1: Identify the customer's needs Grading criteria for electric strikes and

for security locksets include:

When it comes to making a decision • Cycle testing - electric strike is cycled

about electric strikes, you have a choice. with compatible hardware at a rate
The prices range from about $30 to over not to exceed 30 cycles per minute
Figure 1.3
$300. It is imperative that you choose an (See figure1.3)
electric strike based on your customer's
Grade 1 needs rather than on price alone. • Static strength testing - with the
500,000 Cycles
1500 lbs
electric strike in the locked position,
70 Ft lb Frequently, a tremendous amount of continuous force is applied to a
money is put into the access control sys- specified point on a door at a rate not
tem, but when it comes to the electric slower than 10 pounds-force (44N) nor
Grade 2
300,000 Cycles strike, corners are cut. faster than 20 pounds-force (90 N) per
1000 lbs second until the rated static strength
50 Ft lb
Don't install an electric strike just is reached and held for 1 minute prior
because it is the cheapest product on the to separation (See figure 1.4)
Grade 3 market.
100,000 Cycles • Dynamic strength testing - a ram is
500 lbs
33 Ft lb What happens if that product fails soon used to deliver 5 impacts at a specified
after it is installed? You may only have to point on a door at the rated dynamic
BHMA Grading spend $30 or $40 to replace the electric strength (See figure 1.5)
strike, but how much time will you spend
going back to the site? How much is your When selecting an electric strike for an
Figure 1.4 time worth? opening be aware of the grading being
used on all of the door hardware, it must
Performance tests have been established be consistent or meet required specifica-
to ensure safety, security, and stability to tions. For an opening to meet a particular
which the public is entitled. grading all the associated products must
meet the same grading. Other wise, the
Performance and durability levels are opening takes on the rating of the product
governed by industry standards estab- with the lowest grading. The amount of
lished by organizations such as the usage an opening receives can help
American National Standards Institute determine the grading an opening
Static strength testing (ANSI), Builder's Hardware requires.* (HES offers a variety of grade 1
Manufacturers Association (BHMA), and solutions, see page 16)
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
The electric strike is the pivotal piece of
Figure 1.5 These written descriptions and criteria locking hardware for an opening.
precisely define the appropriate opera- However much may be spent on the
tion, performance characteristics, physi- access control system, the door, or the
cal properties, test values, usage parame- frame; the electric strike is the physical
ters, safety criteria, and other factors of control that keeps the opening secure.
builder's hardware products. BHMA is the
only U.S. organization accredited by ANSI In addition to these issues, think about
to develop and maintain performance how your customer will perceive your
standards for builder's hardware. services. Isn't it important for your cus-
tomer to think of you as the one who will
Dynamic strength testing Lockset hardware and electric strikes fall get it right the first time? Provide quality
under the same ANSI/BHMA product products and service so that your cus-
grading. Performance level benchmarks tomer, your greatest marketing resource,
are defined by ANSI/BHMA standards will refer you to others.
and are assigned Grades 1, 2, or 3 - with
Grade 1 being the highest.

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 2

 2: Determine the type of lockset When you are dealing with existing door
that the electric strike will inter- hardware, you should choose an electric
act with: Cylindrical, Mortise, or strike that will perform the same function
Exit Device? as the strike plate supplied with the lock.
(After all an electric strike without elec-
Figure 1.6 tricity is nothing more than an expensive
An understanding of the basic relation-
strike plate). To properly match the two,
ship between the lockset and electric
you only need to know five basic principles.
latchbolt strike is the next essential step in deter-
mining what type of electric strike to use.
1) Understand the type of bolt or bolts on
the lock.
There are three main types of locksets:
cylindrical, mortise, and exit devices. There are as many as three components
Knowing what type of lockset is being to some locksets, the latch bolt, deadlatch
deadlatch used is important when selecting an elec- and deadbolt. Remember, the electric
tric strike. strike will need to provide the same func-
Cylindrical lockset
tion as the strike plate provided with the
A cylindrical lockset is a bored lockset is lockset. Therefore, a basic understanding
designed to fit in a cylindrical hole. of the lock is an important requirement
Cylindrical is the most common lockset when choosing an electric strike.
and it is used in the largest variety of
applications from residential to commer- • A latch bolt is a spring loaded bolt that
Figure 1.7 cial. (See Figure 1.6) is ramped on the closing side to enable
it to be depressed upon the closing of
TIP: An easy way to recognize a the door. The bolt then will spring
cylindrical lockset is by verifying the
outward when positioned over the
deadbolt height of the faceplate on the edge of
the door to be 2 ¼"
strike cavity to secure the door.
latchbolt
• A deadbolt is a bolt that must be
A mortise lockset is a lockset the case of manually extended into the strike
deadlatch which is designed to fit in a mortise in the cavity to secure and lock a door. The
edge of a door. The term "mortise" is a deadbolt must similarly be manually
Mortise lockset wood worker's term referring to a rectan- retracted from the strike cavity to
gle cavity cut into a piece of wood to unlock a door.
receive a mating tenon (as in a mortise
joint). This is a heavy duty lockset used • A deadlatch is designed to work in
often in commercial or industrial applica- conjunction with the latch bolt. When
tions. This lockset may have multiple bolts the deadlatch is depressed, it locks the
to interact with. Tip: an easy way to rec- latch bolt in the extended position. If
Figure 1.8
ognize a mortise lockset is by verifying the deadlatch is not depressed, the
the height of the faceplate on the edge of latch bolt can be retracted with a
the door to be around 8". (See Figure 1.7) credit card.
housing cover
pullman style
latch
An exit device is a lockset whose latch ANSI specifications dictate the dimen-
mechanism releases in the direction of sions for the body of a mortise lock and
egress via a bar or panel extending its components, but they don't state how
crash bar
across the major width of the door. This the latch bolt, deadlatch and deadbolt are
lockset often uses Pullman style latches to be arranged on the lock. Therefore,
which are types of latches which pivot most of the manufacturers design their
Exit device
like a hinge and whose locking side is mortise locks in slightly different configu-
rounded. Exit devices are used mainly in rations. This makes it important to know
commercial or industrial applications to which lockset manufacturer you are using
meet Life Safety or Fire Protection codes. when choosing an electric strike to
(See Figure 1.8) accommodate these locks.

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 3

 2) Whether to use a mortised electric below the center line of the electric
strike or a surface mounted electric strike. Some electric strikes require the
strike should be based on the type of proper handing to line up properly, but
hardware on the door. many now are non-handed.

Figure 1.9 The term "mortise lock" stems from the Figures 1.10 and 1.11 show the difference
rectangle shape of the lock body and the in the placement of a cylindrical lock vs. a
rectangle cavity required in the edge of mortise lock with an electric strike.
Door stop
the door for installation.
5) Align the electric strike to properly
Similarly, when an electric strike is depress the deadlatch.
Face installed in a door frame so that the face
ANSI
Dust box plate is "flush" with the rabbet of the Many locksets also have deadlatches. A
frame, it is referred to as a mortise instal- deadlatch is a latch in which the latch
Strike lip lation. Mortise electric strikes are used to bolt is positively held in the projected
accommodate most types of locksets, position by an auxiliary mechanism. This
including mortise locks, cylindrical locks, latch functions as an "anti-pick" device to
cylindrical deadbolts and unit locks. prevent tampering. Accommodating a
Door rabbet lockset with a latch bolt and a deadlatch,
A "surface mounted" electric strike is the electric strike must be designed to
Door jamb description
mounted on the surface or soffit of the properly depress the deadlatch. Failure to
door frame. These electric strikes are do so will compromise the security of the
used to accommodate "rim" (or surface) lockset.
mounted exit devices and surface mount-
Figure 1.10 ed latch bolts and deadbolts. Oftentimes 3: Determine the type of frame
these electric strikes are not completely the electric strike will be
surface mounted. The faceplate will be installed into: Hollow-metal,
surface mounted, but the body of the Aluminum, or Wood
C
electric strike will still need to be mor-
L

ELECTRIC tised into the frame. There are basically three types of frames
C STRIKE
LOCK
L
(See Figure 1.9) that will be encountered in the field - hol-
low metal (steel), aluminum, and wood.
3) The electric strike must have correct
Cylindrical lock aligned with its cavity depth to accommodate the lock. Hollow metal frames are the most com-
centerline equal to the centerline of the
electric strike
mon type of frame. If the electric strike is
Latch bolts have various lengths (or pro- being installed into a hollow-metal frame,
jections) so it is important to choose an almost any electric strike will work.
electric strike with the correct cavity However, there is an old adage about
Figure 1.11 depth to accommodate the latch bolt. Any "hollow-metal" frames and that is: "hollow-
electric strike selected should have the metal rarely is." What this means is, "hol-
cavity positioned to match up with the low-metal" door frames are usually not
bolt of the lockset. hollow - they are often filled with con-
C crete or other materials. This is required
L
LOCK 3/8"
C
L
4) The center lines of the lock and to stabilize the door frame.
ELECTRIC
STRIKE electric strike should line up properly
3/8"
OFFSET
based on the type of lock. Have you ever tried to install an electric
strike with a solenoid protruding from it?
It is important to evaluate whether or not It is not difficult to do if the door frame is
Mortise lock aligned with its the type of lockset used is on center with truly "hollow." It becomes very difficult if
centerline 3/8” below the centerline of
the electric strike cavity. For example, the the frame is not "hollow." Many electric
the electric strike
center line of a cylindrical lock should strikes today have an internal solenoid
match up with the center line of the elec- making them easy to install. In many
tric strike cavity, whereas the center line applications, building codes prevent the
of the mortise lock is positioned 3/8" installation of an electric strike designed

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 4

 with an external solenoid, when the Fail safe is when the power fails, the
installation penetrates the drywall. unlocked opening is safe to enter and
Aluminum frames usually encase glass, exit, the electric strike requires power to
both in the door itself and in the adjoining lock.
walls. Many times the glass is encased
Figure 1.12 within 1-1/4" of the surface of the frame, Different applications will require either
making the overall depth of the electric fail secure or fail safe electric strikes. If
strike important. Selecting an electric the door is "fire fated," a fail secure elec-
strike that is compact enough to be tric strike is necessary. This type of door
installed in these frames without cutting is a barrier door. If the door is classified
into the glass can save you money and as a "life safety" door, the operation of the
time in the field. electric strike must be fail safe to allow
free egress.
Wood frame installations present many of
the same concerns as you might find with If ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
internal solenoid
concrete filled metal frames. Using an laws apply to the door, an audible (buzzer)
electric strike that is compact or has an or visual (LED) indication of the door sta-
internal solenoid can help with the ease tus may also be necessary. Always verify
of installation. local codes and regulations that must be
met when selecting an electric strike.
external solenoid
4: Assess the voltage requirements
SECTION II
Internal vs. external solenoid
Electric strikes come in a variety of volt- Basic Tools Used in Electric
ages with 12 and 24 being the most com- Strike Installation
mon. If no system is present, you can
choose the voltage and design your sys- Various tools are used in the installation
tem around it. of an electric strike. Your choice of tools
will depend on your personal preference
Many people choose 12 volts because of and the type of installation you are doing.
the easy access to batteries to back-up
the system. A good reason to choose 24 The following is a list of the most com-
volts is due to a lower current draw to monly used tools and some points of
allow multiple strikes with one power interest about them. All of these tools
source. (See Section IV, Understanding require varying degrees of skill or prac-
Basic Electronics.) tice and can be used with a variety of tool
bits depending on the application and kind
5: Identify the codes and of cut. Always wear a protective shield or
requirements for the place of glasses when using these tools.
installation
Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) - a portable
Local building codes and requirements power saw with a reciprocating blade, (a
are always an important consideration blade that moves alternately backward
when specifying an electric strike. and forward)
• Moderate cutting speed and accuracy.
Codes regarding Life Safety or Fire • Good for hollow metal and aluminum
Protection will dictate how the electric frame.
strike must function, such as fail secure
or fail safe. Die Grinder - heavy duty rotary tool
• Ideal for hollow metal and concrete
Fail secure means when the power fails filled metal frames.
the opening remains secure. In other • Easy to over-cut installation.
words, the electric strike requires power • Leaves a slight burn mark around the
to unlock. cutout (approximately 1/16" to 1/8").

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 5

 Dremel Tool - lightweight rotary tool Q: Will the electric strike fit into the door
• Very slow but provides a clean cutout. frame or the inactive door in a double
• Best to use for small repetitive surface door application?
cuts. Q: Is the electric strike the correct func-
• Ideal for hollow metal or concrete filled tion, fail secure or fail safe, to meet the
Figure 3.1 metal frames. codes and the application?
• Ideal for fine or small cutting areas (i.e. Q: Is the electric strike the correct voltage
cutting out the dust box in a metal for the system?
frame).
Most electric strike manufactures provide
C
L Jig Saw - a sawing machine with a nar- templates to aid in the installation of their
ELECTRIC
C
L
STRIKE row, vertically reciprocating saw, used to electric strikes. By investing a little time
LOCK
cut curved and irregular lines, or orna - getting to know the product before you
mental patterns in openwork begin cutting the door frame, you can
• Moderate cutting speed and accuracy. avoid many hidden surprises.
Cylindrical lock aligned with its
centerline equal to the centerline of the
• Good for hollow metal and aluminum
electric strike frames. Installing an electric strike

Router - a machine with a revolving verti- 1) Mark the centerline of the lockset on
cal spindle and cutter for milling out the the frame where the strike will be
surface of wood or metal installed.
• Easy to over-cut installation. This will allow you to properly align the
Figure 3.2 • Ideal for wood and aluminum frames. electric strike with the lockset.
*Note: Installation jigs are available (See Figures 3.1 and 3.2)
through specialty companies to aid in
routing aluminum frame installations. 2). Use the manufacturer's instructions
C
• Very messy - the router will spread (supplied with the electric strike) to meas-
L
LOCK 3/8"
C
L debris over a large area. ure and mark the appropriate dimensions
ELECTRIC
STRIKE
on the door frame as specified.
3/8"
OFFSET
INSTALLER'S TIP: It is often beneficial
SECTION III to first put masking tape on the door
Electric Strike Installation frame where you will be installing the
Mortise lock aligned with its
electric strike. This serves two impor-
centerline 3/8” below the centerline of
the electric strike Before you begin any type of installation, tant functions: 1) You can mark dimen-
sions directly on the masking tape,
it is important to become familiar with the
which makes them easier to see in
specific electric strike that you will be low-light conditions, 2) The masking
installing. Therefore, review the manufac- tape protects the frame surface from
turer's installation instructions and tem- being scratched during the installation
plate. process.

Make sure the electric strike selected is 3) Using one of the tools described in
the right one for the application. Section II, carefully cut out the required
section or sections of the frame, as noted
By taking the time to answer these five in the manufacturer's electric strike
simple questions, you will be able to installation instructions.
choose the best electric strike for your
application. If the frame has already been equipped
with a standard ANSI 4-7/8" strike prep,
Q: Will the electric strike stand up to the you will want to use an ANSI 4-7/8" elec-
usage frequency and durability require- tric strike. In this type of installation, you
ments of the application? will need to cut out a small section of the
Q: Will the electric strike fully accommo- face of the frame as specified in the man-
date the lockset? ufacturer's instructions. This cutout is an
extension of the 3-3/8" ANSI "Lip" of the

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 6

 frame, onto the frame face, which will be The electric strike chosen for a wood
cut from 5/8" to 2-1/2", depending on the frame installation will only be as strong as
Figure 3.3 electric strike selected. (See Figure 3.3) its ability to be secured to the wood.
STRIKE
Therefore, you may want to select an
PLATE
In most metal frame applications, a sec- electric strike with a longer face plate.
VERTICAL
CENTERLINE
tion of the ANSI dust box will also need to This will allow you to place the mounting
12-24 UNC
THREADS
be removed to allow enough room (depth) screws further away from the electric
STRIKE
3/8
[9.53]
for the electric strike to be installed. It is strike cutout, where they can be better
3/4
[19.05]
important to remove only the bottom sec- secured into the wood. (See Figure 3.5)
3-3/8
4-1/8
[104.77]
tion of the dust box, so that the welded
[85.73]
mounting tab sections remain in place. If INSTALLER TIP: To obtain the best
3-1/2
4-7/8
[123.83] [88.9]
the metal frame was not equipped with an results when preparing a wood frame
for an electric strike installation; cut a
ANSI frame preparation or if the ANSI
1/4" area around the inside of the tem-
3/8 dust box is completely removed, then you plate dimensions first with a wood
[9.53]
will need to install mounting tabs in the chisel or router for a clean finished
frame for the electric strike. edge. The bulk of the material can
5/8
[15.88]
If the frame is hollow, then the electric then be removed quickly, using a
1-1/4
[31.8]
strike should be easy to insert into the power drill and auger bit. It can then
Standard ANSI 4-7/8” strike preparation frame preparation. However, if the frame be finished with a wood chisel.
is wood or has been filled with concrete
Figure 3.5 or other materials, you will need to create Aluminum frames are made in many dif-
a cavity large enough to install the elec- ferent styles. The electric strike may be
tric strike. This can be accomplished with positioned close to the edge (the face) of
a hammer and chisel by simply chipping the frame, similar to that of a metal frame
away the material. In more difficult cases installation. Or, the electric strike may be
3-3/8 you may find hardened concrete filling the positioned a distance away from the edge
1-1/2 [85.72]
[38.10] frame. This type of installation may of the frame, similar to that of a wood
10
[254.00] require the use of a "hammer drill" or frame. These installations will also require
3/32 other devices to remove the required that an extended lip be added to the front
[2.38]
material. of the electric strike to accommodate the
1-1/16 11/16
[26.99] [17.46] 1-3/8 longer reveal. (See Figure 3.6)
[34.92] INSTALLER TIP: To obtain the best
results, always cut well inside the
lines and use a metal file to finish off
Installing a surface mounted electric
Reveal
the cutout. strike to accommodate a surface mounted
Typical Wood Frame Installation: A section exit device
of a wood door frame with a typical electric In both of these situations it is easy to
strike preparation understand why you should select an
Figure 3.6
electric strike with an internally mounted INSTALLER TIP: Cutting a aluminum
solenoid. An electric strike with a protrud- frame with a router or a jigsaw can be
ing solenoid would be very difficult to very messy and noisy. Spread out a
install in these frames. drop cloth in front of your work area
to capture the aluminum chips and
bring a vacuum to clean up after your
An important difference between a metal
installation. Wear eye and ear protec-
frame and a wood frame is the reveal of tion when performing this installation.
the frame. This refers to the distance the
electric strike is set back into the frame
away from the frame face. Many wood When trying to accommodate a surface
frame installations require the addition of mounted exit device, the electric strike
an extended lip to the front of the electric must replace the existing strike plate to
strike to accommodate the longer reveal. perform the same function. Be aware of
Additionally, many wood frames have a the clearance between the housing cover
decorative wood trim, which extends the of the exit device and the frame; these
Typical Aluminum Frame Installation: A actual reveal even further. dimensions may vary between 7/8" (steel
section of an aluminum frame with a
frame) and 5/8" (aluminum frame) depend-
typical electric strike preparation

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 7

 ing upon the backset of the exit device. electronic layout of an access control
Surface mounted electric strikes can system can remove the complexity of all
accommodate the clearance with ¾" the components involved.
Figure 3.7 (steel frame) and/or ½" (aluminum frame)
face plates. (See Figure 3.7) It may often seem as if one needs to be
an electrical engineer when faced with all
housing cover Installing an electric strike in the inactive of the electrical terminology associated
pullman style door of a double door application with access control systems; but with a
little electrical background and a basic
Installing an electric strike in the inactive understanding of an electric circuit the
door of a pair of doors is very similar to electronic side of access control can
installing the unit in a metal or wood become simple.
frame. Typically the door thickness should
Exit device be 1 3/4”. Whether your door is metal or In any type of electrical or electronic
wood, the electric strike will be positioned equipment or circuitry there are three pri-
the same. It will be installed in the edge of mary and basic electrical quantities:
the door in a similar fashion to how it Voltage, Current, and Resistance.
Figure 3.8 appears in an ANSI metal frame. This type Without going into all of the physics and
of installation does require a little extra atomic history behind these quantities
1-3/16" 1-1/4"
[30.18] [31.75]
5/8
attention. There will only be about 1/8" they can be explained simply.
[15.88]
remaining between the electric strike
cutout and the outside of the door. Voltage is the amount of energy available
3-3/8"
[85.72] However, this is a very typical electric to move a certain number of electrons
4-7/8"
[123.82] strike installation and can be mastered (negatively charged subatomic particles
Feed through
with a little practice. (See Figure 3.8) in everything) from one point to another in
for wires
5/32"
an electric circuit. Simply, voltage is the
[3.96]
An electric strike installation in an inac- driving force in electric circuits and is
tive door requires the installer to bring the what establishes current. The unit of volt-
power to the electric strike. This is age is the volt, symbolized by V or mathe-
accomplished by installing a power trans- matically symbolized by E for electromo-
fer, such as an electrified hinge or a tive force.
Typical Double Door Installation: An electric
strike preparation in a standard 1 3/4”
power cord, from the frame to the door.
inactive door with a double door application The installer must then drill a hole through Current is the flow of electrons through
the door (horizontally) and install power an electrical conductor. In all conductive
leads inside the door up to the electric or semiconductive materials there are
strike cutout. Note: If the door is a fire free electrons available that will flow if a
rated door, then you should check with voltage is placed across the material. The
your local fire marshal before you begin movement of the free electrons from the
installing the electric strike. Otherwise, negative end of the material to the posi-
you might void the door's rating and vio- tive end is the electrical current.
late the building codes. Essentially, voltage causes current. The
unit of current is the ampere (or amp for
short), symbolized by A or mathematically
SECTION IV symbolized by I for intesity of current.
Understanding Basic Electronics
Resistance is the opposition to current
Every year, the access control industry (the flow of electrons). Simply, resistance
brings a host of new electronic products is the property of a material that restricts
to the marketplace. Electric strikes are the flow of electrons. The unit of resist-
one product in an array of electronic ance is the ohm, symbolized by the Greek
devices. Trying to keep up with the latest letter omega ( ) or mathematically sym-
power supply, proximity reader, or biomet- bolized by R for resistance.
rics systems can be very intimidating or
confusing, but understanding the basic

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 8

 One of the most important and fundamen- The Locking Device is the pivotal electri-
tal laws in the fields of electricity is the cal component in the access control cir-
basic relationship between voltage, cur- cuit, which can be a variety of items
rent, and resistance which can be including electrified locksets, magnetic
Figure 4.1 expressed mathematically in Ohm's law. locks or electric strikes. An important
(See Figure 4.1) electrical factor when considering the
locking device is that every electric lock-
Voltage is often referred to in respect to ing device is designed to operate at a
E
WR
R
the type of current it causes. If the elec- specific voltage while drawing a specific
W W
I R
trons move around a circuit in the same current.
direction at all times, the current is said to
IR E I W
be Direct Current (DC). DC voltage is a The Power Source for an access control
(VOLTS) (AMPS) E
steady and constant voltage. Batteries system can be a simple plug in the wall
E R W EI
I (OHMS) (WATTS) are the most common example of DC volt- transformer to complex regulated power
W
age power sources. If the electrons are supplies with built-in logic circuitry. When
I 2R
I2 E2 E2 continually changing direction from choosing a power source for an access
W R moment to moment from one way and control system it is important to select
then the opposite way, the voltage is one that can provide the correct type of
alternating its polarity from negative to voltage and amount of current at a specif-
Diagram of Ohm’s Law positive, the current is said to be ic voltage needed to operate any electri-
Alternating Current (AC). AC voltage is cal devices being powered.
not a constant voltage as it continuously
Figure 4.2 increases and decreases continuously The Control for an access control system,
changing its polarity from positive to like the power source, can range from the
+
negative thereby affecting the resulting simple to the complex. You might find a
Voltage time
current. simple switch, like a doorbell button, a
- complex biometrics system, like a retinal
AC Voltage waveform A cycle of AC voltage is the combined scanner with built-in timer functions, or
+
positive and negative alternation. Cycles something in between. Essentially, the
are measured per second with the unit control is a device that manipulates or
Voltage time

Hertz, symbolized by Hz. Typically AC volt- controls the flow of electricity through the
-
age power sources are 50/60 Hz (cycles circuit. The important factor when choos-
AC Voltage rectified to DC Voltage waveform per second). Generators or power gener- ing the control system in relation to an
+ ating plants are the most common exam- electric strike will be whether it is rated
Voltage time
ple of AC voltage power sources. Thus, to handle the maximum voltage and cur-
every electrical wall outlet is AC voltage. rent requirements of all the devices being
-

DC Voltage waveform
(See Figure 4.2) controlled.

AC/DC voltage A basic electric circuit is an arrangement The Conductor for an access control sys-
of components that use voltage, current tem is the wiring that interconnects all of
Figure 4.3
and resistance to perform some function. the components together to complete the
An electric circuit can be represented by circuit. There are various types of wires
a schematic, a diagram that represents and cables, but the essential factor to
Control the interconnection of components. consider is whether it can carry sufficient
Power Locking voltage and current from the power
Source Device

Conductor
The basic access control circuit is com- source over the distance required to all of
posed of the Locking Device, the Power the electrical components in the circuit.
Source, the Control, and the Conductor Note: Always check with local code
that interconnects all of the components. requirements regarding wire
No matter how complex an access con- specifications.
Basic access control circuit
trol system is, it can be broken down into
these main components for simplification. Locking devices will have a variety of
(See Figure 4.3) voltage or current requirements. Most
locking devices are considered low volt-

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 9

 age devices working on AC or DC. Electric trol may be, there will always be a switch,
strikes are generally 12V or 24V. Some or relay, that is the control point for any of
electric strikes are able to work with both the electrical devices it controls.
voltages dependent upon wiring. The
choice between AC and DC is generally The relay will have a normally open or
dependent upon the locking device. normally closed contact, or it may have
both with which to connect the electrical
When electric strikes were first invented, devices to. The function of the electric
almost all were exclusively AC to provide strike will determine which contact is
a buzzing sound; thus the phrase "buzz used. If the electric strike is fail secure, it
someone in" to an apartment was coined. is usually connected with a normally open
AC voltage is commonly 60 Hz, so the switch. Since the electric strike is locked
buzzing sound is actually the mechanisms without power, once the circuit is closed,
in the electric strike being energized and the electric strike will unlock. This is the
de-energized 120 times per second. most common configuration for electric
strikes.
Although electric strikes are still available
with AC voltage, the life expectancy is The fail safe electric strike is usually con-
significantly shorter than an electric strike nected with a normally closed switch.
that runs off of DC voltage. When an elec- Since the electric strike is unlocked with-
tric strike is powered by DC voltage, the out power, the strike is energized con-
voltage is constant; therefore, the electric stantly to stay locked, and once the cir-
strike is silent. This is most beneficial cuit is opened, the electric strike is
with situations in which the electric strike unlocked. This is not a common applica-
is energized for extended periods of time, tion, but it is used where life safety codes
such as during business hours or with fail must be followed and free egress is
safe applications. required.

Power sources are available in AC or DC Conductors or wires are available in vari-

and will have a variety of voltage or cur- ous types and sizes. Stranded wire is the
rent ratings. Most electrical devices will accepted standard wire type for connect-
have voltage tolerances that must be met. ing electrical system components.
Some power sources are not regulated,
so the voltage provided will not be the Stranded wire is a group of multiple con-
same as stated. It is common for trans- ductors braided together to create one
formers to exceed the voltage stated by 4- larger stronger conductor. The size of
5 volts. wire is determined by the diameter of the
wire. American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a
Electric strikes generally have at most +/- common system of numerical designation
10% voltage tolerances. The amps or of wire size. The lower the wire gauge
amperage required by electrical devices number, the larger the wire diameter.
will also have to be met by the power
source. Electrical devices will only draw 18 and 16 gauge wires are very common
the amount of current required; any wire sizes for low voltage wiring. Wires
excess will be available for any other with larger diameters offer less resist-
electrical devices in the circuit. Providing ance and make it easier for current to
a power source that exceeds total current flow. A power loss can occur if the wire is
requirements of a circuit by at least 20- too small or the distance too great for a
25% allows for any voltage or current loss particular application resulting in lower
due to wiring. voltage and current. Generally, as wire
runs get longer, wire size must be
Controls for an access system, despite increased to prevent voltage drops.
any complex extras they might have,
should be thought of primarily as a simple
switch. No matter how complex the con-
HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 10
 There are various electrical accessories
that can be used for access control sys- b. Verify that the power source can
tems. The following are some commonly handle the current draw of all electrical
used accessories: components in line with the power
source
• Rectifier - converts AC voltage to DC
c. Verify that the power wires leading to
• Buzzer - provides audible indication
the electric strike are of a large enough
• LED - provides visual indication
gauge to handle the current require-
• Surge Suppressor - protects electrical
ments. Note: Recall that some voltage
devices from power surges
may be lost when using smaller gauge
wires over long distances.
SECTION V
Trouble Shooting Guide d. Using a multimeter, verify that the input
voltage is within the recommended lim
Problem: If the electric strike does not its (+-10%).
operate properly e. Confirm that the input voltage at the
installation site is DC or properly recti-
If the electric strike does not operate fied AC.
properly, open the door and re-energize
the electric strike. If the electric strike f. Verify that all peripheral devices such
operates properly with the door held as bridge rectifiers, SMART-Pacs,
open, the lockset may be pre-loading or buzzers, L.E.D.s etc... are properly
binding the keeper of the electric strike. connected.

Solution: "Pre-load" is any pressure g. Check that the switch, key pad, etc.,
applied to the keeper of the electric strike meet the voltage requirements for the
that causes it to bind. The horizontal rela- system.
tionship between the lockset and the
electric strike will have to be adjusted to
eliminate the binding between the bolt of INSTALLER TIP: To quickly determine
the lock and the electric strike keeper. whether an electric strike is defective,
install it in a site where an electric
Problem: If the electric strike does not strike was previously installed and
operate with the door open worked properly. Use an alternative
power source to test the electrick
If the electric strike does not operate with strike such as a DC battery pack.
the door open, remove the electric strike INSTALLER TIP: If the voltage is too low
from the frame, leaving the wiring con- to operate the electric strike, a 35 volt,
nected, and re-energize the electric 220 micro-farad capacitor may be
strike. If the electric strike operates prop- installed across the bridge rectifier
erly outside of the frame, then the prob- (positive to positive, negative to nega-
lem may be from a tight-fitting frame tive) to provide an initial boost of
cutout pinching the sides of the electric power to the unit. This is also helpful to
strike together. overcome slight preloading conditions.

Solution: The electric strike cutout in the

door frame needs to be slightly enlarged. If you have any questions after
Other Solutions: If all mechanical prob- reading this guide, call the HES
lems have been eliminated without suc- technical service line:
cessful electric strike operation, check
1-800-626-7590
the following electrical problems:
a. Examine the power supply or trans-
former to verify that the output voltage
is at the listed rating.
HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 11
 The 1006 series is the strongest and most versatile The 9500 and 9600 Genesis™ series are
electric strike available. It meets or exceeds every heavy-duty, completely surface mounted
standard developed for electric strikes. With 27 face- electric strikes designed to accommodate
plate options, the 1006 can accommodate virtually rim mounted panic exit devices in metal or
every type of lockset on the market. The 1006 fea- wood jambs. Two stainless steel locking
tures an innovative dual interlocking plunger design mechanisms operate independently to pro-
and heavy-duty, all stainless steel construction. The vide a truly tamper resistant electric strike.
1006 is in a class of its own. Now available in both The 9500 Genesis II™: is the completely sur-
fail secure and fail safe models. face mounted, fire-rated version of the 9600.

The 2505 Power Punch™ is

The 4500 series is the only low profile electric strike the only power supply
designed to fit 2” fire rated frames. The 4500 is a 3 designed to improve the per-
hour rated, heavy-duty electric strike for use with formance and extend the life
cylindrical and mortise locksets. Accommodates up of electric strikes and other
to a 3/4” throw. solenoid actuated devices.
The Power Punch™is
designed to administer a short, isolated 38 Volt spike to
enhance the initial unlocking operation of an electric
strike. The power is then reduced to 75% of the electric
strike’s nominal voltage, which reduce heat build-up and
extends the life of the solenoid.

The low profile 5000 series is a compact, heavy-

duty and high performance electric strike designed
for low profile openings where there is limited The HES Hassle Free Guarantee
space behind the jamb. This includes narrow style
1 Year “No questions asked” Warranty
aluminum jambs and jambs with protruding glass
Includes all HES electric strikes, electric locks and electri-
inside. Easy to install, this field selectable fail cal components.
secure/fail safe unit accommodates 1/2” latchbolts.
3-5 Year Limited Warranty
Mechanical components: 3-5 years
Electrical components: 1 year

Extended Warranty- on electrical components

The 7000 preload series is ideal for many applica- (Registration required)
tions with pre-load conditions (door bind) which The Smart-Pac II™ extends the 1-year warranty on electri-
may be caused by a warped or misaligned door, cal components (solenoid) to the full 3-5 year warranty of
weather stripping, a smoke seal, etc. Field selec- the electric strike.
table fail secure/fail safe with an internally mount-
ed solenoid, the 7000, 7400, and 7500 are easy to 6-10 Year Limited Warranty
install in hollow metal, concrete filled metal, wood (Registration required)
and aluminum jambs. Any HES electric strike used in conjunction with the Model
2505 Power Punch™ is warranted to twice its original
mechanical & electrical warranty.

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 12

 Electric Strike/Lock Cross Reference Chart
HES
ANSI LOCK DESCRIPTION MANUFACTURER ELECTRIC STRIKES • Use this chart to
identify ANSI locks
1006J- Up to 1” throw and to select which
Cylindrical locksets. 4500
HES electric strike
All manufacturers. 5000 - Up to 1/2” throw
5700 - Up to 1/2” throw
will provide the cor-
All locks with center rect alignment to
lined latchbolts. 7001, 7002, 7501, 7505
Up to 5/8” throw release each lock,
(in both new and
Accurate, Arrow, retrofit ANSI 4-7/8”
Baldwin, Falcon (1991& 1006K jamb preparations).
earlier) Marks, Omnia, 4500
PDQ
• Use this chart to
determine which
Mortise locksets with 1006KM
Best
4500
HES electric strike
a deadlatch positioned
above the latchbolt. matches a specific
manufacturer’s lock.
Sargent (7700 & 8100
1006KD
series), Schlage, Yale HES electric strikes
are all non-handed
Mortise lockset with a
Almet, Corbin/Russwin, and designed for
Falcon (1992 “M” 1006KM installation in hollow
deadlatch positioned
Series), Sargent (7800, 4500 metal, concrete filled
below the latchbolt.
8200, & 9200) metal, aluminum and
Accurate, Arrow, wood jambs.
1006N
Baldwin, Best, Corbin,
1006A
Falcon, Marks, Omnia,
Mortise lockset with a 1006H
PDQ, Russwin
1” deadbolt without a
deadlatch. 1006ND
Sargent (7700 & 8100
1006AD HES electric strikes are
series), Schlage, Yale
1006HD designed to be installed in
accordance with the
ANSI/BHMA A156.5 4-7/8”
Baldwin, PDQ 1006T jam preparation. When
Mortise lockset with a
1006HTD accommodating a cylindri-
1” deadbolt and a cal lock, the electric strike
center positioned Sargent is to be installed centerline
deadlatch. Schlage 1006TD to centerline. When acco-
Yale modating a mortise
lock,the centerline of the
Accurate, Almet, Arrow, electric strike is to be
Mortise lockset with a Baldwin, Best, Corbin, installed 3/8” above the
1006NM centerline of the mortise
1” deadbolt and a dead- Falcon, Marks, Omnia,
1006AM lock.
latch positioned below PDQ, Russin, Sargent
1006HM
latchbolt. (7800, 8200 & 9200
NOTE: This chart is offered
series) as a convenience only.
HES assumes no liability
Adams Rite, American for the differences
7000-83, 7000-786,
Rim mounted exit Device, Arrow, Jackson between items compared.
7000-789
device with up to a Dormatic, Monarch, When compatitibility is a
9500 concern, contact HES for
3/4” throw. Precision, Sargent, Von
9600 application assistance.
Duprin, Yale
10/2003

HES--A Complete Guide to Electric Strikes 13