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Electric strike

Ready for an electric strike installation in your commercial space? There are a few things you should know about these devices, from how they’re used to what they cost and when to call in the pros to help with the installation.

Here at Reliable Locksmith in Minneapolis-St. Paul, we’ve helped business and property owners improve the safety of their space with the right electric strikes. And here’s everything we think you should know before getting started!

Reliable LocksmithExcellentReliable Locksmith4.9 Based on 591 reviews fromzak abdizak abdi ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Zak. Kelly KottkeKelly Kottke ★★★★★ Mike was very helpful he replaced all of our deadbolt locks and replaced our key for us. I recommend this locksmith to anyone.Ethan TrippEthan Tripp ★★★★★ Super quick service and affordable. Eli added a spare key too for a very good priceJack MacBeanJack MacBean ★★★★★ We needed a locksmith quickly to open our garage service door where the handle had jammed and the response from Alex was incredible. He was here within a couple hours and quicklyfixed our problem. We could not have been happier with his efficient and timely response.HOOK ENTERPRISES incHOOK ENTERPRISES inc ★★★★★ Diane WelchDiane Welch ★★★★★ There is no reason to go anywhere else, fast, friendly service. Mike went above and beyond for me. I wish I knew how to upload the before and after pictures. Unbelievable.John PeterJohn Peter ★★★★★ It was amazing service which I got from them , there are so quicker 😂Response from the ownerThank you John! Mary J WilliamsMary J Williams ★★★★★ I had the pleasure of going to Reliable Locksmith today and working with Jay (or was his name Joe?). I lost my duplicate key fob for my 2022 Crosstrek and had been putting it off due to cost. Not only did the price for a new key fob from Reliable exceed my expectations, but Jay's customer service and professionalism were outstanding! Didn't take long at all!If that wasn't enough, after remarking on the classical violin music that was being played, I learned about a new violinist, Lindsey Stirling, who is now on my Spotify playlist!Thank you for a great afternoon! Well worth the trip from St. Paul!Dave FredkoveDave Fredkove ★★★★★ Professional service and great price. Made me a 2025 Honda Pilot key fob to replace my lost one. Works perfect!! Ely is great!JEAN HANCEJEAN HANCE ★★★★★ Mike, was on time, very helpful and got the job done exactly how we wanted. Thank you Mike!!Noah HermanNoah Herman ★★★★★ Mike was very knowledgeable and helpful. He answered my questions, went over my options, and assisted me in making the best decision. I had some very old, tricky doors to work with, but Mike was able to install new parts that work and look great.Chris SchirberChris Schirber ★★★★★ Excellent repair of Marvin 3 point lock and rekey antique front door lock. Mike is honest & friendly and gave discount. Very fair price.shamsa Adowshamsa Adow ★★★★★ Ely was nice and on timeNancy LewisNancy Lewis ★★★★★ Exceptional! Mike was beyond accommodating! I needed service at my daughter’s house and Mike squeezed me into his already busy schedule the same day!Very informative and knowledgeable!Would definitely recommend his services and will be a repeat customer if the need arises!Thank you Mike!Roger OttRoger Ott ★★★★★ A J was outstanding. He helped us with an emergency on Christmas Eve. He was technically superb and has a great personality. Extraordinary service.Rick YoungRick Young ★★★★★ Mike was friendly, polite and efficient and explained every facet of the repair in detail. Thank you so much.Response from the ownerThank you Rick! We appreciate your feedback. Jennifer BryceJennifer Bryce ★★★★★ Fast, thorough, highly professional, could not ask for more. THANK YOU, RELIABLE LOCKSMITH!Response from the ownerThank you Jennifer! We appreciate your feedback Bryan EnglishBryan English ★★★★★ If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Quick, professional, and really went the extra mile. 100% I'll be using them again.Response from the ownerThank you Bryan! We appreciate your feedback Alexa HeislerAlexa Heisler ★★★★★ Eli was very quick and courteous! Will definitely keep them in mind for any future needs!Response from the ownerThank you Alexa! We appreciate your feedback Anthony HardyAnthony Hardy ★★★★★ AJ was awesome!!Response from the ownerThank you Anthony! Mandeq QaunMandeq Qaun ★★★★★ Eli was the bestResponse from the ownerThank you Mandeq! Stuart WilkinsStuart Wilkins ★★★★★ Great experience with Reliable Locksmith. Called them after another service provider didn't show. Reliable was prompt, professional, & matched their estimated service time.Response from the ownerWe appreciate your feedback! Abby BergquistAbby Bergquist ★★★★★ Excellent service. Very professional and nice and neat. We will definitely use them again. ThanksResponse from the ownerWe appreciate your feedback Mike HardtMike Hardt ★★★★★ 6/24/2024 - multipoint lock broke on my patio door and luckily I found Mike at Reliable Locksmith. He was very polite and good at what he does. Came out multiple times to make sure the lock was fixed like new and was determined to help even though the lock system was old and hard to find. Would recommend 10/10 A+. On behalf of Chuck Hardt.Response from the ownerMike, We appreciate your feedback! Deanna KimballDeanna Kimball ★★★★★ Excellent experience and service. My mom's car battery had completely died, so her key fobs wouldn't unlock the car, and unfortunately the lock was jammed. Since we weren't in immediate need (and I don't live/work at the car's location), when I called Mike, he worked with our schedule to fit us in. Mike was on-time, and very professional. He was able to get the car unlocked quickly and in addition, he happened to have jumper cables and started my mom's car for no additional cost. Mike was extremely helpful and kind and told us if our key fobs didn't work, we could go to his main office to get new batteries. I was very impressed with Mike and this company and will not hesitate to use them again (if I unfortunately find myself locked out!)Response from the ownerThank you Deanna! Fitz KelsFitz Kels ★★★★★ Eli was there in 10 minutes, opened vehicle in 1 minute, polite, friendly service. I never write reviews but it was worth it.Response from the ownerFitz, We appreciate your feedback Yavin FlowersYavin Flowers ★★★★★ Eli helped me and he was helpful and fast great serviceResponse from the ownerThank you Yavin! AmandaAmanda ★★★★★ These guys are AWESOME!! Fast, efficient, and VERY kind!!! Thank you for saving the day reliable locksmith!!Response from the ownerAmanda, We appreciate your feedback James HicksJames Hicks ★★★★★ Excellent work very fast service! 100% would recommendResponse from the ownerThank you James! Ryan VanOfferenRyan VanOfferen ★★★★★ Got here very quick and finished just as fastResponse from the ownerWe appreciate your feedback i wont give up.i wont give up. ★★★★★ Great service. Straight to the point quick and efficient. 10/10Response from the ownerThank you! Evelyn KeefeEvelyn Keefe ★★★★★ Mike and Joseph were very very fast and met in a very timely manner...made getting locked out of house not such a chore...5 Stars all the wayResponse from the ownerThank you Evelyn! Laurie HynesLaurie Hynes ★★★★★ Great service! Our lock broke and they were out to replace within a couple hours. Friendly, professional service. Much appreciated.Response from the ownerThank you Laurie! We appreciated your feedback. Judd StevensJudd Stevens ★★★★★ Awesome experience! Same day, fixed my door/lock. Mike and Rebecca are easy to work with. Fair price. Thank you!!! Five stars for sure.Response from the ownerThank you Judd! We appreciate your feedback! Melissa WayMelissa Way ★★★★★ Ely reviewed several options of lock and handle types and finishes with me for the failed lock and handle of my home's back door. He explained the differences and suggested the best option for the heavy use this door gets. He reinforced the door jam with plates and ensured the lock fit and operated perfectly. He also was patient as he went over the lock's code and operating instructions with me. He was professional and friendly and effecient and I am 100% confident that we have the best lock installed on our door.Response from the ownerThank you Melissa! Brian McNeilBrian McNeil ★★★★★ Mike was courteous and professional, he diagnosed the issue with the marvin lock/door and knew exactly how to fix the problem and was super efficient. Could not ask for better service, top notch all the way.Response from the ownerThank you Brian! We appreciate your feedback! Chad OrsonChad Orson ★★★★★ Mike went above and beyond to install and set up a remote locking system for our front door. Fast, clean and secure service.Response from the ownerThank you Chad! we appreciated your feedback AaronAaron ★★★★★ Reliable and got the job done with better price then competition. never change the original price from the quote.Response from the ownerThank you Aaron! Jim WakelyJim Wakely ★★★★★ Mike is a miracle worker. I had a very specific problem with a triple lock door that absolutely had to be fixed same day, and he got it done for me late into the night. I highly recommend this company to everyone.Response from the ownerThank you Jim! Mark BraatenMark Braaten ★★★★★ Saul was super diligent, opened door in a matter of minutes. Thank you very muchResponse from the ownerThank you Mark! Fafa AsanteFafa Asante ★★★★★ Ely costumer service was perfect . He got the job done right and perfect ! Got it working . With the smart key . Thanks ElyResponse from the ownerThank you Fafa! Hsar L. MayHsar L. May ★★★★★ Ely was great at making my new car keys!!Response from the ownerThank you Hsar! Sunny HarmsenSunny Harmsen ★★★★★ Was very helpful, showed up and made me car keys since I lost mineResponse from the ownerThank you Jacob! Matthew SteilMatthew Steil ★★★★★ Mike is awesome! Got the job done very quickly.Response from the ownerThank you Matthew! Dennis McFaddenDennis McFadden ★★★★★ I purchased an aftermarket Jeep key fob and after a few months it stopped working. I called and without hesitation was asked to bring the car in. They ran diagnostics and ended up replacing it with a new fob. A bit of programming and I’m ack in business.Great response to my problem.These guys are great. I strongly recommend them for this and other locksmithing needs.Fantastic.Dennis MResponse from the ownerThank you Dennis! your feedback is important for us. Laura OsmanLaura Osman ★★★★★ Brett was great. Very professional, right on time and very quick in getting the work done. He was very pleasant. I was very happy and satisfied with his work. Thank you!Response from the ownerThank you Laura! Scott DornScott Dorn ★★★★★ I accidentally lost my keys and reliable locksmith came over immediately and saved me! AJ was fantastic and easy to work with. I would highly recommend them as the pricing was also reasonable!Response from the ownerThank you Scott! Wonicka HardgeWonicka Hardge ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Wonicka Scott RutledgeScott Rutledge ★★★★★ Great guys and fast service without a scratch. Thanks AJ, you really saved the day!Response from the ownerThank you Scott! js_loader

What is an electric strike?

Electric strikes are magnetic devices that allow a door to be unlocked remotely. You’ve probably seen them in apartment and office buildings, and they’re also widely used in secure settings like banks, hospitals, warehouses, and schools.

These devices work by replacing a fixed strike plate (which keeps the latch in place) with one that can be temporarily disengaged through a power source. Once the disengage function has been activated, the door can swing freely.

In terms of what disengages the strike plate, there are different options based on the requirements of the user. Some electric strikes can be disengaged with a simple button, such as in the case of an apartment building. Others can be connected to a more complex security system, with capabilities for fingerprints, badges, passcards, codes, eye scanning, and other forms of credentials.

Fail-secure and fail-safe requirements

Because electric strikes are often installed in commercial settings, the property owner must choose between fail-secure and fail-safe locks. The difference between the two is how they behave when the power source has been interrupted.

In a fail-secure setting, the door will remain locked in the case of a power outage. This is important in areas that require continued security even in an emergency, such as a bank or sensitive data center. 

Fail-safe electric strikes, on the other hand, will disengage in the event of a power cut. This is essential on doors which will provide a safe exit in the case of an emergency.

Not sure whether your space needs a fail-secure or a fail-safe electric strike? Our locksmith experts can help you decide based on the local building code.

What does it mean for an electric strike to be fire rated?

Another specification you’ll see on electric strikes is whether they’re fire-rated. This is because electric strikes that are mounted on fire doors must also be fire rated and fail-secure. This means that the device will continue to be functional for a specific amount of time in the case of a fire, preventing the fire from spreading.

Grading for electric strikes

As with any kind of lock, electric strikes are available in different grades depending on the level of security and durability you need for your space.

A Grade 1 electric strike will provide the most longevity and strength. These locks are designed to withstand high traffic and remain secure in the case of attempted forced entry. 

Grade 2 locks are the industry standard for most commercial settings and high security residential spaces such as apartment buildings.

Grade 1 electric strikes are the lowest rating, but could be the right option for spaces with low traffic. They may also be appropriate for spaces that utilize one or more additional security measures, as well.

What kind of doors are compatible with electric strikes?

Electric strikes can be used with a range of different door materials and door frames. But, one thing you’ll want to be sure of is that the specifications of the electric strike makes sense in the context of the strength of your door. 

In other words, it’s not appropriate to install a grade 1, or high security, fire-rated electric strike on a standard residential wood door. We can assess whether the material of your door is right for the type of electric strike you need.

How are electric strikes installed?

Here’s a rundown of our process for electric strike installation:

 

  • Assess the door frame. Our first consideration will be whether the door frame will require a recessed or a surface mounted electric strike. With a recessed electric strike, we will either use a housing that’s already been cut into the frame or cut a new housing. Surface mounted electric strikes are mounted on the surface of the door frame.
  • Mount the device according to building code. Building codes are specific about exactly how exit devices and electric strikes are installed. We’ll be sure to measure according to the requirements for your commercial space so that your doors always pass inspection and keep your occupants safe. 
  • Connect the wiring to the power source. Electric strikes must be wired to a power source, so we’ll make sure that all connections are reliable and well-hidden from view.

 

Test the device. Once the electric strike has been mounted and wired, it’s time to run a few tests! We don’t leave a work site until we know that every device we install is in good working condition.

What’s the benefit of calling a locksmith for electric strike installation?

In this article, we’ve covered the basics of electric strikes, but the truth is, these devices can become quite complex. From wiring to compatibility with different kinds of credentials to navigating the building code for fire safety, most business owners would rather rely on the expertise of a locksmith to oversee ordering and installation.

As one of the leading locksmiths here in Minneapolis-St. Paul, we’re happy to take the stress and confusion out of electric strikes so that you can start to use this technology without issue or delay!

When you’re ready for electric strike installation or repair, give us a call at Reliable Locksmith! We service the entire Minneapolis-St. Paul area plus surrounding cities!

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We provide a comprehensive range of locksmith services in Minneapolis. Serving Hennepin County, we can help you combat broken locks, install new locks, access homes and business premises when you’re locked out, and even provide replacement car keys on the spot.

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