Security Door Controls Blog

Back to Basics: Electric Bolt Locks

Before SDC invented the 90° electric lock in the 1970’s, installation of electric bolt locks was costly, often requiring the cutting of studs and considerable reconstruction of door frames. Our Spacesaver® bolt lock design is a fundamental access control innovation now used worldwide. They install in any standard frame and most door stiles with a simple mortise cutout. The rotating bolt design makes tampering or cutting very difficult. An automatic relock ball switch keeps the bolt retracted when the door is open.

Additionally, they are field adjustable for wide door gaps and bidirectional for use on swinging or sliding doors. The Spacesaver® FS23M series is still the only dual-failsafe electric bolt lock in the industry.

Today, our comprehensive line of bolt locks use the same practical, yet pioneering approach to meeting access control requirements for safety, security and code compliance.

1 – 6 Amp Access Control Power Supplies

In 1994 SDC introduced the 602 power controller – the first hybrid supply to combine the efficiency (low heat generation) of switching power supplies and the rugged inductive load handling capability of linear power supplies to meet the unique needs of access control locking devices. 

Unlike camera system power requirements, access control systems draw more current for locking hardware and during access control-related events. As the industry transitions from solenoid-based electric locking devices to motorized devices, demand for specific power supply requirements has also increased. 

SDC’s 12/24VDC class 2 hybrid power supplies have been designed specifically to meet these needs and reduce power system issues with extra filtering, heavy-duty circuitry for inductive loads and multi-door applications, and an isolated battery charging circuit to protect locking devices and components from over voltage while the batteries are charging. With the addition of SDC programmable controllers or relay modules, the user-friendly modular designs ensure versatility, interface capability and easy installation of virtually any electric locking devices, access controls and related fire life safety equipment.

Proven Delayed Egress Innovation...

See why our proven Delayed Egress solutions have led the industry since 1995 with the most choices and customization available. Also, learn why SDC has been the premier manufacturer of popular electrified access control hardware like bolt locks, strikes, EMLocks® and egress devices - all Designed, Engineered and Built in America since 1972, while most of our larger competitors manufacture overseas.

Security Dealers, Integrators, Installers & Distributors

Back to Basics: Electric Strikes

In 1982, SDC’s first electric strike design initiated the adoption of strikes by the door hardware industry. Then, we engineered the UniFLEX™ 45 and 55 series – the first electric strikes with interchangeable faceplates and field reversibility for failsafe or failsecure operation. The interchangeable design of these strikes allows SDC to also provide multiapplication strike kits that include one electric strike and three faceplates to meet common applications, making them easy to stock and maintain in inventory.

Today, our strikes integrate with a broad range of mechanical locksets, devices, door and frame styles and budgets. Since 1972 SDC products have been designed, engineered and built in America to provide quality products that are readily available.

See these selected 4th quarter highlights from our robust toolbox of over 35,000 access + egress control components...

... all designed, engineered and built in America while most of our larger competitors manufacture overseas.

SES Generates the Most DoorSnap^TM Customer Submissions

Southeast Security Products (https://sesproducts.com), located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, earned year-long bragging rights among SDC’s Door Hardware and Alarm/Electronic Security outside sales rep agencies. From June 1^st thru August 31^st SES promoted and received the most customer submissions – 18 - for DoorSnap^TM, our award-winning solution for recommending access control locking hardware for door retrofits.

DoorSnap^TM is included in our Free SDC App and allows customers to send a picture of their retrofit door installation and receive a complimentary access and egress electrified solution recommendation from SDC with product information links and more.

For more details, visit: www.sdcsecurity.com/doorsnap.

Concerning DoorSnap^TM, SES President, Roy Nilsen says: “We simply show DoorSnap^TM to every dealer we can. There is simply no easier way to give a dealer the confidence of specifying a door opening knowing you have the right hardware to get the job done right the first time. It saves dealers time and money and is the easiest value proposition we have in our tool bag…”

Rumor has it that Roy has already reserved a special spot in his display case for the electrified DoorSnap^TM trophy being shipped to him this week. When plugged in, the trophy is lit with a rotating palette of colors designed to subliminally encourage more sales on our behalf. Way to go Roy!

Electric Latch Retraction (ELR)

Since 2012, when SDC launched QuietDuo™ – the first Motorized ELR Kits to convert mechanical exit devices – we’ve been “quietly” leading in electric latch retraction (ELR) upgrades for access control. This includes retrofit solutions for most brands of exit devices, as well as innovative SDC exit devices & mortise lock-sets with factory-installed ELR and automatic door operators with a built-in 1 Amp+ power supply to power them.

With advancements in electric motor technology, the use of a motor for electric latch retraction provides lower current draw, quieter operation, and greater durability over time vs. solenoids. 

Back to Basics: Egress Devices

In 1992, SDC’s SureExit® was and still is the only tri-failsafe request-to-exit bar and the only egress device utilizing pressure sense technology - with no moving parts. When slight pressure is applied two redundant solid state pressure sensors release locks immediately. A third redundant micro switch is automatically activated to release the door if both sensors or the electronics fail. This ensures door operation will continue without prior knowledge or use. Unlike touch sensors, activation may be accomplished while wearing heavy gloves.

The MSB550 series of mechanical switch REX bars are an economical alternative to sensor activated bars. Both of these narrow, low profile egress device lines are built with heavy duty aluminum extrusions and metal end caps for high traffic while maintaining superior aesthetics for high profile openings. Since 1972 SDC products have been designed, engineered and built in America to provide quality products that are readily available.

Back to Basics: Electromagnetic Locks

In 1983, SDC’s EMLock® design became the standard in electromagnetic locking innovation. EMLocks were the first electromagnetic lock to feature an interlocking quick mount assembly with captive mounting screws to simplify installations. With a second-to-none complimentary offering of mounting brackets, kits and hardware, EMLocks can meet virtually any application.

It is no wonder “EMLock” is used synonymously for premium electromagnetic locks throughout the industry today. Over the years, SDC’s
electromagnetic product offering has expanded to meet narrow header, sliding door, gate, cabinet and hazardous applications. The Excel™ product line is our fully featured, economical alternative to low-cost imports.