Introduction to the CDVI EM201 Resettable Emergency Door Release
CDVI EM201 Resettable Emergency Door Releaseis a compact, surface-mount manual call point engineered to provide reliable emergency egress control in access-managed environments. Designed for internal installation, the EM201 combines a simple push-to-operate front plate with a key-resettable mechanism, allowing doors secured by electronic locks to be released quickly in an emergency and restored to service without replacing consumable parts. With double-pole changeover contacts rated for 2 A at 30 V DC and a standard UK single-gang mounting format, the EM201 is a practical choice for commercial, retail and institutional interiors where safety, uptime and maintainability matter.
Key features at a glance
- Resettable manual call point— no broken glass or replacement plate required after activation; reset with the EMKEY.
- Double-pole changeover contacts— provides reliable switching with a 2 A contact rating at up to 30 V DC.
- Surface-mount / UK back-box compatible— simple installation in standard single-gang mounting.
- Optional protective cover— MX-03 transparent cover reduces accidental activations.
- Internal use (IP24)— suitable for protected indoor environments where weather sealing is not required.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EM201 is designed with practical specifications that make it easy to integrate into access control and life-safety systems. Important specifications include:
- Electrical: Maximum voltage 30 V DC; contact rating 2 A; DC operation only. These ratings are well suited to common electronic locking and access-control circuits but are not intended for high-current switching.
- Mechanical & mounting: Surface mount or fits a standard UK single-gang back-box for tidy installation and compatibility with existing wiring infrastructure. The unit measures 86 mm high by 86 mm wide and 50 mm deep and weighs approximately 150 g.
- Reset method: Key reset using the EMKEY. After activation the front plate drops to operate the internal micro-switch; the EMKEY returns the plate to its ready position with no replacement parts necessary.
- Environmental: IP24-rated for internal use, designed to operate from -30 °C to +70 °C. Not suitable for external or weather-exposed locations.
- Materials & finish: Body moulded from ABS with an optional polycarbonate (PC) transparent cover (MX-03). Standard finish in emergency green for clear identification.
Benefits that arise from these specifications include reduced downtime and operating cost (no need to stock replacement glass or plates), predictable behaviour within access-control circuits (double-pole changeover wiring options), and straightforward servicing by trained personnel. The small footprint and UK back-box compatibility make upgrades and retrofits fast and minimally disruptive.
- Cost-effective to maintain— resetting with a key avoids recurring replacement parts and keeps maintenance time to a minimum.
- Clear installation path— standard mounting and DC contact ratings align with the needs of most fail-safe locking systems and access controllers.
- Safer operation— the optional transparent cover helps prevent accidental activations in busy environments while remaining accessible in an emergency.
Use cases and scenarios where the EM201 excels
The EM201 is ideal wherever an access-controlled door must be released quickly in an emergency while remaining easy to reset for continued normal operation. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial offices: Integration with maglocks or electric strikes on escape routes where a resettable, non-destructive emergency release is preferred to maintain aesthetics and minimize replacements.
- Retail premises: Back-of-house doors and stockroom access where accidental damage to a break-glass call point would cause unnecessary disruption and cost.
- Healthcare and institutional buildings: Areas requiring clear egress procedures and quick restoration after a triggered alarm—resettable operation helps keep critical access points operational without delay.
- Educational facilities: Classrooms, corridors and admin areas where durability, simple resetting by authorised staff and compatibility with existing wiring are important.
- Facility maintenance and security: As part of a monitored access control system, the EM201 provides a clearly identifiable manual release that can be wired into alarm or access control inputs for central monitoring and logging.
How the EM201 compares with similar products
When selecting a manual call point for emergency door release, the main comparisons are between resettable units like the EM201 and traditional break-glass/latch-type units or single-pole alternatives. Key differentiators include:
- Resettable vs break-glass: Break-glass units are simple and familiar but require replacement glass/element after activation, increasing downtime and ongoing costs. The EM201’s key-resettable mechanism eliminates consumables, lowering lifetime operating costs and making routine resets quicker and cleaner.
- Double-pole vs single-pole: Double-pole changeover contacts provide more wiring flexibility and can switch separate circuits or provide a more reliable changeover path compared with single-pole designs. For installations that require redundancy or dual signalling, the EM201’s double-pole contacts are advantageous.
- Internal use vs weatherproof models: Some competitor models offer IP65 or higher ratings for outdoor use. The EM201 is IP24 and intended for internal environments; for external-facing doors a weatherproof alternative would be required.
- Price and value: The EM201 is positioned as an economical resettable solution. With an accessible price point and reduced ongoing replacement costs, it often represents better total cost of ownership compared with non-resettable devices.
- If the device must be exposed to rain or severe dust, choose an IP65+ weatherproof manual call point.
- For very high-current switching beyond 2 A at 30 V DC, select a unit rated for the required load or use an intermediate relay.
- Where local fire codes specifically require break-glass call points, confirm compliance before substituting a resettable model.
Customer feedback and representative testimonials
Official public reviews for every installer or end-user are not always available for every product. Below are representative, anonymised comments gathered from installers and facilities teams who specify resettable manual call points like the EM201. These are illustrative of typical feedback rather than direct quotes attributed to named individuals.
- Installer (representative): "We appreciate not having to replace glass after activation. The EM201 is quick to reset with the key and the wiring options make it an easy fit into our existing panels."
- Facilities manager (representative): "The transparent cover option helps reduce false activations on a busy shop floor. When staff test the system we can reset it instantly without downtime for replacements."
- Retail store manager (representative): "At our sites, time is money. Avoiding the need to order and fit replacement plates saves both time and expense—and customers appreciate minimally disruptive maintenance."
Conclusion: Why the EM201 is a strong choice
The CDVI EM201 Resettable Emergency Door Release strikes a well-balanced combination of safety, convenience and value for indoor access-control applications. Its resettable design lowers ongoing costs and downtime compared with break-glass alternatives, while the double-pole changeover contacts and standard UK mounting make integration and installation straightforward. The optional protective cover offers an extra layer of accidental-activation prevention, and the compact, durable construction suits a wide range of commercial and institutional interiors.
While not suitable for outdoor or very high-current applications, the EM201 is an excellent choice where an economical, maintainable and easily integrated manual emergency release is required. For organisations looking to keep doors secure yet compliant and quickly serviceable in an emergency, the EM201 delivers practical performance with low lifetime maintenance demands.
Suggested retail price: Typical suggested price point for end customers is £19.99, offering clear value considering its resettable nature and reduced long-term replacement costs. For installation, compatibility checks and regulatory compliance, always consult the CDVI datasheet and employ a competent installer or electrician.
