Electric Strike VS Electric Lock: Which One Should Be Chosen?

Electric strikes & electric locks are the two widely used electric lock types. They have some similarities such as requiring power to operate and being able to control remotely, so would be confusing sometimes. Even you may use electric strike & electric locks together as a locking kit, which causes redundant functions and duplicate costs.

Electric strikes vs electric locks, have something in common, but electric strikes & electric locks also can be very different in different applications.

Then you may wonder:

What’re the electric strike lock and electric lock?

What’re the pros and cons of electric locks and electric strike locks?

Which one should I choose for my location?

Electric Strike VS Electric Lock by their definition:

(1) Electric strike lock：

An electric strike lock is used as door hardware to hold/capture the lock latch or bolt until a release mechanism triggers it to free them. This releasing mechanism can be various in today’s technology development, like the key, passcode, access proximity card, fob tag, etc.

An electric strike lock acts as an efficient alternative to the traditional door strike, suitable for metal or wooden doors. Since it’s not a complete lock set, it’s required to combine with the cylindrical lock, mortise lock, rim lock, panic bar, etc.

(2)Electric lock:

The vast majority of door lock types use a latch for the bolt to cross the opening between the door and door frame to block access or egress. The locking and unlocking are controlled by turning the knob or the key in conjunction with the cylinder to drive the latch or the bolt (also called the “actuator”).

The electric lock is developed based on this mechanism, by use of electrification to alternate conventional keys. It also has the abovementioned actuator, linking to the latch or cylinder to the energy generator (usually wire, coil, small motor, etc.). Accordingly, the locking and unlocking of the electric lock are controlled by the electric impulse.

Electric locks are the whole lockset so they can work normally when power is given, not necessary to connect other auxiliary devices for performance. Nevertheless, in order to incorporate into access control systems, the electric impulse of electric locks can also be provided in plenty of ways, like electric card reader, access keypad, remote control sensor, and so on. As long as the proper electric input is supplied, electric locks can function normally.

With the security technology development nowadays, electric locks can be various, like electromagnetic locks (also known as magnetic locks, maglocks, magnet locks, electric magnetic locks), electric rim door locks, intelligent motor locks, smart locks, electric drop bolt locks, electric silent locks, digital door locks, and so forth.

Then, “Which one should I choose between the electric strike and the electric lock?” becomes the above question. To get the answer, you need to know the pros and cons of each electric strike and the electric lock.

Electric strikes:

Pros:

1. Electric strike locks are easy and convenient to install: electric strikes are usually installed only in the door frames. You only need to hollow a corresponding hole, connect the electric strike with electric wires and secure it with screws. This is especially easy when you just replace the old strike with the new one having the same size.

Electric strikes have less cutting of frames and greater compatibility with other electrified locks being used.

2. Lower cost: electric strikes are mostly used together with mechanical bolts or latch locks, making them from manual operation to electric control. They act as auxiliary parts so the manufacturing cost and installation costs are less than the electric locks.

They’re particularly suited when you want to change your conventional latch or bolt locks to be electrically or remotely controlled. You can just simply use suitable electric strikes to match your use with them.

Electric strike locks offer as high compatibility and affordability as they can to fit other locksets. They’re one of the most cost-effective ways to electrify the mechanical opening for access control systems.

3. Able to use automatic door openers or remodels.

Cons:

1. Exposure and tamper risks: while being installed in the door frames, the electric strike lock latches are more exposed and more susceptible to tampering.

2. Less clear and less nice looking: since electric strikes are installed in the door frames, they are more noticeable and accessible and thus the installation looks are not so nice and neat as the complete lockset installation.

Electric locks:

Pros:

1. Security advantage: compared with electric strikes, usually the latches or bolts of electric locks are hidden inside the counterparts, so they have stronger protection than exposed latches of electric strikes.

2. More functional versatility: as complete locksets, electric locks are able to bear more and more functions to meet the developing demands, like feedback signal output, break-in alarming, multiple security modes, etc.

Cons:

1. Complicated installation and more involved installation cost: as a complete lockset, and usually designed for incorporation into access control solutions, most electric locks usually have more components and complicated wirings, especially for those high-tech electric locks. This usually requires professionalism and thus installation cost is higher.

2. Unable to combine with automatic door openers like panic bars.

So, when selecting locks for your location, electric strike vs electric lock, which one is your best choice? That depends on your location environment, cost, installation convenience, and security functions. Hope you’ll get the right choice after reading this article.