A reliable exit device is one of the most important parts of any access control setup. It affects how people leave a secured area, how safely a door performs in an emergency, and how easy the system is to use every day. If you are choosing between a press to exit button, a no touch exit button, or an emergency door release, the right answer depends on the door, the building, and the level of safety required.
This guide explains what each device does, where each one works best, and what buyers should check before ordering. We will also compare a standard door exit button with a break glass door release, look at material and housing options, cover basic wiring points, and highlight common buying mistakes. If you are planning a new installation or replacing older hardware, this will help you choose with more confidence.
What Is a Press to Exit Button?
A press to exit button is a switch used on the secure side of a controlled door. When pressed, it tells the access control system to release the lock so a person can leave.
In most installations, this is the normal day-to-day exit method. It is commonly used with maglocks, electric strikes, and wider access control systems. A door exit button is usually mounted near the door and designed for quick, clear use.
You can browse suitable options in Door Entry Online’s Exit Buttons collection.
How a Press to Exit Button Works
A standard exit button sends a signal to the controller or directly interrupts the lock circuit, depending on the system design. Once triggered, the lock releases for a set time or until the door is opened.
This type of button is widely used because it is simple, affordable, and easy for users to understand.
Where Press to Exit Buttons Are Commonly Used
A press to exit button is often used on:
- offices
- staff-only doors
- reception doors
- communal entrances
- internal secure rooms
- commercial access-controlled doors
What Is a No-Touch Exit Button?
A no touch exit button performs the same basic job as a standard exit button, but it does not need physical contact. Instead, the user places a hand near the sensor and the door releases.
This type of device is popular where hygiene, ease of use, or reduced contact matters. It can also help in high-traffic areas where wear on a physical button may be a concern.
You can view options in the No-Touch Exit Buttons collection.
How a No-Touch Exit Button Works
A no touch exit button uses a sensor to detect a hand movement within a short range. When the sensor detects the hand, it activates the release signal.
Many units include:
- LED indicators
- adjustable sensor range
- timed relay outputs
- stainless steel faceplates
- weather-resistant options for some sites
Why Buyers Choose No-Touch Exit Buttons
A no touch exit button can be a strong choice where:
- hygiene is important
- many people use the door
- users may have their hands full
- a modern appearance is preferred
- contact wear needs to be reduced
What Is an Emergency Door Release?
An emergency door release is a safety device designed to release a locked door in an emergency. It is not the same as a normal exit button.
In many systems, especially those using maglocks, the emergency release cuts power to the lock so the door can be opened immediately. This is why it is often used on controlled escape routes and fire exit doors.
Door Entry Online supplies relevant products in its Emergency Door Releases range.
What an Emergency Door Release Does
An emergency door release provides a direct manual override. If the normal exit control fails, or if fast manual release is needed, the device allows power to the lock to be interrupted.
This is a key reason why the break glass door release is so common on access-controlled exits.
What Is a Break Glass Door Release?
A break glass door release is one of the most common forms of emergency release. It is usually fitted near the door on the escape side. When activated, it breaks or resets a frangible element and cuts power to the locking device.
This makes it especially important on doors secured by fail safe devices such as magnetic locks.
When to Use Each Device
The best device depends on how the door is used and what the site needs from the system.
Offices
Office doors often use a standard press to exit button because it is practical, familiar, and cost-effective. Staff can leave quickly, and the button works well with many access control systems.
A no touch exit button may be a better fit in larger offices, shared workspaces, or buildings where a cleaner, more modern user experience is preferred.
An emergency door release may also be required where the door uses a maglock or forms part of a protected escape route.
Reception Doors
Reception areas often benefit from a neat-looking exit device that is simple for staff and visitors to use. A door exit button works well in many reception setups, especially behind controlled doors.
If appearance and ease of use matter, a no touch exit button can be a stronger option. It gives a more modern feel and reduces physical contact on busy front-of-house doors.
Where the door is part of a safety-critical route, a separate emergency door release may still be needed.
Fire Exits
Fire exits need special care. A normal press to exit button is not enough on its own where emergency override is required. In many of these applications, a dedicated emergency door release or break glass door release is essential.
That is because the emergency device provides a clear and direct method of cutting power to the lock. On a fire exit, safe escape must always come before convenience.
If the door uses a maglock, review compatible Magnetic Locks and make sure the release hardware is specified correctly.
Clean Rooms and Hygiene-Sensitive Areas
Clean rooms, healthcare environments, labs, and food preparation areas often favour a no touch exit button. Reducing hand contact can help support cleaner operation and easier movement through the door.
In these settings, a touchless device can improve user flow and reduce the need for repeated physical contact. That makes it a practical choice for both hygiene and convenience.
Press to Exit Button vs Emergency Release
This is one of the most important comparisons in access control.
A Press to Exit Button Is for Normal Use
A press to exit button is designed for everyday door release. It helps people leave a controlled area during normal operation. It is convenient, easy to fit, and commonly used on internal and commercial doors.
However, it is not always a life safety device on its own.
An Emergency Door Release Is for Safety Override
An emergency door release is designed for emergency conditions. It provides a manual override that can release the lock even if normal control fails.
This is why a break glass door release should not be treated as the same thing as a standard door exit button.
Why the Difference Matters
If a buyer installs only a standard exit button where an emergency release is required, the system may not provide the level of safety the door needs. That can create serious problems on escape routes or doors using fail safe magnetic locking.
In simple terms:
- use a press to exit button for routine exit
- use an emergency door release where emergency manual override is needed
- in some installations, you need both
Material Options: Stainless Steel, Plastic and Weatherproof
The material and finish of the device matter more than many buyers expect. They affect durability, appearance, and whether the product suits the environment.
Stainless Steel Exit Buttons
Stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial settings. It looks professional, wears well, and suits modern interiors. Many press to exit button and no touch exit button units use stainless steel faceplates.
This option works well for:
- offices
- reception areas
- apartment entrances
- schools
- higher-traffic doors
Plastic Exit Devices
Plastic units are often more budget-friendly and can be a practical choice for lower-risk internal doors. They are commonly used where appearance is less important and the environment is controlled.
They can work well for:
- back-office doors
- plant rooms
- low-traffic internal exits
- budget-conscious projects
Weatherproof Exit Buttons and Releases
Outdoor or exposed doors need more protection. A weatherproof door exit button or release device is important where rain, dust, or temperature changes could affect performance.
Weather-resistant hardware is often used on:
- gates
- external staff entrances
- exposed communal doors
- service yards
Always check whether the product is rated for external use before ordering.
Wiring Considerations
Wiring depends on the device type and the wider system, but there are a few basic points every buyer and installer should keep in mind.
Wiring a Press to Exit Button
A press to exit button is usually wired into the controller input or lock release circuit. In many systems, pressing the button sends a request-to-exit signal that releases the lock for a set period.
This setup is common in Access Control Kits and standalone door control systems.
Wiring a No-Touch Exit Button
A no touch exit button often uses similar wiring logic to a standard exit button, but it may also need power for the sensor and LED indicators. That means installers should check voltage requirements and output type carefully.
Some touchless units offer relay outputs that make them easy to integrate into existing systems.
Wiring an Emergency Door Release
An emergency door release is often wired in series with the power feed to a maglock. When activated, it cuts power to the lock directly. This is one reason it is so important in fail safe locking systems.
Because this hardware can be safety-critical, installation should always follow manufacturer guidance and relevant site requirements.
Important Installation Note
Exit devices and releases should be installed by a competent person and in line with product instructions, door function, and any relevant fire and safety requirements.
Common Buying Mistakes
Buying the wrong exit hardware can cause avoidable problems later. These are some of the most common mistakes.
Treating All Exit Devices as the Same
A standard press to exit button is not the same as an emergency door release. They may look similar at first, but they do different jobs.
Ignoring the Door Type
A device that works well on an internal office door may not suit an external gate or exposed entrance.
Choosing on Price Alone
The cheapest option may not be the best fit for a high-traffic or safety-critical door. Material quality, durability, and compatibility all matter.
Forgetting About Hygiene Requirements
In healthcare, clean rooms, or busy public spaces, a no touch exit button may be a better choice than a standard push button.
Missing Weatherproof Requirements
External doors need suitable housings and ratings. Indoor products should not be used outside unless they are designed for it.
Not Checking System Compatibility
Always confirm that the device matches the lock type, controller, voltage, and overall system design.
Product Categories to Explore
If you are comparing options, these Door Entry Online product categories are a useful place to start:
These cover the main hardware needed for many everyday access control and exit door setups.
FAQs
What is a press to exit button used for?
A press to exit button is used to release a controlled door from the secure side during normal day-to-day use.
What is the difference between a press to exit button and an emergency door release?
A press to exit button is for normal exit. An emergency door release is a safety override used to release the door in emergency conditions or if normal controls fail.
What is a no touch exit button?
A no touch exit button is a sensor-based exit device that releases the door when a hand is placed near it, without needing physical contact.
Where should a no touch exit button be used?
A no touch exit button works well in clean rooms, healthcare areas, offices, reception spaces, and other places where hygiene or convenience matters.
What is a break glass door release?
A break glass door release is a type of emergency door release that cuts power to the lock when activated, helping people exit in an emergency.
Do I need both a door exit button and an emergency release?
In many access control systems, yes. The door exit button handles normal use, while the emergency release provides a separate safety override.
Are stainless steel exit buttons better than plastic ones?
Not always, but stainless steel is often more durable and better suited to busy commercial environments. Plastic can still be suitable for lighter-duty internal use.
Can a press to exit button be used outside?
Only if it is designed for external or weatherproof use. Always check the product specification before fitting it on an exposed door.
Do exit buttons work with maglocks?
Yes. Exit buttons are commonly used with maglocks, but systems using magnetic locks may also need an emergency door release depending on the door’s function.
What should I check before buying an exit button?
Check the door location, traffic level, material, voltage, wiring method, lock type, and whether the door needs a normal exit button, an emergency release, or both.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right exit device is not just about opening a door. It is about matching the hardware to the way the door is used. A press to exit button is often the right choice for normal daily exit. A no touch exit button can improve hygiene and convenience. An emergency door release or break glass door release is essential where safe manual override is needed.
The best result comes from looking at the full door setup, including the lock type, the building use, user needs, and safety requirements. If you are comparing products for a new installation or replacement project, start with the core categories above and build around the real needs of the door.
