Command Access ETH6W4545 626 CH-BB79 Energy Transfer Hinge, 4-1/2" x 4-1/2", 5 Knuckle Standard Weight, 6-Wire, 26 Gauge, Satin Chrome

The Command Access ETH6W4545 626 CH-BB79 is a 6-wire energy transfer hinge, 4-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches, in 626 Satin Chrome. If you've been searching "bb79" or "626 x 4" looking for this hinge - BB79 is the Command Access designation for the ball-bearing chassis hinge body, and 626 is the Satin Chrome finish. The ETH6W4545 is available individually or in packages of 4 for a full door installation. If your door requires three or four hinges for proper load support, ordering four ensures the full set is in matching finish and spec.

What an Energy Transfer Hinge Does and Why You Need One

An energy transfer hinge passes low-voltage electrical power from the fixed hinge jamb (frame side) through the hinge barrel to the door side - without any exposed wires crossing the door gap. When a door carries electrified hardware - an electric lockset, an electric strike on a pair of doors, an electronic exit device trim, a card reader mounted on the door, or a low-voltage door indicator light - power has to get from the wall wiring to the door-mounted device. You can run wires through a header, a surface raceway, or a power transfer arm. Or you can use an energy transfer hinge, which handles the power transfer invisibly through the hinge knuckle itself. No looping cable. No visible wire at the hinge edge. Clean installation.

CH-BB79: What the Chassis Designation Means

The CH in the model designates Chassis - this hinge uses an internal chassis to route wires through the knuckle rather than a hollow barrel approach. The chassis design provides a more robust wire routing path that maintains wire integrity through millions of door cycles. BB79 is the standard 5-knuckle ball-bearing hinge body that this energy transfer mechanism sits inside. The 5-knuckle standard weight configuration is compatible with most commercial door applications - 3-foot to 4-foot doors up to standard commercial door weights. Heavy doors that require heavy-weight hinges would need the heavy-weight ETH variants.

6-Wire vs 4-Wire vs 8-Wire: Choosing the Right Configuration

The ETH6W4545 carries 6 wires at 26 gauge. The wire count and gauge determines what hardware you can power through the hinge. 26-gauge wire carries up to 1 ampere at 24VDC, which handles most standard electrified locksets, electric strikes, and card readers. If you're powering a single low-current device - a door position switch or a low-power latch monitor - 4-wire 26-gauge may be sufficient. If you're powering multiple devices through a single hinge or need heavier current capacity for a solenoid-driven device, the ETH6WH variant (which includes 2 wires at 18 gauge and 4 wires at 28 gauge) or the 8-wire configuration may be appropriate. Confirm your device's current draw and wire count requirements before specifying.

Compatible Applications

Electric mortise and cylindrical locks mounted on the door where power comes from the frame. Electric strikes on a pair of doors where the strike is frame-mounted but wiring needs to reach the door. Electric exit device trims that require power from frame to door. Latch pullback devices. Door-mounted card readers and proximity readers. Low-voltage door indicator lights. Request-to-exit sensors mounted on the door face.

Specifications

Model: Command Access ETH6W4545 626 CH-BB79

Type: Energy Transfer Hinge (ETH) - electrified

Size: 4-1/2" x 4-1/2"

Knuckles: 5-knuckle

Weight Class: Standard weight

Wires: 6 wires, 26 gauge

Rating: 24VDC at 1 Ampere

Chassis: CH (Chassis) design

Bearing: Ball bearing (BB79 body)

Leads: 4-foot leads

Finish: 626 Satin Chrome

Base Material: Steel

Applications: Electric mortise/cylindrical locks, electric strikes (pairs), electric exit trims, latch pullback, card readers, low voltage door lights

Related Models: ETH4W4545 (4-wire), ETH8W4545 (8-wire), ETH6WH4545 (heavy-gauge wire variant), ETH6W5045 (5"x4.5")

American Locksets have stocked Command Access energy transfer hinges since 2001.