Magnetic Locks (Maglocks) in Washington DC

Unyielding Electromagnetic Security

Certain architectural features in Washington DC’s commercial spaces, particularly modern, frameless all-glass doors in high-end retail, and heavy double doors in corporate lobbies, simply cannot accommodate traditional mechanical locks or electric strikes.

For these applications, the Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock) is the definitive solution. Consisting of a powerful electromagnet mounted to the door frame and an armature plate mounted to the door, these devices use electrical current to generate massive holding force, up to 1,200 pounds of pressure on a single door.

DC Local Locksmith provides expert specification, low-voltage wiring, and mechanical installation of maglock systems for businesses, government agencies, and managed properties across the District.

Ideal Applications for Maglocks in DC

While we frequently utilize electric strikes for standard wood and metal office doors, maglocks excel in specific environments:

• Frameless Glass Doors (Herculite): Popular in Georgetown boutiques or modern Navy Yard lobbies, these doors have no metal frames to house standard locks. Maglocks can be mounted to the glass header and door via specialized high-bond adhesive brackets.
• Double Doors Without Mullions: On a set of double doors with no center post (mullion), securing the doors together mechanically is complex. A maglock installed at the top of the doors provides a clean, highly secure locking point.
• High-Traffic Perimeter Doors: Because maglocks have no moving mechanical latch pieces to wear out, they are well-suited for main lobby doors that cycle hundreds of times a day.

The Complexity of Egress and Fire Code

The most critical aspect of a magnetic lock installation is life safety. A maglock is a Fail-Safe device. It requires a constant flow of electricity to remain locked. If the power drops, the magnet demagnetizes, and the door opens.

Because there is no mechanical handle to turn on the inside of a maglock door, allowing people out requires a complex system of sensors. Improperly installed maglocks are a primary cause of failed fire inspections and fines in DC.

DC Local Locksmith engineers complete, code-compliant egress systems:

1. Request-to-Exit (REX) Sensor: A specialized motion detector mounted above the interior of the door. As someone approaches to leave, the sensor detects the motion and momentarily cuts power to the magnet, allowing the door to open.
2. Emergency Push Button: Often mandated by code as a backup to the motion sensor. A prominent “PUSH TO EXIT” button is wired to physically break the circuit to the magnet for 30 seconds.
3. Fire Alarm Tie-In (FACP): The ultimate safety requirement. We wire the maglock’s power supply through a relay connected to the building’s main fire alarm panel. If a pull station is activated or a smoke detector trips, power to the maglocks drops instantly, guaranteeing unimpeded escape.

Battery Backups and Access Integration

While you want the doors to open during a fire, you do not want your entire building left unsecured simply because Pepco had a localized power outage after a thunderstorm.

We integrate heavy-duty battery backup rigs into the Access Control Power Supply. These batteries distinguish between a fire alarm (where they let the power drop) and a municipal grid failure (where they take over, keeping the magnets powered and the premise secure for several hours).

Professional Maglock Installation

Installing a magnetic lock requires deep knowledge of low-voltage electronics, building codes, and metal fabrication. Do not trust your perimeter security and legal liability to a general contractor.

Call DC Local Locksmith at (202) 830-0706 to speak with our access control specialists. We will evaluate your doors, discuss fire code requirements, and provide an exact quote for your magnetic lock installation.