Lesson 1.3: EM Locks (Maglocks)

⚡ The Logic (Mermaid)

flowchart LR
    PSU["12V/24V PSU
+V"]
    subgraph RLY["Door Relay"]
        direction TB
        NO
        COM
        NC
    end     

    GND["PSU 0V"]


    PSU --> COM
    NC ---|"Always Powered"| MAG["EMLock"]
    MAG --- GND

Hardware Landmark: Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock)

!300
Above: A standard 600lb Magnetic Lock with its matching armature plate.

🧠 The Concept

Maglocks are always Fail-Safe. They require constant power to stay locked. To unlock them, the controller must break the circuit. This is why we almost always wire them to the Normally Closed (NC) terminal.

🛠️ Hands-on Steps

Check Voltage: Most maglocks support 12V or 24V. Set the jumper on the maglock PCB correctly!
Alignment: Ensure the armature plate moves slightly (it should not be fixed rigid) to allow it to self-align with the magnet.
Relay Wiring: Connect the Positive power leg to the Controller Relay COM, and take the NC leg to the Maglock +.
Safety Check: Ensure an Emergency Glass Break is wired in series with the power to the maglock.

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