How to Choose an Electric Power Transfer Hinge？

Enhancing Door Security with Electric Hinges and Power Transfer Units

In the realm of door security, prioritizing who gains access is paramount. Ensuring that doors remain locked unless authorized personnel pass through is a fundamental requirement for safeguarding your employees, valuable inventory, and overall security. Enter electric hinges and power transfer units – the ultimate solutions for reinforcing door security and controlling access. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of electrified steel butt hinges and power transfer hinges, shedding light on their myriad benefits and the considerations you should keep in mind when selecting the right one for your needs.

The Role of Electric Power Hinges

Electric power hinges, often referred to as power transfer units, offer a highly effective electronic access control mechanism for bolstering the security of commercial doors. These hinges serve as discreet, vandal-resistant conduits, seamlessly running wires from the door frame to doors equipped with exit devices and electric locks. Beyond their common application in commercial settings, power transfer units also find their place in the realm of security doors, where safeguarding sensitive areas is of utmost importance.

Our Comprehensive Guide

We understand that navigating the world of electric power transfer hinges can be daunting, especially if you're new to this type of installation. Therefore, we have put together a comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of these hinges. We'll explore the different types of electric hinges available and provide insights into their general installation. Before diving into the specifics, though, we strongly recommend that you take the time to watch informative videos and familiarize yourself with the associated risks. If you find yourself uncertain about the installation process, seeking professional assistance may be the best course of action.

Understanding Electric Power Transfer Hinges

So, what exactly are electric power transfer hinges, and how do they work? These hinges play a pivotal role in transferring wires from the door frame to the edge of the door, facilitating the operation of electrified hardware mounted on the door. They are typically installed in the central hinge position of a door. You may also come across terms like "concealed electric hinges," which include specialized options like the McKinney concealed circuit electric hinge or McKinney Electrolynx concealed power transfer hinge. These hinges are designed to discreetly conceal wires, running them from the frame through the hinge and connecting them to electric hardware within the door, allowing for monitoring and control.

Advantages of Electrified Hinges

The advantages of electrified hinges extend far beyond just securing your building and doorways. These hinges are engineered to power locking hardware and access control systems with ease and safety. They employ wires with connectors that lead or snap together, eliminating external wires that could be tampered with. Furthermore, their installation contributes to an overall sleek and unobtrusive look for your access doors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your premises.

Industrial Applications and Security Enhancement

Electric power transfer hinges are not limited to a single application. They can be effectively employed with exit devices or hold-open doors, allowing you to monitor the position of doors, activate alarms, and secure them against tampering. These hinges are especially invaluable in industries where security is paramount, such as hospitals, research labs, banks, military installations, and vaults. From frame to door, power transfer devices offer robust security, facilitating the transmission of power and monitoring signals to doors equipped with electronic devices and locks.

Special Considerations for Electric Hinges

It's essential to note that electric hinges are available primarily in full mortise configurations. This means they are plate hinges designed to have one or two leaves mortised into the door and door jamb. When attached, the hinge is flush with the surface of the door and frame, providing a seamless and tamper-resistant appearance.

Types of Electric Hinges and Power Transfer Devices

Electric hinges come in various styles, including full mortise, heavyweight, and standard weight. The primary distinction between heavy and standard hinges lies in the gauge of the metal used, with heavyweight hinges featuring thicker gauge metal, making them more suitable for robust commercial applications.

Some notable types of electric hinges and power transfer devices include:

- Quick connect hinges

- Power over Ethernet (PoE) hinges

- Concealed circuit electric hinges

- Aluminum geared hinges

- Pin and barrel hinges

- Square-cut hinges

- Inductive coupling power transfer

- Electric power transfer door loops

- Wireless power transfer devices

- Concealed electric power transfer hinges

Exploring Power Transfer Options

In addition to the hinges themselves, you might require electric power transfer door loops, PTM (Predictive Technology Model) devices, concealed electric power transfer units, or wireless power transfer devices to complete your security setup. Power transfer door loops can either be surface-mounted or mortised to transfer monitoring and power signals between the frame and door. PTM devices are designed to be mortised into the frame and door, facilitating the concealed transfer of monitoring and power signals.

Considering Your Door and Application

Any type of door can potentially benefit from the installation of an electric hinge, but some applications demand enhanced security more than others. Hospitals, research labs, banks, military installations, and vaults are just a few examples where the imperative of security is significantly elevated. Power transfer devices, from frame to door, can provide a robust security layer by transferring power and monitoring signals to doors outfitted with electronic hardware and locks. 

Selecting the Right Power Transfer Hinge

Choosing the ideal electric power transfer hinge necessitates a thorough understanding of your specific application. Factors to consider include the type of door you have (tall or wide doors may require heavyweight hinges), the door's weight (heavier doors typically demand heavyweight hinges), the number of devices and wires to be accommodated (some hinges can handle multiple wires), and the hinge type (full mortise, surface, heavyweight bearing, concealed hinge, or specialty PoE hinges). 

Installation Insights

To ensure a proper installation of electric hinges, you must consider the door's size, weight, hinge size, and how many devices and wires the hinge needs to accommodate. Full mortise hinges, especially the 3-knuckle or 5-knuckle versions, are often suitable for heavier doors. Our Quick Connect electric hinge and ElectroLynx hinge, available in heavyweight and standard weight versions, offer versatility in installation, including full mortise bearing, swing-clear, or wide-throw options.

Conduit and Raceway Considerations

When using electric locks or strikes in conjunction with electric hinges, it may be necessary to employ a conduit or raceway to facilitate the flow of electric current between the power source and the electrified devices mounted on the door. For doors with electric panic devices, most electric connections are routed through the hinge side mounting.

Choosing Finishes for Aesthetic Harmony

Finally, consider the finish of your electric hinge to ensure it seamlessly matches your door. Options often include silver, bronze, copper, black, chrome, and more, allowing you to maintain aesthetic harmony within your space.

Professional Guidance

Selecting the right electric power transfer hinge can be a complex task, and it's always advisable to seek professional guidance for proper sizing and application selection. Our team of experts is here to assist you in finding the perfect electric hinge to meet your specific needs. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electric hinges and power transfer units represent a pivotal component of modern security systems. They not only ensure controlled access but also contribute to the overall safety and aesthetic appeal of your spaces. As you embark on the journey of enhancing your security measures, make sure to consider the factors outlined

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