with short and long stainless steel faceplates.

AS900 Electric Strike

The AS900 12V/24V Electric Strike is an ANSI-style strike for access control, electronic locking and door entry systems.

Its operating mode can be adjusted at the rear of the strike body, allowing the installer to select either fail-safe or fail-secure operation. It is supplied with:

• A 124mm short stainless steel faceplate

• A 201mm long stainless steel faceplate

• Selectable 12VDC or 24VDC operation

• Configurable fail-safe or fail-secure operation

• Bullnose faceplate corners

• Compatibility with timber and metal doors

Current consumption is 280mA at 12VDC or 140mA at 24VDC. These figures should be included when calculating the total load placed on the access control power supply.

AS900M Monitored Electric Strike

The AS900M Monitored Electric Strike provides the same selectable voltage, operating modes and faceplate options as the AS900, with the addition of integrated monitoring contacts.

The AS900M includes normally open, common and normally closed contacts. These can be used by a compatible controller or monitoring system to receive strike status information.

A monitored electric strike may be useful where the access control system needs additional feedback from the locking device. The monitoring contacts must be connected to equipment capable of interpreting the signal and should not be confused with separate door-position monitoring unless the complete system specifically provides that function.

Short and Long Electric Strike Faceplates

The faceplate helps secure the electric strike within the door frame and must suit the frame construction, latch position and available cut-out.

Both the AS900 and AS900M are supplied with short and long faceplates, giving installers a choice when working with different timber and metal door arrangements. The faceplates are manufactured from 3mm stainless steel and use bullnose-style corners.

Before installation, check:

• The existing frame preparation

• The position and projection of the latch

• The required faceplate length

• The frame material and available fixing points

• Clearance behind the strike body

• The relationship between the latch and strike keeper

• The gap between the door and frame

The strike should be aligned so the latch enters and leaves the keeper without binding. Poor alignment can affect both mechanical closing and electrical release.

Extension Lip for AS900 and AS900M

Some door and frame arrangements require an extended lip to guide the latch clear of the frame when the strike releases.

The EL225 22.5mm Extension Lip is compatible with the AS900 and AS900M electric strikes. It can also be doubled for installations requiring a wider extension, subject to the individual door and frame arrangement.

The extension lip should be selected by measuring the distance the latch needs to travel beyond the face of the frame. Using the correct lip can provide a neater installation and help prevent the released latch from catching on the frame.

Monitored or Unmonitored Electric Strikes

An unmonitored electric strike performs the primary locking and release function without providing electrical status contacts. This can be sufficient for straightforward standalone access control and door entry systems.

A monitored strike includes additional contacts that can provide information to compatible control equipment. This may be useful for:

• Access control system status reporting

• Alarm or building management integration

• Fault investigation

• Higher-security installations

• Systems requiring additional locking feedback

Monitoring requirements should be established during system design. If monitoring is not required, the standard AS900 may provide the necessary locking functionality without the additional contacts of the AS900M.

Choosing the Correct Electric Strike

Before selecting an electric door strike or release, consider the entire door and access control arrangement rather than choosing on voltage alone.

Important points include:

• Whether fail-safe or fail-secure operation is required

• The available supply voltage

• The strike’s current consumption

• Whether status monitoring contacts are needed

• The construction of the door and frame

• The type and position of the existing latch

• Rim or mortice installation requirements

• The required faceplate and extension lip

• Door handing and direction of opening

• Emergency release and means-of-escape requirements

• Compatibility with the access control panel or door entry system

The electric strike must also work correctly with the mechanical lock, latch and door closer. A door that is badly aligned or placing pressure against the strike may not release cleanly, even when the electrical equipment is operating correctly.

Building a Complete Electric Strike Access Control System

An electric strike is normally installed as part of a wider door entry or access control system. Depending on the application, the installation may also require a suitable power supply, entry device, exit button, emergency release and control equipment or build your own system.

Explore our main Access Control Parts page or browse the related collections below:

• Keypads and Proximity Readers

• Push-to-Exit Buttons and Domes

• Access Control Power Supplies

• Break Glass Call Points

• Door Loops

• Maglocks

• Shearlocks and Electronic Bolts

• Van Stock Essentials

Browse our electric strikes and releases for 12V and 24V access control installations, including fail-safe, fail-secure, monitored and configurable locking options.