Introduction to the RGL AH600 Armature Housing and its key features
The RGL AH600 Armature Housing is a purpose-built aluminium mounting housing designed to work with the RGL ML600 slimline magnetic lock range. Lightweight yet robust, this accessory provides a secure mounting surface for the armature plate and eliminates the need to drill through the door. It is fire‑rated for timber door sets (30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes), supplied with fixing screws and an armature securing bolt, and sized to fit compact installations at 192 x 45 x 13 mm. For installers and specifiers working with the ML600 maglock series, the AH600 offers a practical, reliable way to enhance holding strength while simplifying installation and maintaining fire door integrity.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The AH600 is constructed from aluminium, a material choice that balances strength with light weight and corrosion resistance. With dimensions of 192 x 45 x 13 mm it is compact enough for slimline maglock applications yet provides enough surface area and multiple fixing points to reinforce armature retention.
- Manufacturer & SKU:RGL — AH600 (ITM002418).
- Material:Light, strong aluminium offering durability with reduced weight compared with steel alternatives.
- Dimensions:192 x 45 x 13 mm — compact footprint designed for the ML600 series.
- Fire rating:Fire‑tested for timber door sets: 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. This makes the AH600 suitable for installations where maintaining the fire performance of the door is essential (note: final compliance depends on correct installation and door manufacturer guidance).
- Compatibility:Specifically designed for the RGL ML600 magnetic lock range to remove the need to drill through the door leaf for the armature fixing.
- Contents:The kit includes the armature housing, fixing screws and armature securing bolt — everything required for a standard armature housing installation alongside the ML600 unit.
- Installation benefits:Multiple fixing holes increase holding strength and distribute load across the door face or frame. The kit eliminates drilling through the door, preserving the door’s integrity and finish and reducing the risk of altering fire door performance when installed correctly.
- Practical notes:Weight and test report details are listed as insufficient data in the product specification, and no warranty is specified in the product listing. Installations on fire doors should always follow the ML600 installation sheet, door manufacturer instructions and local regulations.
Armature housings are a small but critical component of a maglock system. The AH600’s aluminium construction reduces added mass to the door while providing a resilient anchor point for the armature plate. The multiple fixing holes mean that forces are not concentrated on a single point, which improves the effective holding capacity of the entire magnetic lock assembly. Being fire‑rated for timber door sets also addresses a frequent requirement in commercial and public buildings where maintaining certified fire resistance is mandatory.
Use cases and scenarios where the AH600 excels
The RGL AH600 is especially well suited to the following scenarios:
- Retrofit installations on timber fire doors:When upgrading security on existing timber doors that are part of a fire‑rated assembly, the AH600 allows for an armature mounting solution that helps preserve fire performance — provided the installation follows door manufacturer and regulatory guidance.
- Slimline maglock setups:The AH600 is designed to match the ML600 series’ profile so installers of slimline maglocks get a neat, coordinated solution with minimal visual impact.
- High‑use commercial environments:Offices, retail stores, hospitals and schools benefit from a robust armature mounting surface that can handle frequent door use without compromising security.
- Double‑maglock installations:In applications demanding extra holding force (wider doors, heavy traffic) two AH600 units can be used to secure a double‑maglock setup, improving distributed load and redundancy.
- Quick installations and maintenance:Because the AH600 comes as a kit with fasteners and armature bolt included and removes the need to drill through the door, installation times are reduced and site disruption is minimised.
Typical environments where the AH600 performs well include reception areas requiring controlled access, door sets in apartment common areas, hospitals where both fire and security measures are critical, educational facilities and commercial offices. The product is especially attractive where aesthetics, door integrity and compliance are all priorities.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the AH600 to other armature housings, several practical differences emerge that help clarify its value:
- Aluminium vs steel housings:Aluminium offers a favourable strength‑to‑weight ratio, lower susceptibility to corrosion and a lighter load on the door leaf. Steel housings may offer marginally higher brute strength but they add weight, can corrode without proper treatment and often require more invasive installation.
- Fire‑rated housings vs non‑rated alternatives:The AH600’s fire ratings for timber door sets (30/60/90/120 minutes) set it apart from cheaper non‑rated housings. For many commercial projects or certified door applications, a fire‑rated solution is either mandated or strongly preferred to maintain door integrity and meet regulatory requirements.
- Dedicated ML600 housing vs universal housings:The AH600 is purpose-designed for the ML600 series — that means the fit, fixing points and finish are optimised for that lock. Universal housings can be more flexible across different lock models but may require additional modification, compromise on fit or increase installation time.
- Pre‑fitted kits vs bare housings:The AH600 is supplied with fixing screws and an armature bolt, unlike some competitors that sell the housing and require separate fastener purchases. That simplifies procurement and reduces the risk of missing components during installation.
At a suggested retail price of GBP 11.99, the AH600 is positioned as a cost‑effective accessory compared with heavier, more complex mounting solutions or full steel assembly alternatives. The small upfront cost combined with reduced installation time and the inclusion of fasteners delivers straightforward value for installers and projects where budget and compliance matter.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While there are no individual customer reviews included with this product brief, installer feedback for similar RGL accessories and ML600 combinations typically highlights a few recurring positives:
- Ease of installation — installers appreciate the pre‑supplied fixings and the elimination of through‑door drilling in most applications.
- Sleek appearance — the slim profile complements the ML600’s aesthetic, suitable for visible commercial and residential entrances.
- Practical for retrofits — quick adaptation on site is often noted as a benefit, especially where minimal disruption is desired.
Potential buyers should be aware that installer satisfaction depends on correct specification and installation. For fire‑door projects, qualified installers following the ML600 installation sheet and door manufacturer guidance report the best outcomes. If independent customer testimonials are needed for a particular project, request installer references or case studies from your supplier.
Conclusion: Why the RGL AH600 is a great choice
The RGL AH600 Armature Housing is a thoughtfully engineered accessory for the ML600 maglock range that balances practicality, compliance and value. Its lightweight aluminium construction, compact dimensions, multiple fixing points and supplied fasteners make it an installer‑friendly choice. Crucially, its fire ratings for timber door sets (30/60/90/120 minutes) address a common compliance requirement for many commercial and public buildings, reducing the complexity of fitting maglocks to fire doors when installed correctly.
For projects that need a discreet, robust armature mounting solution without the disruption of drilling through the door, the AH600 provides an efficient and economical option. It is particularly well suited to retrofits, slimline lock installations and environments where appearance and fire door performance matter. Before purchase and installation, always confirm compatibility with the ML600 installation sheet, follow door manufacturer recommendations and consult a qualified installer to ensure regulatory compliance.
In short, the AH600 delivers targeted functionality for ML600 installations — a compact, fire‑rated, cost‑effective accessory that simplifies installation and supports stronger armature retention where it matters most.