About this item
The Securitron DPS-M-BK is a concealed magnetic door position switch engineered specifically for metal (hollow metal steel) doors, finished in black. It monitors whether a door is open or closed and sends that state signal to an access control system, alarm panel, or a Securitron logic device. Two components are included: a magnetic reed switch that recesses into the door frame, and a larger cylindrical permanent magnet that recesses into the door itself. Both components disappear completely flush into the door and frame- nothing visible from either side.
Why Metal Doors Need a Larger Magnet: DPS-M vs DPS-W
This is the detail most buyers are searching for when they land on "dps-m-bk" vs "dps-w." The difference is the magnet size, and the reason is the steel itself.
On a wood door, the magnetic field passes cleanly through the door material. On a hollow metal or steel door, the ferrous material partially shields and absorbs the magnetic field, weakening it before it reaches the reed switch. A standard-size magnet loses enough field strength through steel to cause false "door open" readings or missed state changes.
The DPS-M uses a larger cylindrical permanent magnet that generates a stronger field- strong enough to punch through the shielding effect of a metal door and reliably actuate the reed switch across the full door gap range.
DPS-M-BK: Metal door, black finish. This listing.
DPS-M-WH: Metal door, white finish. For frames that need the switch to blend with painted white or aluminum finishes.
DPS-W: Wood door, standard magnet, also available in black and white. Do not specify for metal doors- the magnet is undersized for steel shielding.
Installation: The 3/4" Hole Requirement and Template Alignment
The DPS-M-BK is a concealed switch- both components recess into 3/4" (19mm) diameter, 1/2" deep holes drilled directly opposite each other: one in the door edge and one in the frame at precisely the same height. The alignment between these two holes is critical. If they don't line up perfectly when the door closes, the magnet won't actuate the reed switch reliably.
A drill template makes this significantly easier by establishing the exact hole position on both door and frame before drilling. This is why "dps-m-bk template" is a top search query for this product- installers actively look for the template to ensure the holes align within the required tolerance.
Operating door gap range: 1/2" to 3/4" (12mm to 18mm). Installation works within this range as long as the holes are correctly aligned.
Access Control System Integration
The DPS-M-BK outputs a Normally Closed (NC) SPST dry contact signal. In the closed (door-closed) state, the circuit is complete. When the door opens, the magnet moves away from the reed switch, the circuit opens, and the access control panel sees a state change.
This signal integrates directly with:
Securitron XDT Series exit delay logic timers- the DPS-M sends an initiate signal to start the XDT timer sequence when the door opens.
Securitron DPA door prop alarm logic timers- the DPS-M triggers the DPA's escalating alert sequence when a door remains open past a configured time threshold.
Securitron BondSTAT and Senstat monitors- pairing the DPS-M with BondSTAT or Senstat provides layered door state indication, confirming both the door position and the electromagnetic lock bond status simultaneously.
Most standard access control panels also accept the NC contact output directly for door monitoring.
Specifications
Contact type: Normally Closed (NC), SPST.
Installation: Concealed (flush recessed). Requires 3/4" (19mm) diameter hole, 1/2" deep in door edge and frame.
Operating gap range: 1/2" to 3/4" (12mm to 18mm).
Operating temperature: -40°F to +150°F (-40°C to +65°C).
Switching current: 0.4A AC/DC maximum.
Finish: Black (BK). White version available as DPS-M-WH.
Warranty: Magnacare Lifetime Replacement, No Fault.
Trusted Since 2001
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