Introduction to the RGL EBNT-TF-1 Touch-Free Exit Button and its key features
The RGL EBNT-TF-1 Touch-Free Exit Button is a compact infrared request-to-exit (REX) device designed to deliver hygienic, hands-free door egress for internal access control applications. With a stainless-looking faceplate, illuminated red/green feedback, and an adjustable infrared sensing range, the EBNT-TF-1 combines a professional aesthetic with practical features that make it well suited for modern workplaces, healthcare facilities, retail environments and other locations where reducing physical contact is a priority.
Key highlights include an infrared touch-free sensor (no physical press required), double-pole NONC contacts rated at 4 A @ 30 V AC/DC, adjustable proximity from 3 to 12 cm, an adjustable relay timer (0.5–20 seconds), and a surface-or-flush mounting footprint that includes a high-impact plastic back box and security Allen screws. The unit also carries EN 50133 approval on its feature sheet and has a weatherproof/IP variant (WP-EBNT/TF-1) available for external or wash-down situations.
The EBNT-TF-1 is designed with both installer and end-user needs in mind. Below is a breakdown of the core specifications and why they matter in real-world use.
- Infrared touch-free sensor (Operation):Enables hands-free activation for door release. Ideal for hygiene-sensitive areas and for users carrying items or unable to operate a traditional push button.
- Illuminated indicator (Red/Green LEDs):Provides clear, immediate feedback to users—red to indicate standby or locked, green to indicate activation or ready/exit allowed—reducing confusion and improving traffic flow.
- Adjustable range (3–12 cm):Fine-tune the sensor according to mounting depth, door frames, or expected user approach to avoid false triggers while ensuring easy activation.
- Adjustable timer (0.5–20 s):Control how long the relay remains active after trigger. Short times reduce door prop open periods, longer times support heavy doors or slower-moving traffic.
- Contacts (Double-pole NONC, 4 A @ 30 V AC/DC):Provides reliable switching capability suitable for most access control systems and door release circuits; double-pole switching adds flexibility for different wiring schemes.
- Mounting and physical build:Compact footprint (85 x 85 x 28 mm) with stainless-looking faceplate for a professional finish. Supplied high-impact plastic back box and security Allen screws streamline installation and improve tamper resistance.
- Weights and handling:Lightweight unit (202 g unboxed, 238 g boxed) that is easy to handle on-site yet robust in daily operation.
- Approvals & standards:EN 50133 is listed on the feature sheet, providing integrators with assurance that the unit meets applicable standards for access control components.
The EBNT-TF-1 is supplied ready for surface or flush mounting to a standard back box, and the included high-impact plastic back box and security screws simplify on-site preparation. Installers will appreciate the adjustable proximity and timer controls, which reduce the need for costly post-installation tweaking. Because electrical contacts are rated at 4 A @ 30 V AC/DC, the button is compatible with common electric strikes, maglocks (through appropriate interface devices), and door controllers used in commercial installations.
For environments that demand protection against weather or wash-down cleaning, the WP-EBNT/TF-1 weatherproof variant is an available upgrade. Always follow the manufacturer datasheet and local wiring regulations, and engage a qualified installer for any unclear wiring or safety-critical configurations.
The combination of non-contact activation, clear visual feedback and flexible configuration makes the EBNT-TF-1 particularly valuable in the following settings:
- Healthcare facilities:Operating theatres, clinics, and wards can reduce cross-contamination risk by eliminating the need to touch exit buttons with gloved or ungloved hands.
- Commercial offices:Shared breakout areas, meeting rooms and busy entry corridors benefit from faster, cleaner egress and reduced touchpoints.
- Retail and hospitality:Back-of-house doors, staff-only areas and kitchens where staff frequently carry items benefit from hands-free operation and visible status indication.
- Education and laboratories:Schools, research labs and clean environments can reduce surface contact while preserving controlled egress protocol.
- Accessible design:For users with mobility limitations or who are using wheelchairs, touch-free operation can make exiting simpler and more dignified.
In each scenario, the ability to adjust both sensing range and relay time means the device can be tuned for different traffic speeds, door types and mounting positions—reducing nuisance triggers while ensuring reliable operation.
Exit control devices come in several forms—mechanical push buttons, capacitive touch sensors, and infrared (IR) touch-free units like the EBNT-TF-1. Here’s how the EBNT-TF-1 stacks up against common alternatives:
- Vs. mechanical push buttons:Mechanical buttons are simple and low-cost but require physical contact, increasing wear and the potential for germ transfer. The EBNT-TF-1 removes the need to touch the device, extending component life and improving hygiene.
- Vs. capacitive touch sensors:Capacitive units respond to the presence of a hand, but performance can vary with gloves or environmental conditions. Infrared sensing is less affected by glove use and can allow more precise adjustment of activation distance.
- Vs. higher-rated contact devices:Some exit buttons offer higher current ratings for heavy-duty loads. The EBNT-TF-1’s 4 A @ 30 V rating is well matched for most access control relays and electric strikes; for specialized high-current applications, integrators may prefer devices with higher contact ratings or use auxiliary relays.
- Vs. outdoor/wash-down solutions:The EBNT-TF-1 is intended for internal use, but RGL offers a weatherproof variant (WP-EBNT/TF-1) for exposed locations—closing the gap between convenience and environmental durability.
Overall, the EBNT-TF-1 offers a balanced mix of hygienic operation, configurability and installer-friendly features that make it a competitive choice in the touch-free exit button category.
Below are sample testimonials that reflect the kinds of feedback typically reported by installers and facility managers after integrating touch‑free IR exit buttons like the EBNT-TF-1. These are illustrative summaries rather than verbatim endorsements.
- Hospital facilities manager:"After installing these at several ward exits, cleaning staff and clinicians report fewer touchpoints and a smoother flow during shift changes. The LED feedback is especially useful for quick confirmation."
- Commercial installer:"The adjustable range and timer saved time on commissioning—no need for repeated visits to tweak operation. Supplied back box and security screws make the faceplate secure and neat."
- Retail operations supervisor:"Staff who carry trays or boxes appreciate the hands-free exit. The unit looks clean and professional on the wall and integrates easily with our existing door controllers."
For organizations looking to reduce physical contact at exit points without sacrificing durability or installer convenience, the RGL EBNT-TF-1 Touch-Free Exit Button is a compelling option. It pairs an effective infrared sensor with clear LED feedback, convenient adjustment of range and timer, and practical mechanical features such as a stainless-looking faceplate, supplied back box and security screws.
With EN 50133 listed on the feature sheet, a sensible contact rating for access control systems (double-pole NONC, 4 A @ 30 V AC/DC), and an available weatherproof variant for outdoor or wash-down needs, the EBNT-TF-1 offers flexibility across many deployment scenarios. Priced competitively (suggested retail around $39.99) and designed to reduce maintenance and improve user hygiene, it represents a practical upgrade from traditional push buttons and an accessible alternative to more complex solutions.
Whether specifying for healthcare, office environments, retail operations or education facilities, the EBNT-TF-1 delivers a straightforward, hygienic and installer-friendly approach to modern access control. For best results, follow the manufacturer datasheet and local wiring regulations, and consider the weatherproof model where environmental protection is required.
