Top 5 Electric Locks for Interior and Exterior Doors (2025 Update)

Electric locks are becoming more and more common – not just in businesses and apartment buildings, but also in homes with an intercom or access control system. Where heavy electromagnetic locks used to be reserved for gates and glass doors, today there are compact, quiet and smart solutions for almost any door.

In this article, we line up the five most popular electric locks right now. Ideal if you want your door to open automatically via an intercom, keypad, card reader or app.

1. YLI YM-280N – 280 kg electromagnetic lock – 12/24 V DC

✔ For interior and exterior doors
✔ 280 kg holding force
✔ Universal mounting

The YLI YM-280N has been the standard in access control for years. With a holding force of 280 kg, this electromagnetic lock has enough pull for wooden, metal and even light glass doors. Its aluminium housing makes it highly resistant to corrosion, and a jumper on the circuit board lets you switch easily between a 12 V and 24 V power supply.

Tip: Combine it with the YLI MBK-280ZL bracket set for glass doors or outdoor mounting.

2. YLI YM-500N – 500 kg heavy-duty electromagnetic lock

✔ Extremely powerful magnet
✔ Suitable for gates, server rooms and fire doors
✔ Fail safe operation

The YM-500N is the heavier version of the 280N, with an impressive holding force of 500 kg. Perfect where maximum security is required – think emergency exits, warehouse doors or server rooms.

The magnet is fail safe: if the power fails, the lock releases. That is important for safety requirements in public buildings – after all, you don’t want people locked inside the building when a fire breaks out.

Technical advice: use a 12 V / 5 A power supply when several magnets are connected in parallel.

3. YLI YML-650A – Electromechanical mortise lock – NO/NC – 12/24 V DC/AC

✔ Mechanically locking lock with electric control
✔ NO/NC connection: works with any access control system
✔ Suitable for wooden, metal and security doors

The YLI YML-650A is a robust electric mortise lock that can be wired either NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed). This makes it compatible with virtually any intercom or access control system. The lock combines mechanical strength with electric control: the door stays physically locked, but opens automatically as soon as the system applies voltage.

Thanks to its 12/24 V DC/AC dual-voltage input, the YML-650A works with most power supplies without any issues. It also has a stainless steel bolt, suitable for intensive use in homes, offices and technical installations.

A great fit for:

• Access control with an intercom or card reader
• Interior and exterior doors
• Doors that require a solid mechanical lock

4. YLI YM-180H – Mini electromagnetic lock – 180 kg – outdoor use

✔ Compact size (approx. 17 cm long)
✔ Low power consumption
✔ Perfect for cabinets, sheds or garden gates

The YM-180H offers 180 kg of holding force in a compact format. That makes this type popular for cabinets, interior access points and display cases. Despite its small size, it is robust enough for daily use.

5. YLI YS-131NC – Electric strike with 500 kg holding force

✔ Fits virtually any existing latch cut-out
✔ Available in a 12 V or 24 V DC version (note: not switchable)

The YS-131NC is the go-to electric strike for installers who want flexibility.

Combine it with an access controller or an intercom relay output and you have fully automatic door release without modifying the door.

How to choose the right electric lock

• Holding force:
  For interior doors, 180 kg is often enough. For exterior or security doors, choose 280 kg or more.
• Supply voltage:
  Almost all models run on 12 V DC, and some also on 24 V DC.
• Fail safe vs. fail secure:
  Fail safe = unlocked during a power failure (fire safety).
  Fail secure = locked during a power failure (burglary protection).
• Mounting position:
  Electromagnetic locks often require a ZL bracket or U bracket. For electric strikes, you usually only need to trim the frame profile.

Installation tip

Want to add an electric door opener to an existing intercom?
Use a relay output or NO/NC contact on the indoor monitor or door controller. Many systems, such as the Dahua VTO, Akuvox and Hikvision DS-KD series, have standard terminals for a 12 V lock supply.

Summary

Electric locks are the link between convenience and security. Whether you want to automate a home, an office or an entrance gate, there is always a suitable solution.

At UMATECH you’ll find a complete range of electric strikes, electromagnetic locks, power supplies and brackets, available directly from stock.

👉 View all electric locks and strikes