Commercial Maglocks: 2026 Guide to Secure Door Systems

If you are responsible for the security of a commercial building, a maglock (electromagnetic lock) is likely on your radar. But as we move into 2026, the technology and legal requirements for these systems have evolved.

In this guide, we won’t just define what a maglock is; we will show you how to choose the right one, ensure it is fire-code compliant, and integrate it with modern systems like Mobile Credentials.

A maglock consists of two main parts: an electromagnet and an armature plate. When an electric current passes through the electromagnet, it creates a powerful magnetic field that pulls the armature plate (mounted on the door) against the lock (mounted on the frame).

Key Technical Specs for Professionals:

• Holding Force: Typically ranges from 600 lbs to 1,200 lbs for standard commercial use.

• Fail-Safe Mechanism: By design, maglocks require power to stay locked. If power is cut, the door opens. This is a critical distinction when comparing them to other Access Control Systems.

Pro Tip: In 2026, we recommend always using a regulated power supply with a battery backup to ensure your facility remains secure even during local power flickers.

Choosing between a maglock and an electric strike is one of the most common dilemmas.

• Maglock: Best for high-traffic glass doors or areas requiring “Fail-Safe” exits. They have no moving parts, making them extremely durable.

• Electric Strike: Best for standard wood or metal doors where you want the door to remain locked even if the power goes out (Fail-Secure).

Before you decide, check out our guide on 5 Things to Know Before Getting an Access Control System for a deeper comparison.

Proper installation is the difference between a secure door and a liability. Watch this professional installation walkthrough:

Maintenance Checklist for 2026:

1. Alignment Check: Ensure the armature plate is not too tight; it needs a bit of “play” to align perfectly with the magnet.

2. Voltage Testing: Ensure the lock is receiving the full 12V or 24V it requires.

3. Surge Protection: Modern maglocks are sensitive to power spikes from the grid.

Many businesses install a mag lock door only to fail their fire inspection. Because a maglock physically prevents a door from opening, it must be integrated with:

• A local fire alarm system.

• A PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor on the exit side.

• An emergency “Push to Exit” button that manually cuts power.

Integration with your Live Security Cameras can also provide visual verification of who is entering and exiting during an emergency.

If your maglock system is integrated with smart cameras (like Ring or Avigilon), you may occasionally need to reset components after a network outage.

How to Reset Integrated Security Components:

• Locate the reset button on your controller or camera.

• For smart doorbell integrations, follow our Camera Reset Guide.

In 2026, a lock is only half the story. To truly secure your plaza or warehouse, you need visual confirmation. Using Video Analytics in combination with maglocks allows you to set “Tailgating Alarms”—notifying you if two people enter when only one scanned their badge.

Maglocks are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. They cost between $350-750 for the hardware and $500-$800 for labour.

However, the added expense and headache of obtaining a building permit don’t make maglocks a favourable choice. The process includes getting electrical engineer drawings, installing emergency pull stations, ensuring emergency lighting is adequate, and integrating it with the fire alarm system.

If possibe, I recommend avoiding a magnetic lock. The additional costs for a single door can be $7000-$10,000. If you are installing multiple maglocks, the costs per door are lower.

Maglocks offer unparalleled durability and ease of use for commercial properties. However, the complexity of 2026 fire codes means you shouldn’t do it alone.

The first maglock was designed by Sumner “Irving” Saphirstein in 1969 for doors at the Montreal Forum. Local authorities had concerns about fire safety, which prompted building management to find a locking solution that would allow a safe exit.