Introduction to the CDVI C3S11 and its key features
CDVI C3S11 — Surface Monitored Maglock, 300 kg, 12/24Vis a compact, surface-mounted electromagnetic lock designed for indoor access control applications where monitored status and fail-safe operation are required. With a 300 kg holding force, selectable 12/24 V DC operation, and a built-in changeover relay for lock status monitoring, the C3S11 is positioned as a practical choice for contractors, installers and facilities managers seeking a reliable, space-efficient maglock for internal doors, server rooms, office access points and retrofit projects.
The family of features that define the C3S11 include monitored lock status (COM / NO / NC), jumper-selectable voltage (12 V or 24 V DC), built-in varistor/back-EMF protection, compact physical dimensions and an indoor-oriented IP42 / IK10 rating. It is supplied ready to install with an armature plate, fixings and a fitting template, making it straightforward to integrate into common surface-mount installations.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
Understanding the C3S11’s specifications helps explain where it fits and why it delivers value in everyday access-control projects. Below is a breakdown of the main specification groups and the benefits they provide in real-world installations.
- Model:CDVI C3S11 — a purpose-built surface-mounted monitored electromagnetic lock.
- Supplied with:Armature plate (185 x 38 x 11 mm), fixings, template and fitting instructions. Benefit: reduces ordering complexity and speeds installation because the essential mechanical components are included.
- Voltage:12 / 24 V DC (jumper-selectable). Benefit: flexibility to work with common DC access-control power supplies; good for sites that standardise on either 12 V or 24 V.
- Current & power:≈480 mA @ 12 V DC; ≈240 mA @ 24 V DC (≈5.3 W). Benefit: predictable consumption that lets designers size power supplies and battery backups accurately—24 V operation reduces current draw and cabling losses.
- Protection:Built-in varistor/back-EMF protection. Benefit: guards control electronics against voltage spikes during switching events, helping to protect connected controllers and relays.
- Lock status monitoring:One changeover relay (COM / NO / NC). Benefit: direct, reliable status feedback to access panels, control systems or monitoring software—useful for alarm logging and remote diagnostics.
- Holding force:300 kg. Benefit: sufficient for most internal doors and light commercial applications where high-security external rating isn’t required.
- Magnet dimensions:250 x 43 x 27 mm (L x W x D). Benefit: compact footprint that works well on narrow frames and tight door-to-frame clearances.
- Armature plate:185 x 38 x 11 mm. Benefit: standard armature size compatible with many surface-mount brackets and retrofit brackets.
- Weight:≈1.75 kg. Benefit: light enough for straightforward surface mounting without heavy-duty supports.
- IP rating:IP42. Benefit: designed for indoor use where it is protected from direct water jets but can tolerate typical indoor dust levels.
- Impact rating:IK10. Benefit: strong resistance to mechanical impact, useful in higher-traffic internal areas where the unit could be bumped.
- Operating temperature:≈ −20°C to +60°C. Benefit: wide operating range suitable for most interior climates and server/plant rooms.
- Intended use:Indoor recommended. Benefit: optimised cost and size for internal doors rather than exposed external installations.
- Fire rating:EN 1634‑1 & 2 — 30 min. Benefit: fire-tested component for certain controlled emergency escape or building regulation scenarios (check local code for compliance requirements).
- Fail-safe operation:Unlocks on loss of power. Benefit: meets fire and life-safety expectations where doors must release to allow egress when power is lost.
- Datasheet & manual:CDVI C3S11 documentation available. Benefit: provides installation detail and wiring diagrams to ensure code-compliant setups.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The CDVI C3S11 is best suited to applications that prioritise monitored access, compact size and fail‑safe behaviour. Typical scenarios include:
- Internal office doors:For internal secure rooms where staff access control and door status monitoring are required but extremely high holding forces are unnecessary.
- Server and equipment rooms:Monitored lock status provides administrators with tamper or entry alerts; compact size helps fit into server-room door frames or retrofit brackets.
- Retrofit projects:Surface mount design and included fixings make it a convenient option where existing frames or doors do not allow in‑frame hardware or major carpentry work.
- Controlled access corridors and reception areas:The monitored relay integrates with access control panels to allow logging and interlocking sequences across multiple doors.
- Internal doors in retail, healthcare or schools:Where fail-safe release on power loss is required for safety or regulations while retaining monitored status during normal operation.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting a maglock, buyers typically weigh holding force, monitoring options, size, environmental rating and fail-safe vs fail-secure operation. The C3S11 competes strongly in the compact, monitored, fail‑safe category. Key comparison points:
- Holding force:At 300 kg the C3S11 is ideal for standard internal doors. Other maglocks offer 600 kg or 1200 kg holding force for external or high-security doors; those heavier units are larger, draw more power and are over‑specified for many internal uses.
- Monitored vs unmonitored:The built-in changeover relay gives the C3S11 an edge for systems that require explicit lock-status feedback. Simpler unmonitored maglocks may be cheaper but sacrifice monitoring and diagnostics.
- Voltage flexibility:Jumper-selectable 12/24 V is convenient—some competitor models are fixed to 12 V or 24 V which can complicate integration into mixed-voltage sites.
- Fail-safe vs fail-secure:This unit is fail-safe (unlocks on power loss), which aligns with life-safety expectations in many indoor installations. For perimeter doors where a locked state must persist during power outage, a fail-secure or mechanical lock would be required instead.
- Environmental rating:IP42 and IK10 make the C3S11 suitable for indoor, impact-prone settings. If external weatherproofing is needed, look to models with IP65/66 ratings or specialised enclosures.
Buying considerations and practical tips
- Power supply sizing:Account for the lock’s current draw (≈480 mA @ 12 V or ≈240 mA @ 24 V) and any ancillary devices when specifying the DC power source and battery backup for emergency release times.
- Door/frame alignment:Ensure accurate alignment and scrub fit to achieve full holding force. Use recommended mounting brackets if the frame is non-standard or if there are gaps between magnet and armature.
- Safety & code compliance:Confirm local fire and building codes for fail‑safe devices and emergency egress—check the EN 1634 fire test rating applicability for your jurisdiction.
Conclusion — why the CDVI C3S11 is a strong choice
The CDVI C3S11 surface monitored maglock offers a compelling balance of monitoring capability, compact form factor and fail‑safe operation for indoor access-control needs. Its 300 kg holding force is well-suited to internal doors and retrofit projects, while the jumper-selectable 12/24 V input and built-in changeover relay simplify integration into a wide range of access control systems.
For installers and specifiers who need a monitored maglock that is easy to fit, protects against electrical transients and supports life-safety fail‑safe behaviour, the C3S11 is a practical, cost-effective option. With correct installation and compatible control equipment, the C3S11 provides reliable performance for many everyday internal access-control scenarios.
