When and why to use a REX device

In the simplest terms, a Request-to-Exit (REX) device is any component or device that can break/complete a circuit connected to the REX input on a Controller or to the locking hardware on a door, capable of interrupting power to the locking hardware or providing a signal to do this. This could be a button, an externally-controlled relay, or most commonly an Infrared (IR) motion sensor, or a wall-mounted momentary contact switch.

A REX device can be installed in the following ways:

Direct Disconnect - The REX device is connected inline to disconnect power when the REX device is activated. This configuration can only be used with a Maglock or Fail-Safe Strike and is required when using a Maglock in many jurisdictions. The drawback to a Direct Disconnect REX is that unless the REX device has an integrated timer, the power to the locking hardware will only be disconnected while the REX is activated (motion detected or button pressed).

Reporting Device - The REX device is connected to the REX input on the Controller which when triggered, causes a rule to be processed to deactivate the locking hardware. This configuration can be used with any locking hardware. The drawback with a reporting-only device is that if the Controller or Cloud Node is not functioning properly, the REX rule will not be processed.

Direct with Reporting - The REX device is connected so that when activated, power to the locking hardware will be disconnected and will also trigger the REX input on the Controller or Cloud Node. This configuration can only be used with a Maglock or Fail-Safe Strike. This combines the functionality of the other configurations.