TheHES 8500 Raising the standards in he new HES 8500 is an innovative but simple Know the Elements for a Successful Install T labor-saving electric The strength and performance of an electric strike relies on maxi- strike that will revolutionize mum contact and proper alignment between a lock’s latchbolt and easy installation of access con- the electric strike’s keeper. Severe sag, a wide or narrow door trol for mortise . gap, or frames that are poorly aligned and worn or poorly operating latchbolts can all impact the ease of installation and operation of the The HES 8500 electric strike electric strike. These conditions may also reduce the life of the strike has a unique mortise- or impair its operation, resulting in service calls. compatible design that re- Some wear-and-tear is normal and expected in retrofit situa- quires no cutting of the frame tions. HES electric strikes feature adjustability that help address under normal installation. less-than-ideal door conditions. Assessing the opening before It works with most popular installing any electric strike and correcting extreme problems will ¾” throw mortise locksets ensure great performance. Here are a few easy tips for a suc- cessful install. Make sure the frame is reasonably plumb and square. This ensures 1 that the latchbolt falls fully into the keeper pocket and is securely captured. Ensure proper door gap. A gap that is too wide may prevent the latchbolt from fully engaging the keeper; too narrow and the door may bind. Correct extreme door sag. Many electric strikes handle mod- erate door sag. In extreme sag situations, it may be tempting to relocate the strike prep, but this can lead to other issues and still not address binding and preload. Test the latchbolt. The latchbolt should retract easily when it’s lightly depressed at a 45 degree angle to the door face. If force is required or the latchbolt catches, the latchbolt should be mainte- nanced or replaced. Check the lock manufacturer’s recommenda- tions for proper lubrication and maintenance. Door users rarely think about all of the components that must work together for access control to operate smoothly. Maintain- ing good operating conditions on all elements of a door opening will ensure a good experience for your customers.

Reprinted from THE NATIONAL LOCKSMITH August 2011 shapes depend- free warranty upgrade on the 2 ing on the mod- strike, extending the electrical el and brand warranty from one year to five of lockset it is years. designed to handle, (figure Verify operating mode. The 2). HES 8500’s default setting is fail secure. For fail-safe mode, Getting loosen the configuration screws Started on the side of the strike (with- without deadbolts. It features out removing) and shift them First, identify the lockset ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade down to the fail-safe position, and select the correct faceplate 1 strength with a UL10C then remove the fire screw, option kit. There are four dif- 3-hour fire rating when used which is on the middle back of ferent options that cover the with a single door. The 8500 is the strike housing. common brands. ideal for use in 1-½” fire rated The faceplate option kit con- frames with a ½” drywall pen- tains a standard faceplate, etration, (figure 1). a faceplate that will handle The HES 8500 is non-handed, moderate to severe door sag, 12V/24V DC or AC field select- and the deadlatch platform, able and fail-secure/fail safe (figure 3). field configurable, so one strike Determine the voltage and body model covers any situa- operating requirements for the tion. installation. Verifying the input voltage with a multimeter is a Innovative Design Leads good precaution before configur- to Labor Savings ing the electric strike. The HES Creating a strong, durable 8500 has an operating range of electric strike that can handle a mortise lockset without requir- ing cutting on the face of the 3 frame is no easy task. Fitting the features into a compact 1-5/16 inches depth so it fits in place of the dustbox in a stan- dard ANSI BHMA A156.115 prep is even more of an achieve- ment. 4 The patent-pending design +/- 10% of the solenoid voltage Installing the HES 8500 includes distinctive features rating. that guard the deadlatch and 1. Evaluate the opening. help the latchbolt ramp out of If you have doubts about the After ensuring that the open- the keeper pocket when the accuracy of the power sup- ing is plumb and square and in strike is activated. The “dead- ply’s voltage output or if the good working order (see side platform” manages the electric strike will be operating bar), remove the dust box (if deadlatch and can be installed as fail-safe or continuous duty, applicable), (figure 4), leaving in one of three different posi- an HES SMART Pac III™ is an the tabs, (figure 5). tions within the strike pocket inexpensive insurance policy to support the deadlatch posi- that will protect the electric 2. Install the deadlatch tions of various mortise lock strike and will reduce heat from platform. Insert the deadlatch manufactures. The deadlatch the solenoid. The SMART Pac platform into the keeper slot platform is available in different III™ has the added benefit of a appropriate for the location of

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clears the edge of the faceplate. 5 If the door sag is pronounced, remove the standard faceplate and install the DS faceplate, which provides a wider pocket. 6 8 7. Open the door and verify that the HES 8500 is flush with the face of the frame, pulling the strike forward toward the opening if needed. Tighten the faceplate screws. 8. Close the door and test. If there is too much “play” in the door, remove the faceplate and add one or two shims as needed to make contact with the inside face of the frame. If there is pre- load, remove the default shim and retest, (figure 9). The result is a fast, clean, attractive, and high-quality installation in a fraction of the time normally required to con- duct installation for a mortise lockset-handling electric strike. the deadlatch on the mortise the voltage pigtail. lockset. Align the screw hole in the platform foot with hole 5. Insert the HES 8500 For more information about in the outer casing and tight- strike body into the frame the HES 8500, check out the en, (figure 6). prep, (figures 7 & 8). HES website at www.hesinnova- 3. Connect the correct volt- 6. Install the standard face- tions.com, or contact them via age pigtail to the appropriate plate but only partially tighten email at support@hesinnova- electrical wiring based on the the provided screws. tions.com. voltage source. Close the door and verify 4. Connect the HES 8500 to that the deadlatch is resting on the deadlatch platform and Reprinted from THE NATIONAL LOCKSMITH August 2011