An electromagnetic lock (maglock) uses magnetic force to hold a gate securely closed, preventing unauthorized access. When integrated with an automated gate system, a maglock significantly enhances security.
This guide explains maglock compatibility with TOPENS swing gate openers, proper wiring methods, operating behavior, and essential safety considerations.
1. Compatibility with TOPENS Swing Gate Openers
All TOPENS swing gate openers are compatible with maglocks. However, only the XD851 and XD852 models support direct wiring to a maglock.
A maglock features a fail-safe design, which means it requires continuous power to remain locked. When power is cut, the lock releases and the gate can open.
For all other TOPENS models, the LOCK terminals on the control board are designed for fail-secure electric locks. These terminals output 24VDC for only the first 4 seconds of the opener’s opening cycle and remain unpowered at all other times.
Therefore, for models other than XD851 / XD852, an external 24VDC relay is required to convert the lock signal for proper maglock operation.
** Annotation：
- A fail-safe lock unlocks when power is lost, making it suitable for applications where safe exit is the priority. Maglocks are typically fail-safe.
- A fail-secure lock stays locked when power is lost, making it suitable for applications where security is the priority. Most electric strike locks are fail-secure.
2. Wiring the Electromagnetic Lock
Important Notes
- A maglock remains locked only while continuous power is supplied. In the event of a power interruption, the lock will fail. Battery-powered systems provide only short-term backup and are generally not recommended for maglocks applications due to security considerations.
- A 12V maglock must be powered by a 12VDC power supply, and a 24V maglock must be powered by a 24VDC power supply. Always ensure that the maglock voltage matches the power source.
- TOPENS swing gate openers provide 24VDC output. For models equipped with a UPS01 (PLUS) or DPS180-U Power Supply and using AC electricity as the main power source, a 24V maglock can draw power directly from the opener.
- If a maglock operates at 12VDC, a separate 12VDC power supply is required.
- When using a relay, select a 24VDC relay rated for the maglock’s current draw to prevent overheating or failure.
(1) XD851 and XD852 Models — Direct Connection
- These models support both fail-secure electric locks and fail-safe maglocks rated for 24VDC and less than 3A.
- Set the Lock Terminal Working Mode to “ELECTROMAGNETIC” via the control board or the TOPENS Smart App (refer to the installation manual for details).
- Connect the maglock’s positive and negative wires directly to the LOCK terminals on the control board.
(2) Openers with UPS01 (PLUS) / DPS180-U Power Supply (Except XD851 and XD852)
- Use a 24V maglock rated under 3A, along with a 24VDC relay of suitable capacity.
Wiring Steps:
a. Connect the maglock’s positive and negative wires to the BAT terminals through the relay’s Normally Closed (NC) contacts.
b. Connect the relay coil to the LOCK terminals.
(3) Other Conditions
An additional power supply and a 24VDC relay are required if:
- The opener does not include a UPS01 (PLUS) / DPS180-U power supply, or
- The maglock is rated at 12VDC.
Wiring Steps:
a. Connect the maglock’s positive and negative wires to the external power supply through the relay’s Normally Closed (NC) contacts.
b. Connect the relay coil to the LOCK terminals.
Note: Always ensure that the maglock voltage matches the power source.
3. Operating Sequence
After installation, the system operates as follows:
- Gate Closed: The maglock is powered through the relay’s NC contacts, keeping the gate securely closed.
- Gate Opening: The opener sends a LOCK signal; the relay switches to Normally Open (NO), cutting power and releasing the maglock.
- Gate Closed Again: Power is restored, and the maglock automatically re-engages to lock the gate.
This ensures the gate remains locked when closed and automatically unlocks when the opener activates.
4. Safety Considerations
- For dual swing gate openers, set the open and close delay time between the master and slave arms to more than 4 seconds to ensure smooth and secure operation.
- Because maglocks are fail-safe and unlock when power is lost, areas with frequent power outages should consider a fail-secure lock, such as the TOPENS ET24 Electric Gate Lock.
A properly installed maglock provides a strong security upgrade for TOPENS swing gate systems. With correct relay wiring and power configuration, the maglock integrates seamlessly — keeping the gate firmly locked when closed and automatically releasing during operation.
