MagLock Installation for Memphis Commercial Properties — Maximum Security, Zero Moving Parts
An electromagnetic lock — commonly called a maglock — is one of the most reliable forms of electronic door security available. There are no moving parts to wear out, no keys to copy or lose, and no mechanical latches to jam. When powered, a maglock creates an incredibly strong magnetic bond between the lock body mounted on the door frame and the armature plate mounted on the door. When power is cut — during a fire, power outage, or security event — the lock releases instantly, allowing free egress. That combination of maximum holding force and instant fail-safe release is why maglocks are the go-to electronic locking solution for commercial buildings throughout Memphis.
Southern Locksmith Solutions provides professional maglock installation, repair, and integration services for commercial properties across the Memphis metro area. We design maglock systems that integrate with your existing access control infrastructure, meet fire code requirements, and provide the level of security your business demands.
How MagLocks Work
A maglock consists of two primary components:
- The maglock body. A solid block of electromagnet mounted to the door frame. When electrical current flows through the coil, it generates a powerful magnetic field.
- The armature plate. A steel plate mounted to the door that aligns with the maglock body. When the maglock is energized, the magnetic field bonds the armature plate to the lock body with tremendous force.
The holding force of a maglock is measured in pounds — ranging from 600 lbs for light-duty applications to 1,200 lbs or more for high-security installations. Compare that to a standard deadbolt, which might offer 700 to 1,000 lbs of resistance against forced entry. A maglock delivers comparable or superior holding force with the added benefit of electronic control and integration.
MagLock Holding Force Ratings
| Rating | Holding Force | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 600 lb | Light duty | Interior doors, low-traffic entrances |
| 800 lb | Standard duty | Office doors, retail storefronts |
| 1,000 lb | Heavy duty | Exterior doors, high-traffic entrances |
| 1,200+ lb | High security | Server rooms, data centers, secure facilities |
When Your Memphis Business Needs a MagLock
Exterior entry doors. The most common maglock application. Control who enters your building through your main entrance while maintaining free egress for emergencies.
Interior secure doors. Server rooms, cash handling areas, executive offices, and storage rooms benefit from maglock security on interior doors where physical keys are impractical.
Glass door entrances. Maglocks are ideal for frameless glass door entrances common in Memphis office buildings and retail storefronts along Poplar Avenue and Germantown Parkway. Unlike traditional deadbolts or electric strikes, maglocks don’t require door preparation or mortise pockets.
Panic bar integration. Maglocks integrate seamlessly with panic bars and exit devices. The panic bar releases the latch mechanically (for code compliance), while the maglock prevents unauthorized entry from the outside.
Multi-door access control. Maglocks are the standard locking device in multi-door access control systems because they integrate with virtually every access control platform and panel on the market.
MagLock System Components
A complete maglock system includes more than just the lock itself:
Access control panel. The brain of the system. Receives signals from card readers, keypads, and other input devices, and controls when the maglock is energized or released.
Card reader or keypad. The credential input device mounted next to the door. Employees present their card, fob, or PIN to gain entry.
Power supply. Provides continuous power to the maglock. Must be backed up by a battery backup system that maintains the maglock’s operation during a power outage (or releases it, depending on the fail-safe/fail-secure configuration).
Door position sensor (DPS). Monitors whether the door is open or closed. Prevents the maglock from energizing when the door is ajar and provides alerts if a door is forced open.
Exit button or motion sensor. Allows authorized personnel to release the maglock from the inside without a credential — useful for high-traffic areas where constant credential scanning is impractical.
Fire alarm integration. Maglocks must be wired to your building’s fire alarm system to release all maglocks simultaneously during a fire event, as required by NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure MagLock Configurations
Fail-safe (most common). When power is cut, the maglock releases and the door can be opened. This is the life-safety configuration required for most egress doors. If power fails, people can still exit the building.
Fail-secure. When power is cut, the maglock remains locked. Used in high-security applications where you need the door to remain locked even during a power outage — server rooms, vault areas, and secure storage. Fail-secure maglocks require a separate life-safety exit device (panic bar or exit switch) for emergency egress.
MagLock Installation Process
1. Site survey and system design. We evaluate every door where a maglock will be installed — door type, frame material, existing hardware, power availability, and integration requirements. We design a system that meets your security needs while complying with fire and building codes.
2. Hardware selection. We select the appropriate maglock holding force rating, mounting configuration (surface or concealed), and finish based on your door construction and aesthetic requirements.
3. Professional installation. We mount the maglock body and armature plate with precision alignment, run all wiring to the access control panel, install the card reader or keypad, and wire the system to your fire alarm and power backup infrastructure.
4. System configuration. We configure the access control panel, set up credential types and access levels, test every maglock’s operation, and verify fire alarm integration.
5. Code compliance verification. We ensure the installation meets NFPA 101, Tennessee building code, and ADA requirements — proper release force, emergency egress paths, and fire alarm integration.
MagLock Repair and Maintenance
Maglocks are extremely reliable — they have no moving parts to wear out. However, they do require periodic maintenance:
- Battery backup testing. Ensure your backup battery system can maintain maglock operation (or release) during a power outage.
- Magnet surface inspection. Check the maglock body and armature plate for debris, corrosion, or misalignment that could weaken the magnetic bond.
- Wiring and connection inspection. Verify all electrical connections are secure and free of corrosion.
- Fire alarm integration testing. Confirm the maglock releases properly during fire alarm events.
Service Areas
We provide maglock installation, repair, and maintenance throughout the Memphis metropolitan area at no extra trip fee for core coverage zip codes:
- Memphis — all neighborhoods and zip codes (381xx, 375xx)
- Germantown — Cornerville, Wolfchase, and surrounding commercial areas
- Collierville — Town Center, South Collierville, and business districts
- Bartlett — commercial corridors and industrial areas
- Cordova — commercial developments and office parks
- Arlington — growing business communities
- Lakeland — commercial and light industrial properties
- Millington — industrial and commercial facilities
- Covington — north Shelby County commercial properties
For areas outside the core Memphis MSA zip codes, a trip fee of $1.00 per mile (round trip) applies.
Related Services
MagLock Installation — Reliable, Code-Compliant Security
A maglock is the backbone of any modern commercial access control system. No moving parts to fail, millions of pounds of holding force, and instant integration with your access control platform. Southern Locksmith Solutions installs maglock systems that secure your Memphis business and keep you in compliance with fire and building codes.
Call now: 901-296-0114
MagLock installation, repair, and maintenance throughout the Memphis metro. Professional installation.