Detex ECL-230X-TDB Alarmed Dead Bolt Panic Device - Three-Point Locking

The Detex ECL-230X-TDB is a code-compliant, battery-alarmed three-point deadbolt exit control device  one center deadbolt plus top and bottom locking bolts, 16,000 lbs of independently tested pull force resistance, 100 decibel alarm, photo-luminescent glow sign, saw-resistant bolts, and IBC-compliant 4-inch maximum door projection. American Locksets stock the ECL-230X-TDB. 

What the ECL-230X-TDB Is and Who Needs It

Standard single-point panic hardware  a rim exit device with one latchbolt  holds at one point in the door edge. That's the correct specification for most interior exit doors in occupied buildings. The ECL-230X-TDB is not that product. It's specified when a secondary exit door needs to hold against forced entry, defeat crowbar attacks, deter after-hours intrusion, and still provide immediate egress for anyone inside  all while sounding a 100-decibel alarm the moment the door is breached or left unsecured.

The three locking points are the core of why this device holds. The center deadbolt throws 1 inch into the frame with over 3/4-inch frame engagement. The top bolt throws 3/4 inch into the door frame header with 5/8-inch engagement. The bottom bolt throws 3/4 inch into the floor or sill with 5/8-inch engagement. Independent laboratory testing verifies the combined system withstands 16,000 lbs of pull force  over 8 tons against forced entry at a single door. That number isn't a marketing language. It's the documented result of independent testing at a certified lab.

The Alarm System: How Arming and Resetting Works

The alarm is integrated into the dead bolt function, not a separate switch. When you lock the deadbolt (throw it with the key from outside), the alarm arms automatically. When you unlock the deadbolt (retract it with the key), the alarm disarms. There is no separate arm/disarm step and no way to accidentally leave the door unsecured without the alarm activating.

The 100-decibel alarm activates when someone pushes through from inside without disarming with a key. It's powered by a 9-volt battery (included). Resetting the alarm after it sounds can only be done with the control key; staff can't silence it without authorized credentials.

For permanent installations where battery replacement is a concern, the optional BE-961 hardwired conversion kit eliminates the battery entirely by converting to 9VDC hardwired power.

Photo-Luminescent Sign: Egress Visibility in Power Failures

The ECL-230X-TDB includes a durable photo-luminescent sign mounted on the device face. The sign absorbs ambient light during normal operation and glows in the dark when lights are dimmed or completely lost  power failures, fire conditions, or emergency situations where the lights go out are exactly the conditions where exit visibility matters most. No batteries, no separate emergency lighting component required for the sign to function.

Upgrading to 5-Point or 6-Point Security

The standard ECL-230X-TDB provides three locking points at the strike side of the door. For doors where the hinge side is also a forced-entry vulnerability, Detex offers two expansion options. The DX2 option adds two hinge-side bolts for a total of five locking points (3/4-inch frame engagement each). The DX3 option adds three hinge-side bolts for a total of six locking points. Both maintain full alarm and egress operation. If maximum perimeter security is the specification requirement, specify the ECL-230X-TDB-DX3.

Cylinder Compatibility and Options

The ECL-230X-TDB accepts 5-pin through 7-pin standard rim cylinders and interchangeable core rim cylinders without requiring a cylinder collar modification. Standard options include RC65 (Schlage C keyway rim cylinder with 2 keys), IC7R (interchangeable core housing), and IK7R (InstaKey cylinder). The Spanish sign variant is available as the RWS option.

Specifications

Model: Detex ECL-230X-TDB

Locking Points: 3  center deadbolt (1" throw, 3/4"+ frame engagement), top bolt (3/4" throw, 5/8" engagement), bottom bolt (3/4" throw, 5/8" engagement)

Pull Force Resistance: 16,000 lbs (independent laboratory tested)

Bolts: Saw-resistant deadbolts

Lock Body: Corrosion-resistant alloy

Alarm: 100 decibel. 9-volt battery included. Hardwire kit (BE-961) available.

Sign: Photo-luminescent  glow-in-dark egress sign. Absorbs ambient light, glows when dimmed.

Strike: Surface/flush reversible strike

Cylinder: Accepts 5-pin to 7-pin standard and IC rim cylinders without collar

Door Profile: 4" maximum projection. IBC compliant.

Door Width: One size fits 36" to 48" doors

Handing: Non-handed

Alarm Operation: Deadbolt locking = alarm armed. Deadbolt unlocking = alarm disarmed. Reset requires a control key.

Upgrade Options: DX2 (5-point, 2 hinge bolts), DX3 (6-point, 3 hinge bolts)

Warranty: 10-year mechanical / 3-year electrical

American Locksets has stocked Detex exit control hardware since 2001.