Introduction to the RGL MSL-2600 Shear Lock and its key features
RGL MSL-2600 motorised shear lockis a purpose-built, fail-safe shear (sliding) magnetic lock engineered for demanding commercial access control. With a very high holding force of 1180 kg (2600 lb), automatic dual-voltage operation (12/24 V DC), an adjustable door-open delay timer, and door position monitoring relay, the MSL-2600 is designed for secure, reliable installations on timber, aluminium and—with the appropriate glass bracket—glass doors. Typical suggested retail pricing is around $129.99, making it an economical option for contractors and installers specifying robust access control hardware.
- Holding Force:1180 kg (2600 lb) — ideal for high-security or high-traffic entrances.
- Dual Voltage:Auto-adjusting 12 V / 24 V DC operation for easy integration with existing systems.
- Integrated Controls:Adjustable 0.5–25 second door-open delay timer and a NO/NC monitoring relay (24 V / 1 A) for access control logic feedback.
- Motorised Shear Action:Mechanical shear engagement for superior resistance to lateral forces; suitable for glass and surface-mounted applications with optional brackets.
- Fail-Safe Design:Releases on power loss, built from fire-resistant materials—verify local egress/fire codes before use on escape doors.
The MSL-2600 is compact yet robust. Its physical dimensions (182 × 25 × 30 mm) and relatively light unboxed weight (582 g) make it unobtrusive on most doors while retaining a substantial holding capability. The unit is specified to operate across a wide temperature range (0–90 °C) and is manufactured from fire-resistant materials suitable for commercial use.
Key technical highlights and their practical benefits:
- Maximum holding force — 1180 kg / 2600 lb:This high holding capacity gives confidence for perimeter doors, secure internal gates, and areas where high shear loads might be applied. It reduces the risk of forced entry when properly installed.
- Operating voltage — 12 V or 24 V DC (auto-adjusting):The dual-voltage design simplifies supply choices and reduces installation errors. Whether the site uses a 12 V or 24 V access control bus, the lock will adapt automatically.
- Operating / holding current:Operating current is approximately 900 mA (both 12 V and 24 V nominal). Holding current is reduced to 220 mA @ 12 V and 190 mA @ 24 V, which helps limit ongoing power consumption once engaged.
- Magnetic gap:Maximum magnetic gap is 3 mm at 12 V and 5 mm at 24 V, providing some tolerance for door movement or imperfect alignment during installation.
- Door-open delay timer (0.5–25 s):Adjustable delay provides flexibility for different door usage patterns and access control workflows—preventing premature re-locking while allowing rapid secure re-engagement.
- Monitoring relay (NO/NC, 24 V / 1 A):Built-in door position feedback simplifies wiring to access control panels, security systems or building management systems for automated monitoring and alarm conditions.
- Automatic repeated locking:The lock can automatically repeat locking cycles up to 60 times, which is helpful in automated test scenarios or where repeated engagement is required during commissioning.
- Mounting flexibility:Horizontal surface installation or glass mounting is supported via optional SH2600 surface housings or GD2600 glass brackets, making the unit suitable for a wide variety of door types.
The MSL-2600 is a versatile option that meets the needs of many commercial and institutional environments. Typical applications include:
- Commercial office entrances:Where a high holding force and monitored lock status are required for controlled entry vestibules, the MSL-2600 integrates easily with access control systems and door status monitoring.
- Retail and hospitality:For back-of-house doors, stockrooms and restricted areas, the compact footprint and high shear strength make it a good choice for doors that need secure closure without a bulky floor or frame-mounted device.
- Glass doors:With the GD2600 glass bracket, the motorised shear action suits frameless or framed glass doors that cannot accept traditional mortise or surface locks.
- High-traffic doorways:The motorised action and auto-lock cycles mean reliable operation through many daily cycles; adjustable timer settings reduce wear from constant re-engagement and create smoother traffic flow.
- Facilities with strict monitoring needs:The integrated NO/NC relay provides a direct signal to alarms or building management systems, useful in healthcare, education, and infrastructure facilities where door state logging is important.
Important safety note: the MSL-2600 is fail-safe, meaning it releases on loss of power. This is appropriate for many internal and controlled access doors, but it may not be suitable for doors that are required to remain locked during an emergency or that must provide positive egress control under fire codes. Always verify local building and fire regulations before specifying fail-safe locks for egress doors.
Shear locks, motorised shear locks and conventional electromagnetic locks each have distinct advantages. Here is how the MSL-2600 compares in typical categories:
- Motorised shear locks vs standard electromagnetic locks:Standard magnetic locks rely purely on magnetic attraction and typically have a larger faceplate. Motorised shear locks like the MSL-2600 add a mechanical shear action which provides superior resistance to lateral forces and is often better suited to glass doors or installations with limited surface area for mounting.
- Holding force:At 1180 kg the MSL-2600 sits at the high end of holding-capacity for motorised shear locks in its price range. This makes it competitive for applications that require stronger security than many lower-capacity units.
- Integration and controls:The MSL-2600’s built-in timer and door monitoring relay reduce the need for external modules, simplifying installation and lowering system cost compared with some competitors that require additional controllers for timing and feedback.
- Power flexibility:The auto-adjusting 12/24 V input is a practical advantage in retrofit projects where supply voltages may vary. Some competing products require manual configuration or separate models for different voltages.
- Price-to-performance:With a suggested price around $129.99, the MSL-2600 offers a compelling value proposition relative to higher-cost specialist shear locks while providing many of the same commercial-grade features.
While individual reviews vary by installation context, installers and contractors who specify motorised shear locks commonly highlight a few recurring themes when discussing products like the MSL-2600:
- Ease of integration:Installers appreciate the dual-voltage auto-adjustment and the onboard monitor relay, which can reduce wiring complexity and commissioning time.
- Robust performance:Many users report confidence in the lock’s holding ability—particularly on glass and thin frame doors where traditional strikes are less effective.
- Value for money:For projects with budget constraints but requiring commercial-grade performance, the MSL-2600 is frequently noted as a cost-effective choice.
- Safety considerations:Facility managers commonly remind others to evaluate the fail-safe behavior against local fire and egress requirements—this is not a negative about the product, but rather a planning step every specifier should take.
If more formal customer reviews are required for procurement, request reference installations or case studies from the supplier or distributor—these will provide real-world performance examples from comparable sites.
To get the best performance from the MSL-2600, follow these practical pointers:
- Select the correct mounting accessory:Use the SH2600 surface housing for timber or aluminum frames and the GD2600 bracket for glass doors to ensure secure and code-compliant mounting.
- Check alignment and gap:Ensure magnetic gap does not exceed the specified maximum (3 mm at 12 V, 5 mm at 24 V) for reliable holding force.
- Power supply sizing:Confirm the access power supply can provide the ~900 mA operating current and accept the holding current characteristics to avoid undervoltage conditions.
- Verify code compliance:Because the lock is fail-safe, consult local fire and egress codes to determine suitability for exterior or emergency egress doors; specify alternate fail-secure hardware where required.
- Routine checks:Periodic inspection of fasteners, electrical connections and door alignment will ensure continued performance in high-traffic locations.
Conclusion: Why choose the RGL MSL-2600
TheRGL MSL-2600motorised shear lock combines a high 1180 kg holding capacity, automatic 12/24 V operation, built-in timer and door-state monitoring in a compact, fire-resistant package. Its motorised shear action makes it particularly suited to glass and narrow-frame doors where conventional locks struggle, while the integrated controls simplify installation and system integration. For contractors, installers and facility managers seeking a cost-effective, heavy-duty shear lock for commercial access control—provided fail-safe behavior meets local code requirements—the MSL-2600 is a practical, reliable choice.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, use the appropriate mounting accessories (GD2600 or SH2600), and ensure compliance with local building and fire regulations before specifying this fail-safe device for critical egress doors.
