Dorcas 12V DC Mortice Electric Door Strike, Fail Unlocked, Stainless Steel ADCN512G

What this door strike is for

A door with a mechanical latch can be opened remotely without changing the latch. The change happens in the frame: the plain strike comes out and an electric release goes in.

This Dorcas release is for timber doors on access control and door entry systems. It is for low to medium traffic, so it suits offices, flats and small premises more than very busy public doors.

How it works

As a rule, the release has a hinged jaw that holds the latch in place. A solenoid, which is a small electric coil, controls whether that jaw can move.

• Fail unlocked: power keeps the jaw secure, so when power is removed the door can be pushed open. The fail safe and fail secure guide explains how this differs from the opposite type.
• Continuously rated: a fail unlocked release spends most of its life powered, so the solenoid has to cope with that. This code is rated for prolonged power applications.

Where to use it

Timber door frames are the intended use, on inward or outward opening doors, with either hand of door. It is generally suitable, so check the frame and latch position on your own door.

Plan to keep it out of the weather unless you have confirmed the IP rating. On an escape route, a fail unlocked strike usually still needs a planned release route, so check it with whoever holds the building's fire strategy.

What the figures mean in practice

• 12mm latch throw: this is the longest latch projection the release takes. Measure the latch on site before ordering.
• H144 x W25 x D31 mm: this is the space to allow in the frame. Check the frame is deep and wide enough before cutting it.
• -25 to +50 °C: this is the operating range, wider than most indoor positions will ever see.

Installing it

• Supply: As a rule, use a regulated access control power supply rated for constant use. Confirm the draw on the fitted release.
• Voltage: this code is 12V DC. Other versions in the range cover 12V AC and 24V DC, and those do not apply to this code.
• Status signal: this release is unmonitored, so a separate door contact is needed if the controller must know the door state.

Planning your system

The release needs something to trigger it and something to power it. That usually means an access controller or door entry panel, plus an exit button on the secure side.

Other electric strikes cover other latch types and lock modes. Fail unlocked means the door is not held in a power cut, so think about security during an outage as well as getting people out.