What is an electric strike for a sliding door

Sliding doors are common in offices, commercial buildings, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and other businesses. They provide convenient entry and can help manage traffic, but securing a sliding door can be more complicated than securing a standard hinged door.

An electric strike for a door can be part of a commercial access control solution that allows authorized users to unlock a door using a key card, key fob, keypad, mobile credential, or another access method.

But can an electric strike actually be used with a sliding door?

In some applications, yes. However, the correct hardware depends on the sliding door’s latch, frame, construction, and existing locking mechanism. Purpose-built electric strikes are available for sliding-door applications, but proper compatibility and installation are important for reliable operation.

How Does an Electric Strike Work?

An electric strike is an electronically controlled locking device that is typically installed in the door frame. Instead of replacing the entire mechanical lock, the strike works with a compatible latch or lock on the door.

When an authorized person presents a credential, the access control system sends a signal to the electric strike. The strike releases the latch, allowing the door to open.

For example, an employee may present a key fob at an access reader. If the credential is authorized, the system releases the locking mechanism. The employee can then open the sliding door.

Once the door closes, the latch engages again, securing the entrance.

The exact mechanism varies between products. Some electric strikes are specifically designed for sliding doors and use a keeper or latch mechanism suited to the door’s movement. Manufacturers offer dedicated sliding-door strike models rather than relying on a standard strike designed for a hinged door.

Can You Use an Electric Strike on a Sliding Door?

Yes, but not every sliding door can use a standard electric strike.

Sliding doors operate differently from hinged doors. The door moves horizontally along a track, and many sliding doors use specialized mortise locks, hook bolts, or other latching hardware.

The electric strike must be compatible with the door’s existing latch and frame configuration.

There are purpose-built electric strikes for sliding-door applications. For example, some commercial products are specifically designed to work with sliding door locks and latches.

A recent development in the market has also focused on electric strikes specifically engineered for sliding-door latches. One patented design addresses the challenge of releasing a sliding-door latch while reducing the need for extensive modifications to the existing frame.

This highlights an important point: sliding-door access control should be designed around the actual door and latch rather than simply selecting a standard electric strike.

Access Control Options for Sliding Doors

An electric strike is only one part of a complete access control system.
Depending on the door and security requirements, a commercial sliding-door system may include:

• Key card readers
• Key fob readers
• Keypads
• Mobile access credentials
• Biometric readers
• Access control panels
• Door position sensors
• Request-to-exit devices
• Electric strikes or other electronic locks
• Access management software

A business can configure the system so that only authorized users can enter a specific area.

For example, an office could require employees to use a card or mobile credential to enter through a secured sliding entrance while keeping other areas restricted.

For glass or specialized sliding doors, another locking technology may sometimes be more appropriate. The correct choice depends on the construction and configuration of the door.

Benefits of Access Control for Commercial Sliding Doors

1. Controlled Entry

An access control system allows businesses to determine who is authorized to enter through a secured sliding door.

This can be useful for employee entrances, restricted offices, warehouses, and other controlled areas.

2. Reduced Dependence on Physical Keys

Instead of distributing traditional keys, businesses can use electronic credentials.

If an employee loses a credential or leaves the company, access can generally be disabled without having to replace every physical lock.

3. Better Access Management

Businesses can assign different access permissions to different employees.

For example, employees may be allowed to enter during normal business hours, while managers or authorized personnel may receive access to additional areas or schedules.

4. Access Activity Records

Many access control systems can record access events.

This can give authorized administrators greater visibility into when credentials were used at a secured entrance.

5. Integration With Other Security Systems

Sliding-door access control can be integrated with other security technologies, including video surveillance.

When access control and security cameras work together, businesses can have both credential information and video coverage around important entrances.

6. Convenient Employee Access

Employees do not have to manually unlock the door with a traditional key.

Depending on the system, they can use a card, fob, mobile device, PIN, or other credential.

What Businesses Should Consider Before Installation

Before starting an electric strike installation, a business should have the existing sliding door evaluated.

Important considerations include the type of sliding door, frame construction, existing latch or mortise lock, door alignment, available space for the strike, power requirements, and access control equipment.

The door’s normal operation also matters. A sliding door must move freely and align correctly with the latch and strike. Even a high-quality electric strike may not perform properly if the door or hardware is misaligned.

Businesses should also consider what happens during a power failure and whether the selected hardware needs to be fail-safe or fail-secure. Fire and life-safety requirements should always be considered when selecting and configuring commercial door hardware.

If the sliding door is outdoors, environmental exposure is another consideration. Some electric strikes are specifically designed for outdoor applications, while others are intended for interior use. Product specifications should be checked before installation.

An electric strike for a gate is a separate consideration. Gates have different hardware, alignment, weather exposure, and operating requirements, so a strike designed for a commercial door should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for a gate.

Professional Electric Strike Installation for Sliding Doors

Installing an electric strike on a sliding door is more than simply mounting a locking device. The installer needs to determine whether the strike is compatible with the door and latch, establish the correct mounting position, provide the required wiring and power, connect the access control equipment, and test the door’s operation.

For commercial properties, professional electric strike installation can help ensure that the locking hardware and access control system work together correctly.
Security In DFW provides commercial access control solutions for businesses throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Whether you need access control for an office entrance, commercial facility, sliding door, or other controlled entry point, the system can be designed around your property’s requirements.

Contact Security In DFW to discuss your commercial access control needs and schedule a professional assessment.