--- title: "Exit Buttons, Break-Glass & Door Sensors Explained | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-exit-devices-kenya description: "Access control exit devices explained: exit buttons, request-to-exit sensors, emergency break-glass release, door position sensors and door closers, and why each matters." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-exit-devices-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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A key that was copied once will open your door for as long as the lock stays the same. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - Exit button: releases the lock from the inside. - Break-glass: emergency release that cuts lock power directly. - Door sensor: detects doors forced or held open. Quick answer Getting in is only half of access control. Exit buttons (or request-to-exit sensors) let people out, an emergency break-glass cuts power to the lock in an emergency, door position sensors tell the system whether the door is actually shut, and a door closer makes sure it shuts. Together they make the door both safe and secure. [Photo: Jakub Zerdzicki / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/36K2PZYNfcM) Why this matters now ## Every day with uncontrolled doors is a day you cannot say who was inside. ### If you wait - Keys copied and never returned - A leaver who still holds access - No record of who entered the store room ### What you get - Cards, fingerprints or faces set by door and by hour - Remove a person in one click - A log of every entry [Rosslare AC G44 Reader](/products/rosslare-ac-g44-reader-22147 "Rosslare AC G44 Reader")[ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805](/products/zkteco-zk-lmb-2805-maglock-2637 "ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805 MAGLOCK")[Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller](/products/dahua-dh-ard312-access-controller-13950 "Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20Exit%20Buttons%2C%20Break-Glass%20%26%20Door%20Sensors.%20I%20want%20access%20control%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - Exit button: releases the lock from the inside. - Break-glass: emergency release that cuts lock power directly. - Door sensor: detects doors forced or held open. - Door closer: without it, the lock can't do its job. ## The parts **Exit button**: Pressed from inside to release the door **Request-to-exit (REX) sensor**: Detects someone approaching from inside **Emergency break-glass**: Green unit that cuts power to the lock in an emergency **Door position sensor**: Knows if the door is open, closed, forced or held **Door closer**: Brings the door shut so it relocks **Buzzer / alarm**: Sounds if a door is held open too long ## Forced and held-open alarms With a door sensor, the system can raise two useful alarms: **door forced** (opened without a valid credential or exit) and **door held open** (propped open too long). These catch the most common real-world weakness: a door wedged open for convenience. ## Safety first **Important**: Escape-route doors must always let people out. A break-glass release that cuts lock power is a common safeguard, alongside fail-safe locks and, where appropriate, fire alarm integration. See [maglock vs electric strike](https://qyvea.co.ke/magnetic-lock-vs-electric-strike-kenya). ## See it in a real installation ### Hikvision Face Recognition with a No-Touch Exit Button A fully touch-free door: staff enter with Hikvision face recognition and leave by waving a hand over an infrared no-touch exit button. [About this sample project →](https://qyvea.co.ke/hikvision-face-recognition-touchless-exit-video-kenya)[More sample projects →](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-installation-videos-kenya) ## Frequently asked questions What is a break-glass unit? An emergency release, usually green, that cuts power to an electric lock so the door can be opened in an emergency. Why add a door sensor? It tells the system if a door is forced or propped open, and confirms the door actually closed. Is an exit button enough for a fire exit? Usually not on its own. Break-glass release and fail-safe locking are common additional safeguards. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Access Control · Comparison Magnetic Lock vs Electric Strike Maglocks hold the door with a magnet; electric strikes release the latch. How to choose for glass doors, wooden doors, fire exits and store rooms. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/magnetic-lock-vs-electric-strike-kenya)[Access Control · Technology Explained Access Control Explained: How Door Access Systems Work Reader, controller, lock, exit device and software: how a door decides who gets in, and what happens when the power fails. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-explained-kenya)[Access Control · Troubleshooting Access Control Door Not Opening Reader accepts the user but the door stays locked: power, lock and controller checks. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-door-not-opening-kenya) ### Related services [Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/door-access-control-kenya)[Access Control Repair](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-system-repair-kenya) ### Related products [Browse the Qyvea shop](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) ### Related projects [Biometric access control installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#biometric-case-study) [← Previous**Do Anti-Theft Gates (EAS) Work for Shops in Kenya?**](https://qyvea.co.ke/eas-anti-theft-gates-for-shops-kenya)[Next →**: Face Recognition Turnstiles for Offices, Factories and Schools**](https://qyvea.co.ke/face-recognition-turnstile-kenya) ## Need this system installed? 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