Magnetic Locks

Pivox stocks a specialist range of electromagnetic door security products for aluminium systems, including the Alpro Vortex magnet lock, the Alpro sliding door magnet, and the Schuco magnetic switch kit. Whether you are specifying access control for a commercial entrance, a high-traffic internal door, or a monitored aluminium window system, the Alpro Vortex magnet lock and Alpro sliding door magnet are held in stock for immediate trade despatch alongside the Schuco magnetic switch kit for integrated building management applications. Every product in this range is a genuine OEM component supplied direct to the trade.

Alpro Vortex Magnet Lock — AL2400 and AL2400-LP

The Alpro Vortex AL2400 maglock is a compact surface electromagnetic lock combining magnetic and mechanical holding force through a patented conical aperture and alloy pin design. Unlike conventional locks that rely solely on face-to-face magnetic attraction, the Vortex technology resists side load forces, making it a reliable choice for doors subject to wind load or lateral pressure. The AL2400 operates on 12v/24v DC input voltage and accepts a range of bracket configurations — including l bracket and z&l brackets — to suit inward-opening, outward-opening, and frameless glass door installations. An armature plate security bracket is included to prevent the armature from detaching from the door leaf.

• Alpro AL2400 Vortex Surface Door Magnet — 1500kg holding force, 12v/24v DC, dual monitoring, LED indication, surface mounting

• Alpro AL2400-LP Vortex Surface Door Magnet — compact low-profile body, 1500kg holding force, conical pin mechanism, built-in early warning alarm

• Alpro AL2400 L Bracket — for outward-opening door configurations

• Alpro AL2400 Z&L Brackets — for inward-opening and offset door frame configurations

• Alpro Vortex Armature Plate Security Bracket — prevents armature plate separation under load

Alpro Sliding Door Magnet — AL4400

The Alpro sliding door magnet AL4400 is a mechanical electro magnet specifically engineered for securing sliding door mechanisms, both automatic and mechanical. The AL4400 is a patented Alpro design offering an average holding force of 680kg in test conditions, providing a reliable locking solution where conventional electromechanical devices are impractical. The unit operates on 12v/24v DC, features surface mounting for straightforward retro-fit installation, and incorporates early warning alarm pressure sensors that detect a forced entry attempt before access is gained. No residual magnetism remains after power is removed, making the AL4400 inherently fail safe — the door releases automatically on power loss, meeting fire egress requirements.

• Alpro AL4400 Automatic Sliding Door Magnet — 680kg average holding force, 12v/24v DC, EW pressure sensors, surface mounting, fail safe

Schuco Magnetic Switch Kit

The Schuco magnetic switch kit provides fully concealed monitoring of Schuco aluminium windows, doors, and sliding systems. Magnetic switches connect to burglar alarm systems, building management systems, and heating control units via conventional wiring or the building BUS, delivering real-time monitoring of open and closed door position. The Schuco magnetic switch kit is engineered to the profile geometry of Schuco systems and can be used across almost all Schuco window, door, and sliding door profiles. Monitoring signals are evaluated by access control systems, alarm panels, and building automation platforms, with status notifications delivered to central control units. Suitable for both opening monitoring and combined opening and closing monitoring configurations.

• Schuco 262525 Magnetic Switch Kit — for Schuco aluminium window and door systems, concealed installation

• Schuco 262538 Magnetic Switch Kit — alternative profile configuration, Schuco window and door systems

• Schuco 262696 Magnetic Switch Kit — for Schuco aluminium sliding and door systems

Key Features and Specifications

The Alpro Vortex range is built around four core technical advantages: superior holding force, advanced pressure sensors, early warning alarm technology, and an integrated alarm output — features that set it apart from conventional locks in every measurable way.

Superior holding force is the primary performance criterion for any electromagnetic lock. The Alpro Vortex AL2400 delivers a superior holding force of 1500kg, independently tested and verified, which is 400% stronger than conventional locks of equivalent body size. Where conventional locks rely on mechanical engagement alone, the Vortex combines magnetic and mechanical force through its patented conical pin, making a forced entry attempt extremely difficult to execute without triggering an alarm response.

Advanced pressure sensors within the magnet body continuously monitor the bond between the electromagnet and armature plate. These advanced pressure sensors detect the earliest stage of a forced entry attempt — before the bond is broken — and activate the integrated alarm immediately. The integrated alarm signal connects to access control systems, alarm panels, and building management platforms via standard wiring, ensuring that a forced entry attempt triggers an immediate response at the control level.

The early warning alarm is the key differentiator between the Alpro Vortex and conventional locks with no sensing capability. Where conventional locks give no advance warning of attack, the early warning alarm provides security teams with critical additional response time. Pressure sensors feed the early warning alarm continuously, meaning the integrated alarm fires at the point of forced entry attempt rather than after access has been gained. This combination of pressure sensors, early warning alarm, and integrated alarm makes the Alpro Vortex the most capable choice available for access control applications where forced entry attempt risk is a primary specification concern.

Security and Monitoring Benefits

Magnetic locks integrate directly with access control systems, delivering event notifications and real-time monitoring of each secured door point. The dual monitoring system reports door position and lock status independently, enabling facility managers and maintenance contractors to manage multiple access points from a single platform. An LED indicator on the Alpro Vortex provides immediate visual confirmation of lock status at the door. A built-in buzzer signals an early warning alarm condition, eliminating response lag in the event of a forced entry attempt. Status notifications are delivered to building management and alarm platforms via standard wiring, making electromagnetic locks an energy-efficient and low-infrastructure addition to any access control installation. The pressure sensor and real-time monitoring capability supports auditing requirements in commercial, institutional, and high-security residential installations, with event notifications logged for each door position change.

Installation and Accessories

All magnetic locks in the Pivox range are designed for surface mounting, enabling straightforward retro-fit to new and existing aluminium door and window systems without specialist tools. Installation follows the supplied installation instructions; a template is provided with the Alpro Vortex range to ensure accurate positioning of the armature plate relative to the magnet body. Horizontal mounting configurations are available using the appropriate bracket selection for the door type. A suitable power supply unit is required — a 2 amp minimum filtered and regulated DC supply is recommended for the Alpro AL2400. Wiring connects via the cable entry on the magnet body; all units accept 12v/24v DC input voltage. Z&l brackets, l brackets, and the armature plate security bracket are available as separate accessories to suit every door configuration. Fail unlocked and fail safe operating modes are selectable on compatible units to meet fire egress and security specifications.

Environmental and Energy Considerations

The Alpro Vortex magnet lock is designed with sustainability goals in mind. Compared to standard face-to-face electromagnetic locks, the Vortex AL2400 uses 75% less material in manufacture and 50% lower power consumption at equivalent holding force. This reduced energy consumption and environmentally friendly design directly supports sustainability goals for commercial buildings, construction trades, and facilities where energy efficiency is a specification requirement. The compact, lightweight body reduces material use without compromising security, and the absence of moving parts extends service life, reducing replacement frequency and whole-life environmental cost. Lower power consumption also reduces ongoing running costs, an important consideration for facility managers and maintenance contractors managing large numbers of door points.

Types and Applications

Pivox magnetic locks suit a wide range of door types and end-user applications. The Alpro Vortex AL2400 maglock is specified for internal single and double doors in offices, laboratories, educational facilities, hotels, and residential properties. The Alpro sliding door magnet AL4400 addresses automatic and mechanical sliding door installations for both commercial and domestic applications. The Schuco magnetic switch kit is the correct solution for monitoring Schuco aluminium window and door systems as part of a broader building management or alarm installation. Products in this range are used by construction trades, facility managers, maintenance contractors, and security installers across the UK. Electromagnetic locks are a practical alternative to conventional lock and key systems wherever remote or electronic access control is required, including cupboards and drawers, secure cabinets, and high-traffic entrance doors.