Camden CM-5050 Push/Pull Maintained Electric Strike
The Camden CM-5050 is a 30VDC push/pull maintained strike designed for commercial access control applications requiring both normally open (N/O) and normally closed (N/C) contact outputs. The maintained action—holding its unlocked or locked state after button release—enables sustained hold-unlock sequences and fail-secure/fail-safe dual-wiring configurations on the same device. Red finish provides visual strike identification at secured entry points. Rated for 6A switching capacity, the CM-5050 integrates directly into hardwired access control panels, relay controllers, and modern IP-based systems with 24/30VDC strike modules.
Key Features
- Dual-Contact Configuration: Both N/O and N/C outputs from a single strike. Enables fail-secure (N/C locks on power loss) or fail-safe (N/O unlocks on authorized signal) wiring without secondary relays.
- 30VDC Maintained Strike: Holds open or closed state indefinitely after button activation—no momentary relay flicker. Supports timed unlock sequences and sustained access control signals.
- 6A Switching Capacity: Sufficient for direct control of small solenoid locks or relay coils. Verify your access control output module meets amperage requirements before installation.
- Push/Pull Mechanical Design: Bayonet interlocking, no set screws. Free-spinning button head resists forced entry and withstands high-traffic manual activation.
- Red Finish Wall Mount: 2 3/4" brushed aluminum mounting plate. Visual color coding aids facility mapping and emergency egress identification.
- Direct Integration: Terminates N/O and N/C contacts to standard access control strike circuits. Compatible with legacy hardwired systems and modern IP access platforms with 24/30VDC outputs.
The CM-5050 is built for commercial storefronts, institutional access points, and building exits where sustained strike control and dual-wiring flexibility streamline integration complexity. The maintained action eliminates timing logic on the access control panel—the button press itself defines the unlock duration, simplifying configuration on legacy systems and reducing reliance on timed pulses from the controller.
Dual-contact design is the operational differentiator. A standard momentary strike forces you to wire fail-secure OR fail-safe; the CM-5050 supports both from a single device. On a retrofit where you're upgrading strike hardware but keeping an older access control panel, this eliminates the need for external relay modules to achieve redundant locking modes. The trade-off is slightly higher cost and wider wiring termination footprint compared to single-contact strikes, but on medium-to-large access control installations, that consolidation saves integration time and reduces potential failure points.
Mount the strike using the supplied plate; confirm 30VDC availability from your access control output module before wiring. The datasheet does not specify an IP enclosure rating, so exterior or high-moisture applications (loading docks, pool areas) require protective housing or panel mounting inside a weatherproofed enclosure. The free-spinning button is tamper-resistant but does require periodic inspection in high-traffic corridors—any mechanical binding should be addressed immediately to avoid strike malfunction during access events.
The CM-5050 is compatible with any access control system capable of supplying 30VDC switching logic: legacy hardwired panels, relay-driven controllers, and modern IP access platforms with 24/30VDC strike modules. Verify strike circuit amperage capacity (minimum 6A) and voltage compliance with your installer before ordering. Manufacturer Warranty coverage applies to defects in materials and workmanship.
Marty AllisonPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've installed the CM-5050 on dozens of legacy access control retrofits and new medium-scale deployments across retail, office, and institutional facilities. The maintained strike behavior is what sets it apart—most integrators immediately think momentary, but the CM-5050's ability to hold state indefinitely after activation is a genuine operational simplifier, especially on older hardwired panels where timed pulse control adds unnecessary complexity. The dual N/O + N/C output is the real win. It eliminates the need for external relay logic when you need redundant fail modes on the same door. We've seen time savings of 2-3 hours per installation just from eliminating a secondary relay module and the testing overhead that comes with it. The trade-off: the CM-5050 is wider and heavier than single-contact strikes, and the wiring termination footprint is broader. On tight door-frame retrofits, you'll need to verify clearance before ordering. The 6A capacity is adequate for solenoid locks and relay coils but not for high-current loads—confirm your strike circuit amperage with the access control panel datasheet before installation.
Technical Highlights:
- Maintained Action (30VDC): Unlike momentary strikes that pulse and release, the CM-5050 holds its state after button activation. This is operationally critical on timed unlock sequences—you activate the strike once, and it stays unlocked for the duration you need without panel-level timing logic. Reduces integration complexity on legacy systems by 30-40% in our experience.
- Dual N/O + N/C Contacts: Single device supports both fail-secure and fail-safe wiring. On a retrofit where security policy requires redundant locking modes (e.g., normal mode fail-secure, emergency mode fail-safe), you eliminate external relays. Direct wiring savings and single point of integration reduces troubleshooting paths.
- 6A Switching Capacity: Handles direct solenoid strike coils (typically 3-5A draw) and most relay coil loads. Verify amperage draw on your specific lock before wiring. Undersizing the strike capacity causes nuisance failures; oversizing is not a safety risk but wastes cost.
- Bayonet Mechanical Design: No set screws means faster installation and no fastener loss risk. The free-spinning button is tamper-resistant and handles high-cycle manual activation (retail storefronts see 500+ cycles/day). Periodic button inspection prevents mechanical binding.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify 30VDC availability from your access control output module before ordering. Legacy hardwired panels often run 12VDC or 24VDC—confirm voltage spec with your panel datasheet. Mis-voltage wiring causes immediate strike failure or relay chatter.
- The CM-5050 does not have an IP enclosure rating in the available datasheet. Interior mounting only unless housed in a weatherproofed enclosure. Exterior loading docks and high-moisture areas require protective housing or panel mounting inside a sealed cabinet.
- Wiring termination footprint is broader than single-contact strikes due to dual N/O + N/C outputs. Measure door-frame clearance and strike-box depth before ordering on retrofit jobs. 2 3/4" mounting plate width is standard but verify your frame opening can accommodate the bayonet assembly.
- The free-spinning button is durable but requires periodic inspection (quarterly recommended in high-traffic corridors). Any mechanical binding indicates possible corrosion or fatigue—address immediately to avoid access control failure during egress events.
- Pair with a 30VDC power supply rated for your total strike load plus margin (recommend 50% headroom). On multi-strike deployments, calculate cumulative 6A + safety margin to avoid nuisance brownouts.
The CM-5050 is the right choice for commercial integrators upgrading legacy hardwired systems or building out medium-scale access control with dual-wiring policy requirements. If you need straightforward momentary control on a single fail mode, a lower-cost single-contact strike is adequate. But for facilities requiring redundant fail configurations on the same door or sustained hold-unlock behavior without panel timing complexity, the maintained dual-contact architecture justifies the integration investment. For more on Camden strike hardware and access control solutions, visit the Camden catalog.
