Electric mortise and electric cylindrical locks are drop in replacements for the door mounted mechanical locks. A hole must be drilled in the door for electric power wires. Also a power transfer hinge[2] is used to get the power from the door frame to the door. Electric mortise and cylindrical locks allow mechanical free egress. Electric mortise and cylindrical locks can be either fail unlocked or fail locked. In the US, UL rated doors must retain their rating. In new construction doors are cored and then rated. In retofits, the doors must be re-rated.

While the many applications include interior failsecure installations, failsecure electrified mortise locksets and electrified exit devices are the ONLY locking devices that comply with exit door, lobby door and stairwell door security needs and fire life safety code requirements. Electric strikes are not compliant as they cannot keep the door latched when unlocked, failing to maintain fire door integrity. Electromagnetic locks lock the interior egress side of the door violating fire and building code requirement that the door must be unlocked on the interior at all times.

There are many manufacturers of electric mortise locks, and there are many things that have to be considered when buying one, i.e., type of door header, whether one requires fail-secure or fail-safe, voltage requirements and finish.