Von Duprin electric strikes replace the fixed strike plate on a door frame and allow remote unlocking via access control. The 5100 is medium-duty, the 6100 and 6200 are heavy-duty stainless steel, and the 6300 is a fire-rated no-cut surface-mounted rim strike. Parts that fail most often are the solenoid assembly, the keeper, and the faceplate. Solenoid kits are voltage-specific: part 050237 for 12VDC, part 050240 for 24VDC. Always confirm wire color before ordering a replacement solenoid: black wires mean 24VDC, yellow wires mean 12VDC. Getting this wrong destroys the solenoid immediately.

Electric strikes are the most widely replaced access control hardware component in commercial buildings. Unlike mechanical strike plates, which are passive, an electric strike has a moving keeper, a solenoid, a spring, and electrical connections that all wear, corrode, and fail over time. The Von Duprin electric strike series is the most common in institutional and commercial buildings across North America, installed alongside Von Duprin and Falcon exit devices on virtually every category of egress door.

When one fails, you need the right part fast. A failed electric strike on a secured entry either leaves a door that cannot be locked or a door that cannot be opened from a credential. Both are problems that shut down operations. This guide covers every series, every replaceable component, the fail safe vs fail secure distinction that creates the most field confusion, and the exact diagnostic steps that identify the failed component before you order anything. Browse the complete Von Duprin electric strikes parts catalog at SecurityParts.com for model-specific diagrams on every series.

How Von Duprin Electric Strikes Work

A standard mechanical strike plate is fixed. The latch bolt from the door lock clicks into it and stays. An electric strike replaces that fixed plate with a mechanism that includes a movable keeper, called the lip or gate. When the door is closed, the keeper is rigid and holds the latch bolt securely. When an authorized credential or button press energizes the solenoid, the keeper pivots and allows the latch bolt to pass through, letting the door open without anyone touching the lock on the door.

This is the design advantage over fully electrified locksets. The mechanical lock on the door stays completely unchanged. The electric strike handles the access control function at the frame. You can retrofit access control onto existing doors with mechanical locks without replacing the lock itself, which is significantly less expensive and less invasive.

The solenoid is the electrical component that drives the keeper. When powered, it either locks or unlocks the keeper depending on the fail mode configuration. The solenoid connects to an access control panel output relay, a door release button, or a credential reader. The electrical connection is low voltage, typically 12VDC or 24VDC DC, and the wire run from the panel to the frame is carried through the wall or concealed in the frame cavity.

The Four Active Von Duprin Electric Strike Series

Fail Safe vs Fail Secure: The Most Important Decision Before You Order

This is the distinction that causes more wrong-part orders and post-installation failures on electric strikes than any other single factor. Getting it backwards means the door either cannot be secured or cannot be exited, depending on which way it is wrong.

Fail Safe (FS): Unlocks When Power is Lost

In a fail safe configuration, the strike is continuously powered to stay locked during normal operation. When power is cut, whether from a power outage, a tripped breaker, or a fire alarm activation, the solenoid releases and the keeper becomes free. The door can be pushed open without any credential. This is the required configuration for any fire-rated egress door where free exit must be maintained at all times, including during a power failure. It is also required for egress paths covered by IBC Chapter 10 where electronic locking is permitted only if the lock releases on fire alarm.

Fail Secure (FSE): Stays Locked When Power is Lost

In a fail secure configuration, the strike is energized only momentarily to unlock. During a power failure, the keeper remains rigid and the door cannot be opened without a credential. This is the correct configuration for server rooms, exterior building entries, secure storage areas, and any location where security must be maintained even during a power outage. The Von Duprin 6300 Series is fail secure only, which is required to achieve its UL 10C fire door rating.

How to Identify the Fail Mode on an Installed Strike

There is a reliable field test that works on any installed electric strike. Remove power from the strike. Try to open the door by pressing or pulling the exit device. If the door opens without power, the strike is fail safe. If the door stays locked without power, the strike is fail secure. This takes 30 seconds and eliminates any ambiguity from worn or missing labels on the hardware.

For Von Duprin 6100 and 6200 series units, the fail mode can be field-converted between fail safe and fail secure by repositioning the actuator inside the strike body without replacing the solenoid. The 050237 (12VDC) and 050240 (24VDC) solenoid kits are field-selectable between both modes. This conversion capability is one of the most valuable features of the 6000 Series and is documented in the service manual diagrams available on the SecurityParts.com model pages.

Every Replaceable Component in Von Duprin Electric Strikes

Solenoid Assembly: The Most Commonly Replaced Component

The solenoid is the electromagnetic coil that converts electrical current into the mechanical movement that drives the keeper. It is the component under the most electrical and thermal stress in normal operation and the one that fails most often in high-use installations.

Von Duprin 6000 Series solenoid kits are voltage-specific. This is the single most important detail in electric strike parts ordering.

Box Assembly

The box assembly is the metal housing that mounts in the door frame cutout and contains the solenoid, keeper spring, and electrical components. Von Duprin 6100 and 6200 series strikes use several box assembly types depending on the frame configuration and application.

Type A Box: Standard box assembly for typical hollow metal frame applications. The most common configuration.

Type B Box: Used on 6200 series mortise and cylindrical applications with specific frame geometry requirements. Type B Box images in the parts manual confirm the installation orientation.

Type C Box: Used on 6100 and 6200 series applications requiring a different frame depth. Available in DS (door status) and DS-LC (door status with latch check) versions that add monitoring capability to the box assembly without a separate monitor switch.

Offset Box: For frame applications where the standard solenoid position creates a conflict with the frame construction. The offset box repositions the solenoid 90 degrees from the standard orientation.

Faceplate Package

The faceplate is the visible plate on the frame face that covers the strike body and presents the keeper opening. Von Duprin 5100 series faceplate packages are available in three configurations.

Part 050031: Standard 4-7/8 inch faceplate package for typical commercial frame applications.

Part 050032: Round corner 4-7/8 inch faceplate for frames with rounded corners or decorative trim.

Part 050033: Long 7-11/16 inch faceplate for applications requiring extended coverage of the frame face.

Faceplate packages include the faceplate, wire nuts, and all fasteners required for installation. Always specify the finish when ordering, as faceplates are available in multiple finishes and the finish code is required for the correct part.

Keeper (Strike Lip)

The keeper, also called the strike lip or gate, is the moving component that holds the latch bolt when locked and releases when the solenoid is activated. The keeper takes direct mechanical contact from the latch bolt on every door close, which makes it a wear component on high-traffic openings. The correct keeper for each 6200 series model varies because the lip design differs between cylindrical and mortise applications. Always confirm the exact strike model when ordering a keeper replacement.

A keeper with visible wear marks, deformation, or a loose pivot shows up as inconsistent latching or a door that does not feel firmly latched even when the access control system shows it as locked. Replacing the keeper alone is significantly less expensive than replacing the full strike assembly when the box and solenoid are still functional.

Screw Package and Mounting Package

Screw Package (PKGSCR.1003 for US32D finish, PKGSCR.1004 for black finish): Includes the #10-24 5/16 inch UFPHMS, 12-24 1/2 inch UFPHMS, 12-14 1 inch UFPHWS, and blue wire nut. Required when reinstalling a strike with damaged or missing original hardware.

Mounting Package (PKGMTG.1004 for US32D, PKGMTG.1005 for black): Includes the mounting tab zinc, mounting tab shim nylon, and 10-24 1/2 inch UFPHMS. The mounting tab allows the strike to be positioned horizontally in the frame cutout for precise latch alignment.

Solenoid Washer and Solenoid Spring

Part 964037 Solenoid Washer: Seats the solenoid in the box assembly and ensures proper alignment of the plunger. A missing or damaged washer causes solenoid misalignment that results in incomplete keeper movement even when the solenoid itself is functional.

Part 968713 Solenoid Spring: Returns the plunger to its resting position after each activation cycle. Spring fatigue is a legitimate failure mode on doors that are released hundreds of times per day. Symptoms include a keeper that activates correctly but returns slowly or incompletely to the locked position, creating a security gap on fail secure applications.

The 6300 Series: What Makes It Different and When to Use It

The 6300 is the only Von Duprin electric strike that requires no frame cutting. Every other series in the Von Duprin lineup requires cutting or modifying the door frame to recess the strike body. The 6300 mounts surface on the frame stop face, which makes it the correct specification in three specific situations where no other series works.

When the 6300 Is the Right Choice

Aluminum storefront retrofit: Aluminum storefronts have thermal breaks inside the frame profile. Cutting into the frame to recess a strike destroys the thermal break and compromises the building envelope. The 6300 mounts on the frame face without cutting, preserving the thermal break.

Historic preservation projects: Frame modification is not permitted on many historic building projects. The 6300 provides electrified access control without permanent modification to the original frame.

Tenant fit-out on leased space: When a tenant cannot modify the building structure, the 6300 delivers access control capability that can be removed at lease end without leaving a frame cutout.

6300 Key Specifications

The 6300 is fail secure only. It achieves UL 10C 3-hour fire door rating in the fail secure mode. UL 1034 burglary-resistant and UL 294 access control system listed. Static strength is 1500 lbs. Dynamic strength is 70 ft-lbs. Compatible with 12VDC or 24VDC using the plug-in voltage connectors shipped with the unit. Two voltage connectors ship in the package and only the correct one for the available system voltage is used.

6300 Exit Device Compatibility

The 6300 works with a broad range of rim exit devices. Von Duprin compatibility includes the 22/22-F Rim, 33A/35A Rim, 55 Rim, 88/88-F Rim, and 98/99/98-F/99-F Rim. Falcon compatibility includes the 19/19-F Rim, 24/24-F Rim, and 25/25-F Rim. The entry buzzer accessory (part 050242, for fail secure applications) is also compatible with the 6300 and is wired in parallel with the circuit to sound an audible alert when the strike is unlocked remotely.

Troubleshooting Von Duprin Electric Strike Problems

Before ordering any replacement part, run this diagnostic sequence. Half of all reported electric strike failures are not component failures at all. They are power delivery problems, wiring issues, or latch alignment problems that require no parts whatsoever.

Entry Buzzer and AC Rectifier Accessories

Two accessories for the Von Duprin electric strike series are commonly missing from parts orders because they are rarely described in detail anywhere.

Entry Buzzer (Part 050242)

The entry buzzer is available for fail secure strike applications only. It mounts in the door frame and wires in parallel with the strike circuit. When the strike is energized to unlock (in a fail secure configuration, this is when the door is being released for entry), the buzzer sounds an audible alert to notify the person inside that someone is requesting entry. This is the standard specification for any secured entry point where the occupant should be aware of remote unlock events. The buzzer is not compatible with fail safe strikes because in fail safe, the strike is powered continuously and the buzzer would sound constantly.

AC Rectifier Kits (SO12 and SO24)

Von Duprin electric strike solenoids are DC devices. Some access control panels and power supplies output AC rather than DC. The SO12 kit converts 12VAC to 12VDC for the strike solenoid. The SO24 kit converts 24VAC to 24VDC. These kits are field-installable and plug in-line to the solenoid wiring. If a newly installed strike chatters, hums, or activates erratically despite correct voltage at the terminals, the panel may be outputting AC to a DC solenoid. The SO12 or SO24 rectifier kit is the correct fix, not a solenoid replacement.

How to Order Von Duprin Electric Strike Parts Without a Return

Three pieces of information are required before any electric strike parts order.

1. The exact series and model number. The model number is stamped or labeled on the faceplate or on the box housing. Von Duprin 4200, 5100, 6100, 6200, 6300, and 6400 series all use different part numbers for components with the same name. A solenoid kit for the 5100 series (part 050034) is completely different from the 6000 series kit (050237 or 050240). Order by series designation, not by component name.

2. The system voltage. Confirm whether the access control panel outputs 12VDC or 24VDC at the lock output. This determines whether you order the 050237 (12VDC) or 050240 (24VDC) solenoid kit. If uncertain, measure with a multimeter during an access grant signal before ordering.

3. The fail mode. Confirm fail safe or fail secure before ordering any solenoid, box assembly, or complete strike. Solenoid parts for fail safe and fail secure configurations on the same series are not always interchangeable. The 6100 and 6200 series field-selectable kits cover both modes with the same part number, but the 6300 is fail secure only and no conversion is available.

SecurityParts.com organizes the complete Von Duprin electric strikes parts catalog by series with interactive exploded diagrams. You confirm the exact component visually before ordering. Pre-order support is available at 845-935-0301 or through the contact page.

Related Parts and Products at SecurityParts.com

Von Duprin electric strikes are always part of a larger door opening assembly. The complete opening typically includes an exit device, a door closer, and sometimes a cylindrical or mortise lock on the same door.

For Von Duprin and Falcon exit device parts on the same door, browse the commercial exit devices catalog. The electric strike and exit device on a rim-style opening must be matched for latch bolt geometry and throw depth. For Von Duprin parts by series including the 98/99, 22, 33/35A, 75, 88, and Guard-X, browse the Von Duprin brand catalog. For LCN door closer parts on the same commercial door, browse the door closers catalog. For Schlage L Series and Falcon MA Series mortise lock parts on high-security doors in the same facility, browse the mortise locks catalog. For Von Duprin Guard-X and Detex exit alarm parts on secondary exits, browse the exit alarms catalog.

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