eptAn EPT is an electrical power transfer, which is used to transfer wires from the door frame to the edge of the door.  It is used when there is a door-mounted piece of electrified hardware which requires power and/or sends a signal to a remote location.  The security consultants that I have worked with all prefer the EPT over electric hinges or door loops, which perform the same function.  It is also preferred over an electric hinge by most installers, because the EPT can be installed when the wiring connections are made, rather than being installed by the carpenter, removed for wiring, and reinstalled, getting mangled in the process.  The EPT is concealed when the door is closed (the door loop is exposed and prone to abuse) and it can accommodate larger gauge wires than an electric hinge. 

Von Duprin offers 2 different EPT’s, and it’s important to know which one to use when.

The EPT-2 has two 18-gauge wires (up to 2 amps at 24vdc with a 16-amp maximum surge) and is typically used with a Von Duprin electric latch retraction (EL) device.

The EPT-10 has ten 24-gauge wires (up to 1 amp at 24vdc with a 16-amp maximum surge) and is typically used when more than 2 wires are needed, for example, with a Chexit delayed egress device, or an electrified exit device or lockset with an RX or LX switch.  Some security consultants prefer to use the EPT-10 even if only 2 wires are required, so they can “double-up” or have extra wires for future needs.

Keep in mind that an EPT can’t be used with swing clear hinges or invisible hinges, and can be difficult to prep for in existing doors and frames.  If continuous hinges are used with an EPT, the hinge leaves must be prepared for the EPT as well as the door and frame.ept-prep

I just ran across another of my favorite “Doors Gone Wrong” photos (right).  The door and frame were prepped for the EPT, but the wire was run down the face of the door to the EL device!  OOPS!

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