Abstract: An electromagnetic locking device comprises an actuating assembly including an electromagnet having an operative face and at at least one side thereof an abutment which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the operative face and projects beyond the operative face, and a cooperative assembly including armature mounted for movement towards and away from the operative face in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto when the electromagnet and armature are aligned and arranged so as to engage behind the abutment when the electromagnet is energized. The actuating assembly also includes at least one plunger which is mounted for movement substantially perpendicularly to the operative face between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the operative face and spring washers for driving the plunger into its extended position into contact with said armature to displace the armature clear of said abutment when the electromagnet ceases to be energized.