Choosing the Right Electric Strike

How to choose the right electric strike for your next install

Selecting the right electric strike is an important decision that impacts the security, reliability and efficiency of an entire access control system. With so many options available, installers have several factors to consider ensuring they get the best value for their investment. dormakaba provides helpful tools and resources to understand these factors and establish confidence in choosing the right product for any application.

When choosing electric strikes, consider:

• Existing locking hardware — The strike must be compatible with the lock type (mortise lock, cylindrical lock or exit device).
• Frame type — Electric strikes must fit the door and the frame material, such as wood, hollow metal or aluminum. Many types of electric strikes can be installed on a hollow metal frame, but when glass is incorporated, a compact or low-profile strike is a better option to avoid cutting into the glass. Compact strikes are best for wood and concrete-filled metal frames.
• Voltage — Strikes come in various voltage options, most commonly 12VDC or 24VDC; often, voltage is field selectable.

When selecting a strike, it is important to consider how it will interact with the other locking mechanisms and frame types included in the opening. The three main types of locksets are cylindrical, mortise and exit device (also referred to as crash bars or panic devices). 

Each type of lockset requires a different type of strike:

• Centerline strikes are designed so the latch bolt is positioned in the center of the strike body when the door is closed. These strikes are commonly used with cylindrical locks. They are optimal for situations where the latch falls directly in the middle of the strike opening. 
• All-in-one strikes provide more versatility and are ideal for mortise lock applications. All-in-one strikes feature adjustable components that align with many latch and deadbolt positions and accommodate the heavy-duty requirements of a mortise lock.
• Rim strikes accommodate rim exit devices. The surface-mounted bars latch into the strike and are used in high-traffic exit doors. Installation of these strikes is typically easier, as they are often surface mounted and do not require cutting of a door frame.

Why choose dormakaba electric strikes?

RCI electric strikes by dormakaba incorporate reliability, durability and installation ease in their design, making them a top choice among installers.

• 10-year warranty — Many RCI strikes come with an industry-leading 10-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind. dormakaba is committed to quality and durability, which means you can trust RCI strikes to perform consistently in high-use environments.
• Durability — Streamlined designs reduce the number of moving components and failure points, ensuring RCI strikes require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan, even in high-traffic applications.
• Easy installation — Designed with the installer in mind, RCI strikes incorporate features such as the sawtooth adjustment locator, horizontal adjustments and plug-in wiring terminals, reducing the complexity of the installation process and saving time and labor costs.

The most used dormakaba strikes with a 10-year warranty include:

• RCI 0162 3/4” Rim Strike — This surface-mounted electric strike is designed to work with Pullman latch rim exit devices.  The rugged stainless steel design accommodates hollow metal, aluminum and wood door frames. Its heavy-duty housing is reinforced to eliminate twisting when installed on an imperfect frame. The one-piece conventional keeper promotes even load distribution for increased security in the event of an attempted forced entry.
• RCI 6 Series Centerline Strike — This strike series is available in standard or low-profile versions to accommodate different latch projections. These strikes do it all; features include a multi-voltage single solenoid, selectable lock mode, 1/4” horizontal adjustments for faster and easier installations and plug-in wire connectors. The L65U and S65U universal options come with three faceplates in the box to accommodate nearly any installation scenario.
• RCI F2164 All-in-One Strike — This fire-rated strike combines strength and convenience in a sleek design. The adjustable deadbolt keeper and deadlatch ramp allow them to work with most locks, while the sawtooth adjustment locator makes installation simple. The installer is able to move the deadbolt keeper and deadlatch ramp vertically to align with a wide variety of mortise locks with offset latches. Trim plates cover irregular frame cut-outs, ensuring a clean and professional finished installation.

dormakaba is a trusted industry leader in access solutions, offering high-quality products, expert support and innovative tools. With generations of experience in security and access control, dormakaba has built a reputation for industry-leading quality, durability and innovation. RCI electric strikes are the ideal investment — designed for longevity, security and peace of mind while offering a seamless installer experience.