Electric vs Magnetic Locks: Which is Best for Your Business Security?

When it comes to securing your business, choosing the right commercial door locks is critical. Whether you're protecting office spaces, retail sites or industrial facilities, the right locking mechanism supports safety, efficiency and peace of mind. But with so many options available, how do you decide between an electric lock vs. magnetic lock?

Wilcomm installs advanced commercial door locking systems across Sydney and the Central Coast, and we’re here to break down the pros and cons of both lock types to help you choose the right solution for your business.

Electric Locks

Electric locks, also known as electric strikes or electronic door locks, are designed to work with standard lock hardware. These locks allow doors to be locked or unlocked remotely, usually by integrating with an access control system, keypad or keyless entry setup.

Advantages of Electric Locks:

● Keyless and Controlled Access: Great for businesses that want to limit entry to authorised personnel.

● Access Control Integration: Works seamlessly with RFID cards, fobs and PIN codes.

● Fail Secure Options: Most electric locks can be set to remain locked during a power outage, which is ideal for high security areas.

● Aesthetic and Discreet: Installed within the doorframe, making them less noticeable.

Electric locks are ideal for offices, private rooms and areas where controlled access and integration with alarms or CCTV is important.

Magnetic Locks

Magnetic door locks for business, also known as maglocks, use a powerful electromagnet mounted to the door frame and an armature plate attached to the door. When powered, the magnetic force keeps the door locked, typically with a holding force between 600–1200kg.

Advantages of Magnetic Locks:

● High Holding Strength: Perfect for high traffic areas or heavy doors.

● Fast and Simple Installation: Fewer moving parts mean quicker setup and less mechanical wear.

● Fail Safe Function: These locks release when power is lost, which is suitable for emergency exits.

● Durable for Frequent Use: A good choice for doors with constant traffic, like lobbies or corridors.

Best For:

Commercial magnetic door locks are commonly used in retail entrances, multi tenant buildings and any area requiring quick release for safety compliance.

When deciding between electric lock vs magnetic lock systems, there’s no one size fits all answer. Consider the nature of your business, door traffic, emergency protocols and how much integration you require with other systems like CCTV or intercoms.

Both electric and commercial magnetic door lock options serve critical roles in modern commercial door locking systems. The key is choosing the right one for your specific needs and that’s where Wilcomm comes in.

Unsure which lock system is best for your business? Contact Wilcomm today. Our licensed experts will help you design, supply and install the ideal commercial door locks for your premises.

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