Electric strikes were invented approximately a century ago to meet the basic need of remotely unlocking a door. For most of those years, the lowly electric strike changed very little and just a handful of different configurations were available.
That has all changed in the last quarter century as companies developed dozens of electric strike types. Locksmiths had to choose which strike to use from a long list of faceplate sizes, door locks being used, fail-safe or fail-secure requirements, varied voltages, monitoring needs and door jamb designs. Locksmiths have been forced to stock a large inventory in order to be prepared for every possibility.
RCI is now reversing this trend with its 6 Series electric strike. Each 6 Series strike can be quickly reset in the field for 12-volt or 24- volt power and fail-safe or fail-secure operation. An optional keeper monitor switch is available. The switch can be used for remote detection of either an unlatched door or a keeper that is not in a locked position.
Series 6 electric strikes are available in five basic configurations:
• S6504- 1 1/4" X 4 7/8" (aluminum or wood doors).
• S6505- 1 1/8" X 5 7/8" (aluminum or wood doors).
• S6507- 1 1/4" X 6 7/8" (aluminum or wood doors).
• S6508- 1 7/16" X 7 15/16" (aluminum or wood doors).
• S6504- 1 1/4" X 4 7/8" (Hollow metal or wood doors).
Another feature of RCI Series 6 electric strikes is the small case size. Electric strikes must often be installed in jambs filled with cement or in jambs with limited depth dimensions. The standard "S" series RCI electric strike only requires a 1 3/8" deep recess. An "L" series, low-profile model is also available which requires an even smaller 1 1/16" deep recess.
Changing to different voltage needs is literally a snap. RCI 6 Series electric strikes are internally wired for AC or DC power at either 12 or 24 volts. Snap-in connectors on the 6 Series strike simplify the change. Two separate connectors are furnished with the RCI electric strike. One connector can be used for a 24 VDC system. When the other connector is plugged in, the electric strike can operate on either 12 VDC or 12-24 VAC. No disassembly of the electric strike is required and the wiring change can be done in a few seconds. Red and black pigtail wires from the connectors are then attached to the desired 12- or 24-volt power source. For DC applications, attach the red wire to the positive power source and black wire to the negative source. Color-coding is not a requirement for AC applications.
A similar system is used for the optional keeper and latch monitor. Two separate connectors with pigtail wires are furnished. One connector with green, black and yellow wires is used for monitoring the strike keeper. A second connector with orange, black and blue wires can be used for monitoring the latch. Each connector has pigtail ends with wire colors coded to wires extending from the electric strike case. The three-wire system allows monitoring of either normally open or normally closed circuits.
Four-way connectors are used for monitoring while three-way connectors are used for voltage changing. This prevents any problems associated with plugging into the wrong internal electric strike wiring systems.
RCI 6 Series strikes can easily be changed in the field for fail-safe or fail-secure operation. An external setscrew in the lock has a dimple indicator. When the indicator is aligned with "FL" on the lock body, the unit is set for Fail-locked (fail-secure) if power is lost. Turn the setscrew 180 degrees which aligns the dimple with "FUL" and the lock is set for Fail-unlocked (fail-safe) if power is lost. No disassembly is required to make the change.
KEEPER ADJUSTMENT
One of the most interesting features of the RCI 6 Series electric strike is the keeper adjustment. Locksmiths often encounter warped or misaligned doors that prevent the lock latch from smoothly entering the electric strike. 6 Series faceplates are fastened to the lip bracket with two flathead screws. When the faceplate is removed, two adjustment screws are revealed. The RCI lock case and keeper can be moved 1/4" horizontally within the lip bracket. This allows the installer to make a firm fit with strike and latch without causing either undue binding or looseness. Adjustment can be made quickly, accurately and cleanly without any messy remortising of the complete strike unit.
According to RCI, the 6 Series electric strikes have been tested to over 1,000,000 cycles. They carry a three-year warranty and have a UL 1034 burglary listing. RCI also has power supplies, keypads, readers and other accessories to complete most access control installations.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or contact Rutherford Controls at 519-621-7651. E-mail: [email protected]
