Introduction to the RGL ML600 Electromagnetic Door Lock
RGL ML600 — Slimline 600 lb (280 kg) electromagnetic door lock.The ML600 is a compact, aluminium‑housed maglock engineered for single‑door access control where a combination of unobtrusive appearance, reliable holding force and straightforward installation is needed. With a rated holding force of 600 lb (280 kg), dual voltage operation (12/24 VDC), built‑in surge suppression and an optional monitored variant (ML600‑M), this slimline device targets installers, integrators and facilities managers looking for a practical, cost‑effective locking solution for timber and steel doors.
Key features at a glance
- 600 lb / 280 kg holding force suitable for most single‑door applications.
- Slimline aluminium housing (250 × 42 × 25 mm) with matching armature plate supplied.
- Dual voltage: 12 / 24 VDC; typical current ≈480 mA at 12 V and ≈240 mA at 24 V (≈5.8 W).
- Built‑in surge / arc suppression to protect driving electronics.
- Monitored ML600‑M option adds LED/status monitoring and bond/door status outputs for integration with access control systems.
- Fire tested to BS EN 1634‑1 for timber door sets (30 & 60 minute variants cited by the manufacturer).
- Compatible with a range of Z, L and U brackets for different frame geometries (e.g., BK600ZL, BK600L, AH600).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The ML600 is compact but thoughtfully specified. The magnet body measures 250 × 42 × 25 mm and comes with a matching armature plate (approx. 180 × 35 × 10 mm). Unboxed weight is around 1.13 kg and boxed weight around 1.97 kg, making it light enough for standard door frames while robust enough for daily use.
Electrically, the unit is straightforward: it accepts 12 or 24 VDC and draws approximately 480 mA at 12 V or 240 mA at 24 V, translating to roughly 5.8 W of typical power consumption. This makes the ML600 relatively energy efficient compared with larger maglocks that consume significantly more power, particularly when deployed across many door points.
Built‑in surge and arc suppression is an important practical feature: it reduces electrical stress on the driving power supplies and controllers, improves longevity and reduces interference with alarm/communication wiring. For installations that require status feedback—such as integration with advanced access control panels or building management systems—the monitored ML600‑M variant offers LED status and bond/door monitoring outputs.
From a safety and standards perspective, the manufacturer cites fire testing to BS EN 1634‑1 for timber door sets (30 and 60 minute variants referenced). However, the datasheet indicates insufficient data regarding CE/UKCA declarations in the supplied summary, so installers should request up‑to‑date certification and declarations of conformity from the supplier or manufacturer before specifying the product in safety‑critical or regulated installations.
- Slim profile and aluminium finish deliver a discreet, architectural look that suits modern interiors.
- 600 lb holding force balances security and cost for most internal access control needs.
- Dual voltage operation and modest power draw simplify power supply choices and reduce running costs.
- Compatibility with common mounting brackets eases retrofits and minimises custom fabrication.
- Optional monitoring variant supports more sophisticated access control and alarm integration.
Use cases and scenarios where the ML600 excels
The ML600 is aimed at situations that require reliable holding force without the bulk of larger maglocks. Typical use cases include:
- Office entry doors: interior and perimeter doors in low to medium‑security office environments where controlled access is required during business hours.
- Server rooms and equipment cupboards: when paired with monitoring (ML600‑M) it can provide bond status and integrate with existing access control systems to satisfy IT security practices.
- Retail and hospitality back‑of‑house: storerooms, staff entrances and delivery points where a slim, unobtrusive lock is preferred.
- Education and healthcare: classroom and clinical doors where aesthetics, straightforward installation and proven holding force are priorities.
- Retrofit and refurbishment projects: the slim housing and compatibility with Z/L/U brackets make it easier to adapt to a variety of frame geometries without major door/frame modification.
Because the ML600 is fire tested to BS EN 1634‑1 (as cited), it is also appropriate for projects where doors are required to meet specific fire resistance criteria — provided the installer verifies the exact variant and evidence for the specific door set and configuration.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the ML600 to other maglocks, consider three main axes: holding force, form factor/aesthetics and feature set (monitoring, certifications, mounting options).
- Holding force: 600 lb is a common mid‑range rating. Heavier duty maglocks (900–1200 lb) provide higher forced entry resistance for high‑security external doors but are bulkier and consume more power. The ML600 hits a balance suitable for most interior and controlled perimeter doors.
- Form factor: the slimline aluminium housing distinguishes the ML600 from bulkier steel or stainless units. This appeals to architects and facility managers seeking a low‑profile finish. Stainless models may be preferred in harsh or corrosive environments (outdoors or coastal sites) where aluminium may require additional protective finishes.
- Monitoring and integration: the monitored ML600‑M is comparable to other monitored maglocks in its class. Some competitors provide multi‑channel monitoring (bond plus door position) or integrated tamper detection; the ML600 covers bond and status monitoring, which satisfies most access control requirements but integrators should confirm exact outputs and wiring expectations.
- Certifications: while the ML600 has fire test claims to BS EN 1634‑1, some competing units offer explicit, up‑to‑date CE/UKCA declarations and additional approvals (e.g., EN 14846, UL listings for the North American market). If your project requires specific regulatory evidence, request current certification documentation from the supplier.
Customer feedback and installer notes
Public, verified customer testimonials specific to the ML600 are limited in the supplied material. However, installer and integrator feedback for similar slimline 600 lb maglocks tends to focus on a few recurring points:
- Ease of installation: installers appreciate the compact profile and compatibility with off‑the‑shelf Z/L/U brackets, which reduces onsite fabrication and labour time.
- Performance: where mounted correctly with the appropriate bracket and with frame/door alignment achieved, the 600 lb rating reliably secures single doors in low to medium security scenarios.
- Monitoring convenience: the monitored variant is valued for simplifying integration with access control systems and providing bond/door status, reducing false alarms and troubleshooting time.
- Documentation requests: integrators commonly request up‑to‑date wiring diagrams, installation templates and certified test evidence—especially for projects with fire performance requirements.
For prospective buyers, we recommend requesting recent project references and datasheets from the supplier, and, if possible, trial fitting on a representative door to confirm fit and alignment before bulk ordering.
Installation, safety and compliance considerations
Proper installation is essential to achieve the rated holding force. Use the correct mounting bracket for the door and frame type, follow the manufacturer’s installation sheet, and ensure wiring and commissioning are performed by a qualified electrician or competent installer. Power should be isolated before wiring and installers should adhere to local building and fire regulations.
Although the manufacturer cites BS EN 1634‑1 fire testing, the supplied summary lists insufficient data for CE/UKCA declarations. Always obtain current certification documents, installation instructions and, if necessary, third‑party test evidence before specifying the ML600 in regulated environments or on fire‑escape/holding doors.
Conclusion — why choose the RGL ML600?
The RGL ML600 is a practical choice for applications that need a discreet, reliable maglock with a balanced specification. Its slim aluminium housing and 600 lb holding force make it particularly well suited to offices, retail, education and similar environments where aesthetics matter as much as performance. Dual voltage operation, modest power consumption and optional monitoring make it flexible for a wide range of access control installations.
Before specifying the ML600, verify required certifications, request the monitored variant if system integration and status feedback are required, and confirm mounting bracket selection for your door/frame geometry. When installed correctly and documented appropriately, the ML600 offers a good combination of looks, functionality and cost effectiveness—making it a solid option for many single‑door access control projects.
