What is a press to exit button?
A press to exit button is a door release switch used to allow authorised occupants to exit through an access-controlled door. Also known as a request to exit button, RTE button, PTE button, or door release button, it is normally installed on the secure side of a door and connected to an access control system, electric lock, magnetic lock, relay, or door controller.
Press to exit buttons are widely used in commercial buildings, offices, schools, healthcare sites, apartment blocks, industrial premises, public sector buildings, and other locations where controlled access is required.
How does a press to exit button work?
A press to exit button works by sending a signal to the access control system or locking device when pressed. This signal tells the system to release the door for a short period, allowing the user to exit safely.
In a typical access control installation, the outside of the door may be controlled by a keypad, proximity reader, card reader, intercom, or access control panel. On the inside of the door, the press to exit button allows people to leave without needing to use a credential.
Depending on the system design, the button may release a magnetic lock, activate an electric strike, trigger a timer relay, signal a door controller, or operate an automatic door system.
Where are press to exit buttons installed?
Press to exit buttons are usually fitted on the secure side of an access-controlled door, close to the exit route and in a position that is easy for users to reach.
Common locations include:
- Office entrance doors
- Reception doors
- Internal access control doors
- School and college doors
- Healthcare buildings
- Apartment communal entrances
- Staff-only areas
- Store rooms
- Restricted access rooms
- Commercial and industrial premises
The exact location and type of button should be chosen to suit the door, users, building layout, and escape route requirements.
Types of press to exit buttons
There are several types of press to exit buttons available, each suited to different applications.
Stainless steel press to exit buttons
Stainless steel press to exit buttons are durable and professional in appearance, making them suitable for commercial, industrial, and public building installations. They are commonly available in flush mount and surface mount versions.
Plastic press to exit buttons
Plastic press to exit buttons are a cost-effective option for general access control applications. They are often used in offices, residential developments, and light commercial environments.
Green dome press to exit buttons
Green dome buttons provide a clear and recognisable exit button style. They are often used where a large, easy-to-identify button is required.
Touch-sensitive exit buttons
Touch-sensitive exit buttons use electronic activation rather than a traditional mechanical push button. They are often chosen for modern installations where a cleaner appearance or reduced mechanical wear is preferred.
Illuminated press to exit buttons
Illuminated buttons provide a visible indication that helps users identify the exit button, especially in lower-light environments or busy access-controlled areas.
Narrow press to exit buttons
Narrow buttons are useful where space is limited, such as on door frames, narrow profiles, or areas where a standard 85mm square button is not suitable.
Wireless press to exit buttons
Wireless press to exit buttons are useful where running cable between the button and control equipment is difficult or impractical. They are normally used with a compatible wireless receiver module.
What Contacts Do Press to Exit Buttons Use?
Most press to exit buttons provide switch contacts such as COM, NO, and NC.
- COM means common.
- NO means normally open.
- NC means normally closed.
These contacts allow the button to be connected in different ways depending on the access control system, lock type, relay, or controller being used.
A normally open contact closes when the button is pressed. A normally closed contact opens when the button is pressed. The correct wiring depends on the system design and the equipment being connected.
Can a press to exit button be used with a magnetic lock?
Yes. Press to exit buttons are commonly used with magnetic locks. When the button is pressed, the access control system, relay, or power supply interrupts power to the maglock, allowing the door to release.
Because magnetic locks are fail-safe, they release when power is removed. A complete system may also require an emergency door release unit, fire alarm interface, and suitable power supply depending on the door and application.
Can a press to exit button be used with an electric strike?
Yes. Press to exit buttons can also be used with electric strikes and electric release locks. In this type of installation, pressing the button sends a release signal to the strike or to the access control controller, allowing the door latch to be released.
The wiring will depend on whether the electric strike is fail-safe or fail-secure and how the access control system is designed.
Press to exit button vs emergency door release unit
A press to exit button and an emergency door release unit are not the same thing.
A press to exit button is used for normal day-to-day exit control. It allows users to request the door to unlock as part of the access control system.
An emergency door release unit is used as a safety device to release the door in an emergency or fault condition. It is normally installed as part of the escape route release arrangement and should be selected and installed according to the requirements of the site.
In many access control installations, both devices may be required.
Do press to exit buttons need power?
Basic mechanical press to exit buttons do not usually need their own power supply because they operate as a switch. However, illuminated buttons, touch-sensitive buttons, timer buttons, and wireless buttons may require power depending on the model.
Always check the product specification before installation.
Choosing the right press to exit button
Before choosing a press to exit button, consider:
- Door type and installation location
- Flush mount or surface mount installation
- Standard or narrow faceplate size
- Mechanical, touch-sensitive, illuminated, or wireless operation
- COM / NO / NC contact requirements
- Indoor or outdoor suitability
- Expected usage level
- Compatibility with the access control system
- Whether emergency release equipment is also required
Choosing the correct button helps ensure reliable operation, a tidy installation, and convenient exit control for users.
Press to exit buttons and access control
Press to exit buttons are an important part of many access control and door entry systems. They provide a simple way for authorised occupants to exit a secured area while allowing the access control system to manage the locking device.
They are commonly used with magnetic locks, electric strikes, electric releases, access control keypads, proximity readers, intercom systems, power supplies, timers, relays, and door controllers.
Browse our range of press to exit buttons, touch-sensitive exit buttons, emergency door release units, magnetic locks, electric releases, and access control power supplies to find suitable products for your installation.