Troubleshooting
Maglock Not Releasing
Troubleshooting
Short answer
A maglock that is not releasing is usually a power, release-device, controller, or programming problem rather than a random lock failure. Start with the release path and the power path before replacing the magnet.
A maglock can fail in different ways: it may never release, release inconsistently, or only release from one method and not another. Those are different faults.
If the opening is part of an exit path, do not guess your way through the release logic.
On this page:
What this means in practice
Maglocks are simple in one sense and unforgiving in another. They usually stay locked because the system is still feeding power, the release device is not interrupting it correctly, the controller relay is not behaving as expected, or the door logic is wrong.
| What to check | Why it matters | What the fault can look like |
|---|---|---|
| Power path to the maglock | A maglock will stay on if the power path is still intact | Door never releases from card, exit button, or REX. |
| Exit button or REX device | The safe-side release path may not be interrupting correctly | Door releases from one method but not another. |
| Controller relay and programming | The controller may not be dropping the lock correctly | Reader grants access but the magnet stays energised. |
| Wiring joins and terminal integrity | Loose or incorrect joins create intermittent behaviour | Maglock releases randomly or only sometimes. |
| Door alignment and holding pressure | Mechanical issues can confuse the symptom | Door feels stuck even when power has dropped. |
Real-world examples
Clinic glass entry staying locked after valid credential
The reader may flash green, but if the relay or power path is wrong the maglock can remain energised. That is not a reader problem.
Strata glass door only releases from inside
If the exit button works but the credential does not, the fault is often in the controller or release programming path rather than the magnet itself.
What usually works
- Check whether the maglock is actually losing power during a valid release.
- Test each release method separately: credential, exit button, REX, and any intercom release.
- Document what behaviour happens before replacing hardware.
What to be careful with
- Do not defeat the release path casually on a public or safety-related opening.
- A maglock fault may involve the egress method, not just the lock body.
- If the opening is an exit path, hardware and release should be assessed carefully.
Common mistakes
- Replacing the magnet when the controller relay is the issue.
- Ignoring the safe-side release path.
- Assuming mechanical sticking means the magnet is still powered.
Buying considerations
- How the lock is powered.
- How release devices interrupt or signal the lock.
- Whether the site needs a cleaner power supply or controller path.
When to ask for help
If the release path is unclear or the opening is public-facing, take photos before buying a new maglock. The power supply, relay, or exit device may be the real fault.
- Photograph the magnet, armature, controller, and power supply.
- Note whether the reader flashes, the exit button works, or the lock hum remains.
- Describe whether the fault is constant or intermittent.
Troubleshooting
If a door is not unlocking, staying unlocked, or not releasing properly, take photos of the reader, lock, controller, power supply, and door frame before replacing parts. The fault may be wiring, power, programming, lock hardware, or the controller.
Door photo help
Not sure which parts suit your door? Send us a photo of the door, lock area, frame, and where you want the reader to go. We can help point you toward the right controller, reader, lock, exit button, and power supply.
Related guides
Relevant products and categories
- Maglocks - Common on some glass, aluminium, and selected gate or double-door applications.
- Access Control Products - Main category for controllers, readers, kits, locks, and related hardware.
- [Exit Buttons] - release hardware faults often sit on the safe side rather than at the magnet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my maglock not releasing?
Common causes are power staying on, release devices not interrupting correctly, controller relay issues, or incorrect logic.
- Can a green light still mean the maglock should release?
Yes, but if the lock remains powered the door still stays locked. The credential side and the release side are not the same thing.
- Should I replace the maglock first?
Not usually until the power and release path have been checked.
- What if the exit button works but the card does not?
That often points to the controller or credential release path rather than the magnet body.
- What photos help with a maglock fault?
Lock, armature, controller, exit device, and power-supply photos are the most useful.