Electromagnetic locks and latches.
A review of all existing locking devices is doomed to be endless. We don't need it. Let's narrow the topic and talk about locks that serve as actuators of access control and management systems.
The most modern ACS, the main purpose of which is to restrict passage through doors, without electrically controlled locking devices is like a car without wheels. It seems to be just one of the components, but you can't do without it.
It is no coincidence that experts consider the actuators that are directly equipped with the points of passage to be the most important components of the system.
Moreover, the creation and mass implementation of access control and management systems became possible precisely due to the appearance of electrically controlled locking devices. You understand that an ACS, no matter how «smart» it is, will not be able to insert a key into a keyhole and turn it the required number of turns. Therefore, the system controller supplies voltage to the lock or removes it.
Electromagnetic locks use a long-known principle of generating a magnetic field using electric current: an anchor (in our case, a metal plate) is installed on the movable part of the door, and a core with a wire winding is installed on the door frame. When the circuit is closed, the anchor is attracted to the core and holds the door closed. When the system controller reads the code presented by the identifier and, having compared it with those stored in its memory, decides to open the door, it removes the voltage from the lock, the circuit opens — the door is open. This option is the most common, and the reason for its popularity is not at all its cheapness or greater availability. The whole point is that, according to fire safety requirements, all doors that are used for exiting in case of fire must be equipped with locking devices that are locked by voltage. By the way, there is another mandatory requirement: electromagnetic locking devices must be equipped with an emergency opening button (door unlocking).
There are other types of locking devices, where the door opens when voltage (power) is applied — this is how electromagnetic latches work mainly. The circuit closes, and the bolt is pulled inward, opening the door.
Locks are usually made of materials with high magnetic properties — this is done in order to provide the required holding force. Experts believe that for light interior doors, the holding force should be about 150 kg, while outdoor doors are better equipped with locks with a holding force of 250-500 kg. The holding force of heavy metal ones can be up to 1000 kg.
Electromagnetic systems are resistant to atmospheric precipitation and can operate reliably in various temperature conditions, including high humidity.
Electromagnetic locking devices are quite reliable and durable. Their big advantage is the absence of moving parts, which, as is known, are the weakest link in almost any mechanical device. Because the movement of parts is their constant friction and, accordingly, increased wear.
Since all such devices are dependent on power supply, leading manufacturers provide the possibility of using backup power supply in their devices – the corresponding equipment is usually included in the delivery set.
A necessary accessory is a door closer, without which the operation of electrically controlled locking devices is, to put it mildly, uncomfortable.
A few words about electromagnetic latches. They are easy to install on almost all doors. As a rule, they are installed in the door frame, so flexible power supply to the door itself is not required, which also simplifies installation.
Experts believe that it is better to use electric latches where the probability of break-in by an intruder is minimal — usually these are doors inside an office. At night, doors equipped with an electric latches are usually locked with a mechanical key.
Electromagnetic locks and latches presented on the Russian market have almost the same internal structure and similar functionality. Configurations may vary. At a minimum, the consumer will be offered a system that includes a lock, a controller, a power supply, a key (card) reader, and a button for unlocking the lock when leaving the premises.
Miniature electromagnetic lock-latch AL-250UZ (ALer, «Roxa Entrans»)
AL-250UZ is used to lock interior, office and glass doors. Holding force is not less than 250 kg. Features of the model: surface-mounted (quick and easy installation), miniature dimensions — 125 x 41×12 mm, silent door locking/unlocking, low power consumption — 110 mA at 12 V, the lock opens when the voltage is removed. The AL-250UZ-K modification has a built-in controller for working with Touch memory keys and Proximity cards. The dimensions of the AL-250UZ-K are 125 x 41 x 12 mm. Due to the design features of the latch lock, it does not get pinched by the door. AL-250UZ, AL-250UZ-K are certified by the Federal State Institution Research Center «Security» of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Exitlock Lock (CISA S.p.A)
New fire-resistant lock for steel doors with «anti-panic» function.
This is a 4th class burglar-resistant cylinder lock, 4 bolts of 18 mm, latch, vertical rods, the possibility of installing armored plates, 3 types of operation, the possibility of installation with different types of handles.
Fire-resistant design, meets European requirements UNI EN 1125 and UNI EN 179.
Electromagnetic lock GL-1200 with a force of 590 kg for street doors (GIANNI)
GL-1200 is a surface-mounted electromagnetic lock from the Italian company GIANNI. It works on breaking and creates a force of 590 kg, which is enough to hold doors weighing about 100 kg. GL-1200 has dimensions of 202 x 62 x 40 mm, is made of stainless steel, so it can be used outdoors. In this case, the lock itself is mounted in the upper part of the doorway, and the counter part is at the top of the door leaf. To power the GL-1200, a DC source with a voltage of 12 V, 350 mA is required.
MEDIATOR (Effeff)
MEDIATOR is a device consisting of two main components: a mechanical self-locking lock with an anti-panic function and a special electric motor strike plate. This ensures comfort of use and safety during evacuation: opening from the inside is always possible by pressing the handle without a key. From the outside — using an access control system. Remotely — by sending a signal. The closed door is always locked with a deadbolt, locking occurs automatically.
It is possible to combine it with an electric door drive. The absence of a cable and a cable transition in the door leaf makes the device extremely easy to install. The status is monitored: «door closed and locked».
The presence of relevant European certificates allows the use of MEDIATOR in both fire-protection and evacuation doors.
ST-EL360S electromagnetic lock made of anodized aluminum with a force of 360 kg (Smartec)
The ST-EL360S surface-mounted electromagnetic lock is designed for installation on interior doors, creates a holding force of 360 kg and has dimensions of 285 x 49 x 29 mm. It is powered by a 12/24 V DC source, and the current consumption is 500 mA at 12 V and 250 mA at 24 V. As an option, the lock can be supplemented with light and sound indication, as well as a Hall sensor for monitoring its operation. To install the ST-EL360S on doors, the following types of adapters are used: L-adapter for outward-opening doors, LZ adapter for inward-opening doors and U-adapter for glass doors.
Electromagnetic lock VIZIT-ML300 (NPF «Modus-N»)
A series of surface-mounted electromagnetic locks designed for outward-opening entrance doors, developed for use in intercom systems, including those with high traffic. Holding force – 300 kg. Can be used in difficult climatic conditions. Operating temperature range – from -40 °C to +45 °C. Protection class according to IP66. Built-in spark suppression and residual magnetization removal module. Lightweight aluminum alloy housing. High-quality powder coating of the lock housing. Comes with a 40 x 40 or 50 x 50 mm mounting bracket. Power consumption – 12 W at supply voltage of 9–12 V.
Electromagnetic lock ML-400.1 («METAKOM»)
The ML-400.1 lock is designed to operate as part of access control and management systems in both the industrial and private sectors. It is equipped with a compartment for installing a controller, as well as an emergency stop button. The maximum current consumption is 0.6 A at a supply voltage of 12 V DC. The EMZ is made in a vandal-proof design in a cast case. It has a wide range of operating temperatures — from -40 ° to +45 ° C.