Access Control
Magnetic Locks vs Electric Strikes vs Drop Bolts
Guidance only. Verify any statutory or insurer requirement against current official South African sources. CapeCore does not publish unverified legal claims.
Magnetic locks
A maglock holds a door with an electromagnet. It is common on aluminium and glass doors. Holding force is rated in kilograms; the weak point is often the door frame, not the magnet. Maglocks are typically fail-safe: power off, door unlocks — which is why fire-alarm release and a mechanical exit device must be designed in.
Electric strikes
A strike releases the latch keep so a mechanical lockset still does the holding. Fail-secure strikes stay locked without power (good for a storeroom). Fail-safe strikes release on power loss (used where escape is the priority). The existing lockset quality still matters.
Drop bolts and motorised locks
Shear locks and drop bolts suit some double doors and high-security leaves. Alignment is unforgiving. They need a door that does not sag.
The door is part of the system
CapeCore looks at the leaf, closer, hinges and fire rating before choosing the lock. A strong magnet on a rotten timber frame is not security.
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