Transferring Power to Electrified Door Hardware

 November 19, 2025 0 Likes 123 Views
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When installing electrified door hardware, one important consideration is how to get low-voltage power from the wall into the door. There are a few common methods—each with its own advantages, limitations, and best-use scenarios. The three most common are:

  1. Power transfers
  2. External flex conduit (door loops)
  3. Electric hinges (including continuous hinges)

Power Transfers

power transfer

A power transfer provides a hidden channel for wiring through flex conduit built into a pocket on the hinge side of the door. This method keeps wires protected and supports larger gauge wires for hardware that requires higher current or amperage.

Because power transfers must be built into the door and frame, they’re best considered during the initial design and ordering stage. They are not easily retrofitted, so planning ahead is key.

External Flex Conduit (Door Loops)

Shown with EC1 endcap

Flex conduit—commonly known as a door loop—is the most widely used method. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and widely available.

That said, door loops have some drawbacks. Exposed flex conduit can be vandalized, and on high-traffic doors, the loop itself can pose a catch hazard. Concealed flex conduit kits are becoming more common, and depending on the wall and door construction, these can be a smart retrofit solution.

Electric Hinges

Electric hinges provide a concealed and vandal-resistant option for transferring wires. In many cases, they can be retrofitted into existing door applications, provided the wall construction and hinge patterns allow.

These hinges are typically available with 4–12 wires. However, they use smaller diameter wire, which can limit their ability to power devices with higher amperage needs. To work around this, some installers will “double up” wires—using more than one conductor for each side of the current.

Because the wiring passes through the hinge itself, the wires flex as the door opens and closes, and over time they may break. Fortunately, most manufacturers include extra wires, allowing installers to switch connections if needed.

Electric hinges are a great fit when you need concealed power transfer, concealed monitoring, or both.

Electric Continuous Hinges

Select Hinges ATWRP Continuous Electric Hinge

Electric continuous hinges are a cost-effective alternative to custom hinges and offer several long-term benefits. Because they run the full length of the door, they distribute pressure evenly, reducing wear and tear.

Other advantages include:

  • Quieter operation
  • Increased door life span
  • Easier installation compared to some custom hinge options

Continuous hinges are a strong choice when you want durability and longevity in addition to concealed power transfer.

Choosing the Right Option

Each of these methods can be the right solution depending on your project. The best choice often depends on factors like security requirements, door usage, amperage needs, and whether you’re planning ahead or retrofitting.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, you’ll be better prepared to specify the right option for your security door hardware installation.

MethodProsConsBest For
Power Transfers (EPT/PT)-Concealed and secure wiring
-Supports larger gauge wires for high-current hardware
-Protects wiring from wear		-Must be planned during design phase
-Difficult to retrofit		New construction or planned installs requiring higher amperage
External Flex Conduit (Door Loop)-Least expensive
-Easiest to install
-Widely available		-Exposed conduit can be vandalized
-Can be a catch hazard on high-use doors
-Less aesthetically pleasing		Budget-friendly installs, Simple retrofits
Concealed Flex Conduit Kits-Hidden from view
-Retrofit friendly, depending on wall construction		-Limited by wall/door conditions
-More labor than exposed flex conduit		Retrofitting when aesthetics and vandal resistance are priorities
Electric Hinges-Concealed and vandal-resistant
-Retrofit possible, depending on hinge pattern and wall construction
-Usually available with 4-12 wires
-Supports monitoring options		-Limited by wire gauge (lower current capacity)
-Wires can eventually flex and break
-Higher cost than door loop		Doors needing concealed wiring and monitoring without major redesign
Electric Continuous Hinges-Cost-effective compared to custom hinges
-Full door length = reduced wear and tear
-Quieter operation
-Easy to install		-Bulkier look than standard hinges
-May be unnecessary for lighter-use doors		Heavy-use doors in schools and hospitals, or doors needing long-term durability

The 4-1-1 On Hinges

 September 10, 2025 0 Likes 418 Views
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There are four basic types of standard hinges: full mortise, half mortise, full surface and half surface.

The Four Types of Hinges

An illustration showing how a full mortise hinge works with a door frame and door

The full mortise hinge is the most frequently used type of hinge today. It can be used on aluminum, hollow metal and wood doors and frames. It was formerly referred to as a “butt hinge” because the two leaves of the hinge are pressed together when the hinge is closed. It is used for medium to heavy weight doors that are subjected to low to high frequency use. When the door is closed, the barrel is the only part of the hinge that is visible.

An illustration showing how a half mortise hinge works with a door frame and door

The half mortise hinge is generally used on hollow metal doors with channel iron frames that experience medium to high frequency use.

An illustration showing how a full surface hinge works with a door frame and door

The full surface hinge is for medium weight tubular steel doors and kalamein wood doors with channel iron frames under medium to high frequency service

An illustration showing how a half surface hinge works with a door frame and door

The half surface hinge is for regular weight hollow metal or wood composite doors with hollow metal frames that see medium to high frequency use.

Special Hinges

There are also some special types of hinges sometimes used with emergency exit doors. One of these is the continuous hinge, also called a continuous geared hinge or a traditional piano hinge. This hinge distributes the weight of the door along the full height of the door frame, and allows smooth operation and longer life for the door opening. Continuous hinges are great options on all openings, but especially high-use doors. And adding full length continuous hinges to exterior doors means that an intruder must cut the hinge the entire length of the door, which, while possible, requires much more time and effort.

An illustration showing how a swing clear hinge works with a door frame and door, both open and closed

Another special type of hinge is the swing clear hinge. Swing clear hinges are generally used on ADA swing doors, since they are designed to swing completely clear of the frame when opened, which creates a wider opening for maximum access.

electric hinge

An electric hinge is a special type of hinge that allows electrical current to pass from a door frame to a door. This allows the use of electronic hardware on doors, such as electric locks, electrified exit devices, access control systems, or monitoring devices without use of visible wiring.

There are also specific hinges for security applications of emergency exit doors.

Choosing A Hinge

There are a few factors that should be considered when choosing which type of hinge should be used, including the weight of the door, the frequency of use and the environment. Obviously, the correct choice of hinge depends on the application.

Interior doors usually have two hinges, while heavier exterior doors usually have three.

Concealed hinges are used when the design mandates that the hinge not be visible. A knuckle hinge is the exact opposite of a concealed hinge, in that it is intended to be seen and admired.

High-use doors, such as employee entrances and main entrances, might require heavy weight, ball bearing hinges in a finish that can endure the weather and elements. Bearings offer the highest levels of durability and ease of operation.

Medium-use doors, such as trash removal or receiving doors, might require a medium weight, standard 5-knuckle hinge in a durable finish.

Light-duty doors, such as emergency exit doors, may require three or even four hinges.

To help ensure the door provides trouble free operation, the height, width and weight of the door should be considered when choosing the type of hinge and the number of hinges.

Understanding Power Transfers: A Guide to Wiring Electrified Doors

 July 22, 2025 0 Likes 1574 Views
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When it comes to electrified locks and exit devices, power transfers play a crucial role in ensuring seamless operation while maintaining security and aesthetics. Whether you’re planning new construction or retrofitting existing doors, selecting the right power transfer solution can make all the difference.

What Are Power Transfers?

Power transfers provide a means of running wires from the door frame to electrified door hardware such as locks, strikes, or exit devices. They come in various forms, each suited to specific applications and installation requirements.

Types of Power Transfers

  1. Surface-Mounted Power Transfers
    • Includes armored door cords or door loops.
    • Economical and easy to install on existing openings.
    • Ideal for field preparation in both retrofits and new construction.
    • Highly visible but durable, making them a practical choice for many applications.
  2. Concealed Power Transfers
    • Mortised into the door and frame for a clean, tamper-resistant installation.
    • Factory-prepared and approved for fire-rated openings.
    • Best for heavy-traffic environments or areas requiring higher security.
  3. Electric Hinges
    • Provide a concealed and vandal-resistant method of running wires.
    • Fit into standard 4-1/2″ or 5″ hinge preparations with minor modifications for wire clearance.
    • Recommended for the center hinge position for optimal performance.
  4. Wireless Power Transfers
    • Use radio frequency (RF) transmitters to wirelessly transfer energy across the door gap.
    • Eliminate the need for drilling or conduit installation, making them ideal for retrofits, especially with wood doors.
    • Capable of transferring power and signals, including latch bolt monitoring and request-to-exit (REX) signals.

When Are Conduits Needed?

  • For electrical locks and strikes, a conduit or raceway is often recommended to run wires from the hinge-side preparation to the lock or strike preparation.
  • With electrical panic devices, most connections are through the hinge-side mounting, and no conduit is typically required in the door.

Benefits of Power Transfers

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Concealed power transfers maintain a clean look by hiding wires.
  • Durability: Heavy-duty options are designed to withstand frequent use in high-traffic areas.
  • Security: Concealed solutions reduce the risk of tampering or vandalism.
  • Ease of Installation: Surface-mounted and wireless options simplify retrofitting and field preparation.

Key Considerations

  • Always consult your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with fire-rated opening requirements.
  • For high-security or heavy-traffic environments, prioritize concealed or heavy-duty power transfers to enhance durability and tamper resistance.
  • For retrofits, consider wireless options to save time and avoid invasive installations.

Conclusion

Power transfers are the unsung heroes of electrified door systems, ensuring reliable power delivery while maintaining security and aesthetics. By understanding the types and applications of power transfers, you can choose the right solution for your project, whether it’s a high-security facility, a retrofit, or a new construction.

For more information or assistance with selecting the ideal power transfer for your needs, feel free to reach out to our team.