About this item
The BEA 10MS31U-B is the universal gang plate microwave touchless actuator from BEA's MAGIC SWITCH family- ships with both a single-gang plate and a double-gang plate in one kit, black finish, flush mount capable in a standard electrical box, adjustable detection 4 to 24 inches, relay hold 0.5 to 30 seconds, ANSI 156.10 knowing act compliant, IP54 rated, 12-24 VAC/DC. If you searched "10ms31u-b", "bea ms31", "ms31", or "bea 10ms31"- this is the product.
10MS31U vs 10MS31J: The Critical Difference
The BEA MS31 family comes in three plate formats. Every buyer who searched "bea ms31" or "ms31" needs to know which format fits their installation before ordering.
10MS31J (jamb plate): Mounts on a door jamb or narrow wall surface using a dedicated jamb plate. Surface mount only- requires the 10BOXJAMBST surface mount box. Cannot be flush mounted.
10MS31U (universal gang plate- this listing): Mounts using a standard single-gang or double-gang plate format. Flush mount capable in any standard electrical box, or surface mount using compatible gang boxes. Correct for any installation where a standard push plate opening exists, where an existing push plate is being replaced, or where a flush-mounted wall installation is required.
10MS31R (round plate): Round format for post, pillar, or round mounting applications.
The 10MS31U is the correct specification when the installation uses a standard gang box wall opening- new construction electrical rough-in, existing push plate retrofit, or any wall mounting where a gang plate fits the architectural finish requirement.
What "Universal" Means: Two Plates in One Kit
The "U" in 10MS31U stands for universal- and this is the single most important ordering advantage of this product that no competitor page explains.
One 10MS31U-B kit ships with all of the following: the microwave sensor module, the base plate, one single-gang plate cover, and one double-gang plate cover. Both plate sizes are included. The installer chooses which plate fits the installation and installs that plate- the other plate is a spare or can be used on a second compatible sensor.
This eliminates the common ordering mistake of purchasing a single-gang plate kit and discovering the wall box or hardware schedule requires a double-gang format. With the 10MS31U-B you have both options in hand before the installation begins.
Flush Mount vs Surface Mount: Both Are Supported
The 10MS31U-B is the only MS31 format that supports flush mounting. When installed flush, the sensor and base drop into a standard single-gang or double-gang electrical box that was roughed in during construction- the plate sits flush with the wall face with no surface box visible. This is the correct installation for new construction where conduit and boxes are roughed in before drywall, and for any renovation where a flush-mounted device is required by the architect.
For retrofit or surface applications without an existing gang box:
Single-gang surface mount boxes: 10BOX24SGGSM, 10ABOXSGSMS
Double-gang surface mount boxes: 10BOXDGSM, 10BOX475SQSM
Surface mount boxes attach to the wall face and provide the same plate opening geometry as a gang box, allowing the 10MS31U-B to be surface-mounted over any flat wall surface without cutting a box opening.
Replacement for the Discontinued 10MS08U
If you are looking for a replacement for the BEA 10MS08U- the 10MS31U is the direct successor. The 10MS08U was the previous generation MAGIC SWITCH universal gang plate actuator and has been discontinued. The 10MS31U replaces it with the same installation format and electrical box compatibility, plus the improved MS31 sensor platform with adjustable relay hold time and full ANSI 156.10 knowing act adjustability.
Retrofit Push Plate Replacement: The Wireless Path
When an existing push plate is being replaced with a 10MS31U-B in a location where running new wiring to the door operator is not feasible, the 10TD900TR 900MHz retrofit transmitter and 10RD900 900MHz receiver provide a wireless bridge. The transmitter connects to the 10MS31U-B relay output. The receiver connects to the door operator activation input. No new signal wire run between the actuator and the operator is required.
For new construction installations, all four wires are connected directly- two power wires (red positive, black negative) to a 12-24 VAC/DC supply, and two relay output wires to the door operator activation terminals.
Microwave Doppler Radar: 24.125 GHz Technology
The MS31 sensor operates at 24.125 GHz using Doppler radar technology- detecting the frequency shift caused by objects moving within the detection field. The radiated power density is under 5 mW/cm², well within safe limits. Detection mode is bidirectional motion, meaning movement toward or away from the sensor face is detected equally. This produces reliable activation from hands, carts, and wheelchairs approaching the door from any angle within the detection cone.
The 24.125 GHz frequency is not affected by temperature, lighting, HVAC airflow, or ambient environmental conditions- unlike PIR (infrared) sensors that respond to thermal changes rather than physical motion. Consistent activation in food service kitchens, exterior vestibules, and variable-temperature healthcare environments requires microwave, not PIR.
Dipswitch Configuration: Detection, LED, and Output Mode
All MS31 settings are configured by dipswitches on the sensor module- no software, no app, no programming cable required.
Detection range: Adjustable 4 to 24 inches. Set short (4-8 inches) for ANSI 156.10 knowing act compliance- deliberate close-range wave required. Set longer for wheelchair users or for cart/mobility device detection at greater distances.
Relay hold time: 0.5 to 30 seconds. Set to match the door operator's required activation pulse length, or to the desired hold-open period for toggle mode.
Output mode: Timed/pulse (relay closes for the set hold time then releases) or toggle (relay state changes with each detection event).
LED polarity: Dipswitch selects whether the LED illuminates when detection is active or when detection is not active- allows confirmation of sensor status from either operational state.
Silent operation: The MS31 activates with no audible click or tone- required for hospital, pharmacy, and noise-sensitive environments.
Specifications
Model: BEA 10MS31U-B
Series: MAGIC SWITCH MS31 Universal
Finish: Black (B); also White (W) and Gray (G)
Kit Contents: Sensor module, base plate, one single-gang plate, one double-gang plate
Technology: Microwave Doppler Radar, 24.125 GHz
Detection Range: 4 to 24 inches adjustable
Relay Hold Time: 0.5 to 30 seconds adjustable
Output Modes: Timed (pulse) or Toggle
LED Setting: Dipswitch- lit in detection or lit when not in detection
Silent Operation: Yes
IP Rating: IP54
Power: 12 to 24 VAC/DC
Relay Max Contact Voltage: 60VDC / 125VAC
Relay Max Contact Current: 1A (resistive)
Relay Max Switching Power: 30W DC / 60 VA AC
Wiring: 4-wire (2 power, 2 relay output)
Flush Mount: Yes- standard single or double gang electrical box
Surface Mount Boxes (SG): 10BOX24SGGSM, 10ABOXSGSMS
Surface Mount Boxes (DG): 10BOXDGSM, 10BOX475SQSM
Retrofit Wireless: 10TD900TR transmitter + 10RD900 receiver (sold separately)
Replaces: Discontinued BEA 10MS08U
ANSI Compliance: 156.10 knowing act adjustable
Applications: Full energy swing doors, low energy swing doors, industrial doors
American Locksets has stocked BEA touchless actuators since 2001.
Trusted Since 2001
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