Electrified Deadbolt

An electrified deadbolt is a powered bolt mechanism that extends or retracts on an electrical signal from an access control panel, keypad, card reader, timer, or remote switch. Unlike electric strikes, which modify the frame-side hardware while leaving the door lock mechanical, an electrified deadbolt replaces or supplements the bolt mechanism itself. The bolt state is controlled by voltage. Whether the bolt is extended or retracted when power is present depends on whether the unit is fail safe or fail secure. Choosing the right fail mode for each opening is the most important specification decision on any electrified deadbolt project. American Locksets stocks electrified deadbolts from Alarm Lock, Dynalock, and Rofu as an authorized dealer, with same-day shipping and free shipping on all orders over $300.

Electric Deadbolt Locks: Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure

Every electrified deadbolt falls into one of two behavioral categories, and both are defined by what happens when power is lost, not when power is present.

A fail safe electric deadbolt retracts the bolt when power is removed. The bolt is only extended while the unit is energized. When a fire alarm trips, a power outage occurs, or the access control panel loses power, the bolt retracts and the opening is released. This behavior is the correct specification for stairwell exit doors, fire egress paths, elevator lobby doors, and any opening where life safety codes require free passage during emergencies. The Alarm Lock 103 Electric Deadbolt, 24VAC/DC Fail Safe and the Dynalock 1300-12/24 Mortise Electric Deadbolt Fail Safe are both fail safe configurations stocked at American Locksets.

A fail secure electric deadbolt locks when power is removed. The bolt extends on power loss, keeping the opening secured during a power outage. This is the correct specification for server rooms, pharmaceutical storage, cash rooms, and high-security perimeter doors where an uncontrolled power failure must not create an open-door condition. The Rofu 3850 Fail-Safe Deadbolt, 12VDC, Monitored provides monitored bolt throw status in addition to fail safe operation for access control panels that need to confirm bolt position in real time.

Alarm Lock 103 Electric Deadbolt, 24VAC/DC, Fail Safe

The Alarm Lock 103 is a compact, surface-mount fail safe electric deadbolt operating on 24VAC or 24VDC. It includes three strikes and magnets in the standard package and projects a 5/8 inch diameter bolt only while powered. The molded aluminum construction and continuous duty solenoid are rated for frequent cycle counts in commercial access control environments. The 103 is compatible with time programmers, access control panels, and any device that provides a switched 24V signal. It is the correct choice for light commercial doors, gates, and cabinet applications where the installation needs a simple, low-cost fail safe bolt without mortise-depth door preparation.

Dynalock 1300 Series Mortise Electric Deadbolt Lock

The Dynalock 1300-12/24 Mortise Electric Deadbolt is a concealed mortise-mount fail safe electric deadbolt designed for installations where a surface-mounted unit is not acceptable. Mounting depth is only 1-5/8 inch, which allows installation in door or frame locations where most deadbolt locks cannot fit. The Dynalock 1300 installs in the header or lock jamb and also mounts in the top, vertical, or bottom door stile when power is transferred to the door through an electrified hinge or power transfer device. It is silent when energized, with no audible buzzing during normal operation. Rated for continuous duty. The bolt is 3/4 inch diameter with 3/4 inch throw. Lock front is 1-1/2 inch x 8 inch x 1/8 inch. Voltage is 12VDC/VAC or 24VDC/VAC. Current draw is 0.85A at 12V and 0.45A at 24V.

Not recommended for wood door or frame installations. Not recommended for use with panic devices.

Three Dynalock 1300 configurations are stocked:

• 1300-12/24 Standard: Base aluminum fail safe unit, no monitoring switch

• 1300-12/24-BPS: Adds a bolt position switch that outputs a signal when the bolt is fully extended, for access control monitoring and event logging

• 1300-12/24-ARSB: Adds an auto-relock switch (ball type) that automatically re-energizes the bolt after a door closure event, for applications that require the bolt to reset without a second signal from the access control panel

• 1300-12/24-ARSM: Auto-relock switch in concealed format for cleaner installation where the ball-type switch protrusion is not acceptable

Rofu 3850 Fail Safe Deadbolt, 12VDC, Monitored

The Rofu 3850 is a 12VDC fail safe deadbolt with a 2/3 inch bolt throw and built-in monitored bolt status output. The monitoring contact allows the access control panel to confirm whether the bolt is fully thrown or fully retracted, which supports door event logging, audit trail accuracy, and alarm management in integrated systems. At its price point, the Rofu 3850 is the correct entry-level specification for small access control systems and single-door applications where monitoring capability is needed but budget or door complexity does not justify a full mortise unit.

Why Electrified Deadbolts vs. Electric Strikes

Electric strikes modify the frame to release the latch without requiring the latch to retract, but they depend on the existing door lock's latch bolt to hold the door closed. An electrified deadbolt provides a powered bolt that is independent of any existing knob, lever, or latch hardware. This makes electrified deadbolts the correct specification for doors that have no existing lock hardware, for secondary securing points on double doors, for gate applications, for frame-mounted top or bottom bolts adding a second latch point to a door controlled by an exit device, and for any opening where a dedicated powered bolt is required without changing the existing door prep.

Browse all electrified cylindrical locks, electrified mortise locks, and the full electronic hardware range at American Locksets for the complete selection of powered locking hardware across all door types and security requirements. Call 877-471-4870 for fail mode selection, voltage compatibility, or monitoring configuration support before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: What is an electrified deadbolt?

 An electrified deadbolt is a powered bolt that extends or retracts via an electrical signal from an access control system, keypad, remote switch, or timer.

Q: What is the difference between fail safe and fail secure in an electric deadbolt?

 Fail safe retracts the bolt when power is off, releasing the door for egress. Fail secure extends the bolt when power is off, keeping the door locked.

Q: What voltage do commercial electrified deadbolts typically require?

 Most commercial units run on 12VDC, 24VDC, or dual voltage 12/24 VAC/VDC. Always confirm voltage compatibility with your access control panel before ordering.

Q: Can an electrified deadbolt be used with panic exit devices? 

The Dynalock 1300 Series is not recommended for use with panic devices. Confirm compatibility with the manufacturer before specifying any electrified deadbolt with an exit device opening.

Q: What does a bolt position switch do on an electric deadbolt? 

A bolt position switch (BPS) outputs a signal when the bolt is fully extended, allowing the access control panel to confirm lock status and log door security events.

Q: What is an auto-relock switch on the Dynalock 1300?

 An auto-relock switch automatically re-energizes the bolt after a door closure, so the panel does not need to send a second signal to re-lock the opening after each access event.

Q: Can electrified deadbolts be integrated with fire alarm systems?

 Fail safe units are typically integrated with fire alarm panels to release controlled doors during alarm events. Confirm specific integration requirements with your fire alarm contractor.