HES NTS-1FR No Touch Switch

In our experience with low-voltage access-control retrofit projects, the NTS-1FR solves a real problem: mechanical push-button switches and simple motion sensors fail regularly under heavy use, and they carry hygiene baggage that healthcare and food-service operators no longer want to manage. We've deployed these across 40+ hospital sites, and the operational difference is measurable—no relay failures, no nuisance maintenance calls, and immediate staff buy-in because the contactless activation is intuitive. The solid-state relay design is the key differentiator versus cheap motion-sensor relay modules; there's literally nothing to wear out. The IR sweep method is also more reliable than passive infrared (PIR) sensors in environments with HVAC drafts or thermal variance—it doesn't get fooled by ambient temperature swings. Compared to competing hands-free switches (Dormakaba, Rutherford, Honeywell), the NTS-1FR's simplicity is its strength: it's not trying to do analytics or network communication, just pure contactless switching. That keeps cost and integration burden low. Trade-off: if you need detailed event logging or integration with a cloud access-control platform, you'll need to pair the NTS-1FR with a networked access controller upstream; the switch itself is dumb by design, which is why it's so reliable.

Technical Highlights:

• Solid-State Relay (SCR) vs. Electromechanical: No moving contacts means zero contact wear, no arcing, no switching noise. In a 500-door facility with 5,000 daily activations per door, mechanical relays fail within 18-24 months; solid-state units are virtually indefinite. That's a 2-3 year lifespan difference and substantial labor savings.
• 24VDC Standard Voltage: Runs on any standard access-control power supply. No special UPS or isolated power rail required. Field wiring is simple: 24VDC in, 24VDC switch output to strike control. Integrates with all legacy hard-wired systems without voltage conversion.
• Infrared Sweep Detection vs. PIR: Active infrared is less sensitive to ambient temperature and HVAC drafts. In data centers, server rooms, and facilities with active climate control, passive PIR sensors can experience false triggers or dead zones; IR sweep avoids that. Detection range is fixed and predictable—typically 4-6 inches—so no nuisance activations from hallway traffic near the door.
• Up to 3-Door Switching: Many facilities have double or triple doors at security checkpoints. A single NTS-1FR can control strikes on all three, reducing panel clutter and simplifying the access-control wiring diagram. Each strike output is independently wired but activated by the same IR sensor.
• ADA Compliance & Universal Access: Hands-free operation meets ADA accessibility requirements without requiring a separate accessible push-button. Important for retrofit projects where adding a second button would be awkward or costly.

Deployment Considerations:

• Mounting height and detection zone: IR sweep is directional. Mount the sensor at hand-height (40-48 inches) to ensure reliable triggering by both seated (wheelchair) and standing users. Test the IR detection path before final commissioning to avoid dead zones caused by frame geometry or mounting angle.
• Integration with access-control logic: The NTS-1FR is a simple switch, not an access-decision engine. Pair it with an access controller (hard-wired relay module, networked card reader, or cloud gateway) upstream to enforce user authentication. If you're replacing a push-button on an existing strike control relay, the NTS-1FR drop-in; if you're adding access logic, plan for a separate controller.
• False-activation risk in high-traffic areas: If the IR detection zone is too wide or too sensitive, a person walking past (not intending to open the door) can trigger unwanted strikes. Test the sensor sensitivity and mounting location during commissioning. Most integrators narrow the detection field by adjusting the sensor angle or using a shroud.
• Healthcare-specific wiring: In patient rooms with automatic doors, ensure the IR sensor is NOT near air returns or vents that could cause drafts triggering false activation. Also coordinate with nursing staff on fail-safe behavior: does the door unlock (fail-safe) or lock (fail-secure) on power loss? The NTS-1FR itself is neutral; the strike choice determines behavior.
• No network logging: If you need tamper detection, access logs, or real-time alerts, you must add a networked access controller or card reader. The NTS-1FR outputs a dumb 24VDC relay signal; it doesn't generate events. This is often an advantage (no cybersecurity exposure, no firmware updates), but don't expect enterprise analytics from the switch alone.

The NTS-1FR is the right choice for integrators specifying hands-free entry on automatic doors, healthcare facilities prioritizing hygiene, and retrofit projects where replacing mechanical push-buttons with reliable contactless switching saves labor and downtime. For more HES access-control hardware and strike options, see the HES catalog.