An electric hinge, also known as a power transfer hinge, serves as a discreet and secure pathway for electrical wiring to pass from a door frame into the door itself. This allows electrical devices on the door, like locks or exit devices, to receive power and/or signals from a control system located in the frame or wall.
Based on the provided information, here's how they function:
- Purpose: Electric power hinges provide an electronic access control mechanism for secure locking of commercial doors.
- Function: These power transfer hinges provide a concealed, vandal-resistant way to run wires from the door frame to doors equipped with exit devices and electric locks.
Essentially, the hinge acts as a conduit. Instead of running exposed wires that could be damaged or tampered with, the necessary low-voltage wires are routed through the barrel and leaves of the hinge. This keeps the wiring hidden when the door is closed and protected during operation.
Key Features and Benefits
Electric hinges are crucial components in modern security systems. Their design incorporates durability and security.
- Concealed Wiring: The primary "how" is that they allow wires to be hidden within the hinge itself. This is key for both aesthetics and security.
- Vandal-Resistant: By concealing the wires, they are protected from intentional damage.
- Power and Signal Transfer: They facilitate the transfer of power to electric locks or exit devices and can also carry data or signal wires from sensors or access control readers mounted on the door.
- Integration: They are integral to electronic access control systems, allowing devices on the moving door leaf to communicate and receive power from the fixed frame side.
Practical Application
Consider a building with an access control system.
- A card reader or keypad is installed on the door.
- An electric strike or lock is installed in or on the door/frame.
- The access control panel is typically located near the door frame.
The electric hinge connects the wiring from the access control panel (in the frame) to the card reader and the electric lock (on the door), allowing the system to verify credentials and unlock the door electronically, all while keeping the necessary wiring hidden and protected.
They are commonly used in:
- Commercial buildings
- Educational facilities
- Healthcare environments
- Any location requiring electronic access control on hinged doors.
In summary, an electric hinge works by using its robust structure to safely and covertly channel electrical wires between the door frame and the door, enabling electronic locking and access control devices to function.
