Electric strikes were first introduced in the late 1800s so high-rise apartment dwellers could provide access for family and guests without walking down to the street level and physically unlocking the entry door.
Over the years, specialized electric strikes have been developed for residential, commercial/institutional, burglary-resistant and fire labeled openings as well as pneumatic operated electric strikes for hazardous applications. Electric strikes are designed to release cylindrical and mortise locks, deadbolts and exit (panic) devices.
Rutherford Controls International (RCI) manufactures a number of electric strikes including the F1 Series Fire-Labeled Heavy-Duty Centerline Latch Entry. F1 Series strikes are designed to be installed into fire rated or non-fire rated openings.
Important: Before installing any electric strike, contact either the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (LAHJ) or the appropriate listing agency for code, life safety and installation requirements.
The F1 Series electric strikes meet ANSI/BHMA 156.31, UL 1034 for Grade 1 operation, Burglary-resistance and Fire labeling for up to 1-1/2 hours (UL 10C).
As this is a Fire Listed product, it is not available in a Fail Safe configuration (Fail-Unlocked). For Life Safety, the door must remain closed and latch in the event of fire.
The RCI F1 electric strike is designed to accommodates 1/2”, 5/8” or 3/4” cylindrical, mortise, mortise lock equipped exit (panic) devices and narrow stile locks whose latch projections are centerline. All of these locks have a single latch and may have a dead latch pin as well. These locks can be operated using a standard, centered, single opening strike plate.
F1 Series Electric Strikes are manufactured with a solid cast stainless steel housing. This housing covers the insert on three sides, protecting the stainless steel keeper and operating mechanism from vandalism. In addition, there is a tamper resistant internal lip on the stainless steel housing. This “Pry-Guard” lip is slid behind the opening in the frame to strengthen the installation and prevent the electric strike from being pried out.
The F1 is equipped with an “Anti-vibration” mechanism designed to prevent the solenoid armature from being manipulated by attacking the frame.
The keeper and insert are horizontally adjustable (in or out) up to 1/4” within the housing. Horizontal adjusting can relieve side-load pressure that occurs when the latch cannot easily enter the latch cavity. This can be caused by weather stripping or positive pressure, often found in stairwells. Side-loading causes pressure between the keeper and latch that can cause binding and/or failure to unlock.
Horizontal adjustment capability ensures proper latch alignment when the door is closed and latched. Horizontal adjustments are made by re-positioning the three different thickness adjustment plates on either side of the insert.
The energy efficient, non-polarity sensitive coil is internally mounted providing ease of installation. These non-handed electric strikes are reversible in order to accommodate right- or left-hand door applications.
F1 Series electric strikes come in two models: F1114 and F1119. The F1114 face matches the standard ANSI 4-7/8” frame preparation. The F1114 is designed to be installed into hollow metal and aluminum frames. The F1119 has a much larger face for installation into wood and aluminum frames. The F1119 face is nine inches long compared to the F1114 face which is is 4-7/8” inches long.
Both models are available with intermittent duty (AC) and continuous duty (DC) solenoids. AC solenoids are available with voltages of 11-16, 12 and 24. DC solenoids are available with voltages of 12 and 24. An intermittent duty electric strike is designed to be energized for less than one minute for each occurrence, having a one to five operating ratio.
When electric strikes are wired with AC voltage for intermittent duty, the solenoid should have five times the energized time to cool down. This will help to ensure a longer operational life. If this is not practical, a Continuous Duty (DC voltage) solenoid equipped electric strike should be installed.
DC powered electric strikes are silent. A Piezo can be installed to make a DC powered electric strike “buzz.”
According to RCI, the F1 Series electric strike is designed to retrofit the following frame cutouts without modification:
Folger Adam 712 (F1114)
Folger Adam 310-2 (F1119)
Von Duprin 6211 (ANSI) (F1114)
Von Duprin 6215 (F1119)
Von Duprin 6226 (F1119)
To complete the package, F1 Series electric strikes come with standard mounting tabs, shims and fasteners.
The Rutherford Controls International F1 Series Fire-Labeled Heavy-Duty Centerline Latch Entry Electric Strikes are available in 32D (630) satin stainless steel finish standard.
A five-year limited warranty is included.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Rutherford Controls Int'l Corp., Telephone 519-621-7651 or 800-265-6630. Web Site: www.rutherfordcontrols.com .
