Customers
installing an exit device with electrified retraction will often ask for a
recommendation for a less expensive power supply than the one supplied by the
exit device manufacturer. “Why can’t I use the lower priced unit” or “the specs
for the two power supplies are the same” are common phrases we hear. Many
electrified retraction exit devices are solenoid driven, which can require a
very large current in-rush to retract the device, and a much lower current
level to keep it retracted. Typically, the hardware manufacturer will only test
the device with their own brand of power supply. While you may find another
brand that appears to do the job, intermittent problems may lurk down the road.
At some point in time, you may need to call the manufacturer’s tech support
department. When they are dealing with an issue on an electrified retraction
device, the first three questions you commonly hear are:
- What make and model power supply do you have?
- How far is the power supply from the door?
- What gauge of wire has been installed?
If you
answer any of these questions with information that is not consistent with
factory specifications, they will tell you to correct it to meet factory
recommendations, then call back if you are still having trouble. While this may
be very irritating, your trouble will magnify if it is you customer’s
maintenance staff that makes the call to tech support and finds out your
installation is not to factory specs.
The small
amount you saved by selecting a different power supply could cost you in the
long run.
