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Exit Buttons

Exit buttons, also known as request-to-exit (REX) devices, allow occupants to safely unlock doors from the secured side. Proper selection ensures reliable operation, life-safety compliance, and smooth integration with your access control system.

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Fail-safe vs fail-secure door configuration
Door type and mounting location
Integration with controller inputs and timing rules
Local fire and life-safety code compliance
Durability and vandal-resistant requirements

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STI

SKU: NT-SS100-EN

STI NoTouch® Stainless Steel Switch, US Single-Gang, Door Symbol

Hands-free stainless steel switch with door symbol for access control
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STI

SKU: NT-SS101-EN

STI NT-SS101-EN NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Single-Gang EXIT

Contactless stainless steel exit switch, 12VDC, IP65 rated
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STI

SKU: NT-SS101-FR

STI NT-SS101-FR NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Single-Gang EXIT

Stainless steel contactless EXIT switch for touchless access control
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STI

SKU: NT-SS102-EN

STI NT-SS102-EN NoTouch® Stainless Steel Switch US Single-Gang

Hands-free stainless steel switch for access control, no touch required
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STI

SKU: NT-SS201-EN

STI NT-SS201-EN NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Double-Gang EXIT

Touchless stainless steel exit switch for hands-free access control
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STI

SKU: KIT-BB0SS

STI Slim/Mullion Surface Mount Back Box for NoTouch® Stainless Stee...

Slim surface mount back box for HID readers on stainless steel doors
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STI

SKU: KIT-BB1SS

STI US Single Gang Surface Mount Back Box for NoTouch® Stainless St...

Stainless steel surface mount back box for NoTouch® HID readers
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What to Look For When Buying

The decisions that matter most before you spec.

Life-Safety & Code Compliance

Exit buttons must comply with ADA, NFPA 101, and local fire codes. Ensure your selected device supports fail-safe operation (unlocks on power loss) and integrates with your building's emergency egress plan. Verify UL-listed status and testing reports before deployment.

Door Hardware Integration

Exit buttons work in concert with electric strikes, magnetic locks, and door relays. Select a button that matches your locking mechanism's voltage, current draw, and switching logic to avoid power-budget or control-signal conflicts.

Environmental & Durability Requirements

High-traffic facilities (schools, hospitals, airports) benefit from stainless-steel housings and HES or STI vandal-resistant models. Outdoor applications require IP65+ sealing; indoor institutional settings may demand antimicrobial finishes. Test expected button-press frequency (50K–500K cycles) against product ratings.

Control System Compatibility

Verify that your access-control panel supports the button's switch type (normally open, latching, momentary). Camden and HES buttons typically offer standard relay outputs; dual-function models may require dedicated reader-integration modules. Confirm wiring gauge and run-length from controller to button.

Power & Voltage Specifications

Most REX buttons operate at 12–24V DC, but some dual-function or illuminated models draw additional current for LEDs or reader components. Calculate total channel output load across all door hardware to prevent voltage drop or controller relay burnout at scale.

Audit Trail & Event Logging

Facilities requiring egress tracking or post-incident analysis should deploy REX buttons with integrated logging capabilities or paired with access-control software that timestamps every exit event. This supports compliance audits and security investigations.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect exit buttons performance.

Request-to-Exit (REX)

A switch or sensor that signals the access-control system to unlock a door from the secured side, allowing occupants to exit without authorization or a credential. Required for ADA compliance and life-safety egress.

Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure Operation

Fail-safe: door unlocks if power is lost (required for emergency egress). Fail-secure: door stays locked on power loss (used in high-security areas). Exit buttons typically default to fail-safe; verify your system's power-loss behavior.

Contact Rating (N.O. / N.C. / Latching)

Normally Open (N.O.): switch closes momentarily to trigger unlock. Normally Closed (N.C.): switch opens to signal exit. Latching: button press toggles a relay state. Confirm controller compatibility before installation.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

IP65 or higher required for outdoor or damp environments; IP54 acceptable for indoor institutional settings. Rated as XX where first digit = dust resistance (0–6), second = liquid resistance (0–9).

Cycle Rating & MTBF

Mechanical durability measured in button-press cycles (50K–500K typical). Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) indicates expected life in hours. High-traffic areas (schools, hospitals) require 300K+ ratings; standard commercial access control typically 100K–200K.

Programmable Logic & Relay Modules

Advanced REX buttons may support programmable time delays, anti-tailgate logic, or dual-credential requirements via optional relay or control-panel modules. Verify your system's support before selecting feature-rich models.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Hospital Emergency Department (ED)

40 exits across 8 secured doors (patient rooms, pharmacy, imaging). Deploy illuminated, stainless-steel REX buttons from HES (fail-safe operation) linked to electric strikes. Integrate with nurse-call and building-management systems for event logging.

K-12 School Classroom Lockdown

120 classrooms, each with one interior and one exterior exit button. Use STI vandal-resistant, ADA-compliant buttons on interior doors; wireless battery-powered buttons on emergency exits to avoid retrofit cabling. Sync with school surveillance system design for incident review.

Data Center Equipment Room

6 secured cage areas with motion-sensor REX buttons and magnetic locks. Deploy dual-function Camden buttons with card-reader confirmation to prevent accidental egress and audit every exit event for compliance audits.

Multi-Tenant Office Building

250 office suites and common areas using push-button REX devices across 15 floors. Centralize channel output control and relay logic on a building-wide panel. Pair with door-position sensors to monitor egress patterns and detect propped doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a request-to-exit (REX) button and a standard push-to-exit device?

A true REX button is a switch that signals your access-control system to unlock the door; the system itself enforces the unlock decision and logs the event. A passive push-to-exit (mechanical bypass) physically bypasses the lock without system awareness. REX buttons provide audit trails, fail-safe operation, and integration with life-safety systems, making them mandatory for ADA and NFPA compliance.

Can I use a wireless exit button as a retrofit without running new cable?

Yes, battery-powered wireless REX buttons eliminate the need for low-voltage wiring runs and are ideal for temporary or renovated spaces. However, wireless models introduce latency (typically 50–500 ms) and require regular battery maintenance. Verify that your access-control panel supports wireless protocol (433 MHz, WiFi, or proprietary) before deployment. Always maintain a wired fallback button for critical egress routes.

How do I prevent tailgating when using an exit button on a high-security door?

Deploy motion-sensor REX buttons or programmable anti-tailgate logic that limits button effectiveness to one exit per activation. Pair with door-position sensors or magnetic contact switches that detect door closure and reset the button. For maximum control, use dual-function buttons requiring both card credential and button press.

What happens to my exit button during a power failure?

Most REX buttons are wired to fail-safe (unlock on power loss) to comply with emergency egress codes. If your system loses power, the access-control relay de-energizes and the door unlocks immediately—button operation is unaffected. Verify your lock type and panel configuration support fail-safe behavior. Battery-powered or UPS-backed systems may offer fail-secure options for high-security applications.

Do I need a separate relay or output module for each exit button?

Most standard push-button REX devices integrate a simple normally-open switch and do not require a separate relay. However, if your button has integrated PIR sensors, illumination, or dual-function readers, it may draw significant current; consult your access-control panel's channel output specifications to confirm available voltage and amperage. Advanced features may require optional relay modules or dedicated power supplies.

How do I select a vandal-resistant exit button for a high-abuse environment?

Look for stainless-steel (304 or 316) construction, recessed or guarded button mechanisms, and a minimum 300K-cycle rating. Brands like STI and HES specialize in institutional-grade REX buttons with antimicrobial finishes and impact-resistant housings. Verify UL 294 or equivalent testing for your use case (correctional, psychiatric, or public-access facilities).

Exit Buttons

Plan Your Deployment

Showing Results for Exit Buttons

STI NoTouch® Stainless Steel Switch, US Single-Gang, Door Symbol

STI NT-SS101-EN NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Single-Gang EXIT

STI NT-SS101-FR NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Single-Gang EXIT

STI NT-SS102-EN NoTouch® Stainless Steel Switch US Single-Gang

STI NT-SS201-EN NoTouch Stainless Steel Switch Double-Gang EXIT

STI Slim/Mullion Surface Mount Back Box for NoTouch® Stainless Stee...

STI US Single Gang Surface Mount Back Box for NoTouch® Stainless St...

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