The Electromagnetic Lock

You've been to restaurants, bars, malls, office buildings and concert venues and seen them but perhaps you don't know very much about them. They are on practically all emergency exit doors around the world and because of them everyone you know and don't know are a little safer thanks to their invention.

The electromagnetic lock has surfaced to be one of the most beneficial and helpful items in security for locks. Its ability to function as a lock and to accommodate in times of emergencies is unrivaled.

Introduced in 1970 in the United States and used world wide, electromagnetic locks are often used to secure emergency exit doors.

The operation of an electromagnetic lock relies on most of the common basics of electromagnetism. The mechanism makes use of a magnetic field and is, in essence, an electromagnet with a force strong enough to prevent a door from being opened.

Since there are no interconnecting parts electromagnetic locks are much easier to install that most other locks. They are considered more durable than other locks since there are no interconnecting parts and the doors unlock immediately upon the power being cut, which is one feature that makes them ideal for emergency exits.

The locks are cost effective in comparison to other high security locks and while they differ from conventional mechanical locks in that work on magnetism and electricity they don't rely on the releasing of a latch or bolt for security.

Whereas many applications and needs for security will take one to the conventional mechanical lock, or even electric strikes some advantages of the electromagnetic lock is that they offer a quick operation and are incredibly durable not only for emergencies, but for offices with large amounts of traffic and other types of access control.

Electromagnetic locks are also very advantageous due to the fact that the locks are installed on the inside of the door and cannot be tampered with from the outside since no wiring or hardware is exposed from outside.

Due to the fact that these locks require electricity some fear that in the event of power failure or if in the case of a robbery attempt the burglar cuts the power the doors will be rendered useless. This fear can, in most cases of electromagnetic locks, be put to rest as they usually have back up batteries installed when or if such incidences arise.

The only disadvantage here is that if power is interrupted due to power failure it could cause some security concerns, however if power failure occurs and a quick exit is required the door is already open and people will be allowed to exit safely as opposed to electric strikes which can be made to remain locked in the event of power failure.

While the electromagnetic lock is simple in terms of a locking device its application is a welcome addition to the world of security and safety in the locksmith industry.

Whenever you are in a place and notice the emergency exit you can feel safer knowing that an electromagnetic lock is on the door.