Our break glass call points and emergency door release units are designed for access control, electronic locking and associated door-control systems. The range includes illuminated emergency door releases, resettable call points, weatherproof units, key-operated controls, protective covers and combined exit-button assemblies.

Although they are commonly referred to throughout the trade as break glass units, many modern emergency door release devices use a resettable operating element rather than a replaceable glass panel. Once activated, these units can be reset with the appropriate key, helping to reduce maintenance time and the need to carry replacement glass.

These products are intended for professional access control and door-system installations. The correct device, switching arrangement and method of operation must be determined by the system design, escape requirements and connected locking equipment.

Emergency Door Release Call Points

An emergency door release call point provides a clearly identified manual control that can be used to release compatible electronically locked doors during an emergency.

Our illuminated emergency door release range includes:

• EDR-1N Single-Pole Emergency Door Release – a resettable illuminated call point with a single-pole switching arrangement.

• EDR-2N Double-Pole Emergency Door Release – provides double-pole switching where the system design requires two separate contact arrangements.

• EDR-3N Triple-Pole Emergency Door Release – a triple-pole version for compatible installations requiring additional switching contacts.

These call points have illuminated “Emergency Door Release” identification, which remains visible during normal operation and changes when the unit is activated. Integrated audible indication also provides local confirmation that the call point has been operated.

The number of switching poles should be selected according to the required wiring arrangement. A higher number of poles does not automatically make a unit more suitable; it simply provides additional contacts for systems that require them.

Illuminated and Audible Emergency Call Points

Where greater status visibility is required, the EDR-IL-TP Illuminated Emergency Exit Call Point provides triple-pole switching, LED indication and an integrated audible indicator.

It is designed for compatible 12VDC and 24VDC access control systems and uses a resettable operating mechanism. This makes it suitable for internal installations where engineers require a clearly visible emergency release point without the ongoing need to replace broken glass.

Before connecting an illuminated or audible call point, check the available supply voltage and current capacity. The call point’s supply requirements must be included when calculating the total load placed on the power supply.

Resettable Break Glass Call Points

Resettable call points provide the familiar operation of a break glass unit but use a reusable operating element. After activation and system testing, the call point can be reinstated using its reset key.

The O-MCP-2N Resettable Manual Call Point is a double-pole unit supplied with interchangeable legends for compatible emergency control and signalling applications. Potential uses include emergency door release, smoke ventilation and other designated control functions, subject to the system specification.

For smoke ventilation applications, the SV-MCP-2N Smoke Vent Call Point has an orange housing and dedicated smoke-vent identification. It provides double-pole switching, a resettable mechanism and selectable audible and LED indication.

The B-MCP-2N Lockdown Manual Call Point is intended for compatible internal lockdown and manual signalling arrangements. Its blue housing helps distinguish it from emergency door release and fire-related controls.

Call point colour should not be used as the only way of determining function. The product legend, contact arrangement, connected equipment and documented system operation must all match the intended application.

Weatherproof Emergency Door Release

Internal call points should not be installed in exposed locations unless their enclosure has an appropriate ingress-protection rating.

The WP-EDR-2 Weatherproof Emergency Call Point is a double-pole resettable unit housed in an IP67-rated enclosure. It is intended for outdoor or demanding environments where protection against water and dust ingress is required.

Typical applications may include external access-controlled doors, gates and exposed entrances. The complete installation, including cable entries, glands and fixings, must be completed in a way that maintains the required environmental protection.

Key-Operated Emergency Door Release Controls

Key switches provide controlled operation where a function should only be available to authorised personnel. They may be used for reset, override, isolation or door-release control, depending on the connected system.

The collection includes:

• KS-EDR-S Single-Pole Emergency Door Release Key Switch – a two-position green key switch with single-pole voltage-free contacts.

• KS-EDR-D Double-Pole Emergency Door Release Key Switch – a double-pole alternative for systems requiring two switching circuits.

• KS-B-S Blue Single-Pole Key Switch and KS-B-D Blue Double-Pole Key Switch – key-operated controls supplied with interchangeable legends for compatible override and control applications.

• KS-O-S Orange Single-Pole Key Switch and KS-O-D Orange Double-Pole Key Switch – orange key switches for suitably identified control functions.

• KS-FVE-3 Three-Position Fire Vent Extract Key Switch – a three-position latching control specifically identified for compatible fire-vent and smoke-control applications.

The position in which a key can be removed, the switching action and the contact arrangement should all be checked before ordering.

Combined Push-to-Exit and Emergency Release Units

A standard push-to-exit button and an emergency door release perform different functions. The normal exit button is used for everyday operation, while the emergency release provides a separate control for the locking circuit according to the system design.

Combined assemblies place both controls together on one clearly arranged unit:

• DU-SS/PTE Dual Push-to-Exit and Emergency Door Release – a surface-mounted assembly combining a stainless steel push-to-exit control with an emergency release.

• DU-GB/PTE Dual Green Dome and Emergency Door Release – a surface-mounted unit combining a green dome control with an emergency release call point.

These units can help create a tidier installation where both controls are required at the same doorway. Each part of the assembly must still be connected according to its intended function.

The SREB-YB Self-Resetting Push-to-Exit Button provides a separate double-pole exit control with a stainless steel faceplate and an IP65-rated switch for suitable internal or external locations.

For other everyday exit controls, visit our Push Buttons and Domes collection.

Vandal-Resistant Emergency Exit Controls

High-traffic and demanding environments may require a more robust operating device.

The VP-EEB Vandal-Resistant Emergency Exit Button has a stainless steel construction, green dome actuator and double-pole contacts. It is intended for compatible installations where a durable emergency exit control is required.

The required method of operation should be checked carefully before using a button in place of a conventional resettable call point. Different products can have different reset, timing and switching behaviour.

Emergency Call Point Covers

A protective cover can help reduce accidental or unwanted call point operation while keeping the device accessible.

The EDR-COVER-N Emergency Call Point Cover is intended to protect a compatible call point from unintended activation and everyday contact. Compatibility with the particular call point should be confirmed before ordering.

A cover must not prevent the device from being identified, accessed or operated as required by the system design.

Break Glass Units for Maglocks and Access Control

Emergency door release call points are frequently installed alongside fail-safe electromagnetic locking systems. Depending on the approved design, activating the device may directly interrupt power to the lock or operate a separate input or relay.

Do not assume that every break glass unit can be connected to every lock in the same way. Before installation, confirm:

• Whether the locking device is fail safe or fail secure

• The operating voltage of the system

• The call point’s contact rating

• Whether single, double or triple-pole switching is required

• Whether the circuit expects normally open or normally closed contacts

• How the call point is reset after operation

• Whether illuminated or audible indication is required

• Whether the installation is internal or exposed

• The intended cause-and-effect operation

• The inspection and testing requirements

Compatible locking products can be found in our Maglocks, Electric Strikes and Shearlocks and Bolts collections.

Fire Alarm and Door-Release Integration

A local emergency door release and a fire alarm interface serve different purposes. Where a door must also respond to the building’s fire alarm, the required interface should be incorporated into the approved system design.

Our Fire Alarm Components include fire relays, fused output boards, isolation switches and emergency controls for compatible access control and automatic door installations.

Suitable Power Supply Units and 12V Sealed Lead Acid Batteries are also available for equipment designed to accept standby battery power.

Shop Break Glass Call Points Online

Door Access Supplies stocks resettable break glass call points, illuminated emergency door releases, weatherproof call points, key switches, call point covers and combined exit-control assemblies for professional door and access control installations.

Browse the products above to compare contact configurations, operating methods and installation options, or explore our complete range of Access Control Parts.