How to Troubleshoot an EM Lock

EM Locks provide security at doorways.

The EM Lock line of electromagnetic locks produced by Security Door Controls are hard- wired locking mechanisms. You can mount EM Locks on top-jamb and glass doors using the available mounting kits. The locks are ANSI compliant and UL listed. The problems typically associated with EM Locks are generally caused by improper wiring and poor power supply. Troubleshooting the EM Lock series requires intermediate electrical wiring knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• Voltage meter

Instructions

1. Verify that the control switch to power supply wiring attaches to the DC side if the lock is slow to release. Remove any diodes installed in the field.

2. Verify that the proper gauge of wire has been used to supply adequate voltage, if the lock does not hold well. Calculate voltage drops (loss of power over a distance of wire) using the wire gauge size and distance of wire used and account for this loss when verifying correct wire size. Verify that the supply circuit is not overloaded and that input voltage is DC.

3. Verify adequate voltage supply through the circuit and wiring if the door fails to lock. Verify proper voltage polarity at input. Check for blown fuses, then replace the units magnet coil if the problem persists.

References

• SDC: EM Lock Datasheet
• SDC Seurity: Series 1510, 1570 and 1580 EM Lock Installation Guide

Resources

• Security Ides: How to Calclate Voltage Drops