The relation of electric locks / doors and the Sabbath

Jewish law does not allow the manipulation of electricity on the Sabbath, so a Jew would not be allowed to operate an electric lock, or make an electric door open (on purpose).

A Jew can leave lights on, or set things on timers before the Sabbath, but can not do anything with electricity on the Sabbath.

Interesting, thanks, never heard that one before. I wonder what part of the religious texts lead to that one.

The main one is the prohibition of lighting or extinguishing fire. The vast majority of electricity is generated by burning fuel and using electricity (or turning it off) changes the amount of fuel used.

There are other considerations as well that apply to battery devices, but the main thing is fire.