Electric Strike Installation

Electric strikes come in two fundamental modes, and choosing wrong creates either a security hole or a safety hazard.

Fail-safe strikes release (unlock) when power is lost. If there's a power outage, the door can be pushed open from outside without a key. This is required for fire egress paths - building codes don't allow people to be trapped inside by a power failure. Most strikes on doors that serve as emergency exits must be fail-safe.

Fail-secure strikes remain locked when power is lost. If there's a power outage, you need a key to enter from outside. This is appropriate for exterior doors and security-sensitive areas where maintaining lockout during power loss matters more than convenient entry. You can still exit with the inside handle - fail-secure affects entry, not egress.

Many Austin commercial properties need both types. The main entrance might be fail-secure (keep intruders out during power failure) while the emergency exit is fail-safe (let people escape during power failure). We help you determine the correct configuration for each door based on fire code requirements and your security needs.

Some strikes offer field-selectable modes - you can configure them as either fail-safe or fail-secure during installation. These provide flexibility if requirements change, though they cost more than strikes with fixed modes.

Electric strike installation involves both door hardware work and electrical work. Not every door accepts every strike - compatibility depends on your door frame, existing lock, and door construction.

Frame type matters significantly. Hollow metal frames (common in commercial construction) accept most strikes with standard cutouts. Wood frames can accommodate strikes but may need reinforcement. Aluminum storefront frames require narrow-profile strikes designed for their thin dimensions. We assess your specific frames before selecting hardware.

Existing lockset compatibility is essential. Electric strikes work with cylindrical locksets (the standard commercial lever handle) and mortise locks. The strike must align with your latch - different locks have latches at different heights and projections. We verify fit before cutting into your frame.

Power and wiring requirements vary by strike. Most operate on 12V or 24V DC, requiring a power supply and low-voltage wiring from your controller to each door. The wire gauge depends on distance and number of strikes on the circuit. We plan wiring routes to minimize visible conduit while ensuring adequate power delivery.

Fire-rated doors have additional requirements. Electric strikes on labeled fire doors must maintain the door's fire rating. This typically means using strikes that are listed for fire door use and following specific installation requirements. Using non-listed strikes on fire doors violates code.

Electric strikes are the action end of your access control system. The reader, keypad, or intercom is the decision-maker - it determines whether to grant access. The strike is the executor - it actually releases the door. Proper integration ensures reliable operation.

Access control integration involves wiring from your controller to the strike. When an authorized credential is presented, the controller sends voltage to the strike for a configured duration (typically 5-15 seconds). The user hears a tone or sees a light, pulls the door, and enters. Simple in concept, but reliable operation depends on correct wiring, proper power supply sizing, and appropriate timeout settings.

Intercom and buzzer integration connects your intercom system to the strike. When a resident or receptionist presses the release button, voltage goes to the strike and the visitor can enter. Multi-tenant buildings often have complex intercom setups serving dozens or hundreds of units - all depending on strikes to actually release the door.

Request-to-exit (REX) devices often pair with electric strikes. Motion sensors or push buttons inside the door signal the system that someone is exiting, temporarily unlocking the strike so egress doesn't trigger an alarm. This is standard in most commercial access control installations.

We integrate strikes with existing systems or install complete new systems. If you have an intercom or access control platform already, we can usually add strike-controlled doors without replacing what you have. If you're starting fresh, we help design a system that meets your needs.