LITERATURE RIVIEW

Magnetic Lock by MagLock

By using this project as our reference, here are the details about Magnetic Lock by
MagLock.

Introduction
A Stand-Alone Locking System requires FOUR basic components to operate. These include;
1.
2.
3.
4.

Locking Device
Entry Device
Egress Device
Power Supply
Egress
Device

Power
Supply

Locking
Device

Door

Entry Device

Block Diagram of Maglocks Magnetic Lock

Using this four component model, the following illustration walks through the descriptions,
features, and options available to ensure the project is well designed and meets our needs.

1. Locking Devices
A locking device (lock) can be mechanical or electronic. Examples of electronic fastening
devices include Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock), Electric Strike, Electrified Lockset and
Electric dead bolt. The illustration to the right depicts an electromagnetic lock also known as
a Maglock.
a) Magnetic Lock
An electromagnetic lock, magnetic lock, or maglock is a locking device that consists of an
electromagnet and armature plate. By attaching the electromagnet to the door frame and the
armature plate to the door, a current passing through the electromagnet attracts the armature
plate holding the door shut. Unlike an electric strike a magnetic lock has no interconnecting
parts and is therefore less suitable for super high security applications because it is possible to
bypass the lock by disrupting the power supply. Nevertheless, the strength of today's
magnetic locks compares well above that of conventional door locks and they cost less than
conventional light bulbs to operate. Power supplies incorporating a trickle-charged lead-acid
battery pack should be used to retain security for short-term power outages. Magnetic locks
possess a number of advantages over conventional locks and electric strikes. For example,
their durability and quick operation can make them valuable in a high-traffic office
environment where electronic authentication is necessary.

Figure 1: Magnetic Lock

Magnetic Lock Advantages

Easy to install: Magnetic locks are generally easier to install than other locks given

there are no interconnecting parts.

Quick to operate: Magnetic locks unlock instantly when the power is cut allowing for

quick operation in comparison to other locks.

Suffer less damage: Magnetic locks may also suffer less damage from multiple blows
than conventional locks.

Magnetic Lock Disadvantages

Requires continuous power: To remain locked, the magnetic lock requires a constant
power source. The power drain of the lock is typically around 3 watts, far less than
that of a conventional light bulb (around 60 watts), but it may cause security concerns
as the device will become unlocked if the power source is disrupted. In comparison,
electric strikes can be designed to remain locked should the power source be
disrupted. Nevertheless, this behaviour may actually be preferable in terms of fire
safety.

b) Electric Strikes
An electric strike replaces the fixed strike faceplate often used with a latch bar (also known as
a keeper). Like a fixed strike, it normally presents a ramped surface to the locking latch
allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. However, an electric
strike's ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way of the latch allowing the
door to be pushed open (from the outside) without the latch being retracted (that is, without
any operation of the knob) or while excited the knob or lever can be turned to allow egress
from the secured area. Electric strikes generally come in two basic configurations:

Fail-secure

Also called fail-locked or non-fail safe. In this configuration, applying electric current
to the strike will cause it to open. In this configuration, the strike would remain locked
in a power failure, but typically the knob can still be used to open the door from the
inside for egress from the secure side. These units can be powered by AC which will
cause the unit to "buzz", or DC power which will offer silent operation, except for a
"click" while the unit releases.

Fail-safe

Also called fail-open. In this configuration, applying electric current to the strike will
cause it to lock. In this configuration, it operates the same as a magnetic lock would.
If there is a power failure, the door would open merely by being pushed/pulled open.
Fail safe units are always run using DC power.

Figure 2: Electric Strikes

2. Entry Devices
In all locking systems, the secure lock needs to be released by a physical object (such as a
key, keycard, fingerprint, RFID card, or security token) or secret information (such as a
keycode or password), or combination of both. Examples include; Proximity readers,
biometric readers (fingerprints) and keypad. These devices are mounted on the exterior either
on the casing of the door (mullion mount) or on the wall near the door (gang mount).
In all locking systems, the secure lock needs to be released by a physical object (such as a
stand-alone lock, Key, Combination or fingerprint) or a combination of any or all. Examples
include; Proximity readers, Key switch, Digital Keypads, and biometric readers
(fingerprints). These devices are mounted on the exterior (secured side) either on the casing
of the door (mullion mount) or on the wall near the door (gang mount). Examples of Entry
Device types are as follows:
a) Key access

b) Numeric Combination Access

c) Biometrics Access

3. Egress Devices
To ensure free pass to exit a secure door, all locking systems include a quick exit device.
Examples include; push-to-exit buttons, motion detectors, and request-to-exit bars. The
illustration depicts a push-to-exit button. These buttons are mounted in the interior, on the
casing surrounding the door (mullion mount) or on a wall near the door (gang mount).
Examples of Egress Device types are as follows:

a) Push Button Exit

b) Push Bar Exit

c) Motion Sensor

4. Power Supply
An electronic locking system requires low voltage power to operate. The power supply
should include battery back-up capability to ensure the system remains operational in the
event of a power loss.
Power supplies fall into two general categories;
a) Switching Power Supplies are typically designed for use with resistive or capacitive
loads such as low voltage lamps, alarm panels, cameras and signalling devices. They are
lighter in weight, efficient (less heat generated) and are cheaper to manufacture. However,
the low price of switching power supplies often encourages its misapplication. Switching
power supplies are not recommended for use with access controls and electric locks for
several reasons. Typical switching power supplies have trouble handing the inductive
loads produced by locking devices with coils or solenoids due to the limited current
reserve available to handle periods of high inrush. Excessive current draw (even for a
short period of time) will briefly stop a switching supply from operating and may even
permanently damage it.

b) Linear Power supplies have been used for years for powering resistive, capacitive and
inductive loads (devices with coils or solenoids, such as electromechanical and
electromagnetic locks and strikes) due to their ability to handle large inrush currents.
Since most of the DC filtering is done with large filter capacitors, there is plenty of
reserve power and they can provide extra current for short periods of time without
malfunction or damage. The output is also free of high frequency noise found in
switching power supplies making them practical for use with access controls. However,
the penalty in using a linear power supply is the heat generated by the regulator
component of the supply due to its moderate efficiency. The heat generated can lead to
early failure of the temperature sensitive components housed near to the supply board.

Conclusion
In Solar Powered Locking System, we had followed the electric lock concept in Magnetic
Lock such as its block diagram, upgrading and changing its components in Entry Devices,
Power Supply and Locking Mechanism itself. We had take the advantages and disadvantages
of the Magnetic Lock in improving our Solar Powered Locking System project.