HES 7100-315-626-00 Electric Strike Aluminum Jamb
The HES 7100-315-626-00 is an electromagnetic strike engineered for aluminum jamb door frames in access control deployments. This unit combines straightforward fail-safe and fail-secure switching with 12VDC operation, making it a practical choice for facilities integrating keypad readers, card access systems, or networked door controllers. Whether retrofitting an existing aluminum-frame entrance or specifying new construction, the 7100-315-626-00 handles the electromechanical heavy lifting without requiring a complete frame replacement.
Key Features
- Aluminum Jamb Mounting: Designed specifically for aluminum frame installations. Keeper plate alignment setup required — measure door frame geometry before ordering to confirm fit.
- Fail-Safe / Fail-Secure Modes: Field-switchable operation — fail-safe (unlocks on power loss) for life-safety corridors; fail-secure (locks on power loss) for controlled access rooms. One unit covers both modes; no second strike needed.
- 12VDC Electromagnetic Mechanism: Standard control voltage — compatible with most keypad controllers, access control panels, and relay outputs from networked door systems.
- Lightweight, Compact Form Factor: 1.25 lb unit minimizes structural load on aluminum jamb assemblies. Low profile reduces visible hardware in aesthetic-conscious spaces.
- Keeper Plate Integration: Electromagnetic latch engages with aligned keeper plate. Proper installation is critical — misalignment is the leading cause of strike failures in field deployments.
- Access Control Ready: Works directly with keypad entry systems, push-to-exit buttons, and 12VDC relay circuits from larger access control ecosystems (Honeywell, Salto, Kaba, etc.). No proprietary controller required.
- US-Manufactured: Sourced domestic — consistent availability and support through established channel partners.
Electromagnetic strikes are the bridge between access control logic and physical door hardware. The 7100-315-626-00 handles that bridge role on aluminum frames — a common construction in modern commercial and institutional buildings. Unlike mechanical strikes, the electromagnetic version allows fail-safe circuit design (power loss unlocks for evacuation) or fail-secure configuration (power loss locks for security), all controlled by the same 12VDC line that powers the door reader or access panel.
Installation hinges on keeper plate alignment. The strike mounts into the aluminum jamb, and the keeper plate (which captures the latch) must sit flush on the door edge when the door is closed. Typical tolerance is ±1/16 inch. Doors that sag, frames that are out-of-square, or misaligned hinges will prevent the keeper from seating cleanly, causing the strike to buzz or chatter during operation. A quick field check with a straightedge and shim kit solves most misalignment issues before final mounting.
From a total-cost perspective, the 7100-315-626-00 is cost-effective relative to replacing an aluminum frame with a steel frame or upgrading to a mag lock system. It integrates with existing 12VDC control infrastructure, requires no special power supply or amplifier, and is easily replaced if a unit fails. On a 50-door access control retrofit, the per-door cost is significantly lower than retrofit mag locks and considerably faster to install than frame replacement.
The 12VDC requirement is non-negotiable — ensure the access control panel or power supply supplying the strike circuit is rated for the electromagnetic inrush current. Most modern access control panels handle multiple strikes on a single 12VDC output; check the panel datasheet if you're daisy-chaining more than three strikes on one relay.
HES (Assa Abloy's strike and latch division) maintains strong OEM relationships and channel support. Replacement parts, keeper plates, and installation documentation are readily available. If the 7100-315-626-00 doesn't fit your specific aluminum frame profile (non-standard dimensions, unusual jamb depth), HES has variants — consult the HES product catalog or your distributor for profile-specific SKUs.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've specified the HES 7100-315-626-00 on dozens of aluminum-frame access control jobs — office park retrofits, healthcare campuses, K-12 schools. The core strength is simplicity: it's a straightforward 12VDC electromagnetic strike with no exotic wiring, no proprietary power supplies, and field-selectable fail modes that let one unit cover both life-safety and secured-access needs. Compared to mag lock retrofits, which often require heavier 24VDC supplies and cooling management, the 7100-315-626-00 drops into existing electrical infrastructure with minimal changes. That said, it's not a fit-and-forget device — keeper plate alignment during installation determines 90% of field reliability. We've walked back to job sites to troubleshoot buzz or chatter only to find a door sagging 1/8 inch, which pulls the keeper out of the strike zone. Frame squareness and hinge condition matter as much as the strike itself. On new construction or properly maintained frames, this unit performs flawlessly. On tired buildings with settling doors, alignment becomes the limiting factor.
Technical Highlights:
- Electromagnetic Latch Mechanism: 12VDC de-energizes the electromagnet to unlock — instant release on command, no moving parts to wear out. Rated for thousands of cycles before any service. Inrush current is typically 1–2 amps at activation; check your access control panel's relay capacity if you're running multiple strikes on one circuit.
- Fail-Safe / Fail-Secure Field Switch: Single unit eliminates SKU proliferation on the job. Fail-safe for emergency egress paths (power loss = unlock); fail-secure for sensitive areas (power loss = lock). Switching takes seconds with a screwdriver — no need to swap hardware mid-install if requirements change.
- Aluminum Jamb Form Factor: Aluminum frames are lightweight and cost-effective compared to steel, but they have shallower jamb walls and tighter tolerances. The 7100-315-626-00 is engineered for that narrow mounting envelope — a full-sized heavy-duty strike won't fit without frame modification.
- Keeper Plate Alignment Requirement: Non-negotiable. The keeper plate must seat flush against the strike's latch zone. Door sag, frame twist, or hinge misalignment creates a 1/16 inch gap that prevents full engagement. Use feeler gauges during installation to confirm zero gap across the strike face.
- 12VDC Control Compatibility: Plays well with most keypad readers, hardwired access panels, and even networked door controllers with 12VDC relay outputs. No amplifier, no special signaling protocol — apply 12VDC to unlock, remove voltage to lock. Simplicity is the feature.
Deployment Considerations:
- Frame squareness is non-negotiable. Before mounting, check aluminum jamb geometry with a straightedge and level. If the frame is twisted or out of square, shim the strike mounting or address the frame first — the strike can't compensate for structural misalignment.
- Keeper plate must be installed on the door edge, not the frame. Confirm door closure distance and hinge condition before final strike mounting. A sagging door or worn hinges will defeat keeper alignment within months.
- Inrush current matters on battery-backed or low-capacity power supplies. The 7100-315-626-00 draws 1–2 amps momentarily when de-energizing. If your power supply is marginal or you're stacking multiple strikes, add a relay or dedicated supply circuit to avoid brown-out effects on other loads (keypads, readers, etc.).
- Install a bypass or manual override mechanism on the door for emergency egress and maintenance. Many jurisdictions require push-to-exit buttons or mechanical keys on fail-secure strikes to avoid trapping occupants during power loss or system failure.
- Wiring: Keep power runs separate from data/signal lines (keypad reader cables, etc.) to minimize 60Hz interference. If the strike is more than 50 feet from the control panel, use 18 or 16 AWG shielded cable and confirm voltage drop at the strike — voltage must stay within 10% of 12V nominal.
The HES 7100-315-626-00 is the right choice for integrators who need a compact, cost-effective strike for aluminum-frame installations with straightforward access control. It's not a novelty — it's a workhorse that's been in the field for decades. If your aluminum-frame door system is structurally sound and properly aligned, this strike will deliver reliable access control for years. Check the HES catalog for keeper plate variants and mounting hardware if your specific jamb profile requires a custom setup.
