Modern access control systems rely on electronically securing and unlocking doors. The two most common methods used are electromagnetic locks (maglocks) and electric strikes. While they serve a similar purpose, these devices operate very differently.
Unfortunately, many businesses and property managers in Toronto are incorrectly advised that maglocks are the simpler or less expensive solution. In reality, maglocks should only be used in limited, specialized applications. The distinction is not simply a matter of our preference — it directly impacts life safety, building code compliance, and legal liability.
A maglock, short for electromagnetic lock, uses a powerful electromagnet mounted to the door frame and an armature plate attached to the door. When energized, the magnet holds the door closed with significant force.
Unlike traditional locking hardware, a maglock must release electronically for both:
This is the key safety concern with maglocks. If the lock does not release properly during a fire alarm, or emergency, occupants may be unable to exit safely.
Because of these risks, maglocks are heavily regulated under the Ontario Building Code and require permits in Toronto and most Ontario municipalities.
An electric strike works differently. Instead of holding the door shut with a magnet, it electronically releases the door latch with a solenoid when access is granted.
The important distinction is that:
This makes electric strikes the preferred and code-compliant solution for the majority of access control applications.
In majority of cases, electric strikes can be installed without permits, provided free mechanical egress in the direction of fire egress is maintained.
One of the most common misconceptions in the security industry is that maglocks are easier or less expensive to install than electric strikes.
At first glance, this may appear true. A maglock can seem mechanically simple compared to an electric strike installation, which may require:
However, this comparison often ignores the extensive code and life-safety requirements associated with maglocks.
A properly installed, fully compliant maglock system typically becomes significantly more expensive than an electric strike once permits, engineering, fire alarm upgrades & integrations, inspections, and safety redundancies are included.
Maglocks are regulated under Ontario Building Code Section 3.4.6.16 and require strict compliance measures to ensure occupant safety.
Depending on the application, requirements may include:
In certain occupancies — such as elementary schools and some high-hazard facilities — maglocks may not be permitted at all.
Failure to comply with these regulations can create serious life-safety hazards and significant liability exposure for building owners and contractors.
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For most commercial applications, electric strikes offer major advantages over maglocks:
Occupants can always exit mechanically using standard door hardware, even during emergencies or power failures.
Electric strikes typically satisfy building code requirements without the additional permitting and fire integration complexity associated with maglocks.
Although installation may initially require the correct door hardware, total project costs are almost always lower than a fully compliant maglock installation.
Maglocks are designed to fail safe, meaning they unlock during:
While necessary for safety, this can leave sensitive areas unsecured during these events.
Electric strikes will provide stronger practical security in many applications because the door remains mechanically latched allowing egress but not entry.
Despite the limitations, maglocks do have legitimate applications when properly designed and permitted.
Frameless glass doors often lack the physical hardware for conventional latching, making maglocks one of the few viable options to secure the door.
Certain secure environments require credential verification for both entry and exit.
When securing stairwells in residential and commercial high-rise buildings, designated crossover floors are required to automatically unlock during a fire alarm condition. This allows occupants to safely move between stairwells during an emergency should they encounter fire or smoke while exiting.
In all cases, maglocks should only be installed after careful evaluation of building code requirements, fire safety integration, and meeting all local permit obligations.
In the vast majority of commercial access control applications, electric strikes are the safer, simpler, and more practical solution. However, in specialized applications where a maglock is the only suitable option, Square Security can provide complete assistance throughout the process.
Our team can support the design, permitting, fire system coordination, and installation of fully code-compliant maglock systems that meet Ontario Building Code and life-safety requirements.
