Magnetic Lock vs Electric Strike
Two of the most common electrically controlled door locks in UAE — which is right for your door type and security requirement?
Magnetic locks (EM locks) and electric strikes are both electrically controlled door locking devices widely used in UAE commercial buildings, offices, and residential facilities. A magnetic lock uses electromagnetic force to hold a door closed — typically 180–600 kg holding force — and releases when power is cut (fail-safe). An electric strike replaces the door strike plate and holds the latch or bolt in place until an electrical signal releases it. Understanding fail-safe vs fail-secure, door type compatibility, and holding force requirements is critical to choosing correctly.
Product Overview
Magnetic Lock (EM Lock)
- 180–600 kg holding force — highly secure for commercial and server room doors
- No mechanical parts to wear out — extremely long service life
- Works on virtually any door type including frameless glass
- Auto-releases on power cut — inherently fail-safe for fire evacuation
Electric Strike
- Concealed in door frame — cleaner, more discreet appearance
- Works with existing door hardware — handle and latch remain functional
- NC type provides fail-secure mode — door stays locked on power failure
- Lower unit cost — economical for high door-count installations
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Magnetic Lock (EM Lock) | Electric Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Electromagnetic — no mechanical parts | Electromechanical — releases strike plate |
| Holding Force | 180 kg – 600 kg | 200–400 kg (latch-dependent) |
| Fail Mode | Fail-safe — door opens on power cut | NC: fail-secure, NO: fail-safe (configurable) |
| Door Types | Any door — wood, metal, glass, aluminium | Hinged doors with latch bolt or deadbolt |
| Price Range (AED) | AED 120–350 per unit | AED 80–200 per unit |
| Installation | Simple — bracket on frame, plate on door | Requires precise recess in door frame |
| Door Handle Required | No — door is held by magnet | Yes — existing handle/latch still used |
| Appearance | Visible on door frame or header | Concealed in door frame — tidier look |
| Civil Defence | Fail-safe — auto releases on fire alarm | NC type can be wired to fire alarm panel |
| Ideal For | Glass doors, aluminium doors, fire exits | Timber doors, hotel rooms, office doors |
Pros & Cons
Magnetic Lock (EM Lock)
- 180–600 kg holding force — highly secure for commercial and server room doors
- No mechanical parts to wear out — extremely long service life
- Works on virtually any door type including frameless glass
- Auto-releases on power cut — inherently fail-safe for fire evacuation
- Visible installation — not as aesthetically clean as a concealed electric strike
- Requires uninterrupted power supply — needs UPS backup for security continuity
Electric Strike
- Concealed in door frame — cleaner, more discreet appearance
- Works with existing door hardware — handle and latch remain functional
- NC type provides fail-secure mode — door stays locked on power failure
- Lower unit cost — economical for high door-count installations
- Requires precise frame recess — more complex installation than an EM lock
- Not suitable for frameless glass doors without specialist glass door hardware
Our Recommendation
Which Should You Choose?
For most UAE commercial buildings, glass doors, and fire exit applications, a magnetic lock (EM lock) is the preferred solution — easier to install, no mechanical wear, and inherently fail-safe for Dubai Civil Defence compliance. Electric strikes are better suited to timber-framed office doors and hotel guest room applications where a concealed, aesthetically clean installation is preferred and fail-secure mode is required. LOKIZ stocks both product ranges in Dubai — WhatsApp for a same-day quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What holding force magnetic lock do I need for my Dubai office?
Is a magnetic lock or electric strike better for a glass door?
Do magnetic locks comply with Dubai Civil Defence fire regulations?
Can I use an electric strike with a biometric access panel?
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
WhatsApp us with your facility type — we'll recommend the right product and send a same-day quote from our Dubai warehouse.
WhatsApp LOKIZ: +971 50 202 5767