Best Magnetic Door Holders for Fire Alarm Release Systems
Magnetic door holders keep suitable doors open during normal operation and release them when their electrical supply is interrupted. For a fire alarm application, the release circuit must be correctly designed and connected to the building’s life-safety system. The Seco-Larm DH-171SQ is a compact flush-mount option; the Edwards 1508-AQN5 suits surface mounting; and the Edwards 1504-AQN5 is a flush-wall alternative. Confirm voltage, mounting requirements, and local code with a qualified installer before choosing.
| Product | Mounting | Listed holding force | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seco-Larm DH-171SQ | Flush | 33 lb | Single-door installations seeking a low-profile holder |
| Seco-Larm DH-171SQ Pack of 2 | Flush | 33 lb each | Projects needing two holders and voltage flexibility |
| Edwards 1508-AQN5 | Surface wall mount | Not stated in supplied features | Surface-mounted commercial or institutional applications |
| Edwards 1504-AQN5 | Flush wall mount | 25 lbf | Installations requiring a flush-wall model |
| Seco-Larm DH-151SQ | Surface mount | 33 lb | Installations using a surface-mounted Seco-Larm holder |
Seco-Larm DH-171SQ Flush-Mount Holder
The DH-171SQ is a hard-wired, flush-mount electromagnetic holder with a stated 33-pound holding force. Seco-Larm describes it for use with its door closers to control door release and closing. Its no-residual-magnetism design allows the door to release easily, and the product is described as fail-safe.
Best for: A single-door installation where a low-profile flush mount and 33-pound holding force meet the project requirements. It was selected as a straightforward option with clearly listed operating characteristics.
Consider: The supplied features do not specify its operating voltage. Confirm electrical requirements and compatibility with the planned fire alarm release circuit before ordering.
Seco-Larm DH-171SQ Pack Of Two
This two-holder listing provides flush-mount units with 33 pounds of holding force each. The listed tri-volt compatibility is 12/24 VAC/VDC and 120 VAC, giving installers several power options to evaluate. Each holder has a cast aluminum faceplate and a low-profile design.
Best for: Projects that need two flush-mount holders or that benefit from the stated voltage flexibility. It is a practical comparison choice when the installer needs to check multiple supply options against the building system.
Consider: The listed voltage range does not establish that the units can connect directly to a fire alarm panel. Verify the required release arrangement and installation instructions.
Edwards 1508-AQN5 Surface-Mount Holder
The Edwards 1508-AQN5 uses a surface wall-mount design. Its listed dimensions are 114 by 70 millimeters, with the electromagnet housed in the wall section and a contact plate attached to the door. The die-cast metal housing has a baked polyester powder-paint finish. It operates on 24V AC/DC or 120V AC, according to the supplied features.
Best for: Commercial or institutional projects where a surface-mounted wall unit is preferred and one of the listed power options matches the installation. Its dual-voltage information makes it easier to compare against existing electrical plans.
Consider: The supplied product details do not state a holding-force rating. Confirm that its capacity is appropriate for the door and application.
Edwards 1504-AQN5 Flush-Wall Holder
The Edwards 1504-AQN5 is a flush-wall electromagnetic door holder with die-cast metal construction and a baked polyester powder-paint finish. Its listed nominal holding force is 25 lbf (111 N), which gives buyers a specific rating to compare with their door and project requirements.
Best for: An installation that calls for a flush-wall form and a stated 25-pound-force nominal rating. It was selected as a distinct alternative to surface-mounted holders.
Consider: The supplied features do not identify its operating voltage or describe fire alarm wiring. Confirm both details with the product documentation and installer before selection.
Seco-Larm DH-151SQ Surface-Mount Holder
The DH-151SQ is a surface-mount Seco-Larm holder with a stated 33-pound electromagnetic holding force. It is intended for use with Seco-Larm door closers to manage door release and closing. The listed no-residual-magnetism feature supports easy release, and the unit is described as fail-safe.
Best for: Buyers who need a surface-mounted option with a stated 33-pound holding force and a door-closer use case. It provides a direct mounting-style comparison with the flush DH-171SQ.
Consider: The supplied features do not list voltage or installation dimensions. Check these details, along with the fire alarm release design, before purchasing.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Fire Alarm Door Holder
Should you choose flush or surface mounting?
Flush-mount models sit within or close to the mounting surface and may suit projects designed for that installation style. Surface-mount models attach to the wall surface and can be preferable when a surface-mounted configuration is specified. Compare the holder, contact plate, door position, and available mounting space before choosing. Do not assume one style is interchangeable with another.
What voltage and holding force do you need?
Match the holder’s documented voltage to the planned power supply and wiring design. The two-unit DH-171SQ listing specifies 12/24 VAC/VDC and 120 VAC; the Edwards 1508-AQN5 lists 24V AC/DC and 120V AC. Holding force also varies: the Seco-Larm models list 33 pounds, while the Edwards 1504-AQN5 lists 25 lbf. The 1508-AQN5 details provided here do not state a force rating.
How does fire alarm release work?
A magnetic holder depends on electrical power to hold a door open. A fire alarm arrangement must release the holder as designed so the door can close. Product features alone do not confirm a particular unit’s wiring method, panel compatibility, or compliance with local requirements. Have a qualified fire alarm or access-control professional confirm the complete circuit and applicable building and fire codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a magnetic door holder be used with a fire alarm?
It can be part of a fire alarm door-release arrangement when the system is designed and installed for that purpose. Confirm the device, wiring, and release operation with a qualified professional.
Does a magnetic holder keep a door locked?
The listed products are door holders designed to hold a door open, not to serve as door locks. Their stated features focus on holding and releasing the door.
What does fail-safe mean for the Seco-Larm models?
The Seco-Larm DH-171SQ and DH-151SQ features describe fail-safe operation and easy release without residual magnetism. Confirm the behavior of the complete installed system with the product documentation and installer.
Which product has the highest listed holding force?
The Seco-Larm DH-171SQ and DH-151SQ list 33 pounds of holding force. The Edwards 1504-AQN5 lists 25 lbf; no force rating is included in the supplied features for the Edwards 1508-AQN5.
Can I install a fire alarm door holder myself?
Fire alarm release wiring affects life-safety operation. Use a qualified professional to verify the circuit, mounting, power supply, and local code requirements.