RCI A71-01, 71 Series Electric Strike, Less Faceplate, 16 VAC, Fail Secure

The RCI A71-01 is the 16 VAC fail secure modular strike body from RCI's 71 series. RCI stands for Rutherford Controls Inc, now part of dormakaba. If you've been searching "rci electric strike", "rci 71-05d", or "rci 7 series electric strike"  you're in the right family. The A71-01 is specifically the 16 VAC version. The A71-05D (12 VDC) and A71-08D (24 VDC) are sibling models in the same 71 series with identical physical configuration but different voltage requirements. Match your power supply before ordering.

What "Less Faceplate" Means in the 71 Series

The A71-01 is the modular body only. No faceplate is included. The 71 series uses a two-part design  the actuator body (this product) and a faceplate ordered separately to match your specific frame type. This is intentional. Different door frame types require different faceplate profiles: standard hollow metal frames, aluminum frames, wood frames, and wide-stile aluminum frames all take different faceplates. By ordering the body separately, a contractor or integrator can pair one consistent actuator with whichever faceplate the opening requires without stocking multiple complete strike assemblies.

The A71-01 includes the lip bracket and hardware pack. The lip bracket attaches to the frame and supports the strike body position. What's not included is the faceplate itself  order the appropriate 71 series faceplate for your frame type as a separate line item.

Fail Secure Operation

Fail Secure means the strike is locked when power is off. You apply voltage to release it. The A71-01 is electrically unlocked: send power and the keeper pivots, allowing the latch to pass through and the door to open. Remove power and the strike returns to locked position, holding the latch. For access control on secure doors  server rooms, restricted corridors, controlled access points  fail secure is the correct function. The door stays locked during a power outage.

Fail Safe is the opposite configuration  power holds locked, outage releases. The 73 series (73XX-06, 73XX-09) carries the fail safe function in the same RCI family. If your spec requires fail safe, the A71-01 is not the correct product.

Voltage Variants in the 71 Series

The A71-01 operates on 11 to 16 VAC. Current draw is 0.35 to 0.55 amps. If your access control panel or power supply outputs 12 VDC, you want the A71-05D. If it outputs 24 VDC, you want the A71-08D. If it outputs 24 VAC, the A71-07 is the variant. All four share the same physical body and faceplate compatibility  the voltage suffix is the only difference. Confirm your power supply output before ordering.

Lock and Frame Compatibility

The 71 series accommodates a 5/8-inch latch projection  the standard projection on cylindrical locksets, centerline mortise locks, narrow-line aluminum locks, and mortise exit devices. Door thickness range is 1-3/8 inches to 2-3/8 inches. The strike provides 1/8-inch horizontal adjustment for precise field alignment. Frame application is metal or wood. Use cases include public buildings, controlled access openings, fire-rated openings, and industrial environments.

Specifications

Model: RCI A71-01

Brand: RCI (Rutherford Controls Inc), dormakaba

Series: 71 Series (7 Series) Centerline Electric Strike

Voltage: 11-16 VAC (A71-01)

Function: Fail Secure (electrically unlocked)

Amp Draw: 0.35 to 0.55 Amps

Configuration: Less Faceplate  modular body only

Includes: Lip bracket and hardware pack

Faceplate: Not included  order separately

Latch Projection: 5/8" (16mm)

Door Thickness: 1-3/8" to 2-3/8"

Horizontal Adjustment: 1/8" (3.2mm)

Frame Application: Metal or wood

Compatible Locks: Cylindrical, centerline mortise, aluminum, mortise exit devices

Warranty: 3-year limited

Voltage Variants: A71-05D (12 VDC), A71-08D (24 VDC), A71-07 (24 VAC)

American Locksets has stocked RCI electric strikes since 2001.