Magnetic lock on the front door: selection criteria and installation diagram

Old mechanical locks are often replaced with more modern magnetic designs. But they must be correctly selected and installed. All the necessary information must be studied before purchasing a locking device.

When choosing a set for locking the front door, you must pay attention, first of all, to the holding force. It is customary among engineers to measure this force in kilograms. The most powerful locks develop forces from 1000 kg. In the lines of individual manufacturers, the difference between the nearest models is 50 or 100 kg. On the front door, in contrast to the interior door, it is imperative to put a lock with a working force of at least 250 kg.

But besides the working effort, it is necessary to pay attention to the residual magnetization. Often it appears due to errors in operation or due to errors in the selection of the device. Normally, the residual magnetization should not exceed 2 kg. For everything to work normally, you also need to carefully select the power supply for the lock. The main parts of the electromagnetic lock mechanism are as follows:

• frame;
• core;
• winding.

Most often, the core is glued using transformer sheet steel. The preference for this material allows the residual stress to be reduced. The same function has a special type of paints and varnishes. But it is important to understand that it is impossible to remove the remaining current by 100%. Almost always, the working element of an electromagnetic lock is formed from a set of plates assembled like the letter Ш.

But in some cases, a monolithic core is used. It is bad because it accumulates residual stress much more than usual. Therefore, in addition to the usual components, a large capacitor is certainly included in the electrical circuit of the lock. It must be at least 200 μF. As for the winding of the core, it is, in essence, a coil formed by winding a copper enamelled wire.

Magnetic lock cases are mainly made of aluminum. Stainless steel is also widely used. But plastic is used quite a bit. Even the best options can hardly be called reliable and durable. When the electromagnetic lock is triggered, the magnets associated with the winding are interlocked. A current of 5 W is enough for the holding force to exceed 150 kg.

When the voltage is disconnected, the lock opens. From an electrical point of view, an alternating current oscillating circuit appears inside it. Discharge due to the presence of a capacitor is carried out only through the winding. This process is accompanied by a change in the polarity of the magnet. The remaining current is spent for magnetization reversal. But if the capacitor is broken, it will become much more difficult to open the door. The only way out is to replace parts. The part must be of the same type. It is placed parallel to the terminals.

A high-quality magnetic lock can work completely silently. Since there are relatively few moving parts in it, the working resource increases significantly. Such a device can be easily combined with the following devices:

• intercoms;
• panels for entering codes;
• call buttons;
• other auxiliary devices.

In addition, magnetic locks are attractive in appearance. They look quite modern and harmoniously fit into the most sophisticated interior. However, it should be taken into account that the devices take up a lot of space and are heavier than mechanical analogs of a comparable class. They are also very dependent on the power supply. If the lock is broken, further penetration inside is greatly simplified for intruders.

You can often hear that dependence on electricity is a definite disadvantage. But it is difficult to agree with this. Indeed, in the event of a fire or other emergency, when the door is de-energized, it opens by itself. This greatly increases the chances of salvation.

The classification of magnetic locks on the front door can be carried out on two grounds: how the product is locked and how it is controlled. Closing the front door most often occurs according to a retaining scheme. The anchor of the electromagnetic constipation acts on the separation. Most of these locks are made overhead. The low popularity of mortise devices is associated with a low coupling force. The sliding electromagnetic lock works by shifting the armature. Almost all such devices are installed according to the cut-in scheme; they can be installed only in strict accordance with the instructions.

There are also two types of magnetic locks based on the control principle. Devices with Hall sensors, which are special microcircuits, require power supply. If sealed contacts (so-called reed switches) are used, the lock can be operated even without power supply. Only the magnet itself is required - it allows you to create the desired voltage. There is one more division of magnetic locks - according to the method of installation, they can be as follows:

• waybills;
• mortise;
• partially mortise.

The electronic lock is able not only to register the closure of the passage, but also to issue a signal (sound or light notification). To open the door, you will have to have an electronic key. Only overhead locks are placed on the glass door. Special designs can provide a secure fit. Wooden and metal canvases can be equipped with any locks.

Important: only shear locks are placed on the swing door, providing powerful retention.

Door locks with an access card are widely used. It is these systems that are popular in offices, hotels and other public places, because they allow you to control large flows of people. Opening with a card is as fast as possible. Unlike traditional mechanical products, it is impossible to break an electromagnetic lock (in the usual sense of the word). The device will only accept a signal supplied by a special device. Minimizing the number of mechanical parts reduces the risk of breakage. A battery is almost always included in the package.

Sliding locks can be placed inside the curtain. They do not occupy the opening. If the device is equipped with a Hall sensor, you can only find out when you open the mechanism or read the technical documentation. An external examination will not allow any conclusions to be drawn - even if a specialist is invited. The advantages of locks with such sensors are as follows:

• the ability to determine the number of people who passed through the door;
• increased resistance to burglary;
• minimal susceptibility to wear and tear;
• immunity to temperature surges;
• resistance to high humidity;
• the impossibility of opening the mechanism with master keys.

It should be borne in mind that electromagnetic locks may not have electronic components. Such versions are much easier for humans. The magnetic lock case must be marked with ML symbols and numbers. The numbers indicate the mass required to swing the door open. If this information is not available, it is better to refuse the purchase altogether.

The selection of a magnetic locking device is quite simple. Pull-off force is the key parameter. It must necessarily exceed the mass of the serviced door leaf. The active type of the castle is needed mainly for office, retail, administrative and work premises. It is these devices that are distinguished by excellent wear resistance, even with intensive use. Systems working with identifiers are able to reduce the door opening time. This significantly increases the throughput.

As always, when choosing locks, attention must be paid to the reputation of the manufacturer. It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the standard power supply mode, with the operating temperature range. It is also worth considering the dimensions of the device - they can interfere with its installation in a particular case. The locks with double insulation of the case demonstrate the greatest resistance to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, consider the current consumption and the mounting method. It is not advisable to install locks with uninterruptible power supplies on all doors. It is wrong to focus on the price of a product - it is evaluated only last. And, of course, it is necessary to study the feedback on a particular model.

It is quite simple to install a retention type mortise electromagnetic lock. The mechanism is applied to the door leaf. When an overlay is installed, it absorbs part of the opening. That is why mortise structures are better than overhead structures. Installation and adjustment of the mechanism should be done only with the current turned off. The fact is that the installers will have to touch the parts that let the electricity through. If you need to install on a metal door without drilling a reinforced format and on an armored door of an electromagnetic lock, choose structures with the greatest holding force.

Before starting work, you need to prepare the following tools:

• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• nippers;
• building level;
• fastening tool;
• roulette.

You can put the electromagnetic lock both vertically and horizontally. But in both cases, it is necessary to step back a little from the door hinges. It is easy to determine exactly where to put the counter plate - for this, the main part of the device is placed on the canvas. It is worth noting that it will be possible to fix the part itself correctly only under the condition of preliminary marking. The pins help to keep the mating part most reliably.

Drilling is not always possible. If it is still required, you should first check if the drill diameter matches the hole in the stencil. When the holes are prepared, the plate is pressed against the canvas using screws and several washers for each screw: steel and rubber. Such a solution will allow the fastening system to swing slightly. Therefore, the core will fit as tightly as possible.

Next, determine where the corner should be located. This is done by reattaching the main part of the mechanism to the anchor element. The hexagon will help to move the plate into the desired plane. Check if everything is well located, you need to loosen the bolt, which will help free the counter plate. Normally, it is placed strictly parallel to the base.

If it is necessary to put a magnetic lock on a glass door, the contacts must be wound inside. The steel plate is not needed, it is replaced with a corner in the shape of the letter Z. It is assumed that the door will open into the room. If you need to put a magnetic lock on a jamb that is not wide enough, corner pads are required. When they are exposed, the lock core is pressed against the jamb. If it is required to unlock the door towards the locking device, the contact pad together with the plate is placed in the upper horizontal segment of the canvas, which is also done using corner strips. The electrical components are connected in strict accordance with the markings.

The installation of a magnetic lock on a plastic door has its own characteristics. It is impossible to install a conventional lock by means of a mortise method; this can damage the canvas. For PVC doors, only specialized models should be used. The difference between any lock for a plastic door is its lightweight design. It is recommended to entrust the installation to professionals, who must also choose the right product.

The magnetic lock can be installed on a wooden vestibule door. In this case, the holding force should vary from 100 to 300 kg. Only locks with a Hall sensor need to be installed on the swing door. Accessories, corners and mounting plates are determined by the door model and opening arrangement. It should be noted that Electromagnetic locks must not be installed on a fire door in principle.

In the next video, you will find the installation of an electromagnetic lock.