About Locknetics
About Locknetics
Locknetics traces its origins to 1969, when Sumner Saphirstein engineered the first modern electromagnetic lock as a way to secure doors at the Montreal Forum while meeting fire protection requirements from local authorities. Saphirstein went on to found the Locknetics company to further develop accessories and control circuits supporting electromagnetic lock installations.
Locknetics became an influential name in the access control industry, and many of today's electromagnetic lock manufacturers were founded by former Locknetics employees who carried forward the technology the company helped pioneer. The brand's product range expanded to include power bolts, shear locks, power supplies, transformers, keypads, push buttons, key switches, exit touch bars, and door position switches.
After changing ownership several times, including stints under Ives Door Hardware, Harrow, and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Locknetics is now an Allegion brand still widely specified in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities requiring controlled, fail-safe ingress and egress. ChatMRO indexes the Locknetics catalog so buyers can search by lock type, holding force, or power requirement to find matching access control hardware.
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Frequently asked questions
What products does Locknetics manufacture?
Locknetics manufactures electromagnetic locks, power bolts, shear locks, power supplies, transformers, keypads, and door position switches for access control applications. The brand's product line grew from the original electromagnetic lock design engineered by Sumner Saphirstein.
Who invented the modern electromagnetic lock?
Sumner Saphirstein engineered the first modern electromagnetic lock in 1969 to secure doors at the Montreal Forum while satisfying local fire protection requirements. He went on to found Locknetics to further develop the technology.
Is Locknetics still an independent company?
No, Locknetics changed ownership several times over the decades, passing through Ives Door Hardware and Harrow before Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies acquired the division. Today Locknetics operates as a brand under Allegion.
Where are Locknetics electromagnetic locks commonly used?
Locknetics electromagnetic locks are widely specified in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities where fail-safe, controlled ingress and egress is required. These environments benefit from the reliability and monitoring options built into the Locknetics product line.
What access control accessories does Locknetics offer alongside its locks?
Locknetics offers a full range of supporting hardware including power supplies, transformers, keypads, push buttons, key switches, exit touch bars, and door position switches. This lets installers source a complete electromagnetic lock system from a single brand.