Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)
Professional Installation & Service in Greater Houston
Magnetic lock (maglock) installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance for Houston-area commercial properties.
Guardian Safe & Lock installs and supports standalone maglocks from trusted manufacturers for businesses, property managers, and facilities teams across Greater Houston. This page focuses exclusively on maglocks: what they are, how they perform, installation and safety considerations, authorization and testing practices, and why Guardian is a reliable partner for maglock projects (installation, repair, and service agreements).
Call 832-534-8687, or text (including images) 832-493-5888 to discuss Houston maglock systems with a locksmith professional today.
What Is A Maglock— A Concise Definition
A magnetic lock (maglock) is an electromechanical locking device that secures a door by magnetically bonding an electromagnet, mounted to the frame, with a steel armature plate affixed to the door. When electrical current is applied, the electromagnet generates a powerful magnetic field that attracts and holds the armature plate with significant tensile force—typically ranging from 600 to 1,200 pounds or more, depending on the model.
By design, most maglocks are fail-safe devices: they unlock automatically when power is interrupted, allowing free egress during power loss or emergency conditions. This makes them ideal for access-controlled doors where life-safety and quick evacuation are priorities.
In contrast, fail-secure systems (more common with electric strikes or certain hybrid locking mechanisms) remain locked when power is lost to maintain security but may require manual override or backup power for safe egress.
Because of their simplicity, durability, and low maintenance requirements, maglocks are widely used in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities where controlled access and safe emergency exit capabilities must coexist—such as office buildings, hospitals, schools, and storefronts.
Practical Installation Considerations
When Guardian designs and installs a maglock solution, we assess, document, and plan around the following factors:
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Door/frame integrity and mounting method. Maglocks require sturdy brackets or reinforced surfaces; aluminum storefronts, glass doors, and hollow frames often need specialized brackets or reinforcement hardware.
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Holding force requirement. Higher traffic or higher-security openings typically require 1,200 lb or heavy-duty models; interior office doors often use lower-rated units—manufacturer datasheets guide the selection.
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Weather and environment. Exterior installations and gate applications require weather-rated housings and corrosion-resistant finishes. Gate maglocks and specialty outdoor models are available for perimeter security.
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Fail mode and life-safety. We coordinate with building management and local code to confirm fail-safe vs. fail-secure behavior, emergency release requirements, and permitted egress solutions.
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Electrical and control wiring. Maglocks must be powered and, where monitoring is required, tied into bond-status circuits or door-monitoring outputs. Some access platforms supply wiring diagrams and requirements for maglocks that installers must follow. For example, ProDataKey provides maglock wiring guidance for PDK controllers; RemoteLock and other platforms also publish maglock wiring and emergency-stop requirements. Guardian references these documents when integrating standalone maglocks with the customer’s specified control hardware.
(We do not publish wiring schematics here. All electrical work is performed by qualified technicians to code.)
Why Choose Guardian Safe & Lock For Your Houston Maglock Installation?
When selecting a provider to install magnetic locks at your facility, it’s important to choose a team with the technical skill, local experience, and code awareness needed to ensure your system is secure, reliable, and compliant.
At Guardian Safe & Lock, we specialize in professionally installing and servicing maglocks throughout the Greater Houston area. Our process is structured, meticulous, and informed by years of real-world access control and physical security expertise.
With Guardian Safe & Lock, You Get:
- Local, Code-Aware Installation
- Experienced Access Control Technicians
- Options for Interior, Perimeter, and Gate Applications
- Compatibility with Established Access Control Platforms
- iFull Documentation & Testing
- Troubleshooting & Repair Expertise
- Future-Proofing for System Expansion
Choosing a qualified installer is just as important as choosing the maglock hardware itself. With Guardian Safe & Lock, you receive a professional installation backed by local experience, clear communication, and ongoing support whenever you need it. Contact us today to schedule a site visit or request a tailored project quote.
Performance Expectations — Holding Force & Rated Values
Maglocks are specified by their rated holding force, typically expressed in pounds or kilograms. Common commercial ratings include 600 lb and 1,200 lb (single-door) units; heavy-duty models and specialty gate maglocks are available with higher tensile ratings or weather-resistant housings for exterior use.
We choose the holding force appropriate to the door type, frame condition, and the level of physical resistance required. Reputable manufacturers publish clear datasheets so you — and we — select the correct product for the application.
Fail-Safe Vs. Fail-Secure Behavior — What Owners Must Understand
Maglocks are typically deployed in one of two failure modes:
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Fail-safe (fail-open): The maglock unlocks when power is removed. This behavior favors occupant safety and egress (for example, on fire escape doors), but it requires other measures to maintain perimeter security during power loss.
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Fail-secure (fail-locked): The maglock remains locked when power is removed (often achieved with battery backup or auxiliary systems). This configuration favors security but must be used with strict attention to life-safety and building code requirements.
Deciding between fail-safe and fail-secure depends on egress requirements, local code, door function, and the overall life-safety strategy for the building. Professional assessment is essential.
Code, Certification, and Product Standards
Quality maglocks from established manufacturers are tested and listed to recognized standards (UL, EN and ANSI where applicable).
Look for UL listing and the appropriate regional approvals for your building type — these certifications indicate the product has been evaluated for safety and performance.
For many commercial applications, installers rely on UL-listed maglocks and follow manufacturer installation instructions and fire/egress code requirements.
Maglocks Installed By Guardian Safe & Lock Include:
What is a maglock and how does it work?
A magnetic lock (maglock) is an electromechanical lock made of an electromagnet (mounted on the frame) and a steel armature plate (mounted on the door).
When the electromagnet is energized it attracts and holds the armature plate, creating a very strong tensile bond that resists the door being opened; cutting power removes the holding force and the door is released.
Maglocks are commonly rated by their holding force (for example, 600 lb or 1,200 lb models).
Are maglocks safe for people? What happens during a fire or power outage?
Maglocks can be installed to meet life-safety requirements, but they must be used with approved egress arrangements. Most maglock installations are fail-safe for egress (they unlock when power is removed) or include approved emergency release devices so people can exit.
Installers must coordinate with local fire and building codes (NFPA/IBC) and provide clearly-marked emergency release methods where required.
Never assume a maglock installation automatically meets code — have a qualified Guardian Safe & Lock maglock installer verify compliance.
What if the power goes out — will the door stay locked?
That depends on how the maglock is configured: fail-safe maglocks unlock when power is cut (common where free egress is required).
Some systems provide battery backup or other measures to maintain lock-up during outages when security is critical, but battery backups and fail-secure strategies must be planned in accordance with life-safety rules.
Your installer will recommend the correct configuration for the door’s function and code requirements.
How long does installation take and will it damage my door?
A straightforward maglock installation on a sound, reinforced frame usually takes a few hours (survey → mount magnet and armature → wire → test).
Doors with fragile frames (aluminum storefront, glass, or hollow metal) often require reinforcing brackets or specialty mounting hardware; a proper site survey prevents damage and ensures a reliable bond.
If reinforcement or electrical work is required, the schedule will be updated in the quote.
Can maglocks be used outdoors or on gates?
Yes — there are weather-rated maglocks and specialty models made for exterior or gate use, but you must choose housing and finishes rated for corrosion and exposure. Exterior installations also require attention to drainage, cover plates, and seals to protect the coil and armature.
Your installer should specify an outdoor-rated maglock and appropriate mounting for gate or storefront conditions.
Our Maglock Installation Service Areas
Guardian Safe & Lock provides professional magnetic lock installation, replacement, troubleshooting, and maglock maintenance across Houston and the Greater Houston area; ideal for businesses seeking reliable commercial lock repair or access control system installation.
We serve Houston and surrounding communities, including (but not limited to) the surrounding suburbs:
Tomball • Bryan • College Station • Conroe • Cypress • Humble • Katy • Kingwood • Magnolia • Pasadena • Porter • Spring • Sugar Land • The Woodlands • & more!
If you are outside these areas, we may still be able to service you: Call 832-534-8687 to confirm availability.
Other Security & Locksmith Services We Offer
Looking for more security options? You can also call, text, or email us about other options, including:
- Commercial Locksmith Services (Including commercial lock installation, commercial key duplication, master key systems, panic bars, door closers, & restricted keyways)
- Intercom Systems (Audio & Video)
- Surveillance Cameras (Including Eagle Eye Networks, Alibi, and Hikvision systems)
- Emergency locksmith services
- Residential locksmith Services
- Automotive locksmith services (Including key programming)
- Safes & Gun Safes in Houston (including sales & services)
Ready For The Next Step?
Guardian Safe & Lock delivers practical, code-conscious magnetic lock (maglock) installations that prioritize door safety, security performance, and long-term reliability. We combine field experience, manufacturer-supported installation methods, and disciplined mounting and wiring practices so your maglock hardware operates consistently, aligns correctly, and remains fully documented for facility and security teams.
To discuss a project, schedule a site evaluation, or request a full, written installation estimate:
Call: 832-534-8687 (click to call on mobile)
Text: 832-493-5888 (Tap to text, including images)
Visit: 27920 Tomball Pkwy, Ste. 240, Tomball, TX 77375
Email: [email protected]
We’ll respond with clear next steps and a complete estimate tailored to your business and operational needs.