Surface or flush wall mount
NFPA 101 · IBC Chapter 10 · UL 294
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
An emergency break glass unit is a wall-mounted switch that unlocks an electrically locked door during an emergency. When someone breaks the glass or presses the element, the unit cuts power to the maglock or electric strike. The door then opens freely so people can get out. Most units come in bright green housings with clear labels, so anyone can find them fast. You will see them beside access-controlled exits in offices, clinics, hotels and government buildings that need security without blocking a safe exit.
One firm push cuts lock power instantly, so occupants leave quickly when every second counts most.
Helps your secured exits meet life safety rules for manual release on all electrically locked doors.
The glass or cover stops casual use, so doors stay locked until a real emergency happens.
King Locksmith And Doors Inc. is a locksmith and door company serving Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We install, wire and service emergency break glass units for small businesses, government agencies, healthcare facilities, hotels and large enterprises. Our technicians know how these devices tie into maglocks, electric strikes and access control panels. We test every unit before we leave, so your doors release when they should and stay secure the rest of the time.
Not every break glass unit fits every door. The right choice depends on your lock type, wiring, setting and local code. Use these five factors to narrow your options before you buy or replace one.
Break glass units work with fail-safe electric locks. These include maglocks and fail-safe electric strikes, which unlock when power is cut. The unit breaks the circuit, and the door releases.
Check your lock’s voltage and current draw before you choose. Most units handle 12 or 24 volts DC. Some sites also need extra contacts to signal the alarm panel or access control system. A mismatch can leave the door locked when people need it open.
Classic units use a thin glass pane that breaks under firm pressure. They show clear proof of use, but you must replace the glass each time. Glass can also leave sharp edges behind.
Many sites now choose resettable plastic elements. They flex or drop out when pressed, then reset with a key. They cost less to maintain and suit schools, clinics and busy public areas. Some models add a hinged cover to stop accidental presses.
Surface mount units sit on the wall with a back box. They are easy to add to finished walls without major work. Flush mount units sit inside the wall for a cleaner look and less damage risk in tight hallways.
Outdoor gates, parking garages and busy loading docks need weatherproof housings. Look for a sealed unit with a gasket and an IP rating. Indoor units in kitchens or wash areas may need the same protection.
Basic units have one set of contacts that cut power to the lock. Double-pole units add a second set. That extra set can tell the alarm, camera or access control system right away that someone used the unit.
Some models include an LED, a local sounder or both. These features draw attention when the unit is used and help security guards respond fast. Plan the wiring with your access control installer from the very start.
Mount the unit beside the secured door on the latch side, at a height most people can reach. Life safety codes, building codes and your local fire marshal set the exact height, distance and signage rules.
Clear labels such as “Emergency Door Release” help panicked people act without thinking. Keep the unit free of furniture, carts, posters and stacked boxes. A unit that nobody can see or reach protects no one during a real emergency.
Both devices release electrically locked doors, but they solve different problems. This table shows where an emergency break glass unit performs better than a standard push-to-exit button at secured exits.
Consideration
Emergency Break Glass Unit
Push-to-Exit Button
Glass or cover stops casual, accidental activation
Easily pressed by curious or careless users
Broken element shows exactly when it was used
Leaves no visible sign after being pressed
Bright green housing reads instantly as emergency
Often blends in with other wall controls
Reset key lets staff follow up every use
Resets itself with no staff follow-up
Keeps doors locked until a real emergency
Invites everyday use that weakens door security
Break glass units sit untouched for months, so problems go unnoticed until an emergency. These are the failures we find most often during inspections across Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.
We mount, wire and label new break glass units beside your secured doors, then test every release.
We replace broken glass, worn elements, failed contacts and damaged housings to restore a fast, reliable release.
We connect units to maglocks, strikes, alarm panels and access control so every activation reaches your team.
We test each unit, check wiring and signage, and give you a written report for your records.
We help bring older exits up to current code with correct placement, signage and direct power release.
Door stuck locked or unit broken? Our technicians respond fast to restore safe exit and building security.
Talk to our team about installing, testing or repairing emergency break glass units at your Maryland, DC or Virginia facility.
