Treasure Coast Locksmith provides magnetic lock installation services in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, and across the Treasure Coast. Call (772) 758-1322 for mobile service. Magnetic locks (maglocks) hold doors shut using electromagnetic force. Common sizes: 600 lb for interior doors, 1200 lb for exterior or high-security. Life safety code requires emergency egress - typically via REX motion sensor, push-to-exit button, and fire alarm release.
Delayed egress configurations add 15-second hold for retail and healthcare.
Magnetic locks use electromagnetic force to hold doors shut. An energized electromagnet on the frame pulls against a steel armature plate on the door, creating holding force up to 1200 lbs. Cut power and the door releases immediately.
This makes mag locks simple, reliable, and easy to integrate with access control.
The catch is life safety compliance. Because mag locks don't require a mechanical unlock action, they must include emergency egress features - typically a motion sensor (PIR) that releases the lock when someone approaches from inside, a push-to-exit button, and a connection to the fire alarm system that releases all mag locks during fire events.
Treasure Coast Locksmith installs mag locks for commercial access control systems across Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, and the tri-county. All installations include proper egress integration per NFPA 101 life safety code.
Magnetic lock specialty
- 600 lb and 1200 lb models - matched to application.
- PIR motion sensors - free egress from inside.
- REX push buttons - backup emergency exit.
- Fire alarm release - code-required integration.
- Delayed egress option - 15-second retail security.
- Access control ready - HID, Honeywell, Software House.
- Proper fail-safe operation - releases on power loss.
- NFPA 101 compliance - life safety code.
Common magnetic lock scenarios
Real maglock installation situations.
Typical calls
- Port St. Lucie office with 1200 lb mag lock for main entry access control.
- Stuart retail with delayed egress maglock for anti-shoplifting back door.
- Vero Beach medical with maglock on clinical entry with PIR egress.
- Fort Pierce warehouse with 1200 lb mag lock on loading dock walk door.
- Jensen Beach IT facility with high-security maglock for server room.
- Tradition apartment complex with mag lock on lobby door with intercom release.
- Palm City condo with maglock and keypad on pool gate.
- Treasure Coast school with maglock plus fire alarm integration.
Magnetic lock operation, code compliance, and egress requirements
Magnetic locks create unique code compliance challenges that don't exist with mechanical locks and electric strikes. Understanding these requirements ensures installations meet life safety code.
Operation: A mag lock consists of an electromagnet mounted on the door frame and a steel armature plate mounted on the door. Energized electromagnet pulls the armature with significant holding force (600 lbs, 1200 lbs, or 2000 lbs depending on model). Cutting power releases the lock immediately - no mechanical delay.
Fail-Safe Only: Mag locks are inherently fail-safe - they require continuous power to hold locked. This is different from electric strikes which can be fail-safe or fail-secure. Mag locks cannot be fail-secure; power loss always releases them.
Plan for backup power (UPS) on critical security applications.
Egress Requirements: NFPA 101 requires emergency egress on any door serving occupied spaces. Because mag locks don't have mechanical release, they require electrical release mechanisms to allow egress. Typical approach:
1) PIR motion sensor above the door on the egress side detects someone approaching and releases the mag lock. Standard approach for most office and commercial applications.
2) Push-to-exit button on egress side provides backup release. Labeled "Push to Exit" or similar. Usually mounted at standard switch height.
3) Fire alarm system connection releases all mag locks during fire alarm activation. Required by code and tested during fire alarm testing.
4) Power backup (UPS) keeps mag locks operational during short power interruptions - otherwise mag locks release and security is compromised.
Delayed Egress: Some applications (retail stores, healthcare facilities with dementia patients, certain institutional uses) allow delayed egress configurations where pressing the emergency bar triggers a 15-second countdown before the lock releases. Gives staff time to respond. Requires specific code approval and signage.
Holding Force Selection: 600 lb mag locks sufficient for interior office doors and low-force attacks. 1200 lb for exterior doors, high-force attack resistance, or critical security. 2000 lb for extreme security applications.
Choose based on threat model and door configuration.
Mounting Configurations: Surface mount (most common, visible hardware), concealed mount (hidden in door frame), and various bracket configurations for outswinging doors, glass doors, and specialty applications. Mounting affects installation complexity and cost.
Electric Strike vs Mag Lock: Electric strikes are generally preferred over mag locks for new installations because they have fewer code compliance complications, work with existing mechanical locks, and don't require separate egress hardware. Mag locks are chosen when doors don't have compatible mechanical locks, for glass doors, or for specific security requirements.
Magnetic lock installation process
Application assessment
Call (772) 758-1322. Discuss door, occupancy, and egress requirements.
Code review
Verify life safety requirements for the application and door.
Installation
Mount mag lock and armature, install PIR and REX, wire to panel.
Testing
Verify egress operation, fire alarm release, and access control integration.
Mag lock tips
- Always include PIR, REX, and fire alarm release.
- Choose 1200 lb for exterior or high-security applications.
- Plan for UPS backup on critical mag locks.
- Document code compliance for fire marshal review.
- Consider electric strikes as alternative for most applications.
- Ensure delayed egress has code approval before install.
Related services
Other Treasure Coast Locksmith services in this cluster.
Magnetic lock installation FAQs
Common questions from Treasure Coast businesses and access control specifiers.
How much does magnetic lock installation cost?
Single 600 lb mag lock installed with egress: $995-$1,995. 1200 lb mag lock installed: $1,295-$2,495. Delayed egress configuration: $1,895-$3,495.
Pricing includes mag lock, PIR, REX, wiring, and access control integration. Fire alarm integration quoted separately.
What are the egress requirements?
NFPA 101 requires emergency egress on doors serving occupied spaces. For mag locks this means PIR motion sensor for automatic release, REX push button for manual release, fire alarm connection for fire events, and ideally UPS backup for power interruptions. All these are standard scope for our installations.
Which holding force do I need?
600 lb for interior office doors and lower-security applications. 1200 lb for exterior doors, high-force attack resistance, or critical security. 2000 lb for extreme applications.
Most commercial installations use 1200 lb as default for exterior and 600 lb for interior.
Can I use a mag lock on an exit door?
Yes with proper egress integration. Mag lock itself holds the door but PIR, REX, and fire alarm release provide emergency egress. Code compliance depends on proper integration - not just the mag lock installation itself.
What's delayed egress?
Delayed egress lets a mag lock hold for 15 seconds after egress button is pressed before releasing. Used for retail anti-theft and healthcare dementia safety. Requires code approval, specific signage, and usually fire marshal sign-off before installation.
Do mag locks work during power failures?
No. Mag locks are fail-safe only - they release immediately when power is lost. For security applications, UPS battery backup keeps them powered for 15-60 minutes during outages.
Plan backup power for mission-critical applications.
Can you connect to my fire alarm?
Yes. Fire alarm connection is code-required and part of our standard installation. Works with most commercial fire alarm panels.
Integration with fire alarm contractor sometimes needed for specific panel connections. Testing included.
What about glass doors?
Mag locks work well for glass doors where mechanical locks can't be installed. Specific brackets for frameless glass, all-glass doors, and aluminum-framed glass doors. Common application for retail and office lobby doors.
Are mag locks better than electric strikes?
Different applications. Electric strikes work with existing mechanical locks and have fewer egress complications. Mag locks work for doors without compatible mechanical locks, glass doors, and specific security applications.
Most new installations use electric strikes as first choice.
Can you install on an aluminum storefront?
Yes. Aluminum storefront mag locks use specific brackets that work with narrow stile doors. Alternative is Adams Rite electric strike for storefront applications - depends on specific door configuration.
Do you service existing mag locks?
Yes. Mag lock service including PIR sensor replacement, REX button repair, wiring troubleshooting, and armature plate replacement. Common service calls when access control systems report mag lock problems.
What brands do you install?
Alarm Lock, DynaLock, HID (Securitron), Assa Abloy (RCI), and other commercial mag lock manufacturers. Brand selection based on integration requirements, budget, and availability. Free consultation.