Can you can open a door remotely without changing the mechanical lock that’s already fitted?

The topic this week is inspired by a question from one of our readers:
“How can I automatically open the door of my apartment building from a distance, which is fitted with a mechanical lock?”
The answer is very simple: just install an electric striking plate. Let’s see how!

In many circumstances there is the need to open a door without having to physically reach it. Whether it is an office, a shop, a studio, or, as in this case, the door of a condominium, it is always possible to electrify the door of a common mechanical lock, without modifying it. In fact, in situations where it is not possible to fit an electric lock, due to lack of space or for aesthetic reasons, installing an electric striking plate it is the most suitable solution.

The only action required, in addition, obviously, to the electrical connection, is the replacement of the striking plate on the door jamb, with one which houses the electrified part. In this way, the opening of the lock can be controlled by a pushbutton located in the most convenient position.

How does one install an electric striking plate?

Reversible striking plates

It is generally preferable to use reversible striking plates. They are convenient because they can be adapted to both right and left-hand doors, for pulling or pushing, simply by installing them in one direction or the another. In this case, straight type striking plates are used (so-called “front plates” of the electric striker).

In addition, the electrified mechanism in the Viro products is placed exactly at the centre of the striker, which is therefore known as a “symmetrical” installation. This not only makes it easy to adapt it to right or left-hand doors, but it is not even necessary, whatever the application, to vary the size of the recess made on the door jamb which houses the striker.

A Viro reversible symmetrical striker, suitable for right and left-hand doors, for pulling or push.

A Viro reversible symmetrical striker, suitable for right and left-hand doors, for pulling or pushing.

Corner striking plates

On some types of doors, such as wooden ones with anti-noise seals, or if the position of the lock does not allow it, it is not possible to use reversible strikers with straight front plates. In this case, it is necessary to use a corner striker, which rests on the corner of the door jamb. Of course, with corner strikers the versions for right-hand doors differ from those for left-hand doors.

The corner strikers are different for right and left-hand doors.

The corner strikers are different for right and left-hand doors.

The plate finish

Both in the case of a new installation and for work on an existing lock, the finish of the front plate of the striker should preferably match that of the lock, e.g. brass-plated, nickel-plated or stainless steel. For this reason Viro front plates are available in different finishes.
Viro electric strikers are available in various colours and finishes to match the lock plate.

But an electric strike is able to do much more than simply remote opening. In particular, there are 3 very interesting advanced features, and we will look at them in detail in a future blog.

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