Understanding Electric Door Strikes for Enhanced Security

Electric door strikes are a practical and effective way to improve access control for homes, businesses, and commercial buildings. They allow doors to be unlocked electronically, making it easier to manage entry while improving security at the same time. When combined with intercoms, keypads, card readers, or broader access control systems, electric door strikes can help create a more secure and convenient entry solution.

At CTC Communications, we help customers across Sydney choose and install access control solutions that match their property, traffic flow, and security needs. Whether you are securing an office entry, apartment access point, gate, internal door, or restricted commercial area, understanding how electric door strikes work can help you choose the right setup.

This guide explains what electric door strikes are, the main types available, how they are installed, and how they work with modern access control systems.

Electronic Door Strike Security & Energy Consumption

and added security measures. These benefits come at the cost of electrical energy consumption, as they relate to an electronic door strike, or E-strike, are investigated. Multiple different

Small scale energy harvesting for use with an electronic door strike, 2016

What Is an Electric Door Strike?

An electric door strike is an electronic locking device installed in a door frame. It works by releasing the door latch when triggered by an access control signal, allowing the door to open without needing a traditional key.

Instead of manually unlocking the door each time, the strike can be activated by: the strike

• an intercom system
• keypad entry
• swipe card or fob
• access control reader
• push button release
• remote entry system

This makes electric door strikes a popular option where secure, controlled access is required.

How Electric Door Strikes Improve Security

Electric door strikes improve security by allowing you to control who enters a building and when. Rather than relying only on physical keys, they support smarter and more manageable entry control.

Key security benefits include:

• controlled entry for authorised users
• easier integration with intercom and access control systems
• reduced reliance on physical keys
• improved convenience for staff, residents, or visitors
• better monitoring of access events
• stronger security for restricted areas

They are especially useful where multiple users need access or where entry permissions need to be managed more efficiently.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Door Strikes?

There are several types of electric door strikes, and each is designed to suit different door styles, frame types, and security requirements.

Surface-Mounted Electric Door Strikes

Surface-mounted strikes are fitted to the surface of the door frame rather than recessed into it.

Best for:

• retrofitting existing doors
• simpler installations
• some residential and light commercial applications

Benefits:

• easier installation
• less invasive fitting
• practical for upgrading older doors

These can be useful when modifying an existing door where deeper frame work is not preferred.

Mortise Electric Door Strikes

Mortise strikes are recessed into the door frame, creating a cleaner and more integrated finish.

Best for:

• commercial buildings
• office doors
• professional access control installations

Benefits:

• neater appearance
• stronger integrated fit
• commonly suited to commercial lock hardware

Mortise strikes are often chosen where both appearance and secure long-term performance matter.

Adjustable Electric Door Strikes

Adjustable strikes allow for some flexibility during installation, making it easier to align with different latch positions.

Best for:

• doors with variable latch alignment
• retrofit situations
• sites needing easier adjustment

Benefits:

• more installation flexibility
• easier positioning
• helpful where exact latch placement varies

These are useful when the frame or lock alignment is not perfectly standard.

Bolt-Type Electric Door Strikes

Bolt-type strikes offer a more secure locking style by working with a bolt mechanism rather than a basic latch alone.

Best for:

• higher security doors
• restricted access points
• commercial or industrial environments

Benefits:

• stronger locking action
• higher level of resistance
• better suited to higher security needs

These are typically considered where stronger entry protection is required.

Magnetic Locking and Related Entry Solutions

While not always the same as a standard electric strike, magnetic locking solutions are often discussed alongside access-controlled door hardware because they also support secure electronic entry.

Best for:

• high-traffic doors
• access-controlled internal entries
• selected commercial and institutional sites

Benefits:

• smooth operation
• effective access control integration
• suitable for selected high-use entry points

The best option depends on the door, traffic level, and security goals.

 

Where Are Electric Door Strikes Commonly Used?

Electric door strikes are used across many different environments.

Common applications include:

• office buildings
• retail stores
• apartment entries
• residential gates and doors
• warehouses
• healthcare facilities
• schools
• restricted staff-only areas
• internal access-controlled commercial doors

Their flexibility makes them suitable for both small entry points and larger integrated security systems.

How Electric Door Strikes Work with Access Control Systems

One of the biggest advantages of electric door strikes is how easily they can be integrated into broader access control systems.

They can work with: Aiphone video door station

• audio and video intercoms
• keypad entry systems
• card and fob access
• biometric readers
• timed access schedules
• remote release buttons
• building management and monitoring systems

This allows property owners and managers to control access more efficiently and, in many cases, monitor entry activity in real time.

Electric Door Strikes and Intercom Integration

Electric door strikes are commonly paired with intercom systems so users can verify a visitor before unlocking the door strike.

This setup is especially useful for: electric door strike non monitored

• apartment buildings
• office receptions
• front gates
• customer entry points
• homes with video intercom systems

With the press of a button, the user can release the strike remotely once they are satisfied the visitor should be allowed entry.

Electric Door Strikes and Keyless Entry

Electric strikes also work well with keyless entry systems, such as PIN keypads, card readers, or fob access.

This can improve convenience by:

• reducing the need for physical keys
• making staff access easier to manage
• allowing codes or credentials to be changed when needed
• simplifying access for multiple users

For many businesses, this is a more efficient and secure option than traditional lock-and-key systems.

What Security Features Should You Look For?

Not all electric door strikes are the same, so it is important to look for features that match the site and level of security required.

Important features may include:

• durable metal construction
• tamper-resistant design
• compatibility with the existing lock and frame
• reliable release mechanism
• long-term electrical performance
• suitability for high-traffic use
• compatibility with intercoms or access control hardware

Some systems may also include monitoring or alarm integration depending on the broader setup.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Electric door strike installation needs to be done correctly to ensure the door operates smoothly and securely. Poor installation can lead to alignment problems, unreliable unlocking, latch issues, or long-term wear.

Professional installation helps with:

• checking lock and frame compatibility
• correct alignment of the strike and latch
• proper electrical setup
• integration with intercom or access control systems
• reliable day-to-day operation
• safer and neater finishing

Because electric strikes combine both mechanical and electrical components, professional setup is usually the best option.

What Is Involved in Electric Door Strike Installation?

Installation may vary depending on the strike type and the door construction, but the process usually includes:

• assessing the door and frame
• checking compatibility with the existing lockset
• selecting the correct strike type
• preparing the frame
• fitting and aligning the strike
• wiring it to a power supply or access control system
• testing release function and door latching
• confirming reliable operation

For commercial sites and integrated systems, installation may also involve programming or linking the strike with access control hardware.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability

Like any access control hardware, electric door strikes should be maintained to keep them operating correctly.

Helpful maintenance steps include:

• checking alignment regularly
• inspecting electrical connections
• keeping the strike area clean
• ensuring the latch closes properly
• testing release function as part of routine maintenance
• addressing any sticking or misalignment early

Routine servicing helps avoid access issues and supports long-term reliability.

Are Electric Door Strikes Suitable for Homes?

Yes, electric door strikes can work very well in residential settings, especially where the homeowner wants:

• keyless front entry
• gate control
• intercom-linked access
• added convenience for family access
• improved control over visitors

They are particularly useful for homes with intercoms accessories, gates, or upgraded smart entry solutions.

Are Electric Door Strikes Good for Businesses?

Yes, they are often even more beneficial in commercial settings. Businesses commonly use electric strikes to manage access for staff, visitors, and contractors while protecting restricted areas.

They are a strong choice for:

• office entries
• internal staff-only doors
• warehouse access points
• medical practices
• apartment complexes
• retail back-of-house doors

When paired with keypads, access readers, or intercoms, they help create a more controlled and professional entry system.

Can Electric Door Strikes Be Integrated with Hikvision Access Control?

Yes, electric door strikes can be integrated with Hikvision access control systems when the hardware is matched correctly. This can allow for more advanced control of entry points, including credential-based access, monitoring, and broader system integration.

For customers already using Hikvision intercom or access control equipment, electric strikes can form part of a more complete entry management solution.

Why Choose CTC Communications for Electric Door Strike Solutions?

At CTC Communications, we help customers across Sydney with practical access control solutions for homes, businesses, and commercial properties. Whether you need a single electric strike for a door entry upgrade or a broader access control solution integrated with intercoms, keypads, or Hikvision systems, we can help match the right hardware to your site.

We supply and install security and access products designed for reliable daily use, stronger entry control, and long-term value.