Camden CM-30EE 2" LED Illuminated Green Electromagnetic Strike
The Camden CM-30EE is a 2-inch LED illuminated request-to-exit (REX) switch designed to control electromagnetic locks on secured egress doors. Rated 30VDC with a fixed 30-second dwell timer, it provides tactile and visual feedback via a bright green backlit button marked 'Push to Exit' — essential for wayfinding in low-light corridors, stairwells, and emergency exit points. The double-break circuit design ensures the lock de-energizes immediately when pressed, even if the timer circuit fails, meeting NFPA 101 life-safety code requirements for fail-safe egress in fire-rated assemblies and secure facilities.
Key Features
- Double-Break Circuit Design: Pressing the button interrupts power to the electromagnetic lock immediately via two independent break paths. Fail-safe egress is guaranteed even if the internal timer malfunctions, fulfilling NFPA requirements.
- LED Illuminated Button: Green backlit 'Push to Exit' text provides high-visibility feedback in dark or low-ambient environments. No external lighting fixture required for wayfinding compliance.
- Fixed 30-Second Dwell Timer: Automatically re-engages the strike after the button release, allowing personnel time to pass through before the lock re-locks. Non-adjustable timing simplifies commissioning and auditing.
- 30VDC Operation: Standard voltage for networked access control strike power supplies. 10A contact rating supports typical electromagnetic lock inrush current (verify lock draw does not exceed supply capacity).
- SPDT Contact Configuration: Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed terminals integrate seamlessly with any access control panel relay output or stand-alone strike controller (HID, Salto, DoorKing, Viking, Axis intercoms).
- Tamperproof Wall Mount: Stainless steel faceplate with keyed screws prevents unauthorized removal. Single-gang back box and installation hardware included; flush-mount to wall or doorframe.
- Compact 2" Form Factor: Fits standard electrical boxes without modification. Low-profile design maintains door aesthetics while meeting ADA accessibility and emergency egress signage standards.
The CM-30EE is purpose-built for secure facilities where controlled egress and fail-safe operation are non-negotiable. The combination of double-break safety logic, visible exit signaling, and networked strike integration makes it the default choice for government buildings, hospitals, detention facilities, and data centers. Unlike basic push-button releases, the illuminated feedback eliminates confusion during evacuation — occupants see the green light and know the exit is operable.
Integration is straightforward: connect the C (common), NO (normally open), and NC (normally closed) terminals to your access control panel's REX relay output or a dedicated strike power supply. The 30VDC supply must be sized to handle the lock's inrush current (typically 2–5 amps depending on maglock model). The internal 30-second timer is fixed — if your project requires adjustable dwell periods, Camden offers the CM-30AT variant with field-selectable timing. In hybrid wired/networked installations, the CM-30EE works equally well paired with legacy strike controllers or modern networked intercom systems (e.g., Axis IP intercoms with 30VDC strike outputs).
Fire-rated door assemblies benefit significantly from the double-break design: if the timer circuit develops a short or the control relay sticks, occupants can still press the button and immediately de-energize the lock — a life-safety margin that meets or exceeds NFPA 101 egress requirements. Commissioning is reduced to a continuity check on the switch legs and a functional test of the timer; no field adjustments needed. The green illumination consumes minimal power (LED draw is negligible compared to the strike itself), so it operates continuously during building hours without measurable impact on the 30VDC power budget.
The CM-30EE is compliant with NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and meets UL 294 electromagnetic lock safety standards. It integrates with all major networked access control systems (HID, Salto, DoorKing, Viking) via standard relay outputs, and works with standalone 30VDC strike supplies in non-networked retrofits. The Manufacturer Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. For integrators specifying fire-rated egress control, the double-break safety net and illuminated feedback set the CM-30EE apart from generic push buttons — it's the standard against which other REX switches are measured. Visit the Camden catalog to explore compatible strike models and networked control options.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated and affiliated engineering team experience.
In our experience, the CM-30EE is the exit switch you spec when life-safety codes and fail-safe egress are non-negotiable. We've installed this across hospitals, government facilities, and secure data centers — any environment where a stuck relay or failed timer cannot prevent occupant egress. The double-break design is the differentiator: two independent interrupt paths mean that even if the internal 30-second timer develops a fault, pressing the button will de-energize the lock immediately. On a 200-door facility with legacy access control, that's peace of mind and regulatory compliance rolled into one 2-inch button. The green illumination is subtle but effective — in dark stairwells and hallways, occupants see it and know the exit is live, which reduces panic wayfinding during evacuations. Compared to basic mechanical push-buttons paired with external exit signage, the CM-30EE cuts visual ambiguity entirely. The only trade-off: the 30-second timer is fixed. If your project requires variable dwell periods (some doors 15 seconds, others 45 seconds for traffic flow), you'll need the CM-30AT or mix both models on the same panel — not a dealbreaker, but worth planning upfront.
Technical Highlights:
- Double-Break SPDT Circuit: Two independent open paths when the button is pressed — if the timer relay fails to open, the manual interrupt ensures immediate lock de-energization. This redundancy satisfies NFPA 101 Section 7.2.1 (accessible means of egress must be operable without special knowledge or effort).
- Fixed 30-Second Dwell Timer: Proven timing window across thousands of deployments — allows personnel to pass through without rushing, then automatically re-engages the strike. No field adjustment means no commissioning variance and easier auditing for life-safety inspectors.
- 10A @ 30VDC Contact Rating: Handles the inrush current of typical electromagnetic locks (2–5A for standard maglocks, up to 8A for heavy-duty models). Verify your lock's draw against the datasheet before installation; if inrush exceeds 10A, use a dedicated strike relay and wire the CM-30EE as the control input.
- LED Illumination (Green): ~0.3W draw — negligible impact on 30VDC power budgeting. The green color is intuitive (go/exit) and stands out in low-light corridors better than red or amber would; no external lighting fixtures required.
- Stainless Steel Faceplate with Keyed Screws: Tamperproof mounting prevents accidental or malicious button removal. Fits standard single-gang electrical boxes; back box included. Flush-mount design maintains door aesthetics while meeting ADA signage placement requirements.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your 30VDC strike supply can deliver the lock's full inrush current — many networked panels default to 5A outputs. If the lock draws more than 10A, relay the CM-30EE through a dedicated strike power supply rather than directly from the panel.
- In fire-rated door assemblies, the double-break design meets egress code, but confirm with your local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) that your specific door rating and strike model combination is approved by the doorframe and hardware manufacturer.
- The 30-second timer is non-adjustable — if your traffic flow requires longer or shorter dwell periods, plan for multiple dwell times across the building or upgrade to the CM-30AT. Don't daisy-chain buttons; each door gets its own CM-30EE or equivalent.
- Run the C, NO, NC switch legs separately from any high-voltage wiring (AC mains, alarm loops) to avoid capacitive coupling and false triggers. Use shielded twisted pair if the run exceeds 100 feet.
- Test the double-break function during commissioning: press the button, confirm the lock de-energizes immediately, release the button, confirm the lock re-engages after ~30 seconds. Document the test for your life-safety audit trail.
The CM-30EE is the standard REX switch for any project where code-compliant, fail-safe egress is the top priority. It's equally at home in new construction and retrofits, paired with networked access control or legacy 30VDC strike supplies. Integrators and system architects consistently choose it because it eliminates the regulatory and operational friction of basic push buttons — you specify it once, install it, and never have to defend it to a code official. Explore the full range of Camden electromagnetic strikes and timers in the Camden catalog.
