Door Strikes

Complete Guide to Door Strikes & Exit Hardware: Contactless Buttons, Emergency Bulkheads, and Keeper Plates

Understanding Door Strikes: What They Do and Why They Matter

Think of a door strike as the unsung hero of any secure entry system — it’s the metal piece in the frame that grabs the latch and keeps the door closed until you want it open. Whether you're securing a back office, a server room, or the main entrance to a shop, the right strike makes the difference between a door that locks reliably and one that becomes a daily headache. From simple mechanical strikes to electric versions that integrate with access control, this small component plays a huge role in safety, convenience, and compliance.

Types of Door Strikes and Related Hardware

Electric and Magnetic Strikes

Electric strikes replace or augment a standard strike plate, allowing a door to be released via an electrical signal. They’re perfect when you want remote release from an access control panel or a push-to-exit device. Magnetic locks, on the other hand, use electromagnets to pull a plate tight against the door, providing strong holding force. Both have their pros and cons: electric strikes are tidy and keep the door mechanically latched, while mag locks offer high holding strength but need power to remain secure.

Keeper Plates and Strike Plates

Keeper plates, also called keeper or spare keeper plates, are smaller components that guide the latch into the correct position and protect the strike opening from wear. They’re a cheap fix for doors that misalign slightly or suffer from wear and tear. If you’ve ever had a latch that scrapes the frame or a door that doesn’t shut cleanly, swapping or upgrading the keeper plate can fix it without replacing the entire lockset.

Exit Buttons and Contactless Options

Exit buttons let people leave a secured area without triggering access permissions again. Contactless exit buttons, like the 12V DC contactless models, use motion or touchless sensors to trigger the release. They’re hygienic, fast, and ideal for high-traffic zones or places where hands-free operation is a must — think clinics, kitchens, and public restrooms.

Spotlight Product: ESP 12V DC Contactless Exit Button

The ESP 12V DC contactless exit button is a great example of modern exit hardware built for convenience and cleanliness. Running on a standard 12V DC supply, it activates when it senses a presence within its detection zone, so there’s no need to fumble with a physical button. For businesses trying to reduce touchpoints, or busy facilities where users carry trays or equipment, it’s a smooth, frictionless solution.

Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with low-voltage wiring: wire it to the strike or access controller and set the sensing range. The contactless design also reduces mechanical failure points, meaning fewer service calls and longer life. Pro tip: mount the unit about chest height and test the range with the typical traffic flow to avoid false triggers.

Emergency Lighting Meets Door Hardware: Collingwood Salvus Max Switchable Wattage Non-maintained Bulkhead

Emergency bulkhead lights like the Collingwood Salvus Max do double duty — they provide normal illumination and switch to battery-powered emergency lighting during power cuts. The "switchable wattage" feature gives flexibility so you can tweak how bright the unit runs and how long the battery will last, which is handy in long corridors or large rooms where you need extended runtime.

“Non-maintained” means the bulkhead stays off in normal operation and only activates in emergencies, conserving energy. These fixtures are commonly mounted near exits and stairwells to maintain egress lighting, and they pair well with door hardware solutions that must remain operational during an evacuation. If you’re planning an installation, locate bulkheads so they illuminate exit routes and any manual override devices like legend plates or stop-start panels.

Schneider ZBY2366 Legend Plate: Clear Signage for Safety and Compliance

Legend plates are the signposts of your door hardware — they tell people what to do in an instant: "Stop," "Start," "No Exit," or "Fire Door Keep Closed." The Schneider ZBY2366 is a classic example designed to fit control panels and emergency devices, providing clear, durable labeling. In stressful situations, clear legends reduce hesitation and confusion, helping people exit quickly and safely.

When you’re choosing legend plates, think about visibility and durability. High-contrast text, simple messages, and water-resistant materials help keep the plate readable for years. And remember: placement matters. A legend plate near an exit button or on a bulkhead panel should be at eye level so it’s obvious even in low-light conditions.

ESP Spare Keeper Plate and Installation Tips

A spare keeper plate is an inexpensive way to restore a worn strike area without a major overhaul. Over time, repeated latching can deform or wear the strike opening, causing misalignment or noisy operation. Replacing the keeper plate restores a clean surface for the latch to engage and can extend the life of the whole lockset.

Installation is usually a simple screw-out, screw-in job, but a couple of tips will save time: measure the latch projection and frame gap in inches before ordering, test the door swing to ensure the keeper sits square with the latch, and use stainless screws if the door faces moisture. A little attention here avoids rattling doors and improves the feel every time you close the door.

How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Building

Assessing Door Type and Frame

First, look at the door and frame. Is it a timber door with a wooden frame, a metal door with a steel frame, or a fire door needing specific hardware? The type of door influences whether you choose an electric strike, a surface-mounted mag lock, or a mortice-style strike. Also, note any gaps in the frame — if the latch has to travel more than a fraction of an inch, you’ll need a keeper plate that accommodates that movement.

Power and Access Control Compatibility

Make sure your choice works with your power supply and controller. Contactless exit buttons often run on 12V DC and will need a transformer or a compatible access panel. Electric strikes may require 12V or 24V, and magnetic locks usually run on 24V. Double-check voltages and whether you need fail-safe or fail-secure behavior: fail-safe releases on power loss, while fail-secure stays locked without power. Your application — safety versus security — dictates the right choice.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Fire codes and accessibility standards can dictate what hardware is allowed. For example, some fire doors require a specific kind of latch to maintain integrity, and accessibility guidelines may require push-by-exit devices of a certain size or force. When in doubt, consult local regulations or a qualified installer to ensure compliance. Think of compliance as insurance — ignoring it can cost far more than the hardware itself.

Popular Accessories and Complementary Products

Door Closers

Door closers ensure that a door closes gently and reliably every time, which is vital for both fire containment and energy efficiency. Pair a door closer with an electric strike or mag lock to ensure the door is correctly latched before locking. For heavy or high-traffic doors, choose a heavy-duty closer adjustable in speed and force measured in inches per second for closing speed preferences.

Magnetic Locks and Access Readers

If you need high security, magnetic locks combined with card readers or biometric access readers give strong holding force and can be integrated into building-wide access control. Mag locks are like the heavyweight boxers of door hardware — compact but powerful — often rated by pounds of holding force. Just remember they require continual power to remain locked, so battery-backed systems are recommended for critical exits.

Emergency Exit Signs and Batteries

Emergency signs and reliable backup batteries work hand-in-hand with bulkhead lighting to keep exits visible in blackouts. Look for signs and units with test switches so you can run a quick check without cutting power. Also, confirm battery runtime in hours to meet your building code needs — longer runtimes give more peace of mind in extended outages.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Long-Term Care

Regular maintenance is the simplest way to avoid emergency failures. Check strikes and keeper plates for wear, test exit buttons monthly, and run the emergency bulkhead test per manufacturer guidance. If a contactless exit button misfires, clean the sensing window and check that sunlight or reflective surfaces aren’t causing false triggers. For electric strikes that buzz or stick, look for loose screws, debris in the latch area, or mismatched voltages.

Lubrication is often overlooked — a dry latch can stick and cause the strike to misengage. Use a light-grade lubricant sparingly and avoid heavy greases that attract dust. For battery-backed devices, replace batteries on the manufacturer-recommended schedule; a dead battery can render emergency lighting useless when you need it most.

Cost Considerations and Saving Tips

Prices vary widely depending on features and brand. A basic keeper plate is a low-cost fix, while contactless exit buttons and emergency bulkheads occupy moderate price points. Magnetic locks and full access control systems are higher investment items. To save money, prioritize the components that directly impact safety and compliance, then add convenience features as your budget allows.

Bulk buying replacement keeper plates or choosing modular systems that expand over time helps control upfront costs. Don’t skimp on certified emergency equipment like switchable-wattage bulkheads — certified units can prevent costly failing inspections and provide reliability when it matters most.

Real-World Scenarios: Matching Hardware to Needs

Imagine a busy café with a kitchen door that must stay closed but also needs staff to exit hands-free. A contactless exit button paired with a sturdy keeper plate makes the staff’s life easier and keeps the door secure. In a small office with a reception desk, an electric strike tied into the access control lets reception buzz visitors in without leaving their station.

In high-density public buildings, pairing switchable-wattage emergency bulkheads with clear legend plates and properly positioned exit buttons ensures people can see and use exits even in smoke or power loss. The right mix of hardware is like composing a band — each part has a role, and together they make the performance reliable and safe.

Future-Proofing Your Door Hardware Choices

Think ahead when selecting components. Choose strikes and exit buttons compatible with standard voltages like 12V DC or 24V to make upgrades easier. Look for devices with firmware or modular add-ons for access control so you can add wireless readers or integrate with building management systems later. Investing in robust, modular hardware now saves headaches and retrofit costs down the line.

Conclusion

Door strikes, contactless exit buttons, emergency bulkheads, legend plates, and keeper plates may seem like small parts of a building’s infrastructure, but together they create a reliable, safe, and convenient access system. From the hygienic convenience of a 12V contactless exit button to the vital illumination of a switchable-wattage non-maintained emergency bulkhead, these products solve real problems. Choose components that match your door type, comply with safety rules, and integrate with your power and control systems. A thoughtful mix of hardware today will keep traffic flowing smoothly and people safe tomorrow.