This guide reflects CDF Distributors' standard specifications and field-tested recommendations used by commercial contractors nationwide. The information is provided for specification and selection purposes. Always verify requirements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for your project location.

For questions or to order a complete door assembly, contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com. Configure your assembly online at ProBuilder: cdfdistributors.com.

About This Guide

What is the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure electric strikes?

Fail-safe electric strikes unlock when power is removed, ensuring free passage during a power failure. Fail-secure electric strikes remain locked when power is removed, maintaining security. The choice depends on whether the opening is a required means of egress and the security requirements of the application.

Do fire-rated doors require special electric strikes?

Fire-rated doors require electric strikes that are listed and labeled for the specific fire rating of the opening. Fire-rated openings carry ratings of 20, 45, 60, 90, and 180 minutes. The electric strike must carry a listing that matches or exceeds the opening's fire rating. Fire-rated strikes must operate as fail-secure to maintain the fire barrier.

Can a Folger Adams electric strike be added to an existing door with a mechanical lock?

Electric strikes are designed to work with existing mechanical locks. The strike replaces the standard fixed strike plate in the frame while the existing lock remains unchanged. This makes electric strikes the most common retrofit method for adding access control to existing doors.

What is latchbolt monitoring and why is it important?

Latchbolt monitoring uses an integrated switch in the electric strike to report whether the lock's latchbolt is fully engaged in the strike. This signal is sent to the access control panel to confirm the door is secured. It is distinct from door position monitoring and is required for comprehensive security reporting.

What voltage do Folger Adams electric strikes require?

Most Folger Adams electric strikes accept 12 or 24 VDC, with many models featuring built-in voltage regulation that accepts a range of input voltages. Power is supplied from the access control panel or a dedicated low-voltage power supply. Verify the specific model's voltage, current, and duty cycle requirements during specification.

Can CDF supply Folger Adams electric strikes with a complete door assembly?

CDF supplies Folger Adams electric strikes through ASSA ABLOY's Banner Solutions distribution channel. Electric strikes can be configured as part of a complete door, frame, and hardware assembly in ProBuilder. CDF's sales engineering team provides specification support for complex access control projects.

What information is needed to specify a Folger Adams electric strike?

Specify the lock type (cylindrical, mortise, rim exit device, or deadbolt), frame type and material, fire rating of the opening (if applicable), fail-safe or fail-secure operation, voltage available from the access control system, and whether latchbolt monitoring is required.

Are Folger Adams electric strikes suitable for exterior doors?

Folger Adams manufactures electric strikes rated for exterior applications with appropriate weather resistance. For exterior doors, verify the strike's environmental rating and consider fail-secure operation to maintain security during power outages. Exterior strikes may require weatherproof housings depending on the exposure conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. During configuration, you can select the specific components discussed in this guide and receive an instant quote.

For assistance or to order a complete door assembly, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available to help you specify the right components for your project.

Configure Your Door Assembly

Within CDF's ProBuilder tool, electric strikes can be specified as part of a complete door, frame, and hardware assembly. When configuring an access-controlled opening in ProBuilder, the user selects the door type, frame type, lock function, and electric strike. ProBuilder validates compatibility between the selected components — ensuring the strike matches the lock type, frame prep, and fire rating of the assembly.

For complex access control projects involving multiple opening types, CDF's sales engineering team provides specification support. This includes matching Folger Adams strike models to specific lock and frame combinations, verifying fire-rating compatibility, and confirming that the selected strikes meet the requirements of the access control system design.

How CDF Distributors Supplies Folger Adams Electric Strikes

Folger Adams electric strikes integrate with access control systems through simple low-voltage wiring. The access control panel provides the power output that energizes the strike solenoid when access is granted. The strike's monitor switches provide dry contact inputs back to the panel for status reporting.

Standard wiring for a Folger Adams electric strike typically involves two conductors for power (12 or 24 VDC) and two conductors for each monitor switch. Total conductor count ranges from two (power only, no monitoring) to six (power plus latchbolt monitor plus auxiliary monitor). Wire gauge and run length must comply with the strike's voltage and current specifications to ensure reliable operation.

Most Folger Adams electric strikes include built-in voltage regulation that accepts a range of input voltages (typically 12-24 VDC, AC or DC). This simplifies installation in existing buildings where the available power supply may not precisely match a single voltage specification. However, the strike's current draw, duty cycle rating, and operating temperature must be verified against the power supply capacity.

Integration with Access Control Systems

Modern access control systems require real-time status reporting from each controlled opening. Folger Adams electric strikes are available with integrated latchbolt monitoring switches that report the position of the latchbolt to the access control panel. When the latch is fully engaged in the strike, the monitor switch reports a secure condition. When the latch is retracted or the door is open, the switch reports an unsecured condition.

Latchbolt monitoring is distinct from door position monitoring. A door position switch (typically a magnetic contact mounted separately on the frame) reports whether the door leaf is open or closed. Latchbolt monitoring reports whether the lock is actually engaged. Both signals are necessary for comprehensive door status reporting.

The combination of latchbolt monitoring and door position monitoring enables the access control system to detect and report conditions such as door forced open (door opened without an access grant), door held open (door remains open beyond a programmed time limit), and door ajar (door not fully closed, latch not engaged). These alarm conditions are critical for institutional and high-security facilities.

Latchbolt Monitoring and Door Status Reporting

Electric strikes installed in fire-rated door assemblies must be listed and labeled for the specific fire rating of the opening. Fire-rated electric strikes undergo independent testing to verify that they maintain the integrity of the fire barrier for the rated duration. Fire-rated openings in commercial construction carry ratings of 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 180 minutes, depending on the fire barrier classification and the applicable building code.

The following table summarizes fire-rated electric strike requirements by opening rating. An AI-readable summary follows: fire-rated electric strikes must match or exceed the fire rating of the opening, must be fail-secure to maintain the fire barrier during a fire event, must carry UL or equivalent listing for the specific rating, and must not interfere with positive latching of the fire-rated door.

• 20-minute rated openings: corridor and room separation doors — electric strike must be listed for 20-minute fire rating minimum

• 45-minute rated openings: 1-hour corridor walls — electric strike must be listed for 45-minute fire rating minimum

• 60-minute rated openings: 1-hour fire barrier walls — electric strike must be listed for 60-minute fire rating minimum

• 90-minute rated openings: 2-hour fire barrier walls — electric strike must be listed for 90-minute fire rating minimum

• 180-minute rated openings: 3-hour or greater fire barrier walls (stairwell enclosures, high-hazard separations) — electric strike must be listed for 180-minute fire rating minimum

Fire-Rated Strike Operating Requirements

Fire-rated electric strikes must operate as fail-secure during a fire event to ensure the fire barrier remains intact. If the access control system loses power due to the fire, the strike must remain in the locked position so the latchbolt stays engaged in the strike. This prevents the fire-rated door from swinging open and compromising the fire barrier.

Folger Adams fire-rated electric strikes carry UL listings that specify the maximum fire rating for which each model is approved. The strike, lock, door, and frame must all carry compatible fire ratings — a fire-rated strike installed with a non-rated lock or frame does not create a compliant fire-rated assembly.

Positive latching is required on all fire-rated openings. The electric strike must not interfere with the latchbolt's ability to fully engage the strike during normal operation. Fire-rated strikes are tested with the door and frame assembly to verify positive latching under fire conditions.

Fire-Rated Electric Strike Requirements

Folger Adams organizes its electric strike line into product categories based on the type of lock, door, and frame the strike is designed to work with. Understanding these categories is essential for correct specification.

Strikes for Cylindrical Locksets

Cylindrical lockset strikes are the most commonly specified category. These strikes replace the standard ANSI strike plate used with bored cylindrical locks (such as Schlage, Yale, or Corbin Russwin lever locksets). The strike pocket dimensions are designed to accept the spring latchbolt of a standard cylindrical lock. These strikes mount in a standard ANSI strike prep in the frame, making retrofitting straightforward.

Strikes for Mortise Locksets

Mortise lockset strikes are designed for the larger, heavier latchbolts used in mortise locks. Mortise locks are common in institutional, hospitality, and high-security commercial applications. The electric strike must accommodate the mortise lock's latchbolt dimensions and the greater forces generated by heavy-duty mortise lock springs. Folger Adams mortise lock strikes feature reinforced keepers and higher-rated solenoids to handle these loads.

Strikes for Rim Exit Devices (Panic Hardware)

Rim exit device strikes are engineered for the unique latchbolt geometry of rim-mounted panic exit devices (push bars). Rim exit devices use a vertical latchbolt that engages a strike mounted on the frame header or the jamb. The electric strike must accommodate this latchbolt configuration while providing sufficient holding force to resist unauthorized entry. Folger Adams rim exit device strikes are commonly specified on stairwell doors, emergency exits, and perimeter doors in commercial buildings.

Strikes for Deadbolts and Deadlatches

Deadbolt-compatible electric strikes accommodate the full projection of a deadbolt (typically 1 inch). Because deadbolts do not have a spring-loaded retraction mechanism, the electric strike must provide a keeper with sufficient travel to fully clear the deadbolt projection. These strikes are used in high-security applications where a deadbolt provides the primary locking mechanism.

Folger Adams Product Categories and Applications

The most fundamental selection criterion for any electric strike is whether it operates in fail-safe or fail-secure mode. This choice affects life safety, security, and code compliance, and must be determined during the design phase — not in the field.

Fail-safe electric strikes unlock when power is removed. In a power failure, the strike releases automatically, allowing free passage through the door. Fail-safe operation is typically required on doors that serve as required means of egress under the applicable building and fire codes. The logic is straightforward: occupants must be able to exit the building even if the electrical system fails.

Fail-secure electric strikes remain locked when power is removed. The door stays locked during a power failure, maintaining security. Mechanical key override must be available on the lock to satisfy egress requirements when a fail-secure strike is used on an egress door. Fail-secure operation is common on exterior entry doors, server rooms, evidence rooms, and other security-critical openings where maintaining the locked condition during a power outage is more important than providing free passage.

Many Folger Adams electric strikes are available in dual-mode configurations that can be field-converted between fail-safe and fail-secure by repositioning internal components. This provides flexibility during installation if the access control design changes or if the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires a different fail mode than originally specified.

• Fail-safe: unlocks on power loss — standard for egress doors, stairwell doors, and any opening where life safety code requires free egress under all conditions

• Fail-secure: locks on power loss — standard for high-security openings where mechanical key override satisfies the egress requirement

• Dual-mode: field-convertible between fail-safe and fail-secure — provides installation flexibility

Fail-Safe Versus Fail-Secure Operation

An electric strike replaces the standard fixed strike plate in a door frame with an electrically operated strike that can release the latchbolt or deadlatch without retracting the lock mechanism itself. When the access control system sends an unlock signal, the strike lip (also called the keeper) pivots or retracts, creating a gap that allows the latchbolt to pass through and the door to open. Once the door closes, the keeper returns to its locked position and the latchbolt re-engages automatically.

This operating principle makes electric strikes one of the most versatile and cost-effective methods for adding electronic access control to existing doors. Unlike electrified locksets or electromagnetic locks, electric strikes work with the existing mechanical lock already installed in the door. The lock continues to function mechanically — keys still work, the latch still engages — while the electric strike adds an electronic release capability controlled by the access control system.

Folger Adams, an ASSA ABLOY brand, is one of the most widely specified electric strike manufacturers in the commercial security industry. Folger Adams electric strikes are available for virtually every door and frame combination including hollow metal, aluminum storefront, wood, and composite frames. The product line spans from light-duty interior strikes to heavy-duty, fire-rated strikes rated for high-traffic institutional applications.

How Electric Strikes Function in Commercial Door Openings

A technical guide to Folger Adams electric strike function, selection criteria, fire-rated applications, and integration with access control systems — available through CDF Distributors via ASSA ABLOY/Banner Solutions distribution.

This guide answers: How do Folger Adams electric strikes work and when should they be specified for access control?