How do I Install an Electric Strike on a Narrow Stile Door?

Electric strikes allow building managers to customize security and control access for employees and visitors. These strikes are designed to work in conjunction with other specialty hardware, including the buzzers and card readers typically found in commercial buildings. Electric strikes send an electronic signal when activated, which releases the latch so the door can be opened. Single or double doors with narrow framing, particularly those made from aluminum, require special types of electric strikes to ensure the door and hardware will function as intended.

• 1

  Measure the width of the door stile using your tape measure.

• 2

  Purchase an electric strike designed specifically for a narrow stile door. Use your measurements from step 1 to find the right size.

• 3

  Match the faceplate to the type of lock on the door. Electric strike manufacturers often offer a wide variety of face plates, which must be ordered with the strike. Each face plate only works with a specific lock size and brand, so choose carefully to ensure the strike will work.

• 4

  Remove the strike template from the package and fasten it to the edge of the door or frame where you plan to install the strike. These templates typically feature an adhesive backing and include measurements to help you choose the correct location on the door or frame.

• 5

  Prep the edge of the door (on a pair of doors) or the frame (on a single door) according to the strike template. You will probably need to expand the existing strike prep. Use a reciprocating saw to enlarge the opening, then file the edges with a metal file. Drill any holes shown on the template using a drill with a metal bit.

• 6

  Feed the wiring from your card reader or buzzer through the door and frame and out through the strike prep. Pull a second wire from the power supply unit so it extends through the strike prep.

• 7

  Join these two wires together and crimp them with your wire crimpers. Feed the crimped wires into a pigtail wire connector.

• 8

  Plug the pigtail connector into the plug-in area on your electric strike. Feed any excess wire back into the door frame or into the door so it's hidden behind the strike.

• 9

  Set the strike to either "fail safe" or "fail secure" depending on building code requirements in your area. Fail safe strikes leave the door unlocked during a power failure, while fail secure strikes will keep the door locked if the power goes out. Most strikes have a simple switch on one side that can be adjusted to the desired setting.

• 10

  Place the strike into the opening on the door or frame and secure it with the provided screws. Cover the strike with the appropriate face plate, then use screws to secure it in place.