How an electric strike works

An electric strike replaces the fixed strike plate in the door frame with one that has a movable lip, sometimes called a keeper or gate. When the door is closed, the latchbolt rides over the lip and seats into the strike pocket normally. Apply power, or remove it depending on configuration, and the lip releases so the door can be pushed open without the latchbolt ever retracting. That's what makes remote release possible from a front desk buzzer or an access control panel, without anyone touching the lockset itself.

Fail safe versus fail secure, and why it matters

This is the single most important spec to get right. Fail secure (FSE) strikes require power to unlock the strike lip, so on a power loss the door stays locked. Fail safe (FS) strikes require power to lock the lip, so on a power loss the door unlocks. Von Duprin's 6200 series ships standard as fail secure, with fail safe available as a factory or field-convertible option using a different slider kit. Most building and fire codes prohibit fail-safe strikes on labeled fire door openings, since you don't want exit doors unlocking and potentially allowing smoke or fire spread during a power failure on the wrong type of door. Always confirm which mode the opening's code classification requires before ordering.

Voltage and monitoring options

The 6200 series comes standard at 24VDC, with 12VDC and AC operation available as configuration options. For AC-powered openings, rectifier kits (SO12 and SO24) convert AC voltage to drive the DC solenoid, and they install in-line so you don't need to swap the whole strike body. If the opening needs status reporting back to an access control panel, the DS (dual switch) option monitors both the latchbolt tripper and the strike lip position with two SPDT contacts, while the EB (entry buzzer) option sounds an audible tone whenever the strike releases on a fail-secure unit.

Mortise versus cylindrical compatibility

Most 6200 series strikes ship in configurations rated for use with either mortise or cylindrical locksets on a single door, which covers the majority of commercial retrofit jobs. Static holding strength on the 6200 line runs around 1,500 pounds with roughly 70 ft-lbs of dynamic impact resistance, UL1034 and UL10C listed, which is enough for standard hollow metal frame applications. If you're retrofitting an older opening, the 6200 series is also a direct functional replacement for several legacy strike models, so you don't need to re-cut the frame to upgrade.

Need to compare an electric strike against an electrified lockset for a specific opening? See our Schlage L9580 vs electric strike comparison, or get full series breakdowns in our Von Duprin electric strike parts guide. Browse the complete Von Duprin catalog for matching exit devices.

Why order electric strike parts from Security Parts

We've been sourcing commercial door hardware since 2001, and electric strikes are a category where getting the fail safe versus fail secure spec right matters more than almost anything else we sell. We stock genuine Von Duprin components alongside compatible aftermarket parts, ship most in-stock orders the same day, and offer free shipping on orders of $300 and up. If you're not sure which voltage or monitoring option your opening needs, give us the existing strike's model number and we'll confirm the right replacement before you order.

What's the difference between fail safe and fail secure?

Fail secure stays locked on power loss and needs power to unlock. Fail safe stays unlocked on power loss and needs power to lock.

Can I use a fail-safe strike on a fire door?

Generally no. Most fire and building codes restrict fail-safe strikes on labeled fire openings. Confirm with your local code official.

Can I convert a strike from fail secure to fail safe?

Yes, on most 6200 series strikes you can field-convert by swapping the internal slider with the correct fail safe or fail secure part.

What does the DS option monitor?

Dual switch monitoring reports both latchbolt position and strike lip status back to an access control or alarm panel.

Will an electric strike work with my existing mortise lock?

Most 6200 series strikes are rated for both mortise and cylindrical locksets, but always confirm against the lockset compatibility chart before ordering.

Are these genuine Von Duprin electric strike parts?

Yes, we carry OEM Von Duprin components, and we'll flag any aftermarket alternative clearly before you order.

What if I can't find my exact electric strike model?

Send us the model number or a photo of the strike body and we'll confirm the matching part, including legacy models the strike replaces.