Choosing between a smart lock or electric strike for a commercial door depends on the door, existing lock, traffic level and access requirements. Some doors suit a commercial smart lock; others need an electric strike or mechanical keypad.
Smart locks provide all-in-one keyless access. Electric strikes suit access control systems, exposed areas and heavier use. Mechanical keypads provide reliable and cost-effective code entry.
When Does a Commercial Smart Lock Suit?
A commercial smart lock combines the locking hardware and electronic access at the door. Depending on the model, users may enter with a card, code or other credential while retaining a key for backup.
This option can suit staff doors, storerooms and lower-to-medium traffic entries where the door and existing cut-outs are compatible. Residential-style smart locks are not suitable for every commercial door or level of use.
When Is an Electric Strike the Better Option?
An electric strike releases the door from the frame while the existing key lock stays in place. A hardwired keypad, intercom or access-control system operates it, so it does not rely on batteries like a smart lock.
This setup suits higher-use commercial doors, aluminium frames, common doors in apartment and commercial buildings, and doors where a retrofit smart lock will not fit properly.
Electric strikes and separate access-control components also offer much better weather resistance than smart locks in exposed areas such as gates, while keeping the existing key-operated lock as a mechanical backup.
The main downside is cost. Pricing can vary widely depending on the electric strike required, the frame, and the complexity of running power and wiring.
When Does a Mechanical Keypad Lock Suit?
A mechanical keypad lock suits gates, storerooms and lower-use entries that need keyless access. It requires no power, wiring or batteries. An outdoor-rated model also offers better weather resistance than smart locks and costs less than a complete electric-strike setup.
It doesn’t provide phone access, remote release or access logs and is less suitable for high-traffic commercial doors or sites requiring detailed access control.
Which Option Suits Your Commercial Door?
- Commercial Smart Lock: Suitable where the door and existing cut-outs are compatible and keyless entry is required.
- Electric Strike/ Access Control: Better for high-use doors, aluminium frames, apartment common entries, intercom systems and exposed areas.
- Mechanical Keypad Lock: A lower-cost option for gates, storerooms, offices and low-use entry doors that do not need access logs or remote operation.
The door, frame, existing lock and access requirements should be checked before choosing a system.
Need Help Choosing the Right Option?
Send us clear photos of both sides of the door and the frame. We can check whether a commercial smart lock, electric strike or mechanical keypad is likely to suit and arrange a site survey if required.
Learn more about our smart locks and keyless entry solutions or contact us for a quote.