Electromagnetic door opener

Types of electromagnetic door opener

An electromagnetic door opener is an electronic device used to control access to doors. It uses electromagnetic principles to be able to keep a door securely closed until it is released by an appropriate signal. There are several types of electromagnetic door openers, including the following:

• Electromagnetic Door Holders:

  Electromagnetic door holders are devices that use electromagnets to hold doors open. They are used in areas where doors need to be held open for ventilation, access or movement. An example of an electromagnetic door opener is the electromagnetic door holder. It consists of a powerful magnet mounted on the wall and a metal plate attached to the door. The electromagnet is activated when a switch is turned, and it holds the door open in a position. It can be released by a manual switch, a sensor or a fire alarm.

• Electromagnetic Locks:

  These are locks that are installed in frames and are secured by an armature plate. An example is the maglock. It consists of an electromagnetic coil mounted on the door frame and an armature plate connected to the door. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it attracts the armature plate with a strong locking force. It can be released by a key card, a keypad entry, a fingerprint scanner or a wired remote control.

• Electromagnetic Door Closers:

  Electromagnetic door closers are devices that automatically close doors. They are ideal for fire-rated doors that need to be closed in case of an emergency. An example is the electromagnetic door closer. It has a regular hydraulic door closer with an electromagnet. The magnet is activated by a switch, and it holds the door open. When the magnet is deactivated, the hydraulic mechanism will close the door. The electromagnet can be connected to a fire alarm system or a manual switch.

Functions and features of electromagnetic door opener

Electromagnetic door openers have several important functionalities and features that make them commonly used for secure and convenient door management. Here are some key features and their functions:

• Holding Force

  Electromagnetic door openers are also known as maglocks because they provide a strong holding force that secures the door. Once the magnet is activated, it creates a magnetic attraction between the armature plate and the locking magnet. The holding force is determined by the size of the maglock, and it can range from 300lbs to 18000lbs. This force is strong enough to resist the push and pull from wind pressure or human strength. The holding force keeps the door secured until it is released by the appropriate keycard, code, or biometric scan. This ensures that the door is not opened without proper authorization.

• Fail Safe and Fail Secure Types

  There are two types of electromagnetic door openers: fail safe and fail secure. The fail safe types are secured when the magnet is locked and opened in an emergency or power outage situation. They are mostly used in exterior doors that are not required to be protected from unauthorized access. The fail secure types are secured when the magnet is locked and opened in an emergency or power outage situation. They are mostly used in interior doors that need to be protected from unauthorized access.

• Remote Control

  The electromagnetic door opener can be controlled remotely with the help of an access control system. This system has keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners that send an electromagnetic signal when activated. The signal is transmitted to the maglock, which then activates it to either open or release. Remote control operation allows for quick access or door release without physically being at the door. It also enables access management and monitoring by controlling who enters or exits and when.

• Continuous Duty

  Electromagnetic door openers are designed for continuous operation. Once the magnet is activated, it continues to operate as long as there is power. It provides a reliable and consistent locking mechanism for frequently accessed doors. This feature allows for seamless operation in areas requiring high traffic, such as commercial buildings and airports.

Scenarios of electromagnetic door opener

There are various application scenarios where an electromagnetic door opener is used. Some of them are listed below.

• Schools and Universities

  Electromagnetic door openers are used in learning institutions to control and secure access to different blocks and rooms. They are installed in the main gates and classroom doors. The students, teachers, and other staff members use key cards, fobs, or biometric features to access the gates and classroom. This ensures the safety of students and the entire school community.

• Hospitals

  Magnet door locks are widely used in hospitals and other health care centers. They are installed on clinic doors and gates to ensure quick access for health professionals. Patients can also access their rooms and other hospital areas with the electromagnetic door openers. This is especially when they are not in critical conditions. The electromagnetic door openers used in hospitals are usually triggered remotely. This allows doctors and other health practitioners to access rooms and areas quickly, especially in emergencies.

• Smart Home Systems

  Magnetic door locks are popular in most modern homes. They are installed on exterior and interior doors. The smart home devices are connected to the lock, and they use a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to unlock it. This makes it easy for homeowners to control and monitor access to their homes. They can also link the door lock to other smart home devices for easy operation.

• Commercial Buildings

  Electromagnetic door openers are commonly used in commercial buildings like hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. They control and monitor access in different areas and rooms. The electromagnetic door locks are durable and have a high-security level. They can be linked with other security systems in the commercial building to provide alerts and data. This makes them an ideal choice for most business premises.

• Data Centers and IT Facilities

  Data centers and IT facilities have electromagnetic door locks. They control and restrict access to sensitive areas like server rooms and data storage areas. The locks are triggered using access cards or biometric features. They provide reports and logs that show who accessed the room, at what time, and for how long.

How to choose electromagnetic door opener

Consider the following factors before choosing an electromagnetic door opener:

• Power Supply

  Electromagnetic locks are usually installed as a secure door opening system. They require power to remain unlocked. They will lock when there is a power failure or disconnection. The electromagnetic door opener will not work if it is not connected to the power supply.

• Holding Force

  The holding force of an electromagnetic door opener determines how secure the door will be. This force is measured in pounds. It is important to choose a holding force that meets the security requirement of the door. A higher holding force will provide more security but will require more power. Most doors come with a standard 600 pounds holding force. However, some special doors can have up to 1200 pounds of holding force.

• Installation Requirements

  There are different types of electromagnetic door openers. Each type has its installation requirements. Some will require a professional to install, while others can be easily mounted. It is important to check the installation requirement before buying an electromagnetic lock to avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Case Material

  Electromagnetic door openers are exposed to different environmental conditions. Therefore, it is important to choose a case material that can withstand it. The case material protects the lock from damage. When choosing an electromagnetic door opener, consider the environmental condition where it will be installed. If it will be installed in a place with high humidity, choose a lock with a marine-grade case. If it is going to be installed outside, then a resistant material like aluminum or stainless steel.

• Compatibility

  Electromagnetic door openers are not compatible with all access control systems. It is important to ensure that the opener is compatible with the already existing access control system. This will help prevent communication errors when it is installed.

• Size and Design

  The size and design of the electromagnetic door opener will affect its performance. Choose an opener that is compatible with the door frame. Also, consider the design of the opener. Some designs can be mounted discreetly, while others are more visible.

electromagnetic door opener Q and A

Q1. What is an electromagnetic door opener?

A1. An electromagnetic door opener is a device used to secure doors. It gets power from an electromagnetic force that holds the door in place. When the power is cut off, the door can be opened.

Q2. What are the types of electromagnetic door openers?

A2. Electromagnetic door openers come in two types - fail-safe and fail-secure. A fail-safe electromagnetic door opener is commonly used for fire exits. It keeps the door locked until the control switch is activated. The control switch can be a key switch, access control panel, or a remote control.

When there is a fire emergency, the control switch can be overridden. This will be possible in case of a natural disaster or when there is a threat to life. A fail-secure electromagnetic door opener is used for doors that need high security. It will remain locked even when there is power loss. The only way to unlock the door is by using an access control system.

Q3. What are the advantages of electromagnetic door openers?

A3. Electromagnetic door openers are quite popular for commercial use. This is because they are very secure. They can be unlocked remotely. This means that the door can be opened from a different location. So, there is no need to walk to the door in order to open it.

Q4. What are the disadvantages of electromagnetic door openers?

A4. Electromagnetic door openers can only be used for doors that swing in an outward direction. They are not suitable for doors that swing inwards. Also, these electromagnetic door openers need a power source. So, they will not function when there is power.

Q5. How to install an electromagnetic door opener?

A5. To install an electromagnetic door opener, first, determine where it will be placed. Align the magnetic lock on the frame and mark the holes for drilling. The electromagnetic opener should be installed on the door frame. Then, drill holes and run the wiring through. Once, the drilling is complete, connect the power supply. The opener requires a 12V or 24V power supply. After connecting the power supply, install a remote access control panel.