Module 3 / Lesson 2
Door Hardware Basics
1 min read
Door hardware is everything physical at the opening that locks, unlocks, and senses the door's state.
Locking devices
- Electric strikes — release the strike plate so a latched door can open
- Magnetic locks (mag locks) — an electromagnet holds the door; removing power unlocks it
- Electrified locksets — a standard lock with electric control built in
Sensing & exit devices
- Door position switch (DPS) — reports whether the door is open or closed
- Request-to-exit (REX) — lets people leave without presenting a credential
- Power supplies & fire alarm interfaces — provide power and release doors during an alarm
Fail-safe vs. fail-secure: mag locks are fail-safe (unlock on power loss) for egress; many strikes are fail-secure (stay locked). Life-safety codes drive the choice.