Electric Door Opener: What is an electric door opener?

An electric door opener allows an unlocked door to be released for opening by means of an electrical impulse. Today, such electric door openers are indispensable in apartment buildings, because without them residents would have to walk to the main entrance every time they wanted to let a visitor in. However, electric door openers are also becoming increasingly common in single-family homes, where the key question is how and where the electrical impulse for opening the door is triggered.

An electric door opener generally operates with 8 to 12 volts of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). With alternating current, we hear the familiar buzzing sound that tells us the resident has just pressed the door-release button. With direct current, we only hear a brief clicking sound. Most door openers work with both AC and DC. In apartment buildings, however, it makes more sense to operate the door opener with alternating current so that visitors can hear the familiar buzzing noise and know that the door has been unlocked.

Types of Electric Door Openers

Electric door openers are installed in the door frame because, in principle, they do nothing more than bypass the door latch. There are several different types of electric door openers.

Fail-Secure Door Openers

The most common type is the version that releases the door as long as someone presses the button connected to the system. This is known as a fail-secure door opener because the door remains released only while electricity is flowing. However, there are also variations of this design. Some people are familiar with the mechanical release function. In this case, a small mechanical switch can be operated at the latch so that the latch remains permanently unlocked. This is practical if, for example, you need to go in and out of the house repeatedly during winter, do not want to leave the door open because of the cold, but also do not want to take out your key every few minutes. There are also systems in which the latch is released at the push of a button and remains unlocked until the door has been opened once. As soon as the door closes again, the latch secures the door once more.

Fail-Safe Door Openers

There are also so-called fail-safe door openers. In this design, the door latch remains engaged only while electricity is supplied. If the power fails, the door can be opened easily. This system is commonly used for emergency exit doors so that they automatically unlock in the event of a power outage.

Electric Door Openers Instead of Cylinder Locks

On this basis, many additional features can be implemented. Depending on the application, these can be considered either practical solutions or simply luxurious conveniences. A lost key can sometimes cause considerable expense. The more keys exist for the same door, the greater the likelihood that at least one of them will be lost. The result is often a lock replacement, the production of new keys, and significant costs. An electric fail-secure door opener combined with a keypad can provide an effective solution.

Imagine that you operate a hospital. Not only employees but also funeral service providers need access to the mortuary, often referred to as the pathology department. Since access may be required at any hour of the day or night, providing every funeral director with a key could become impractical, especially in a large city. Instead, you could install an electric door opener with a keypad. Anyone who knows the code can gain access. Such access codes can also be changed regularly if desired.

Even more sophisticated solutions are possible when employees are given access cards that unlock electric door openers according to their authorization level. Today, this can even be achieved without cards by using small wireless transmitters. An authorized person carries a transmitter, which automatically unlocks approved doors whenever it comes within range of the electric door opener. Staff can move freely throughout the building without having to present a card at every door. However, such systems can also create security vulnerabilities, which is why thorough consultation with security professionals is advisable before installation.

Schlüsseldienst München – Mario Pichelmaier: Your Professional for All Types of Locks

Schlüsseldienst München – Mario Pichelmaier is your specialist for non-destructive door opening. We are available around the clock, including weekends and public holidays. Simply tell us over the phone what the issue is, and we can quickly calculate a binding fixed price for you. This means that we inform you of the price before the door opening takes place and guarantee that it will not change.

With us, all costs are included in the fixed price. There are no hidden surcharges or unexpected price increases. Give us a call, and our friendly and motivated locksmiths will head to your location immediately.

We are also happy to improve the security of your property against burglars and, following a vulnerability assessment, install locking systems tailored to your needs and preferences to help keep intruders out.

Need an Electric Door Opener? Then You’ve Come to the Right Place!

Is there a problem with your electric door opener, or would you like to have one installed? In that case, Schlüsseldienst München – Mario Pichelmaier is the right choice for you as well. Give us a call, and we will gladly take a look at the situation, provide comprehensive advice, and, of course, install only high-quality products from reputable manufacturers that we personally trust.

Are you looking for a reliable and helpful locksmith service? You’ve found it! Schlüsseldienst München – Mario Pichelmaier is your trusted partner for keys, doors, and locks in and around Munich!