Locknetics CSW-100 / CSW-200 Flush Mount Concealed Desk Release; SPDT Switch

Mounting is the difference. The CSW-100 is a flush mount concealed desk release, so it sets into the counter or desk surface. The CSW-200 is a surface mount version and is described as narrow stile. Both are SPDT (single pole, double throw) momentary switches and both do the same job: release an electric lock or device from a remote spot at a reception desk or counter.

That is exactly what the CSW Series was built for. The switches were designed for a concealed desk application and are used to release an electric lock or device from a remote location, so a receptionist can trigger a strike, mag lock or electrified lock without leaving the counter. They run on momentary action toggle switches, so the lock releases only while the switch is held or thrown and resets on its own.

SPDT is single pole, double throw: one common contact with both a normally open and a normally closed output. The Locknetics CSW-100 and CSW-200 are both SPDT, which means the same switch can break power to a fail-safe device like a mag lock or make power to a fail-secure electric strike. You wire to whichever pair of terminals matches how your lock fails.

Go with the CSW-200. It is the surface mount concealed desk release, so it fastens to the underside or face of the counter without a flush cutout. The CSW-100 is the flush mount version and needs the surface prepped for it.

The CSW-100 and CSW-200 are concealed desk releases, mounted out of sight at a counter or desk so the switch is not visible to the public. For a visible, wall mounted release, the Dortronics 5286 Series push plate exit release is marked "Push to Exit," and the 5287 Series uses a heavy duty 1-1/2 inch push plate on a 3 inch back plate with the same "Push to Exit" text. The RCI 916 Series is a tamper-resistant push button with a blue handicap logo on a 1-3/4 inch button.

No. Both are single pole double throw and both mount concealed, but they do opposite jobs. The Schlage 7764 is a magnetic door position switch that reports whether the door is open or closed to a monitoring or access control system; the surface mount version is the 7766. The CSW-100 is an operator-actuated momentary release used to unlock an electric lock or device from a remote desk position. A door that needs both monitoring and remote release needs one of each.

The Norton Rixson 503 vestibule switch is the nearest match in function: it is an SPDT momentary push switch rated 15 amps, the same single pole double throw momentary action the CSW Series uses to release an electric lock or device from a remote location. The Norton Rixson 504 is a dual SPDT momentary vestibule switch with a stainless steel face plate, which suits a reception point where two doors or two circuits are switched from one location.

It springs back. The CSW Series currently operates via momentary action toggle switches, meaning the contact transfers only while the switch is actuated and returns to its normal state on release. If your application needs a switch that stays held in the released position, a momentary device is not the right choice.

The closest functional peers are the Norton Rixson vestibule switches: the 503 is an SPDT momentary push switch with a 15 amp rating, and the 504 is a dual SPDT momentary vestibule switch with a stainless steel face plate, useful when one station has to release two doors. The Detex CS-400 Series takes a different approach with electronic keyswitches and LED indicators, so release requires a key rather than a desk-side throw.

No. The CSW-100 and CSW-200 are the release switch only. They are used to release an electric lock or device from a remote location, so the strike, mag lock or electrified lock, the power supply, and the wiring between them are all separate items on your order.

The CSW Series operates via momentary action toggle switches, so it requires a physical actuation. Where hands-free operation is needed, the RCI 913 is a microwave motion switch using Doppler radar technology intended for sterile environments, and the Cal-Royal 8633-SW is a microwave cell switch supplied with single and double gang black faceplates. The RCI 910TC Series is a touchless actuator that also includes a 433 MHz remote control and runs on 12/24 VDC.

The CSW-100 flush mount and CSW-200 surface mount are built for an interior concealed desk application. For exposed or wash-down locations, the Dortronics WR5276-HD22 Series is a heavy duty waterproof switch with a 5/8 inch round stainless entry button, and the 5277-PZL Series is a weather proof heavy duty touch sensitive piezo push button with a dual-color illuminated ring.

The CSW-200 is a narrow stile surface mount concealed release, so concealment itself is the restriction. If you want a keyed action instead, the Detex CS-400 Series is a line of electronic keyswitches with LED indicators for access control systems, so the release only operates with a key in hand and the indicator confirms state at the switch.

The CSW Series mounts remotely at a desk and wires back to the electric lock or device. If the signal you need is a request to exit from the lever rather than a remote release, the Command Access REXKIT-CL is a field installable request to exit switch kit for CL180 Series cylindrical locks and uses an SPDT configuration, the same contact type as the CSW switches. It goes into the lock body rather than at the desk, so it reports handle movement instead of giving an attendant a release point.

Yes, the CSW Series is a commercial access control product, catalogued as an electronic access control switch for lobby and reception counter release duty rather than a residential doorbell-style button.

The CSW Series is strictly a release switch - momentary SPDT contacts to unlock an electric lock or device from a remote point. It produces no audible output. For local annunciation you would add a separate device such as the RCI 903 Series audible alert, which is rated 80 to 96 dB and has a tamper-resistant design.