Dual Push Buttons for Shared Access Points
Two functions, one point, no confusion
At a door that needs both an open and a close function, or where two separate actions have to be offered at the same location, such as in and out, or call and cancel, a practical problem emerges: mounting two separate push buttons side by side looks messy and is prone to being mixed up by the user. A dual push button in a single housing solves this, but requires a careful choice in design and visibility.
The story of a reception desk where visitors pressed the wrong button
Picture a facility manager at an office building where visitors need to be able to open a door to the waiting area themselves at reception, while staff also need to be able to lock the same door outside office hours. With two separate, similar-looking buttons side by side, confusion and incorrect operation happened regularly. The manager is looking for a solution that clearly distinguishes the two functions, without requiring a full replacement of the door installation.
CM-2510 and CM-2520: one housing, two clearly separated functions
Camden's CM-2510 and CM-2520 are dual push buttons (double gang) in a wide format, built for commercial and industrial installations where high visibility and simple operation come first. The wide format leaves room for clear labelling or colour coding per function, reducing confusion for the user. The difference between the two models lies in the specific switch configuration, giving installers the freedom to choose the electrical control that fits the project without changing the design or mounting method.
Why design matters here as much as function
With a dual push button, the risk of incorrect operation is real as soon as the two functions look too similar. Clear, visually separated labelling, such as "IN" and "OUT" or a distinct icon per function, prevents a visitor or staff member from pressing the wrong side, without requiring two separate, scattered buttons that disrupt the look of the wall.
More than just reception desks
The same need for clearly separated dual controls comes up at lift lobbies, car park entrances and exits, and shared meeting rooms with a separate entry and exit function. Anywhere two related but distinct actions need to be offered at the same location, this type of push button is relevant.
What this means for installation
For installers, switching to a dual push button usually means a direct replacement of the existing single buttons, without needing to alter the door automation itself. For a reception desk like the one in the example above, this is a relatively small intervention with a directly noticeable effect on how smoothly visitors and staff operate the door.
Part of a broader access system
Dual push buttons take their place alongside keypads, key switches and touchless switches in the broader range of access solutions, where the choice per situation is determined by how many functions need to come together at one point.
Secumatic supplies the CM-2510 and CM-2520 as Camden's European distributor, with support on specification and project advice for installers and technical service providers. View the CM-2510/2520 dual push buttons, or get in touch for advice on the right choice for your project.
