1. “Electromagnetic Locks, Electric Strikes
Welcome’s you!
“Electromagnetic Locks, Electric Strikes
and Building Codes”
CFSA Technical Presentation
February 2, 2005
Presented by: Jeff Stoner

2. TODAY’S AGENDA
Electromagnetic Lock operation and application.
Electric Strike operation and application.
A review of the NBC, OBC & HRSDC.
A look at the components necessary to ensure
emergency release?
Questions and Discussion.

3. Electromagnetic LocksVS
Electric Strikes

4. Electromagnetic Locks Common Electromagnetic Lock Applications
Limits both access to and egress out of an area
while maintaining life safety at all times.
Common Electromagnetic Lock Applications
Retail Loss Prevention – Big Box Stores
Airports
Hospitals – Maternity Wards
Long Term Health Care
Psychiatric Hospitals
Delayed Egress Applications
Two other optional components
Monitoring Device (e.g., sounder horn)
Monitoring Switch (e.g., door status switch)

5. Common Electric Strike Applications
Electric Strikes
Limit access to an area but allow free exit!
Common Electric Strike Applications
Banking Institutions
Industrial Buildings
Educational Facilities
Health Care Facilities
Retail Outlets
Office Complexes
Two other optional components
Monitoring Device (e.g., sounder horn)
Monitoring Switch (e.g., door status switch)

6. Electromagnetic Locks

7. Electromagnetic Core Assembly
Laminated “E” Plate
Inserting Bobbin into “E” Plate
Wound Bobbin

8. What’s Inside a Magnetic Lock?

10. General Information ULC Certified?
Operate on low voltage – 12 or 24 VDC
Strength is measured in holding force – 300lbs to 2000lbs.
Do not contain latches or pins!
Fail UNLOCKED – when power fails, locks releases!
Must have positive latching on Fire Separations

11. Exterior Single Door Single Door Small Enclosures Double Door
8380
8310-IQ
Single Door
8310
Single Door
Small Enclosures
8320
Double Door
8375
Traffic Controlt
8372
Architectural
8371
Sliding Doors

12. (Green LED Indication)
Magnetic Lock Monitoring Options
Bond Sensor
Unsecured Status
(Red LED Indication)
Door Status
Contact in Armature
Position of Door
Bond Sensor
Secured Status
(Green LED Indication)
Door Status
Sensor in Maglock
Position of Door

13. Electromagnetic Lock Special Applications

14. Electromagnetic Lock Special Applications

15. Electromagnetic Lock Special Applications

16. Electric Strikes

17. Electric Strike Assembly
Insert, Motor or Solenoid
Faceplate
Lip Bracket

18. What’s Inside an Electric Strike?

19. Basic Hardware Terminology
Strike Plate
Refers to the “metal plate” that is on the door frame, that the lock latch enters when the door is closed
Electric Strike
An electro-mechanical device that replaces the standard “strike” that allows the door to be opened without the lock latch being retracted (as in normal use)
Often also just called a “strike”

20. Basic Hardware Terminology
Latch
The piece (sometimes 1 pc, sometimes 3 pc’s) that projects from the lock casing, and into the frame, which holds the door closed
ANSI
American National Standards Institute – an organization that sets standards for the door and frame industry
ANSI -Prep.
1-1/4 x 4-7/8 is the standard size of cut out for the strike plate (as well as electric strike) in commercial door frames

21. Basic Hardware Terminology
Mortise lock.
A type of lock that is “mortised” into the door through a cut out on the edge of the door. Can be offset from center of cut out.
Cylindrical Lock.
A type of lock that is mounted into the door through the “face” of the door
Rim Lock
A type of lock that is mounted on the face of the door

22. When choosing an electric strike, there are several key questions you MUST ask:
Type of frame:
Aluminium, Hollow
Metal, Wood or Glass
Lock type:
Mortise, Cylindrical,
Rim Exit Device
Latch location:
Centerline or offset

23. Fail Locked or Fail Unlocked?
Definitions:
Fail Locked – power fails the strike is secure.
Exit is granted from the inside, however,
door is secure from the outside. All exterior doors.
Fail Unlocked – power fails the strike is unsecure.
Exit is granted from both sides of the door.
Internal, non emergency exit doors only.
Door hardware must be locked on both sides
of the door. Similar operation to a maglock.

24. Other Considerations Operate on low voltage – 12 or 24 AC or DC
Is the opening “fire rated”?
If so, a “fire rated” strike should be used – tested to withstand
fire for up to 1.5 hours to ensure door remains latched.

25. Cylindrical Adjustable Horizontal Adjustment
Fire Rated
Same faceplate options as Standard
WHI Label
Cylindrical Adjustable
Same faceplate options as Standard
7114
Horizontal Adjustment

26. Mortise & Mortise Offset
Rim Exit Device
Mortise & Mortise Offset

27. All in one Electric Strikes!

28. Electromagnetic Locks vs. Electric Strikes
Control both access and
egress yet ensure safety
Limit access but allow free egress
Unique design makes it
the most fail safe device
Compatible with most
door hardware including exit devices
Positive latching recommended by
choice or code.
Fire rated openings
Two other optional components
Monitoring Device (e.g., sounder horn)
Monitoring Switch (e.g., door status switch)
Building Code considerations

29. Coffee Break!!!!!

30. National Building Code &
Ontario Building Code
Door Release Hardware

31. What is the alternative to
Electromagnetic Locks?

32. Building owners chain or pad lock doors to prevent theft!!!

33. Obviously, we do not want this to occur!
The solution? Use proper locking hardware
while following the appropriate code to ensure
life safety!
Electromagnetic Locks – NBC & OBC Appendix
A (4)
“Electromagnetic locks are intended for use where there is need for
security additional to that provide by traditional exit hardware. They
are not intended for indiscriminate use as alternative locking devices”.
“The design of these devices requires evaluation to ensure that their
operation will be fail-safe in allowing exiting in the event of
foreseeable emergencies”.

34. There are three sets of Magnetic Lock standards in Canada
National Building Code – applies to all non-federally owned
or leased buildings outside of Ontario.
Ontario Building Code – applies to all non-federally owned
or leased buildings in Ontario.
Government of Canada (HRSDC) – applies to all federally
owned or leased buildings in Canada.

35. National Building Code
Door Release Hardware

36. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when…….
National Building Code (4)
The lock does not incorporate latches or pins,
The building is equipped with a fire alarm system,
The lock releases upon actuation of the alarm signal,
The lock releases immediately upon loss of power
controlling the locking mechanism and its associated
auxiliary controls,
The lock releases immediately upon actuation of a
manually operated authorized switch,

37. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when…..
National Building Code (4)
A force of not more than 90 N applied to the door
hardware initiates an irreversible process that will
release the device within 15 seconds and not relock
until the door has opened,
Upon release, the lock can be reset manually by
the authorized switch,
A sign is mounted on the door indicating the lock
will release within 15 seconds of applying pressure
to the door hardware.

38. Ontario Building Code
Door Release Hardware

39. Electromagnetic Locks are NOT permitted when……
Ontario Building Code (2)
an exit from a floor area containing an assembly occupancy
has an occupant load greater than 100
a door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and an exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in a building has an occupant load greater than 100,
an exit door from a floor area is considered a high hazard
industrial occupancy
Ontario Building Code (5)
(b) The building is an elementary or secondary school
Openings require an Exit Device – No occupancy restrictions in NBC

40. Exit Devices or Panic Hardware
Ensures a large number of people can exit a building in an emergency – OBC Appendix

41. In Ontario, Electromagnetic Locks are permitted…..
1. In most other applications, however, please check
with the local authority having jurisdiction.
2. On exterior doors leading from exit stairs in Group B,
Division 2 or Group 3 major occupancy – Care & Detention
3. When a permit is requested from the appropriate
building department.
4. When the appropriate drawings are provided detailing
location of pull stations, magnetic locks, etc.

42. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when……
Ontario Building Code (4)
The locks do not incorporate latches or pins,
The building is equipped with a fire alarm system,
The lock releases upon actuation of the alarm signal
in single stage fire alarm system,
The lock releases upon actuation of the (1st stage) alert
signal in a 2 stage system except in care and detention
occupancy, where it can release on (2nd stage) alarm signal,
The lock releases immediately upon loss of power
controlling the locking mechanism and its associated
auxiliary controls,

43. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when…..
Ontario Building Code (4)
The lock releases immediately upon actuation of a
manually operated authorized switch located in main
entrance or central alarm and control facility,
The lock releases upon a fault between fire alarm control
panel and the controller of the locking device
The lock releases upon the operation of a manual
pull station located 600 mm from the door.
A legible sign reading Emergency Exit Unlocked by
Fire Alarm is permanently mounted on the door,

44. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when….
Ontario Building Code (4)
The lock must be reset manually by the switch,
The operation of the switch causes an audible signal
and a visual signal to be indicated at the fire alarm
annunciator panel and at the monitoring station,
Emergency lighting provided at the doors.
Note: OBC does not reference Delayed Egress!

45. Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSDC)
Building Safety (Door Release) – Canada Labour Code Part II – COSHR
No IPG-044

46. Electromagnetic Locks are permitted when……
HRSDC Building Safety (Door Release)
Same basic requirements as NBC with two additions.
The total delay in egress time by electromagnetic locks
from any point within the floor area to an exterior open
space is not more than 15 seconds.
The electromagnetic lock and the primary door opening
hardware are designed and installed in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S533, Standard for Egress Door Securing and
Releasing Devices.

47. What is the key component that makes this all happen?
The Electromagnetic Lock Power Supply
Fire alarm connection for emergency release
Instant unlock upon AC failure
Manual override connection
Manual reset connection
Fault detection
ULC Listed, if necessary.

48. New Advances in ULC Listed Power Supplies

49. Choosing the correct Power Supply
What voltage (V)?
What current rating (A)?
Which electric locking product?
Such as an electric strike or an
electromagnetic lock
NOTE: Electromagnetic locks
will require an Fire Disconnect Relay!!

50. How do we achieve manual override and reset?
Key Switches
Allows for authorized personnel to manually override and re-set the access control system
There may be other “acceptable” manually operated switches other than key switches allowed for use. However, building supervisor/security personal should be concerned with unauthorized access to system when considering acceptability of the proposed manually operated switch.

51. Emergency Pull Stations
The locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual pull station for the fire alarm system located on the wall not more than 600 mm (23-5/8”) from the door
In large addressable type fire alarm systems, a pull station incorporating two sets of contacts MAY be required to meet O.B.C (4) (f) …………. “Immediate release”

52. Building Code Signs

53. Alarmed Exit Devices
Designed to meet all building code requirements when the use of electromagnetic locks is prohibited!!
Allow free egress at all times but
equipped with sounder to notify
security that door has been opened!!

54. Electromagnetic Lock Considerations
Limits both access and egress under normal conditions
Positive latching is required in Fire Separations
Access switch required i.e. Keypad, Card Reader
Egress switch is required i.e. push button,
motion detector
Two other optional components
Monitoring Device (e.g., sounder horn)
Monitoring Switch (e.g., door status switch)
Building must have a fire alarm system

55. Electromagnetic Lock Considerations
Fire Alarm Disconnect Power Supply
Magnet must release on loss of power to fire alarm
Building must have manual override/reset switch
Pull Station (DPDT if required)
Two other optional components
Monitoring Device (e.g., sounder horn)
Monitoring Switch (e.g., door status switch)
Emergency Exit Door Sign
Consult Authority Having Jurisdiction

56. DEMO!! PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED WITHIN 15 SECONDS
EMERGENCY EXIT
UNLOCKED
BY FIRE ALARM
DEMO!!
PUSH UNTIL
ALARM SOUNDS
DOOR CAN BE
OPENED WITHIN
15 SECONDS

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