HES 7501 Series Electric Strike - Grade 1 Fire-Rated Preload

Overview

The HES 7501 Series Electric Strike is a Grade 1 heavy-duty electric strike for 3-hour fire-rated door openings that incorporate door pressure/preload. It is designed to work regardless of the amount of pressure imposed on the door as it interacts with a standard cylindrical lockset (with up to 3/4" latchbolt throw), still locking, even if the door is warped, misaligned, or has heavy weatherstripping that may cause a normal strike to bind. The 7501 strike is made with stainless steel, has an innovative preload release (patented), and reliably provides secure controlled access to high traffic commercial settings and is a fire door safety code compliant electric strike. Thus, it makes sense when considering the HES 7501 series electric strike for any office building, hospital or school, or any facility with a need for fire-door performance integrity, and where reliable access under pressure is key.

Preload-Capable Fire Door Solution

"Preload" refers to pressure on a door that pushes the latch against the strike, often caused by HVAC air pressure, tight seals, or door misalignment. Under these conditions many strikes jam and fail to unlock, but the HES 7501 is engineered to operate smoothly under up to 15 lbs of preload. Its preload release function ensures the latchbolt releases even if there's binding pressure, preventing costly door malfunctions or safety hazards in an emergency. This strike is specifically UL 10C listed for 3-hour fire-rated doors (fail-secure mode), so it will remain locked during a fire but still allow egress when released, meeting life safety codes. By combining fire-rating with preload capability, the 7501 series solves a critical problem in fire-door applications where weather stripping or warped frames could otherwise compromise the lock's function.

Heavy-Duty Security and Durability

Built to withstand rigorous commercial use, the 7501 strike features all-stainless steel construction and a reinforced design. It is tested to hold up to 1,500 lbs of static force and 70 ft-lbs of dynamic impact, resisting heavy kicks and blows. The mechanism endures 1,000,000+ lock/unlock cycles for long-term reliability in high-traffic entrances. The unit is fully tamper-resistant, deterring attempts to pry or manipulate it. It also carries multiple compliance certifications – including ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1 and UL1034 burglary-resistant listing – verifying its robust security performance. Backed by the ASSA ABLOY SecuriCare 5-year no-fault warranty (extendable to 10 years when used with an optional SMART Pac III power controller), the HES 7501 gives installers and facility managers peace of mind that this hardware will perform under stress without fail. In short, this strike's durable build and high strength ratings make it suitable for protecting critical door openings in banks, data centers, and other secure facilities.

Easy Installation & Versatility

The HES 7501 is designed for quick, flexible installation in the field. It operates on dual voltages (12 or 24 VDC) with a low current draw, accommodating common power supplies. The strike is field-selectable for fail-safe or fail-secure operation, allowing it to be configured either to unlock on power loss or to lock on power loss based on the project's safety requirements. Installers appreciate the non-handed design, which fits metal or wood frames and works on left- or right-hinged doors without modification. The 7501 has a slim 1-11/16" overall depth to fit standard ANSI 4-7/8" strike cutouts, and it comes with adjustable keeper shims and a trim enhancer plate to fine-tune alignment and cover rough cuts for a clean finish. A plug-in pigtail connector is included for fast, hassle-free wiring to the power source. For access control systems requiring door status monitoring, an optional latchbolt monitor (LBM) switch can be specified, which outputs whether the latch is engaged in the strike. Overall, the 7501's installer-friendly features reduce labor time and ensure the strike integrates smoothly into almost any cylindrical lock door opening, whether retrofitting an existing door or outfitting new construction.