We've deployed the CM-1170 across retrofit installations where integrators needed to consolidate a key switch and door strike into a single wired output without adding external relay boards. The dual-contact design—one momentary, one maintained—is a subtle but real convenience: in many emergency exit scenarios, you need both an audible alert pulse and sustained strike power from the same physical keyway. The CM-1170 handles both without forcing you to spec a separate relay module or build custom logic on the panel. That said, it's a passive switch, not a smart device. If you need conditional switching (strike energizes only during business hours, or based on cardholder role), you'll need to layer in a logic module or program the behavior on the access control platform itself. The module itself just closes two pairs of contacts when the key turns. On a 30-door retrofit where every door has a strike and an alarm output, using these modules instead of external relays saves approximately $80–120 in hardware per door and reduces panel termination points by roughly 40%. We've also seen integrators pair the CM-1170 with wireless exit devices or mag locks in constrained spaces (narrow mullions, shallow frames) where there's no room for a traditional relay module. The key thing to verify before spec'ing is that the customer's access control panel actually supports dedicated switch-input terminals—many older systems don't, and a missed check here means a retrofit change order.

Technical Highlights:

• 30VDC Operating Voltage: Aligns with standard access control power supplies. Most integrators already have 30VDC rails; no additional power conversion required. Check the controller datasheet to confirm the input accepts 30VDC closure—some older panels expect 12VDC or relay contact closure only.
• Momentary vs. Maintained Contact Separation: Two independent SPDT pairs allow you to route the momentary signal to a buzzer or chime relay and the maintained signal directly to the strike solenoid. No external relay cross-wiring needed. This is especially valuable in retrofit work where you're retrofitting a second strike or alert device onto an existing reader circuit.
• Mortise Cylinder Compatibility (1", 1 1/8", 1 1/4"): Standard sizes available from multiple manufacturers. Integrators rarely need to special-order cylinders, and rekeying to match existing door hardware is straightforward. Confirm keying master key before installation to avoid multiple visits.
• Tamperproof Hardware Included: The scrrew driver is supplied, but tamperproof fasteners add only minimal security—a determined attacker can still bypass the lock with the right tools. Don't rely on the CM-1170 alone to protect against determined tampering; mount it in a locked enclosure or behind a secure reader bezel.
• Passive, No Power Draw: The switch itself draws no power; it simply completes two independent circuits at 30VDC. Power consumption is determined entirely by the devices connected to the maintained and momentary outputs (strike solenoid, buzzer, relay coil, etc.). Size your power supply and panel inputs accordingly.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your access control panel has two independent switch-input terminals (one for momentary function, one for maintained). Older systems with only relay contact input or RS-485 protocol inputs will require a gateway or conversion module—the CM-1170 won't integrate directly.
• Wire the two contact pairs separately, and label them clearly at the panel termination block (e.g., "Door Release Momentary" and "Strike Maintained"). Don't cross-wire or tie the contacts together; the momentary signal will chatter and cause false buzzer or alert activations.
• Confirm the key cylinder keying strategy with the end user and facilities team before installation. Rekeying a mortise cylinder post-installation is inexpensive but disruptive; get it right the first time by coordinating with the master key audit.
• Do not install outdoors or in high-humidity, corrosive environments without verifying enclosure protection separately. The CM-1170 itself offers no weatherproofing; mounting enclosure rating is your responsibility.
• Test both contacts under load before final sign-off. Wire a test relay or solenoid to each contact pair, energize the panel, and confirm the momentary contact pulses briefly while the maintained contact holds state. A failed test at handoff is far easier to remedy than a callback after the end user has fully occupied the space.

The CM-1170 is ideal for integrators working on access control retrofits or expansions where door strike consolidation is a priority and your platform supports switch-level inputs. It's not a smart device, but it's reliable, compact, and cost-effective for traditional key-switch + strike scenarios. Explore the full Camden catalog for complementary readers, electric strikes, and power-supply solutions to complete your system.