Switches for Access Control & Automatic Doors

Key Switches

Key switches provide authorised users with secure control over automatic doors, access control equipment, smoke ventilation systems and other building services. Unlike an ordinary push button, a keyswitch restricts operation to someone holding the correct key, helping to prevent unauthorised changes to door modes or safety-related controls.

Our range includes automatic door keyswitches, access control override switches, fire and smoke ventilation controls, emergency door release switches and red/green LED indicator plates. Options include on/off, two-position, three-position and four-position controls, along with single-pole and double-pole switching arrangements.

These products are intended for professional installers, automatic door engineers, access control specialists and building maintenance teams working in commercial and public buildings.

Automatic Door Key Switches

Automatic door keyswitches allow authorised personnel to select or override the operating mode of an entrance. Depending on the automatic door operator and switch configuration, the available modes may include automatic operation, hold open, one-way traffic, two-way traffic or switching the system off.

The EXT/AP/KS-3 Three-Position Slimline Automatic Door Keyswitch provides maintained HOLD OPEN, OFF and AUTO positions. It uses voltage-free switching contacts and has a stainless steel faceplate with an aluminium extrusion housing. Surface and flush mounting options are available, making it suitable for fitting alongside a narrow door frame or entrance profile.

The AP/KS-3 Three-Position Slimline Keyswitch offers AUTO, ON and OFF positions in a compact architrave-mounted format. For a simpler two-position control, the AP/KS-1 On/Off Slimline Keyswitch provides maintained ON and OFF operation.

The correct operating legend should always match the functions supported by the automatic door operator and the way the switch has been wired.

Jamb-Mounted Automatic Door Keyswitches

Jamb keyswitches use a wider faceplate and can be fitted within or alongside the door frame. They are useful where a slim architrave switch is not required or where a larger, clearly marked mode selector is preferred.

Available options include:

The JMB/KS-4 provides OFF, 2 WAY, 1 WAY and HOLD OPEN positions, giving authorised staff control over the main operating modes of a compatible automatic entrance.

The JMB range uses stainless steel faceplates, voltage-free contacts and latching operation. The switches are supplied with back boxes and can be installed using suitable surface or flush mounting arrangements.

On/Off and Multi-Position Key Switches

The number of switch positions must match the functions required by the connected equipment.

A two-position on/off keyswitch is suitable where a single function needs to be enabled or disabled. This may include an automatic door override, access control input or another compatible building control function.

Three-position switches provide an additional operating choice. On an automatic door, this may be used for combinations such as:

Automatic, off and hold open
Automatic, on and off
Open, stop and close
Normal operation and two override functions

Four-position automatic door keyswitches can provide more detailed mode selection, including one-way and two-way pedestrian traffic settings.

The words printed or etched on the faceplate should accurately describe the connected functions. A switch position should not be assumed from the product name alone; the wiring requirements of the controller must also be checked.

Single-Pole and Double-Pole Keyswitches

The pole configuration determines how many electrical circuits the keyswitch can control.

A single-pole keyswitch controls one switching circuit. The KS-B-S Blue Single-Pole Keyswitch has maintained on/off operation, voltage-free changeover contacts and interchangeable legends.

A double-pole keyswitch can switch two circuits together. The KS-B-D Blue Double-Pole Keyswitch uses double-pole double-throw contacts, while the KS-O-D Orange Double-Pole Keyswitch provides a high-visibility alternative.

Single-pole and double-pole versions should not be treated as interchangeable. The required configuration will depend on the number of circuits being controlled and whether electrical separation between those circuits is necessary.

Keyswitches with Interchangeable Legends

Interchangeable legends allow a standard keyswitch to be labelled for a particular control function. This can make the selected function easier to identify and avoids using an incorrectly marked switch.

The blue and orange models include options such as:

Available legends include functions such as lockdown, emergency, gas shut off, evacuate, fire, smoke vent, isolation and emergency power off.

The selected legend must match the actual function of the connected system. Changing the label does not alter the electrical operation or contact arrangement of the keyswitch.

Emergency Door Release Key Switches

Emergency door release keyswitches provide controlled, key-operated switching for door release and access control circuits.

The KS-EDR-S Green Emergency Door Release Keyswitch provides single-pole changeover contacts, while the KS-EDR-D Double-Pole Emergency Door Release Keyswitch can control two circuits.

Both versions use voltage-free contacts, have a green emergency door release design and allow the key to be removed in either position. They are intended for authorised override rather than everyday request-to-exit use.

Emergency release arrangements must be selected and wired around the complete access control system, locking method and building requirements. A key-operated switch should not be used as a substitute for any required emergency break glass or freely available means of escape.

Fire and Smoke Vent Keyswitches

This collection also includes dedicated key-operated controls for fire alarm, smoke ventilation and fire vent extract systems.

The KS-SV-3 Three-Position Smoke Vent Keyswitch has a high-visibility orange housing and three maintained positions for authorised smoke ventilation control.

The KS-FVE-3 Fire Vent Extract Keyswitch provides a three-position latching control specifically identified for fire vent extract applications.

Other related controls include:

The FIREIS01 includes an LED indication and a keyed on/off operation for authorised fire alarm isolation. The flush fireman’s switch provides emergency isolation using a separate drop key and includes changeover contacts.

Products used with fire alarms, smoke control or emergency systems must be selected, installed and commissioned by suitably competent people. Compatibility and system design should be checked against the relevant equipment and project requirements.

Red and Green LED Indicator Plates

Red and green indicators can provide a clear visual status signal alongside an access-controlled door or automatic entrance.

The TLI-45 Architrave Red and Green LED Indicator provides a narrow indicator format, while the TLI-85 Single-Gang Red and Green LED Indicator uses a standard-width faceplate.

Both indicators operate from 12–24VDC, draw 20mA and allow either the red or green LED to be selected by the connected control circuit. The exact meaning of each colour will depend on the system design and should be made clear to users where necessary.

Maintained and Momentary Keyswitch Operation

A maintained or latching keyswitch remains in its selected position after the key has been turned. This is commonly used for functions such as automatic door mode selection, system isolation and permanent override.

A momentary keyswitch returns to its normal state after operation. Momentary switching may be used where the controller only requires a short activation signal.

Before ordering, check whether the connected control input requires:

Maintained or momentary operation
Normally open or normally closed contacts
Single-pole or double-pole switching
Two, three or four operating positions
Voltage-free contacts
A specific faceplate legend
A particular key-removal arrangement

The keyswitch contact rating must also be suitable for the electrical load. Where the switch cannot directly handle the connected load, an appropriate relay or interface may be required.

Choosing the Correct Key Switch

When selecting a keyswitch for an automatic door, access control or building management system, consider:

The function being controlled
The required operating positions
Maintained or momentary operation
Single-pole or double-pole contacts
Normally open, normally closed or changeover requirements
Contact voltage and current ratings
Surface or flush mounting
Architrave, jamb or single-gang faceplate format
Required ingress protection
Key removal position
Whether switches need to be keyed alike
The wording or symbols required on the faceplate
Compatibility with the connected controller

The existing system wiring should be checked before replacing a keyswitch. Products that appear similar externally can have different internal contact arrangements.

Automatic Door and Access Control Components

Key switches can form part of an automatic door, access control, smoke ventilation or emergency control installation. Explore our Automatic Door Parts and Access Control Parts pages to find related equipment.

You can also browse:

Browse our key switches for automatic door mode selection, access control override, emergency door release, smoke ventilation and authorised building system control.