Complete Surface Mount Electric Strikes


Commercial applications for electric strikes have expanded to accommodate just about every type and style of door lock mechanism. In a world moving towards “micro-managing” access control and auditing who gains access, multiple lock hardware choices give locksmiths the ability to custom configure a system to accommodate the end-users’ requirements and finances.

The development of the electric strike for rim exit devices required building an electric strike body that was at least partially surface mounted to accommodate the Pullman style latch. For rim exit devices equipped with a Pullman style latch, the mechanical strike is surface mounted, extending out from the jamb face. Unlike a latch or deadbolt, a Pullman Latch is radiused and pivots like a butt hinge. When locked, the tip of the Pullman latch extends in front of the strike, stopping the door from swinging open.

The electric strike has been around for more than 120 years. A “no cut” or complete surface mount electric strike does not require a cutout in the jamb or within the jamb or the wallboard material to accommodate the body of the electric strike. These “no cut” or complete surface mount electric strikes have become a viable choice for installation onto fire rated openings.

The minimal projections of the ½” and ¾” thick electric strikes enable them to be used with rim exit device applications where the lock side of the door and jamb area has limited space. In addition, spacers are available for exit devices where there is more than sufficient space between the exit device and the electric strike.

At least three electric strike manufacturers offer completely surface mounted electric strikes. They are HES (9600, 9500 and 9400), Rutherford Controls Inc. (0162) and Trine (4800, 4801 and 4850).


HES 9600, 9500 and 9400

In 2000, HES introduced the 9600 Genesis electric strike. The 9600 is designed to operate with most rim exit devices equipped with Pullman latches having up to a ¾” throw without modification. The patented 9600 meets or exceeds the ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1 specification. It is UL 1034 burglary listed.

The HES 9600 is completely surface mounted. The 9600 stainless steel faceplate is approximately 9” high by 1-3/4” wide by 3/4“ thick. This non-handed electric strike can be installed onto metal or wood jambs. The continuous duty operation solenoid is field selectable, operating at 12 or 24VDC. The draw for 12VDC is .45 Amps and 24VDC is .25 Amps. The HES 9600 is field selectable; the electric strike can operate as Fail Secure or Fail Safe.

The 9600 incorporates two stainless steel, independently operating locking mechanisms. Two stainless steel keepers, one at the top and one at the bottom, secure the latch opening. Each stainless steel keeper operates independently and is designed to secure a Pullman latch, keeping the door closed. The 9600 static strength is 1,500 pounds with a dynamic strength of 70 ft-lbs.

When the electric strike is unlocked, the stainless steel keepers swing out as rim exit device’s extended Pullman latch moves out of the electric strike’s opening. Once the Pullman latch has swung beyond the keepers, the spring loaded locking mechanisms retract them to the locked position re-creating the strike enclosure.

The HES 9500 is the fire-rated version of the 9600 electric strike designed to accommodate up to ¾” Pullman latches. This electric strike is UL 10C fire-rated for 1-½ hour in Fail Secure operation only. It is Fire Door Listed with Warnock Hershey (Intertek). The 9500 is fire door conformant according to CAN4-S104, NFPA-252, and ASTM-E152.

The HES 9400 Series completely surface mounted electric strike is designed for a ½” throw Pullman latch equipped rim exit devices. The 9400 meets or exceeds ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1 specifications and is UL1034 burglary listed.

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