Subscriber Discussion

Back EMF Diode On A Strike

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Apr 19, 2016

I have a situation where I have to wire two different strikes in parallel and my manufacturer recommends I add a back EMF diode.

I have used them before, but I used to remember my techs saying they used to just make them in their trucks or on site with a bit of heat shrink, and a diode and a resistor.

I am not as savy and was looking to purchase them made up, but seeing the prices on them makes me want to reconsider busting out the soldering iron and the heat shrink, but not sure what parts I need or how to wire them.

My distributor recommended the HES Smart Pac at $37.00 a piece, which is a little pricy. What are the other options my fellow access control folks are using?

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Brian Rhodes
Apr 19, 2016
IPVMU Certified

This is a good question, and I will be following answers too.

A similar situation/application is using Metal Oxide Varistors (mfg example) instead of diodes, although the damage prevention function is similar.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Apr 19, 2016

I have heard of using MOV instead of Diodes, and was under the impression Diodes were for strikes, and MOV's were for magnets.

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Brian Rhodes
Apr 19, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Some manufacturers distinguish between AC = MOVs, DC = diodes.

I do know that using diodes even with DC maglocks can be an issue, causing slow releases though.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Apr 19, 2016

Why don't you just use a simple diode? just place it across the leads as shown in the picture.

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U
Undisclosed #3
Apr 19, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Could cause a sticky door without a resistor, no?

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Apr 19, 2016

No,

sticky door syndrome only exists with maglocks.

The idea behind this diode is so that when power is cut from the lock the return voltage has where to go. (Through the diode, and then back through the lock) the power dissipates is milliseconds, so the door won't stay unlocked.

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U
Undisclosed #3
Apr 19, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Even if using Failsafe (energized when locked) strike?

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MI
Matt Ion
Jun 06, 2016

At some point the lock has to be de-energized, whether that locks it or unlocks it. The collapsing magnetic field around the coil generates a voltage in the circuit that can damage upstream equipment. The diode essentially "shorts" that path.

A diode is not suitable for an AC strike, which is where you'd NEED to use an MOV.

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U
Undisclosed #3
Jun 06, 2016
IPVMU Certified

The diode essentially "shorts" that path.

True, but I wasn't arguing against the diode, I was talking about also using a resistor so that the current sent back thru the solenoid was not enough to momentarily cause the keeper to stick in a DC fail-safe installation.

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BG
Brad Gillard
Jun 05, 2016
IPVMU Certified

I just learned about back EMF and MOVs or diodes in the spring access control course. I have a site with a bunch of RCI 8310 maglocks installed on Keyscan 8500 door controllers. Looks like they supply MOV surge protection with the unit though I don't recall the installer wiring them separately so I think it must be internal to the unit. Does anyone wire these on door strikes?

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Brian Rhodes
Jun 06, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Are you using relay boards with the 8500 controllers?

It does indeed look like the RCI8310 has an internal MOV, so the immediate need is taken care of, although it is not clear how that component is replaced in the field:

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DT
Damon Tarquinio
Jun 06, 2016

For Back EMF in low voltage

DC electric strike applications, a

1N4007 (1A, 1000V) diode will suffice.

You can buy these at a Radio Shack-type store or online through a typical electronic parts supplier. They are very inexpensive ... usually get 20 or more pcs. for under $10.00

Install with the striped end to the + side of the lock connection.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Jun 10, 2016

You can get 200 for $10

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fairchild-Semiconductor/1N4007/?qs=ZbYWOjW8mGpDHeErRxax7Q%3D%3D

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JH
Jay Hobdy
Apr 15, 2019
IPVMU Certified

A lot of this talks about strikes. What about mag locks?

 

We have a site we took over with all mag locks, and they are getting random hold opens on their Doorking system. DK thinks its the back feed from the locks. The previous installer put MOV's in the power supply box. I heard protection devices should be placed at the lock, and thought MOV's were for AC, and diodes were for DC.

 

Now I read diodes may slow mag locks down... How do we keep a DC mag lock from causing issues with a control panel?

U
Undisclosed #5
Apr 15, 2019

Make sure you are not using the bond sensor as the door contact.  ;-\

Reminds of those time delay re-lock Dorma Door POS ML.

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Brian Rhodes
Apr 15, 2019
IPVMU Certified

Maglocks should get them too.  See this tech bulletin from DSX for one example.

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