Camden CX-12 Plus Door Interface Relay

Access control installers who've worked with automatic doors know the problem. A card reader grants access, the electric strike releases, but the door operator fires at the same time and the door tries to swing open while the strike is still engaged. The door binds, the hardware takes the hit, and the installation looks unreliable. The Camden CX-12 Plus solves that sequencing problem cleanly. It's a door interface relay that sits between your access control system, your electric strike or maglock, and your door operator, coordinating the timing so the locking device releases before the door operator activates. No more binding, no hardware damage, and clean timed sequencing on every activation.

The CX-12 Plus combines the functionality of Camden's CX-12 Switching Network and the CX-22 Dual Function Relay into a single compact unit, adding a Ratchet Relay mode that neither predecessor offered on its own. For compatible locking devices, browse our electric door strikes and magnetic locks. For the full Camden lineup and related access control components, view our electronic hardware catalog.

CX-12 Plus vs. CX-12: What Changed

The original CX-12 was a switching network relay designed for single-function access control sequencing. The CX-12 Plus replaces both the CX-12 and the CX-22 Dual Function Relay with one unit. You get bi-directional vestibule sequencing, basic restroom control, ratchet latching, and telephone entry support all from the same device. If you've been buying a CX-12 and a CX-22 separately for vestibule projects, the CX-12 Plus eliminates that second purchase.

8 Operating Modes Explained

The CX-12 Plus is programmed via DIP switches on the unit. All eight modes are built in.

Access Control (Make/Break): delays the door operator until the strike or maglock fully de-activates, eliminating door binding on locked automatic openings. Vestibule Bi-Directional Sequencing: sequences two automatic doors in both directions for lobby and vestibule applications where door one must close before door two opens. Basic Restroom Control Secured: once an occupant engages the lock button, the CX-12 Plus energizes the lock and removes the outside wall switch from the circuit. Basic Restroom Control Unsecured: barrier-free washroom door control with outside access maintained. Fire Alarm Integration: maintained output mode holds the relay energized during a fire alarm input signal. Telephone Entry: simplifies telephone entry panel wiring and eliminates the need for a separate isolating relay. Ratchet/Latch: a signal on WET2 or DRY2 activates and latches both relays until a second input signal releases them. Alternative Action: toggles relay state on each input activation.

CX-12 Plus Technical Specifications

Voltage: 12V or 24V, AC or DC. Current draw: 20 mA idle, 60 mA operating. Operating response time: 0.3 seconds. Inputs: 2 Wet, 2 Dry, N.O. Outputs: 2 x Form C (SPDT). Contact rating: 3 Amps at 30V DC. Electrical life: 100,000 cycles at rated capacity. Programming modes: 8. Time Delay DOR/RL1: 1 to 30 seconds, adjustable. Time Delay DOO/RL2: 1 to 30 seconds, adjustable. Time Delay DOR/RL3: 1 to 30 seconds, adjustable. Status indicators: Red LEDs confirm relay status. Dimensions: 3-1/4" W x 2-5/16" H x 11/16" D (83mm x 58mm x 18mm). Mounting: Velcro strips included, fits inside the automatic door operator header. Relay operation: momentary, maintained, and latching.

CX-12 Plus Wiring Reference

Terminals 1 and 2: power input, 12/24V AC or DC. Relay 1, Terminals 3 and 4 (N.O. and COM): use for electric strike. Relay 1, Terminals 4 and 5 (COM and N.C.): use for electromagnet or maglock. Relay 2, Terminals 6 and 7 (N.O. and COM): wire to door operator. Always install a MOV (metal oxide varistor) directly across the strike or maglock coil terminals for transient voltage protection. Do not wire safety devices directly to the CX-12 Plus. Wire all safety and anti-entrapment devices directly to the door operator control box. Do not apply power until all secondary wiring is complete and DIP switches are set.

This wiring reference covers the most common single-door access control configuration. For vestibule sequencing, restroom control, or fire alarm integration wiring, consult the Camden CX-12 Plus installation manual.

Where the CX-12 Plus Gets Installed

Commercial and institutional applications include ADA-compliant automatic door entrances, hospital and healthcare facility vestibules, accessible restroom door control, office building lobby sequencing, multi-unit residential lobby doors with telephone entry, and any automatic door opening where an electric strike or maglock needs to sequence before the door operator activates. The compact 3-1/4" x 2-5/16" footprint fits inside most automatic door operator headers without external enclosures.