Access control — mag locks, electric strikes, WiFi systems · Rockland Locksmith

What access control problems we solve

Mag lock won't release. Usually power — the mag lock holds with electricity, releases when power drops. A tripped circuit, a failed power supply, a cut feed wire, or a failed release button all cause the same symptom. We diagnose the power path end-to-end, identify the failure, and repair or replace. For mag locks on fire-rated egress doors we verify the release integrates properly with the fire alarm system — this is a life-safety item, not optional.

Electric strike no power. Similar diagnostic path. The strike releases when energized (fail-secure) or releases when power drops (fail-safe), depending on configuration. No power usually means a failed power supply, a bad transformer, a loose or cut wire, or a failed strike unit. We carry replacement strikes and power supplies for common commercial configurations.

Old system needs upgrading. A keypad or card reader system installed a decade ago, nobody on the current team knows the admin code, the manufacturer no longer supports it, and the hardware is failing piece by piece. We assess whether the existing wiring can be reused (usually yes) and recommend a modern replacement — typically a multi-door controller with WiFi admin (so you don't need a dedicated workstation), credential management via app or web portal, timed access schedules (so cleaners get in at 6am but not 3pm), audit logs (who entered when), and battery backup (system keeps working through a power outage).

Multi-door systems. Offices with a front entry, a rear service entry, an interior suite door, and a parking-lot gate all on one system. We design the topology, spec the hardware, coordinate the low-voltage run (either ourselves or with your electrician), install, configure, and train your admin person. We document the system so that when you hire a new admin years from now, the next person can figure it out from the paperwork instead of guessing.

How access control projects work

Walkthrough and assessment

For anything beyond a single-door service call, we come out for a walkthrough before quoting. We look at existing hardware, wire paths, power supply locations, fire-alarm integration if applicable, and the access patterns you need (who goes where, when). Walkthrough is free for commercial access work.

Proposal with clear scope

Written proposal identifying every door, every credential type, the controller and power supply specs, the wiring path, the battery backup runtime, the fire-alarm integration if applicable, and the admin interface. Line-item pricing so you know what you're paying for.

Install coordinated with your operation

We work outside business hours for most installs — evenings and weekends — to avoid disrupting your operation. For phased installs on large buildings we do one floor or one wing at a time so the rest keeps operating normally.

Fire-alarm integration (if applicable)

Any mag lock on an egress door must release on fire alarm activation. We verify this integration end-to-end, document the test results, and provide the paperwork for your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) inspection. This is non-negotiable for code compliance.

Admin training and documentation

Before we leave, we train your designated admin on credential enrollment, schedule management, and audit log review. We leave you with system documentation — credentials issued, schedules configured, admin credentials. The next time you need changes, you (or the next admin) can handle them from the documentation.

Access control pricing

Access control projects vary widely — a single electric strike replacement is different from a 12-door WiFi-managed system with battery backup and fire integration. We quote firm after walkthrough; rough ranges below are for planning purposes only.

Service & repair

Single-door diagnostic & repair

$250–$600

Mag lock or electric strike not working. Power supply replacement, wiring repair, or hardware swap. Covers most individual-door failure calls. Quoted after on-site diagnostic.

New install · small

1–2 door fresh install

$1,500–$4,000

Electric strike or mag lock, power supply, release button, credential reader, basic controller, wiring run. Scales with cable length and door hardware. Battery backup included.

New install · multi-door

Multi-door WiFi system

$4,000–$15,000+

Multi-door controller, WiFi admin, credential management (cards or phone credentials), timed schedules, audit logging, battery backup, fire-alarm integration. Quoted firm after walkthrough — varies heavily with door count, wire paths, and existing infrastructure.

Upgrade legacy

Replace old system

Quoted

Removing an old system and installing modern replacement. We reuse existing wiring where we can. Pricing depends heavily on what's already in the walls — sometimes the old pull is fine, sometimes it needs to come out. Walkthrough mandatory.

Common questions

My mag lock won't release. Is it the lock or the power?

Almost always the power side. Mag locks are simple — they hold when energized, release when power drops. A failed power supply, a tripped breaker on the access control circuit, a loose or broken feed wire, or a failed release button all cause the same symptom. We diagnose the full power path in under an hour on most calls and tell you exactly what failed and what the repair costs.

Do you integrate with my fire alarm?

Yes — and for mag locks on egress doors it's required by code. Any electronic lock that holds a fire egress closed must release when the fire alarm activates. We coordinate with your fire alarm contractor for the integration, test end-to-end, and document the work for your AHJ inspection. Never skip this — it's a life-safety item.

Can you upgrade our old system without rewiring the whole building?

Usually yes. Most existing low-voltage cable runs are reusable — 6-conductor or 8-conductor shielded runs installed for an old controller typically support a modern replacement controller. We assess during walkthrough. Occasionally old cable is degraded or wrong gauge and needs replacement, but we tell you honestly before committing.

Do you handle WiFi access and phone credentials?

Yes. Modern systems support WiFi-based admin (no dedicated workstation needed), phone-based credentials (your team opens doors with an app instead of a card), and cloud-managed audit logs. We install, configure, and train your admin on the new interface. We also tell you honestly when simpler is better — not every building needs phone credentials, and sometimes cards are the right call.

What about power outages?

Every install we do includes battery backup sized for at least 4 hours of runtime on standard door counts. For critical applications we size for 24 hours. Battery backup is not optional — an access control system that fails during a power outage is a security failure, and modern controllers are cheap to back up properly.

Do you do low-voltage wiring too?

We do low-voltage runs for the scope of our own installs. For larger runs involving conduit, drop ceilings, or coordination with electrical contractors, we coordinate with your electrician or our regular low-voltage partner. Either way the end result is one accountable contractor for the access control outcome.

How long does a multi-door install take?

Depends on door count, wire paths, and whether you can give us after-hours access. Typical 4-door WiFi system on a straightforward commercial space is 2-to-3 days of on-site work. Larger systems with complex wire paths run longer. We give you a firm schedule in the proposal so you can plan around us.

Access control
that actually works.