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Locknetics Magnetic Lock

Locknetics Magnetic Locks | In Stock | Lock Depot

Expert Field Guide: Budget-Friendly Maglocks That Don't Cut Corners

Every access control installer has a "maglock brand" — the one they default to when writing submittals. For a lot of shops, that's Securitron by reflex, and it's a solid choice. But when the project is 15 doors deep and the budget is getting tight, reaching for Securitron on every opening starts eating margins fast. That's where Locknetics earns its spot on the truck.

The Locknetics maglock line splits into two series with a clear dividing line: the MG Series for interior applications and the WMG Series for weather-exposed installations. Both come in 600lb and 1200lb holding force, both run on dual voltage 12/24VDC, and both mount with the same bracket ecosystem. The difference is that the WMG adds a weather-resistant housing, tamper-resistant fasteners, and corrosion-protected internals designed to survive rain, humidity, and temperature swings on exterior gates, loading docks, and perimeter entries.

The MG Series is about delivering reliable holding force in a slim package at a price point that makes multi-door projects feasible. The MG600 and MG1200 are the base models — clean, simple, dual voltage. The DT versions (MG600DT, MG1200DT) add a built-in door position sensor that reports bond status back to your access control panel, eliminating the need for a separate magnetic contact. The "-2" suffix models (MG600-2, MG1200-2, MG1200DT-2) are double maglock configurations for double-door applications — two magnet bodies on a single mounting plate.

Where Locknetics really stands apart from the Securitron M32/M62 and the DynaLock 2011/2013 is value engineering. The MG1200 delivers the same 1,200lb holding force as either competitor, runs on the same dual voltage, and mounts with the same Z-bracket pattern — but it comes in at a lower acquisition cost. Multiply that savings across a 20-door education building or apartment complex and you're looking at real money back in the project budget, or better margins for the installer. The quality is there — this is Allegion manufacturing, same facilities and QC as Schlage and Von Duprin.

Lock Depot sells brand new Locknetics products with the full manufacturer warranty.

Locknetics Magnetic Lock Comparison

Pro-Tip: Getting the Z-Bracket Right on the First Trip

About 70% of maglock callbacks come down to one thing: the armature plate isn't making full contact with the magnet face. On outswing doors, the Z-bracket is doing all the work to position that armature plate flush and tight against the magnet. The Locknetics MZBK600 and MZBK1200 Z-brackets are sized to their respective magnet bodies, and the most common installation mistake is undertightening the bracket-to-frame screws before setting the armature plate. Here's the trick: mount the Z-bracket with the armature plate already attached to the magnet (held by magnetic force), then swing the door closed and let the assembly self-align before marking and drilling the armature plate mounting holes. This ensures the plate sits perfectly parallel to the magnet face. If you mount the plate first and then try to line up the magnet, you'll chase shim adjustments all afternoon. For weatherproof installations, use the WZBK brackets — they have the same geometry as the standard MZBK but with corrosion-resistant hardware and sealed mounting points.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need the WMG weatherproof model vs. the standard MG?

If the maglock will be exposed to rain, direct sunlight, humidity, or temperature extremes — exterior gates, covered parking entries, loading docks, pool area gates — use the WMG. The standard MG is for interior climate-controlled environments only. The WMG's weather-resistant housing and tamper-resistant fasteners are engineered for outdoor exposure. If there's any doubt about whether the location counts as "exterior," go with the WMG — the price difference is worth it compared to replacing a corroded MG magnet body in two years.

What's the difference between single (-1) and double (-2) maglock models?

The "-2" models (MG600-2, MG1200-2, MG1200DT-2) are double maglock assemblies — two magnet bodies on a single mounting plate — designed for double doors (pairs). Each leaf gets its own magnet and armature plate, but the wiring and mounting plate are unified. For single doors, use the standard MG600 or MG1200. For double door pairs, the "-2" models are more cost-effective and cleaner to install than buying two separate single maglocks.

Do Locknetics maglocks require a request-to-exit (REX) device?

Yes — fire code and ADA requirements mandate a free egress method on the secure side of any mag-locked door. This is typically a push button, REX motion sensor, or crash bar with a REX switch. When someone pushes the button or triggers the sensor, it signals the access control panel to momentarily cut power to the maglock. Locknetics maglocks do not have a built-in REX — you'll need to specify one separately. Most access control panels have a dedicated REX input specifically for this purpose.

Can I use the same brackets for MG and WMG series?

The standard MZBK Z-brackets will physically fit both MG and WMG magnets of the same size class (600 or 1200). However, for exterior WMG installations, you should use the WZBK weatherproof brackets to maintain the corrosion resistance of the entire assembly. Using a standard MZBK bracket on an outdoor WMG installation defeats the purpose of the weatherproof magnet — the bracket hardware becomes the weak link that corrodes first.

How much current do Locknetics maglocks draw?

Current draw varies by voltage and model size. At 12VDC, expect roughly 500mA for a 600lb magnet and 700mA for a 1200lb. At 24VDC, those numbers drop to approximately 250mA and 350mA respectively. When sizing your power supply, add up the total draw of all maglocks on the circuit and leave at least 20% headroom. On projects with more than four or five maglocks, a dedicated maglock power supply (separate from the access panel's onboard supply) is the standard practice to avoid brownout issues during simultaneous releases.