Have you ever wondered about how to go about improving your door locks? Some say going with smart deadbolts is a good idea. But what if you’re not aiming for top security, and just want a more convenient system?
Well, you’re in luck, because magnetic door locks will help you achieve this outcome. Yes, you will be spending a bit more cash on this system. However, this extra bit of investment will serve you for years (if not decades).
Now, you might think what is the catch and why magnetic door locks are not as popular?
To answer this question, we will point you towards the customer reviews (which are not that great). Yes, these locks do work well, but that is only true when you install them correctly.
So, don’t be surprised when you run into situations with the magnetic door lock not releasing.
Almost all of the issues with the door lock not releasing can be traced back to nature installation. Which is why you need to first check the installation before blaming the lock.
Anyhow, if you’re still unable to sort out the error on your end, then let us list some solutions for you. Just be mindful of the basic alignment and power supply to the system.
Solutions For Magnetic Door Lock Not Releasing
- Fix Alignment Issues
When you’re dealing with the magnetic door locks, the alignment of the unit is the first thing that you need to check. Even if you’ve just installed the unit, it will run into complications with the lock not releasing.
So, remove the power from the lock and then adjust the alignment. Make sure to follow all the steps mentioned in the instruction manual and match the position of both pieces perfectly.
Otherwise, you will keep running into the same problem with the Magnetic door lock not releasing.
- Check For Residual Voltage
At this point, you’ll have to check for residual voltage. You’ll have to realize that the voltage has to drop to zero for the magnetic lock to release.
If there are issues with the relays or any other component, then the voltage won’t drop to zero.
So, you can pair up a voltmeter with the setup and then check the residual voltage. Ideally, you’re aiming for a net value of zero. However, closer to zero will also do you well.
All that you have to do is to check up on the system with a voltmeter and then go about sorting the situation accordingly.
Yes, it will take you a bit of time to address these errors. However, you’re not left with many choices when it comes to managing the residual voltage.
You’ll have to narrow down the issues with the relay, and make sure that the situation is sorted out accordingly.
What we suggest is that you hire a local technician. Seeking guidance from a local technician will make your life much easier.
Yes, you will have to pay a bit of a fee to the technician. But he will make sure that there is no residual voltage. Hopefully, the hassle will not be too much for you, and fixing these complications will be fairly simple.
- Use Better Cables
Sometimes, the issue is more with the cables you’re using. Using longer and thinner cables is never a good idea. So, if you’re relying on a poor wiring setup, now might be a good time to address that citation.
Yes, we’re saying that you need to replace the wiring that is bringing power to the lock. Will it be easy? No. However, it is necessary, and there are no quick fixes here. So, you will have to spend some cash on the new wiring.
The expense will be minimal, but you’ll still need some expertise to get through the replacement.
Once again, hiring an expert or outsourcing this job is a great idea. You will not have to hassle as much when there is an expert involved. So, be sure to reach out and get help from the professional.
You’ll notice one thing here. Almost all the issues can be directly or indirectly linked to the power flow.
So, it is crucial that you go through the installation correctly. Ignoring the instructions is never a good idea, and each brand and model brings different requirements to the table.
The duty falls on your head to figure out the best mode of action, and relying on the pointers listed in the owner’s manual is the most surefire method.
However, if you’re simply confused or new to the smart home market, it is a good idea to rely on the official support team for help.
You need guidance from the professional, and they will be willing to guide you on the minor snags and complications.
- Check Power Supply
Even if you’re sure that the alignment of the lock is perfect, too much power through the system can lead to a similar outcome with the lock not releasing.
You can rely on a thin object to open up the door, but it can be quite annoying to keep using this workaround every time you want to open the lock.
So, just check the power supply and open up the door. If you’re running into issues with the lock not releasing, just check the power supply. A multimeter will help you further narrow down the issues with your power supply.
- Change Worn Wires
The wires connecting the power supply to your door lock can also play into the same situation where the magnetic lock won’t release properly.
If you’ve not given any attention to the maintenance of your electrical components, then you’re likely in the same situation.
There is a good chance that the wires are worn out and need to be replaced at this point. So, you should remove the power from the circuit breaker and then replace these wires.
- Verify The Integrity Of The Door Hinges & Frame
The condition of the door hinges and the frame can also play a role in this issue with the magnetic door lock not releasing. The alignment of the system can slowly go off because of excess pressure on the hinges and the frame.
So, if the frame seems to be warped or the hinges are in poor shape, then you need to replace them immediately.
There is no other workaround for this situation, and your best bet is to replace the frame or hinges. That should be enough to fix the alignment, and you won’t have to bother with the same issue for the next few years.
- Check For Hardware Issues
While the majority of issues with the magnetic door lock are linked to the alignment of the system, hardware problems can also lead to a similar situation where the lock won’t release properly.
So, if you’re not successful with the troubleshooting process at this point, then you should thoroughly inspect the lock for hardware problems.
If the lock is indeed damaged, then you should try claiming the warranty. Most brands offer good policies on their magnetic lock, and you will be able to source a replacement for free.
- Hire An Electrician
On the other hand, if you’ve not maintained the electrical components in your home for a long time and don’t want to look into the wiring cluster yourself, then hiring an electrician is your best bet.
As long as you’re sure that the lock is in good shape, relying on experts will help you narrow down the issue quickly.
Moreover, you won’t have to waste any more time in the installation of the lock after servicing the electrical components. So, make sure to set aside some budget and hire an electrician.
Yes, spending money on the hiring fee is not that great of an option. However, you’ll be much better served when there is an expert involved. All that you will have to do is to explain your end, and the dealer will have you sorted out.
Wrapping Up
Worried about the magnetic door lock not releasing? Can’t seem to fix the problem on your own? Well, worry no more!
We have listed some viable methods that can sort out the error for you. To start, you can check up on the hardware.
If you’re sure that the magnetic door lock is not damaged, you should move to check on the alignment, the power supply, and the hinges. It will not be that complicated to sort out the situation on your end alone.
Yes, you will have to spend a bit of time to test out all of these methods. However, there is no point in looking for easier solutions or fixes. Spending the extra time, but figuring out the right solution will leave you ahead in the long run.
However, if you’re not sure about the hardware side of things, then we suggest that you get a new piece.
Yes, invest into a new lock or get a replacement by claiming the warranty. You can’t fix damaged locks yourself. So, don’t bother much with the lock if it is damaged.