Maglocks That Hold. Code That Passes. Fire Code Built In.

A fail-safe maglock unlocks automatically when power is cut. It requires continuous power to stay locked. NFPA 101 and the International Building Code mandate fail-safe operation for every door on a path of egress: main entries, corridor doors, stairwell doors. When the fire alarm pulls power, the door opens. A fail-secure lock remains locked during a power loss, which keeps a secured room closed during an outage. Fail-secure is only permitted on non-egress interior doors such as server rooms or storage closets, and even those must unlock on fire alarm activation via a relay module. We verify which mode is code-compliant for each opening before we quote.

Standard commercial single-door applications require 600 lb maglocks. Aluminum storefront doors, glass doors, and wood interior doors all fall in this range. High-traffic exterior doors and healthcare or pharmaceutical areas with elevated security requirements typically use 1,200 lb models. Outdoor gates and perimeter applications should use weatherproof 1,200 lb units rated IP65 or better. Shear maglocks mortised into the frame top are used where concealment matters and where shear-force geometry outperforms pull-force at the door gap. We size holding force to door weight, traffic volume, and the access control system's release timing.

Yes, with conditions. The maglock must be fail-safe and wired to release automatically when the fire alarm activates. UL-listed fire-rated assemblies accept maglocks when the door is also equipped with a listed request-to-exit device and the power supply is configured to drop on alarm. The door itself must remain fire-rated as an assembly; the maglock and its mounting hardware must not compromise the rating. We specify UL-listed hardware for fire-rated openings and coordinate with the fire alarm contractor on the relay interface. Final installation is inspected against IBC Section 1010 and NFPA 101 Chapter 7 requirements.

A request-to-exit (REX) device allows someone inside the building to open an egress door without triggering an alarm. For a fail-safe maglock, the REX interrupts power to the magnet for 10 to 30 seconds so the door can swing open. Common REX types include passive infrared motion sensors mounted above the door, touchless wave-to-exit switches, and mechanical push-button stations. On egress doors, a REX is not optional. NFPA 101 Section 7.2.1.6 requires that occupants can exit without special knowledge or effort. A door that stays locked until someone badges out fails that test. We specify and install the right REX type for each door's geometry and traffic pattern.

No. The holding force of a maglock comes from the precisely aligned contact between the electromagnet face and the steel armature plate. An external magnet applied to the outside of the door does not align with or reinforce that contact surface. It has no mechanical path to reduce holding force. High-security models add bond sensors that detect if the armature plate separates from the magnet under load and trigger an alarm output. Properly installed maglocks with a quality power supply are not vulnerable to magnet-based attacks.

Release time is typically 100 to 300 milliseconds from a valid credential presentation to power cut. The access control panel reads the credential, authorizes it, and signals the power supply relay to open. Higher-quality systems with local relay modules on each door release faster than systems where every decision routes through a central panel over a network. For high-throughput doors such as hospital corridors or school entry points, we specify local relay modules to keep release times below 200 milliseconds.

Minimal. Clean the magnet and armature surfaces twice a year with a dry cloth to remove dust that reduces holding force. Test the REX device and door position switch monthly to confirm they interrupt power correctly. Test fire alarm integration annually with the fire alarm contractor. Inspect power supply terminals for corrosion and verify battery backup holds charge. Maglocks have no moving parts to lubricate or replace. A typical commercial maglock lasts 10 to 15 years with this routine. We offer preventive maintenance contracts that include all testing, reporting, and priority dispatch.

A single-door standard 600 lb maglock with power supply, PIR request-to-exit sensor, door position switch, and up to 50 feet of wiring runs approximately $700 to $1,000 installed. A 1,200 lb unit with UPS battery backup, fire alarm interface, and conduit routing typically runs $900 to $1,400. Outdoor gate maglocks in weatherproof enclosures range from $1,100 to $1,800 depending on gate type and conduit run length. Multi-door installations receive volume pricing. Exact quotes require a site assessment because conduit routing, fire alarm interface complexity, and existing wiring chase access vary significantly by building.