Magnetic Lock Installation

How Does a Magnetic Lock Work?

An electromagnet on the frame holds an armature plate on the door. When power is applied, the magnet creates a bond of 600-1,200 lbs of holding force. No one is forcing that open. When power is cut (by a card reader, button, or fire alarm), the door releases instantly.

Maglocks are fail-safe by design. Power off means door open. This is required by fire code for egress doors. According to NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), magnetic locks on egress doors must release upon fire alarm activation and have a request-to-exit sensor on the inside.

What Is a Magnetic Lock?

A magnetic lock (mag lock) uses an electromagnet on the door frame and a metal armature plate on the door. When powered, the magnet holds the door closed with 600-1,200 lbs of force. When power is cut (by pressing a button, badging out, or fire alarm activation), the door releases instantly.

Mag locks are the simplest way to electrically secure a door. No frame modification is needed (unlike electric strikes which require cutting into the frame). They mount on the surface of the door and frame header.

Mag Lock vs. Electric Strike: Which Is Right?

• Mag locks are always fail-safe (unlock on power loss). This makes them suitable for fire exits but requires battery backup if security during outages is needed. No frame cutting required. Best for glass doors, aluminum frames, and doors where strike modification is not practical.
• Electric strikes can be fail-secure or fail-safe. They hide inside the frame for a cleaner look. Better for doors where the mechanical lock must still work independently. Best for hollow metal frames and wood doors.

Triton Locksmith recommends mag locks for storefront glass doors, gates, and doors where frame cutting is difficult. We recommend electric strikes for standard commercial doors with mortise or cylindrical locks.

Fire Code and Mag Lock Requirements

Because mag locks are fail-safe (unlock on power loss), they inherently comply with fire code egress requirements. However, NFPA 101 requires that mag locked doors have a request-to-exit (REX) device on the secure side. This can be a push button, a motion sensor, or a crash bar. The REX device must release the mag lock within one second. Triton Locksmith always installs the REX device as part of every mag lock installation.

How Much Does Mag Lock Installation Cost?

• 600 lb holding force mag lock: $250-$400 installed
• 1,200 lb holding force mag lock: $350-$500 installed
• Request-to-exit button: Included in installation price
• Wiring to access control: $100-$300 depending on run length
• Battery backup/UPS: $100-$200 if required

Where Does Triton Locksmith Install Magnetic Locks?

Office buildings, retail stores, medical facilities, apartment lobbies, gated entrances, and any commercial door needing electronic locking. Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. Same-day installation. Call (561) 524-8500.

Mag Lock Installation Process

Step 1: The electromagnet body mounts on the door frame header using through-bolts. Triton Locksmith aligns the magnet flush with the door surface for full armature contact.

Step 2: The steel armature plate mounts on the door top edge, directly opposite the magnet. When the door closes, electromagnetic force holds it shut with 600-1,200 lbs of holding force.

Step 3: Request-to-exit device (push button or motion sensor) installs on the secure side. Required by fire code. Included in every Triton Locksmith mag lock installation.

Step 4: Low-voltage wire connects everything to the power supply and access control panel. Triton Locksmith tests the hold, release, and fire alarm override before completing the job.

Common Mag Lock Applications in South Florida

Triton Locksmith installs mag locks most commonly on these door types in South Florida buildings: Glass storefront entries where electric strikes cannot be used (no frame to cut), apartment building lobby doors where tenants use fobs, gated community pool and clubhouse entries, medical office suite doors with patient-facing reception areas, and office server room doors requiring badge access. In Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, mag locks are the preferred electronic locking method for glass and aluminum doors because they require zero frame modification and install in 2-3 hours.

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