Electrified Mortise Locks

An electrified mortise lock is a mortise lock fitted with an internal electric mechanism that allows the latch or deadbolt to be controlled remotely through an access control system. These locks come in two primary configurations: motorized and solenoid-driven, each suited to different building security needs.

What Is an Electrified Mortise Lock?

An electrified mortise lock combines the durability of a traditional mortise lock body with an electronic mechanism, enabling remote locking and unlocking via access control systems, card readers, or keypads. Unlike standard mechanical mortise locks, electrified versions integrate wiring through the door and frame, allowing them to communicate with a building's broader security network. This makes them a core component of modern commercial security systems, particularly in offices, healthcare facilities, and multi-tenant buildings where centralized access control is essential.

Motorized vs. Solenoid Electrified Mortise Locks: What's the Difference?

The main difference between motorized and solenoid electrified mortise locks lies in how they retract the latch. Motorized locks use a small electric motor to physically drive the latch mechanism, while solenoid locks use an electromagnetic solenoid to trigger a quicker, snap-action release.

• Motorized electronic mortise locks: Use a geared motor to retract and extend the latch. This method typically produces smoother, quieter operation and is well-suited for continuous-duty applications where the lock will be cycled frequently throughout the day.

• Solenoid mortise locks: Use an electromagnetic solenoid for near-instant latch retraction. This method is often chosen for applications where fast response time is a higher priority than operation frequency.

In short: motorized versions are better suited for high-traffic doors that need frequent, durable cycling, while solenoid versions work best when instant, low-latency release is the priority.

Where Are Electrified Mortise Locks Used?

Electrified mortise locks are used anywhere centralized access control is required alongside the strength of a traditional mortise lock body. Common applications include:

• Commercial office buildings with card-based or keypad access control

• Healthcare facilities requiring restricted-area security

• Multi-tenant residential or mixed-use buildings

• Government and institutional buildings needing fire-rated, code-compliant hardware

Because electrified mortise locks retain a full mortise lock body, they can often be integrated into existing door hardware standards, including ANSI/BHMA-compliant and fire-rated door assemblies, without sacrificing structural security for electronic convenience.

How Do Electrified Mortise Locks Integrate with Access Control Systems?

Electrified mortise locks integrate with access control systems through wiring routed via the door and frame, typically using electric hinges or power transfer devices to maintain a continuous power connection. The lock then communicates with card readers, keypads, or centralized security software to grant or restrict entry based on programmed permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions