About this item
The Corbin Russwin ED5200 MELR is a rim exit device with Motorized Electric Latch Retraction built into the rail. MELR stands for Motorized Electric Latch Retraction, and the distinction from a standard ELR solenoid device matters a lot in practice: a motor drives the latch mechanism instead of a solenoid, which means quiet operation, 86% less power consumption during retraction, and a maintenance-free design with very few moving parts. It's why the MELR gets specified for hospitals, hotels, schools, and office buildings where noise and power draw matter.
The 781N Controller Is Required- No Substitutes
This is the piece most buyers miss. The MELR does not run from a standard access control panel output or a generic power supply. It requires the Corbin Russwin 781N Controller, which takes 120VAC input and sequences output for one or two MELR devices. Using any other power source voids the warranty.
If you're buying the ED5200 MELR for the first time, add the 781N to your order. If you're retrofitting, confirm the 781N is already present in the system before ordering the device.
You also need a 4-wire electrical transfer pivot or hinge. The MELR is not compatible with 2-wire transfers. Confirm your door hardware setup before specifying.
How the MELR Works Electrically
When the 781N sends the retraction signal, the motor pulls the latchbolt back and holds it there for as long as power is applied- door is in free push-pull mode. When power is removed, the device returns immediately to its mechanical self-latching mode. That's fail-secure operation: no power means the door latches normally.
Electrical specs: 6 to 9 Amp inrush at 24VDC to 28VDC. Holding current is 0.172 Amp on continuous duty- very low compared to solenoid devices that draw sustained current to hold the latch open.
The MELR interfaces with fire alarm systems, access control panels, automatic door operators, security alarm systems, and door blow-open systems. In a fire event, alarm contact interrupts the signal and the device latches automatically.
ED5200 Physical Specifications
Handing: Device body is non-handed. Lever trim is handed- specify hand when ordering trim.
Bar length: Standard 36" bar fits doors 30" to 36" (914mm). Optional 48" bar (suffix W048) fits 36" to 48" (914mm to 1219mm) doors. Both are field-cuttable to exact size.
Door thickness: 1-3/4" (44mm) standard.
Minimum stile width: 4-1/2" (114mm).
Latchbolt: 3/4" (19mm) throw, stainless steel Pullman type with stainless steel deadlocking latch.
Projection: 3-1/4" (83mm) active, 2-3/4" (70mm) dogged.
Strike: Surface-mounted 3/8" diameter roller strike with positive locking plate and shims.
Dogging: Standard single-point 1/4-turn hex key dogging on panic devices. Optional cylinder dogging, suffix M52. Mechanical dogging is not available on fire-rated devices- that's a code requirement, not an oversight.
Touchbar monitoring (M92 option): Reports pushpad depression to access control or alarm systems as a Request-to-Exit signal. Useful for monitoring egress without a separate REX sensor.
Fasteners: Machine screws and wood door fasteners, sex nuts and bolts for wood, composite, or unreinforced metal. Fire-rated devices ship with sex nuts and bolts.