Tag: magnetic lock

Magnetic Locks on Fire Exits

Tuesday 2nd July 2024

Securing your building against unauthorized entry whilst maintaining a swift and safe fire escape can be challenging. Magnetic locks (also known as maglocks) are designed for this purpose, to provide secure access control into a building.

Magnetic locks
Access Control Systems & Magnetic Locks

How do magnetic door locks work?

Maglocks use a strong, electrically powered electromagnet to hold the door closed. If the power fails, or is interrupted by a fire alarm signal, the magnet loses power and releases the door. During normal use, the door is released by pressing an INSIDE button, with external keypad overrides available.

Magnetic lock kits

Magnetic door lock kits can include the following release methods:

  • Key fobs
  • Card reader units
  • Release switches
  • Digital keypads
  • Emergency break-glass units

Of course, if the fire alarm is activated, the maglocks will be released automatically in any system. The maglock devices are powered by a 12V power supply.

We have a range of magnetic access control kits that keep out uninvited guests. Linking up with fire detection units and releasing doors in the event of a fire. These kits also come ready to be installed by a qualified electrician.

For a range of other access door control equipment, take a look at our exit door security range.

To find out more about magnetic locks, contact our customer service team at 0800 612 6537 or email customeraccounts@safelincs.co.uk.

Locking Bedrooms for People with Behavioural Problems

Monday 14th October 2013

Safelincs has worked in conjunction with a local authority and the fire service to solve an issue that arose with a child suffering from severe emotional and behavioural problems.

The child resides with a foster family and everything in his bedroom has to be padded with any sharp objects removed to prevent him from harming himself. The same degree of prevention could not be carried out in the rest of the house which meant that the child needed to be confined to his bedroom at night.

The concern with locking a child or a person with behavioural problems in their bedroom is that if a fire should break out, the person would be trapped and unable to escape.

The solution was to fit a magnetic lock outside the child’s door. The strong electromagnet keeps the door closed, but if a smoke alarm anywhere in the house is triggered the electricity fails and the magnet loses power; releasing the door which can then be opened. There is a switch next to the bedroom door for opening of the door, as well as an override in the kitchen, so that the lock can be released manually at any point in time and from different parts of the building.

The bespoke solution was put together by Safelincs utilising existing products. The foster parents are now able to sleep in the knowledge that the child cannot come to harm in his own room.

“We worked closely with the fire service and the Children’s Services at the local authority,” explained Stuart Baxter. “Our solution could easily be replicated for people in similar circumstances.”