Let’s set the scene: you’re on a job site, wrapping up an install, and the client asks, “This lock stays powered all the time, right?” You pause because, well, it depends. Not all electrified locks are built the same, and if you don’t spec the right one, you’ll be back sooner than you’d like.
If you’ve ever dealt with a lock failing mid-shift or getting that urgent callback, chances are it was the wrong duty rating for the job. So let’s break it down:
Continuous Duty vs. Intermittent Duty: What’s the Difference?
Think of electrified locks like athletes.
Continuous Duty Locks – The marathon runners. These locks stay powered indefinitely without breaking a sweat. No cooldowns, no mid-shift failures.
Intermittent Duty Locks – The sprinters. Great for short bursts but need rest between activations. Push them too hard, and they overheat, fail, or even damage the power supply.
We’ve all seen what happens when an intermittent duty lock gets installed in a continuous-use application and it doesn’t end well. That’s why at Command Access, we’ve built our continuous-duty-rated solutions, including motorized latch retraction (MLR) locks, to handle the real-world demands of high-traffic environments.
Why Continuous Duty Rating Should Be on Your Radar
1. The Heat Factor: Overheating Leads to Failure
Electrified locks generate heat, and if a lock isn’t rated for continuous duty, that heat buildup leads to premature failure, fried solenoids, and a frustrating callback. Continuous duty-rated locks are designed to handle sustained power loads without overheating, so you’re not replacing hardware before the job is even paid for.
- No more burned-out solenoids
- Fewer maintenance headaches
- Peace of mind when you walk away from the job
2. Power Efficiency That Saves More Than Just Energy
A non-rated lock can pull more power than necessary, driving up utility costs and putting unnecessary strain on the power supply. It’s like leaving a truck idling overnight. Sure, it runs, but at what cost?
Our continuous duty locks are designed for efficiency, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of power supplies and backup systems. This means lower operational costs and fewer problems down the road.
Plus, hardware doesn’t sit in a showroom. It’s on doors that are opened and closed all day long. Cheap, intermittent-duty components wear out fast in high-traffic environments. A continuous duty-rated lock is built with stronger solenoids, tougher motors, and more durable actuators. It’s the difference between using a budget tool that lasts a few months versus a professional-grade tool that lasts for years.
3. Consistency Means No Callbacks
Access control systems need reliability, not guesswork. The last thing you want is a client calling because their lock stopped working at the worst possible moment.
With continuous-duty hardware, you get stability. No power fluctuations, no unexpected lockouts, just dependable performance day after day.
Additionally, building inspectors are strict for a reason. Many regulations, including ANSI/BHMA and UL, now require specific duty cycle ratings. Installing a non-rated lock where continuous duty is needed can lead to compliance failures.
Solenoid vs. Motorized: Which One is Right for You?
Both solenoid-based and motorized locks can be continuous-duty rated, but they handle power differently.
Solenoids generate heat, which is why continuous-duty solenoids are critical when the lock stays engaged for long periods. Without this rating, they overheat and fail.
Motorized locks, like our LPM190, ML190, LPC190 and CL190, typically run cooler than solenoids and automatically re-engage if the latch is pulled. They are ideal for high-traffic applications where reliability is key.
For most applications, a motorized lock is the better long-term investment, offering quieter operation, lower energy consumption, and reduced wear.
Command Access Builds Locks That Last
We’ve been in your shoes. We’ve installed the wrong lock before and had to go back on our own time to fix it. That’s exactly why everything we build is rated for continuous-duty so you don’t have to learn that lesson the hard way.
Next time you’re specifying hardware for a high-traffic or access-controlled door, don’t take shortcuts. Choose continuous duty from the start and get the job done right the first time.
Have questions? Need help choosing the right lock? Give us a call. We know what works in the field, and we’re always happy to help.