Magnetic Door Locks

Magnetic Door Locks for Access Control & Secure Entry

Magnetic door locks, also known as maglocks, are a popular access control solution that use an electromagnet to secure a door. When powered, the magnet bonds to the armature plate to hold the door closed. When power is removed, the door releases.

Maglocks are widely used in commercial, industrial, education, healthcare, retail and multi-residential environments because they are reliable, quiet and low maintenance. They are especially useful on high-traffic doors where smooth electronic locking and access control integration are required.

At CTC Communications, we stock leading magnetic lock brands including FSH, Lockwood and LOX Locking, with options for single doors, double doors, glass doors, specialty frames and monitored or non-monitored applications.

Benefits of Magnetic Door Locks

• Reliable and low maintenance – With no mechanical latch to wear, maglocks are built for regular use and high foot traffic.
• Smooth, quiet operation – Ideal for offices, hospitals, reception areas and commercial environments where noise matters.
• Fail-safe design – Magnetic locks are generally designed to release when power is removed, supporting safe egress requirements where correctly specified.
• Good retrofit option – Surface-mounted design can be useful where mechanical alignment is difficult or where existing door hardware limits other lock options.
• Scalable security – Suitable for a single door or multi-site access control systems.
• System integration – Can integrate with access controllers, card readers, keypads, intercoms, request-to-exit devices and building management systems.

Monitored vs Non-Monitored Magnetic Locks

Choosing between monitored and non-monitored maglocks depends on whether your access control system needs status reporting from the door or lock.

• Monitored maglocks – Provide status outputs such as bond status, door state or tamper feedback, depending on the model and installation.
• Non-monitored maglocks – Provide reliable locking without status feedback to the access control system.
• Bond or lock status – Confirms whether the magnet is holding correctly.
• Door position reporting – Indicates whether the door is open or closed when compatible contacts are installed.
• Tamper detection – Helps identify interference with the lock or cover on compatible monitored models.

Magnetic Lock Selection & Sizing Guide

Choosing the right magnetic door lock means matching the lock to the door, frame, location, holding force and security risk.

• Door swing and brackets – Out-swing doors can often mount directly, while in-swing doors may require Z/L brackets. Glass doors may need dedicated U-brackets.
• Holding force – Select a holding force appropriate to the door size, traffic level and risk profile. Heavier doors and perimeter locations may require stronger models.
• Monitoring – Choose monitored models if you need bond, door or tamper status back to an access controller or alarm system.
• Voltage and power – Many maglocks support 12/24VDC. Pair the lock with a regulated power supply and consider battery backup where required.
• Environment – For exposed areas, check weather resistance, IP rating and corrosion resistance.
• Mounting surface – The frame should provide a flat, solid surface so the magnet and armature plate can make full contact.
• Accessories – Add request-to-exit buttons, touchless exit sensors, emergency door release devices, brackets and door closers as required.

Browse compatible magnetic lock brackets to complete your installation.

Featured Magnetic Door Lock Brands

CTC Communications supplies magnetic door locks from trusted access control and locking hardware brands, with options for internal doors, perimeter entries, glass doors and commercial security applications.

• FSH – Australian-designed magnetic locks with robust build quality and monitored options for higher-security doors.
• Lockwood – Trusted commercial door hardware and maglocks for architectural and retrofit applications.
• LOX Locking – Value-driven magnetic locks offering solid performance across common door types.

Installation, Egress & Compliance Notes

Magnetic locks are typically configured as fail-safe devices. Power is required to lock, and loss of power releases the door. This design can support life-safety and egress requirements when the system is correctly designed and installed.

• Egress hardware – Provide a compliant means of exit, such as a request-to-exit button, touchless sensor or other approved egress device where required.
• Emergency door release – Consider emergency door release hardware where required by the door function and building design.
• Fire system integration – Doors on fire-affected paths may need to release on alarm or power loss. Consult the relevant fire contractor or compliance professional.
• Cabling and power supply – Use suitable cabling and a regulated power supply sized for the lock and connected accessories.
• Commissioning – Check magnetic bond, door closing, release timing, controller inputs and exit operation before handover.
• Local regulations – Installation should align with local building and fire regulations, the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards.