Motorized Latch Retraction

MLR is an electromechanical option that electrically retracts an exit device's latch so an automatic door operator or ADA push button can open the door without anyone touching the panic bar. It's built to pair with low energy operators for fully automatic, hands-free egress and ingress at accessible openings.

MLR runs on 24 VDC (±10%) with about 900mA average in-rush current and 200mA holding current, retracting the exit device's latch in roughly 300 milliseconds. Its power leads are non-polarized, which simplifies wiring during installation or retrofit.

MLR is available for both PDQ's 6300 (wide stile) and 6400 (narrow stile) exit device series, including panic and fire-labeled configurations in rim, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod, and mortise styles. A field retrofit kit lets facilities add MLR to exit devices already installed.

No, MLR always allows free egress by manually pushing the bar even if power is lost, since it only adds motorized assistance for automatic-operator or push-button activation. It's compatible with fire-labeled exit device configurations and can work alongside electronic dogging to hold doors open when needed.

MLR is not a credential-reading access control product; it's a motorized mechanism that lets an automatic door operator or ADA push button electrically retract the exit device's latch. 6EWS, by comparison, adds RFID/PIN/smartphone credential control to exit trim; facilities often specify both together when an opening needs ADA automatic-operator function and credentialed access.

No, MLR uses a quiet motor designed to minimize noise disruption each time the latch retracts, which matters in settings like healthcare corridors, offices, or schools with frequent automatic door cycles. This quiet operation doesn't come at the cost of speed, retraction still happens in about 300 milliseconds for responsive automatic-operator timing.