Over the years, prior to a job I have asked the building representative what is the jamb material and the finish of the lock hardware. Since many electric strikes do not have a visible name, it is usually not possible for them to determine the manufacturer.
To resolve the problem of having to stock a number of “common” electric strikes, HES Inc., has introduced the patent pending Vista V3 series ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 2 electric strikes designed for 1/2” to 5/8” throw cylindrical lock latches. A 5/8” latch can be accommodated as long as there is a 1/8” door gap. These electric strikes have been tested to meet or exceed a static strength of 1000 pounds, dynamic strength of 50 foot-pounds and endurance testing for 500,000 cycles.
The compact Vista V3, fail secure, non-handed electric strike solenoid is designed to accommodate 12 or 24VAC/VDC. For intermittent duty operation, connect the solenoid to 12 or 24VAC. For continuous duty operation, connect the solenoid to 12 or 24VDC. The current draw is .20 Amps @ 12VDC or .10 Amps @ 24VDC.
Note: According to HES, Alternating Current solenoids are designed to be operated for no more than two minutes per operation.
Important: Before installing an HES Vista V3 electric strike, check the current using a multi-meter to ensure the voltage does not exceed 10 percent of the solenoid rating. Exceeding the rating may damage the electric strike and will void the warranty.
The concept behind the Vista V3 is to provide locksmiths with significant replacement electric strike capability without having to stock a number of electric strikes. To do this, HES has created modular components by separating the electric strike body from the faceplate components. This way, one electric strike body can be matched with any one of eight faceplates. The faceplates vary in size from 2-3/4”-9” long for wood or metal jamb applications.
To increase the compatibility of the Vista V3 electric strike, the strike body is small (1-13/16” long by 15/16” tall by 13/16” wide). The Vista V3 die cast body has a stainless steel keeper. The coded wires are black and red to ensure proper installation. The electric strike body comes with keeper shims and screws. Keeper shims provide the Vista V3 electric strike horizontal adjustability of up to 1/4” to align the keeper opening with the centerline of the latch and also to eliminate side load pressure.
Side load pressure occurs when the lock's latch does not smoothly enter and leave the keeper in an electric strike. It can occur for a number of reasons including a poorly aligned door, weather stripping, building settling or pressure from the heating/cooling system. Having an electric strike with horizontal adjustment capability can enable firm latch alignment without binding when the door is closed and latched.
A complete Vista V3 electric strike consists of one of the eight faceplate option kits in addition to the electric strike body. Only one electric strike body is necessary to be installed onto any of the eight faceplates. Because the V3 are designed to retrofit into an existing application in addition to new installations, choosing the correct faceplate option should eliminate any need for modification to the frame.
The faceplates are sold as options one through seven with a 1A option.
Option 1 is a 4-7/8” x 1-1/4” square corner faceplate designed for metal jamb installations. This is normally a factory prepped frame. The Option 1 faceplate is available in 606, 613 and 630 finishes.
Option 1A is a 4-7/8” x 1-1/4” radius corner faceplate designed for metal frame installations with mounting tabs. This is normally a routered opening installed as a retrofit. The Option 1A faceplate is available in 606, 613 and 630 finishes.
Option 2 is a 7-15/16” x 1-7/16” radius corner faceplate designed for metal frame installations with mounting tabs. This is normally a routered opening installed as a retrofit. The Option 2 faceplate is available in 606, 613 and 630 finishes.
Option 3 is a 6-7/8” x 1-1/4” radius corner faceplate designed for metal frame installations with mounting tabs. This is normally a routered opening installed as a retrofit. The Option 3 faceplate is available in 606, 613 and 630 finishes.
Option 4 is a 9” x 1-3/8” r adius corner and flat faceplate designed for ANSI standard wood frame installations. The Option 4 faceplate is available in 630 finish.
Option 5 is a 3-1/2” x 1-3/8” square corner and flat faceplate designed for wood frame installations. The Option 5 faceplate is available in 606C and 626.
Option 6 is a 7-15/16” x 1-7/16” r adius corner faceplate designed for metal or wood installations with mounting tabs. The Option 6 faceplate is available in 626.
Option 7 is a 2-3/4” x 1-1/8” s quare corner faceplate designed for ANSI/BHMA A156.115 2-3/4” metal frame installations. The Option 7 faceplate is available in 626.
The eight Vista V3 faceplate options provide retrofit ability for a number of the Grade 2 electric strike wood and metal frame applications. For a complete list of electric strike applications, see the HES Web Site.
At this time, the Vista V3 electric strike is only available as fail secure. A fail safe (fail unlock) version will be available in fall 2009, according to HES.
The HES Vista V3 electric strikes have a one-year limited warranty.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or HES, Inc., 22630 N. 17th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027. Telephone: 800-626-7590. Web Site: HESinnovations.com
