Introduction to the CDVI RTE-001S and its key features
The CDVI RTE-001S is a compact, surface-mounted push-to-exit button designed for indoor access-control applications. Housed in durable white plastic and sized to fit the common UK 85×85 mm back-box footprint, the unit offers a simple mechanical request-to-exit function with an electrical contact rating of 10 A @ 24 Vac. With overall dimensions of 83×83×23 mm and a manufacturer-backed two-year warranty, the RTE-001S targets contractors, facilities managers and DIY installers who need a reliable, low-cost exit device for low-to-medium pedestrian traffic environments.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The CDVI RTE-001S pairs straightforward mechanical operation with practical specifications that make it a fit-for-purpose choice in many indoor settings. Key specifications include:
- Manufacturer / Model:CDVI RTE-001S (Ref: F0701000063)
- Category:Exit button / Push-to-exit device
- Mounting:Surface mount; designed to fit standard 85×85 mm back-boxes for quick installation
- Operation:Mechanical push-to-exit switch — simple, robust and familiar to most users
- Contact rating:10 A @ 24 Vac — suitable for many common electric strike and maglock control circuits
- Material / Finish:Sturdy white plastic — lightweight, unobtrusive and easy to integrate into interior decor
- Dimensions & weight:83 mm × 83 mm × 23 mm (depth); approximately 0.13 kg
- Intended use:Indoor installations with low to medium pedestrian traffic
- Warranty:Two-year manufacturer warranty (refer to distributor documentation for terms)
Benefits of these specifications include:
- Easy installation:Surface-mount format that matches the common UK back-box makes swaps and new installs fast and predictable for electricians and installers.
- Practical electrical rating:A 10 A contact at 24 Vac covers many door-release loads without additional relays, keeping wiring and components simple.
- Cost-effective:Compact design, simple mechanics and a modest suggested retail price make it an economical option for budget-conscious projects.
- Low visual impact:White finish and small footprint keep the device discreet on interior walls and match many commercial interiors.
- Reliable mechanical action:No electronics to fail — the mechanical push-to-exit approach is predictable and easy to maintain.
Use cases and scenarios where the RTE-001S excels
The RTE-001S is tailored to situations where a basic, reliable exit switch is required without the need for advanced features such as illumination, vandal resistance or weatherproofing. Typical use cases include:
- Offices and administrative buildings:Internal secure rooms and office exits where staff need a simple means to release an electronic lock from the inside.
- Retail and small shops:Stockroom doors, staff-only areas and internal access points that see modest traffic and require a neat, unobtrusive exit button.
- Light-commercial premises:Clinics, small warehouses and service rooms where mechanical simplicity and a known contact rating are important.
- Access control retrofits:Replacing worn-out or outdated push buttons where the 85×85 mm back-box footprint is already present—minimises plastering or rework.
- DIY and contractor installations:Because of its straightforward mounting and clear mechanical operation, the RTE-001S is suitable for competent DIYers and professional installers alike (always following local electrical regulations).
It is worth noting that the RTE-001S is not aimed at heavy-traffic doors, external doors exposed to weather, or high-security environments where vandal-resistant or monitored exit devices are preferred.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the CDVI RTE-001S, it helps to compare it against other exit button categories so you can match the device to your needs:
Plastic surface-mounted buttons such as the RTE-001S are lighter, lower-cost and visually unobtrusive—ideal for indoor, controlled environments. By contrast, stainless-steel and vandal-resistant models offer higher mechanical durability, tamper resistance and often sealed construction for semi-exposed areas. If the installation site experiences rough use, potential vandalism or heavy daily traffic, a metal-rated or IP-sealed unit is a better long-term choice despite higher cost.
The RTE-001S provides a mechanical contact only. Illuminated exit buttons help with visibility in low light and can indicate status. Monitored switches provide tamper detection and supervision to the access control panel. For basic interior doors the RTE-001S is sufficient; for safety-critical egress routes, emergency exits or monitored access systems you may need a more feature-rich device.
Touchless exit sensors (PIR or microwave detectors, or infrared touchless switches) remove the need to press a button and reduce touchpoints—useful for hygiene-sensitive environments. They are typically more expensive and require more configuration. For small offices and shops where touch interaction is acceptable, the RTE-001S remains a low-cost, reliable choice.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
Installers should consult the official CDVI datasheet and wiring documentation for terminal layouts, wiring diagrams and mounting instructions. Important practical notes:
- Back-box compatibility:Designed to fit the standard UK 85×85 mm back-box footprint for surface mounting—double-check clearance and surrounding finishes before fitting.
- Electrical protection:Use appropriate protective devices and cable sizes for the 10 A contact rating. If the door release draws more than the rated current, use a suitable relay or interface module.
- Standards & approvals:The supplied product notes indicate INSUFFICIENT DATA to confirm CE/UKCA markings. Verify approvals and operating temperature ranges from CDVI documentation or the distributor before specifying for regulated installations.
- Safety:Isolate supply before wiring and install in accordance with local electrical regulations.
Customer testimonials and typical user feedback
No official customer testimonials were supplied with the product brief. However, based on common installer and end-user feedback for similar CDVI and plastic surface-mount push-to-exit devices, typical observations include:
- "Economical and dependable—does exactly what it should." Installers appreciate the simplicity and reliable mechanical action for everyday interior doors.
- "Quick to fit into existing back-boxes." Contractors cite the 85×85 mm compatibility as a time-saver in retrofit projects.
- "Good value for low-traffic areas." Facility managers often choose plastic surface-mounted units like this for staff-only doors and internal rooms to balance cost and function.
- "Not for heavy-duty or external use." Where reviewers note limitations, it is typically in higher-traffic or exposed environments where metal or IP-rated devices are preferred.
These representative comments reflect common strengths and limitations of simple mechanical exit buttons; individual experiences will vary by site and use case.
Conclusion: Why the CDVI RTE-001S is a great choice
The CDVI RTE-001S surface-mount push-to-exit button is a practical, no-frills solution for indoor access-control needs. Its main strengths are simplicity, ease of installation into standard UK back-boxes, and a contact rating that suits many electric strikes and maglocks. Backed by a two-year warranty and offered at a modest suggested retail price (around 9.99—check local retailers and currency), it represents a cost-effective option for offices, retail spaces and light-commercial installations.
Choose the RTE-001S when you need a dependable, low-cost exit switch for low-to-medium pedestrian traffic and where features such as illumination, vandal-resistance or weatherproofing are not required. For harsher environments, heavy-traffic doors or monitored access-control installations, consider upgrading to a metal vandal-resistant, illuminated or supervised model with appropriate IP and security ratings.
In short, the CDVI RTE-001S delivers solid baseline performance for routine interior exit control, making it a sensible pick for straightforward installations that prioritise reliability and value.
