View as

Exit Buttons & Door Release

Exit buttons and door release devices here let people leave through an access-controlled door. They include stainless steel and plastic press-to-exit buttons, weatherproof green dome buttons, no-touch infrared exit buttons, resettable emergency door releases, combined exit and emergency units, key switches and a request-to-exit detector, the Kantech TREX-LT2. Examples include the CDVI RTE-SS, the STP-NT200 infrared button and the RGL EDR-3N triple pole emergency door release.

Choosing Exit Buttons & Door Release

Decide how the door will be released, by a press, a wave of the hand or an emergency release, then match the mounting and whether the door is inside or outside.

Press-to-exit buttons

Stainless steel buttons such as the CDVI RTE-SS conform to the standard UK back-box format, and architrave models such as the RTE-AF have a narrow plate. The STP-SPB002F has a 19mm button almost flush to the plate for vandal resistance, and the RGL EBGBWC02/PTE has a large green dome and operates with a 4 Amp load at 30V AC/DC. Plastic buttons such as the CDVI BP-DOOR-S suit low to medium traffic and internal use.

Outdoor and weatherproof

For an external door, choose a sealed button. The RGL WP-EBGBWC02/PTE is IP66 and comes with a gasket and gland, the 3E Security 3E0650-GB-PTE is an illuminated 12VDC button sealed to IP66 with M16/20 conduit knockouts, and the CDVI RTE-EX green dome is rated IP65 and IK10. The STP-PTE-WP-VR has a NEMA 4X rated enclosure for outdoor use.

No-touch exit buttons

Infrared no-touch buttons release the door when a hand is waved close to them, which suits clean environments. The STP-NT200 has an adjustable proximity range of 4cm to 15cm and a door-open period of 0.5-20s or toggle mode, with an IP65 sensor unit. The Hikvision DS-K7P03/T detects at about 40–120 mm with a relay delay of about 1–25 s.

Emergency door release

RGL emergency door releases such as the EDR-3N use key reset operation rather than replacement glass and change to red on activation. The EDR-3N is triple pole, the EDR-1N single pole, and the WP-EDR-2 is a double-pole IP67 version for external use. The RGL DU-NT/TF pairs a no-touch exit sensor with a resettable emergency door release.

TypeExampleMountingRating or use
Stainless press to exitRTE-SSSurfaceInternal use
Architrave buttonRTE-AFFlushInternal use
Weatherproof green domeWP-EBGBWC02/PTESurface or flushIP66
No-touch infraredSTP-NT200FlushIP65 sensor unit
Emergency door releaseWP-EDR-2SurfaceIP67
Key switchKEY-SSMAKDSurface2 A @ 24 Vdc

Related categories

Exit buttons work with the locks in maglocks and door locks, and with the controllers and readers in access control systems. More parts are in access control accessories.

Brands we stock in Exit Buttons & Door Release

3E Security, Ajax, Bell System, CDVI, Comelit PAC, Dantech Electronic Engineering, Elmdene, Fermax, Hikvision, Hoyles, Kantech, Paxton Access, RGL Electronics, Safety Technology International, STP and Videx.

Frequently asked questions

How does a no-touch exit button work?

It uses an infrared proximity sensor, so the door releases when a hand is held close to the plate. The STP-NT200 has an illuminated halo that is normally red and goes green when activated, with an adjustable range of 4cm to 15cm. The Elmdene AMS-EBIR4-BG adjusts from 3 to 12cms, with a latch time from 0.5 to 20 seconds.

Which exit buttons can be fitted outside?

Choose a weatherproof model rated for external use. The RGL WP-EBGBWC02/PTO green dome is IP66 and specified for external use, the STP-SPB004S(W) has an IP66 rated green button, and the STI WSS3-9W04 is an IP67 waterproof push button. Many stainless steel buttons, such as the CDVI RTE-SS, are suitable for internal use only.

What is a resettable emergency door release?

It is an emergency release that is reset with a key after use instead of needing new glass. The RGL EDR-1N is a single pole 12/24V unit that is permanently lit and changes to red on activation or alarm, and the WP-EDR-2 is a double-pole IP67 version that ships with a reset key. The CDVI EM301LSKEY is a spare reset key for the EM301-LS.

Can one unit combine an exit button and an emergency release?

Yes, a combined unit puts the two on one plate. The CDVI DBB-22-04 pairs a large green dome request-to-exit button with a resettable double-pole emergency release, supplied with reset keys and a UK double-gang back-box. The RGL DU-SS/PTE combines a stainless press-to-exit button with a triple pole EDR with selectable audible or LED indicators.

What contacts does an exit button have?

Check the contact arrangement the door controller needs before choosing. The 3E Security 3E0656-1PTE has 1x normally open and 1x normally closed circuit, the RGL WP-EBGBWC02/PTO has double pole N/O - N/C contacts with a 4 AMP output at 30 V AC/DC, and the Kantech PB-EXIT has SPDT contacts that switch when the button is depressed and return when released.

What is a key switch used for in access control?

A key switch gives a keyholder a secure override or a way to enable and disable equipment. The RGL KS-1 is a latching on/off key switch with key removal in both positions, and the CDVI KEY-SSMAKD is a stainless 2-position maintained key switch with double-pole contacts rated 2 A @ 24 Vdc, supplied with two keys.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

You may also like

  • Fast shipping

    On every UK Order

  • Special Trade Discount

    Regular sales and discounts

  • WME Guarantee

    We provide warranty

  • Full Support

    Talk to a real person