Wall Mounted Maglocks

Door holder or maglock: what this category sells

The products in this category are electromagnetic door holders, also called door holder/release magnets or fire door magnets. They hold a door open, with 25 to 275 lbs of holding force depending on the model. They are not maglocks: a maglock holds a door closed and locked, with 300 to 3,000 lbs of holding force in our maglock range. If you need to lock a door, see electromagnetic locks.

How an electromagnetic door holder works

The magnet mounts on the wall or floor behind the open door, and a steel armature plate mounts on the door. While power is on, the magnet holds the door open. When the fire alarm panel, a smoke detector or a power failure removes the current, the magnet releases and the door closer shuts the door. The LCN SEM 7800 and Sargent 1560 and 1561 listings describe them as fail safe, and the door needs a closer to close and latch.

Fire and smoke doors: standards and codes

Door holders are used on self-closing fire and smoke barrier doors that must stay open during the day and close on alarm. The Sargent listings say the 1560 and 1561 conform to devices outlined in NFPA 80 and 101, the Rixson listings cite ANSI/BHMA A156.15 Grade 1, and LCN lists the SEM Series as UL listed for smoke barrier or labeled fire doors. Wire the holder to release on the fire alarm signal, and confirm the installation with the authority having jurisdiction.

Surface, recessed or floor mounting

Choose the mounting by the wall and how far the magnet may project. Recessed models, such as the LCN SEM7840 and SEM7850, sit in the wall with only a small part showing, and LCN lists the SEM7850 as suitable for pocket door installations. Concealed wiring models, such as the Rixson 997M and 998M, mount over a standard outlet box. Surface wall magnets, such as the LCN SEM7830, Sargent 1560 and DynaLock 2805, suit walls where a box cannot be recessed. The Rixson 989 projects only 7/16", and floor models such as the LCN SEM7820 are used where there is no wall behind the door.

Holding force and voltage

Most door holders here hold 25 to 45 lbs, enough to keep a door open against its closer. The Rixson 993M is a high hold unit listed at 275 lbs for doors with strong closers or wind load. Many models are tri voltage: LCN lists 12V DC, 24V and 120V, Rixson lists 12VDC, 24VDC and 120VDC on several models, and Sargent lists 120VAC, 24VAC/DC and 12VDC. Match the voltage to the fire alarm or power circuit, and see access control power supplies for low voltage power.

Special locations and armatures

The Rixson 991M is approved for class I division 2, class II division 2, groups F and G and class III hazardous locations, with surface wiring and a sealed junction box. The Rixson 994M has an armature that adjusts up and down and back and forth, which helps alignment on solid wood doors. LCN offers armature extensions for the SEM Series when the door and wall are far apart.

Most requested door holders

The door holders our customers look up most often right now:

• LCN SEM7850 Recessed Wall Mount Magnetic Door Holder
• Rixson 998M Electromagnetic Door Holder/Release, Wall Mounted
• Rixson 999M Universal Wall Mounted Door Holder
• LCN SEM7840 Recessed Wall Mount Magnetic Door Holder

Shop by model: DynaLock 2805.

Related categories: magnetic locks, door stops and holders and maglock accessories.

What to have ready when ordering a door holder

• Mounting: surface wall, recessed wall, low projection or floor.
• Distance between the open door and the wall, for projection and armature.
• Voltage of the release circuit (12V, 24V or 120V).
• Holding force needed against the door closer.
• Door type (metal or wood), special locations and finish.

Equipping fire doors across a building? Request a quote, and schools and agencies can submit a government or school PO. Orders placed before 3:00 p.m. ET on business days ship the same day after card approval, and ground shipping is free on orders of $450+. Call 718-814-6300 to choose a holder.

The tables and selection notes on this page are compiled by National Lock Supply from the Rixson, LCN, Sargent and DynaLock catalogs and product listings. Last reviewed: November 2026.