Corbin Russwin ED5800-MELR Concealed Vertical Rod/Electric Latch Retraction

The ED5800 is the standard-stile concealed vertical rod (CVR) exit device in the Corbin Russwin ED5000 Series, and the MELR version adds motor electric latch retraction for access control integration without the power draw, heat, or controller requirements of a solenoid-based system. Where the solenoid M94 configuration requires the Corbin Russwin 781N Controller and pulls significantly more current during retraction, the ED5800 MELR runs directly off a standard 24V power supply, consumes 86% less power during retraction than comparable solenoid devices, and has fewer moving parts with a maintenance-free design. For multi-door systems where you're totaling amp loads across a panel, that difference matters immediately.

The CVR configuration gives you dual-point latching at the top and bottom of the door with the rods fully concealed inside the door, no exposed rods visible on the door face. This is the device specified for standard-stile hollow metal doors in schools, hospitals, government buildings, and institutional facilities where appearance, security, and access control integration are all required on the same opening. For the full Corbin Russwin ED5000 exit devices lineup, browse our catalog. For power supplies and compatible access control components, view our electronic hardware collection.

Does the ED5800 MELR Need a Separate Controller?

No. This is the most common question from installers comparing MELR to solenoid M94 configurations. The M94 electric latch pullback requires the Corbin Russwin 781N Controller (120VAC input, output sequencer). The MELR does not. It connects directly to a standard 24V AC or DC power supply. The motor-driven mechanism handles sequencing internally, which simplifies wiring, reduces panel complexity, and eliminates a dedicated controller from the bill of materials. If "melr controller" is what you were searching for, the answer is: a standard power supply is all you need.

Corbin Russwin ED5800 MELR Technical Specifications

Series: ED5000. Device type: Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR). Electric function: MELR, Motor Electric Latch Retraction. ANSI standard: A156.3, Type 8, Grade 1. ADA: meets ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Code. UL/cUL Listed: yes, panic hardware per UL 305. Fire rating: ED5800A-MELR carries 3-hour A label for 4' x 8' single and 8' x 8' double doors. NFPA: complies with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and NFPA 80 (fire-rated version). California State Fire Marshal: approved per section 13144.1. Input voltage: 24V AC or DC. Inrush current: 6 to 9 amps at 24 to 28VDC. Holding current: 0.172 amp continuous duty. Power reduction vs. solenoid: 86% less during retraction. Controller required: none, standard power supply. Fail mode: fail secure. Handing: device is handed, easily field reversible. Trim: handed. Minimum stile: 4-1/2" (114mm). Bar length: standard 36" fits 30" to 36" doors; optional 48" (W048) fits 36" to 48" doors. Door thickness: standard 1-3/4" (44mm). Door height: standard top rod for 8' doors; telescoping rod assembly for various door heights. Door type: metal doors only. Top latchbolt: 3/4" (19mm) throw, stainless steel pullman-type with automatic deadlatching. Bottom latchbolt: 5/8" (16mm) throw deadbolt, held retracted during door swing. Vertical rods: 1/2" O.D. tubing, electroplated for corrosion resistance. Strike top: roller type. Strike bottom: flush mounted. Dogging: single-point 1/4 turn hex key (mechanical dogging not available on fire-rated versions). Warranty: 5-year limited.

3.25 Million Cycle Test: What It Means

The Corbin Russwin ED5800 was witnessed and certified to 3.25 million successful operating cycles in laboratory testing, more than six times the ANSI Grade 1 requirement of 500,000 cycles. That number is specific to the ED5800 and represents the highest documented cycle count in the ED5000 Series. For a high-traffic institutional door that cycles 300 times a day, 3.25 million cycles represents nearly 30 years of daily operation. That's the test data behind the 5-year warranty and the reason the ED5800 gets specified on the highest-use doors in the building.

M92 Touchbar Monitoring and REX Option

The M92 option adds a Request to Exit (REX) signal output when the pushbar is depressed. This signal shunts alarm systems, releases electromagnetic door holders, or provides door monitoring to a central access control panel. If your installation requires REX output for alarm integration or door position monitoring, specify M92 at time of order.

Retrofit Availability

The ED5800 MELR is available as a retrofit rail kit assembly for updating existing mechanical ED5800 installations already in the field. If you're upgrading a building to access control and the existing doors have mechanical ED5800 devices, the MELR retrofit kit can be applied without replacing the full device.

For all compatible outside trims, browse our full exit hardware catalog.