Locksmith Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

What is an electrified mortise lock?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A mortise lock body with an electrically actuated latch or deadbolt, allowing remote locking and unlocking. An electrified mortise lock is a traditional mortise lock body that has been fitted with an electric actuator, allowing the latch or deadbolt to be controlled electronically by an access control system while retaining all the mechanical functionality of a standard mortise lock.

Question 2

Which type of electric locking device is most appropriate for a door requiring ADA-compliant egress with no key or action required to exit?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic lock with a push-plate request-to-exit sensor. An electromagnetic lock paired with a push-plate (or motion-sensing) request-to-exit (REX) device allows compliant, hands-free or single-action egress, meeting ADA requirements that doors on accessible egress paths not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

Question 3

What is the typical holding force of a standard single-door electromagnetic lock?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

1,200 lbs (544 kg). Standard single-door electromagnetic locks typically have a holding force of approximately 1,200 lbs (544 kg). Heavy-duty or dual-mag configurations can exceed this, while smaller models may have lower ratings.

Question 4

What is the standard low-voltage DC power supply used for most electronic access control devices?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

12V or 24V DC. Most electronic access control devices, including readers, controllers, and electric locking hardware, operate on 12V DC or 24V DC. These voltages are standard in the security industry and are safe for low-voltage work.

Question 5

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is used in access control systems primarily to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Maintain system operation during a primary power failure. A UPS provides backup power, typically from batteries, to keep the access control system (controllers, readers, and locks) operational during a mains power failure, maintaining security and compliance with life-safety egress requirements.

Question 6

When sizing a power supply for an access control system, which calculation is most critical?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The total current draw of all connected devices at peak load. The power supply must be rated to supply enough current (amperage) to all connected devices simultaneously at peak load. Undersized power supplies cause voltage drops, leading to intermittent operation or hardware damage.

Question 7

When running a power supply cable for an electromagnetic lock over a long distance, which effect must be accounted for?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Voltage drop due to cable resistance, which can reduce the lock's holding force. Resistance in long cable runs causes voltage drop (V = I × R), which reduces the voltage reaching the electromagnetic lock. If the voltage drops below the lock's operating threshold, it may lose significant holding force or fail to lock securely.

Question 8

What is the purpose of a Request-to-Exit (REX) device in an access control system?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To signal the access control system that someone is legitimately exiting, preventing a door-forced alarm. A Request-to-Exit (REX) device (such as a push button, motion sensor, or push plate) signals the access control system before the door opens from the inside, suppressing any door-forced or door-ajar alarm and optionally releasing an electric strike or mag-lock.

Question 9

A passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor used as a REX device is most likely to cause a nuisance alarm in which scenario?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

When the sensor detects motion outside the door and triggers an unintended unlock. A PIR-based REX sensor mounted near a glass door or improperly aimed can detect movement on the exterior (e.g., people walking past) and trigger an unintended unlock or suppress a door alarm, creating a security vulnerability or nuisance.

Question 10

In a high-security environment, which REX method provides the best audit trail of exit events?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Requiring a credential read on the exit side (two-way access control). Requiring a credential presentation on the exit side (two-way or 'in/out' access control) creates a log entry associating a specific user with each exit event, providing a complete and auditable record of movement — something a passive sensor or button cannot do.

Locksmith Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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