What Is an Electric Strike?

If you have ever had a friend “buzz you in” to his or her apartment building, then you have encountered an electric strike. An electric strike is a very common security mechanism that allows someone inside a building to unlock a main entryway or office door from a distance. This allows people not only to know that their entryways are securely and permanently locked until they press the button, but also to save time and energy when letting someone into their building or office. This time and energy saving aspect can be particularly useful in large buildings with multiple levels.

One type of electric strike is referred to as “fail-safe”. Fail-safe electric strikes remain locked only while power is being supplied to them. In the case of a power outage, doors containing fail-safe electric strikes should have back-up mechanisms to keep them locked so that building security is not compromised.

The more common and secure type of electric strike is the “fail-secure”. Fail-secure strikes remain locked even when no power is being supplied to them. This type of strike has obvious benefits over its fail-safe counterpart, as no back-up locking mechanisms are required and building security is more easily maintained during power outages.

Another difference in electric strike design is in the type of current they use. Those that use AC current usually emit a loud buzzing sound when the door lock is disengaged. This sound is due to the current passing through the strike itself. Some people prefer a silent strike, and in that case DC current is used. The only sound associated with a DC powered electric strike will be the click of the door unlocking. Strikes operating on DC current can be equipped with a signal sound, however, if a sound emitting device is wired in parallel to the strike itself.