Exterior Control Station

3BX Exterior 3-Button Open/Close/Stop Control Station

Product Description

The 3BX exterior control station provides dedicated OPEN, CLOSE, and STOP push-button controls for compatible commercial garage door operators, overhead door operators, and automatic gate systems.

Its rugged die-cast metal enclosure is designed for surface-mounted exterior installations where the control station may be exposed to moisture, dust, dirt, and demanding commercial or industrial conditions.

The three clearly identified buttons allow an operator to control the door from a fixed wall-mounted location. The OPEN and CLOSE buttons use normally open contacts, while the STOP button uses a normally closed contact, matching the control arrangement used by many commercial door operators.

Product Specifications

• Model: 3BX
• Product type: Exterior three-button control station
• Button functions: Open, Close, and Stop
• Mounting type: Surface mount
• Enclosure material: Die-cast aluminum
• Enclosure rating: NEMA 3R, NEMA 4, and NEMA 12
• Open-button contact: Normally open
• Close-button contact: Normally open
• Stop-button contact: Normally closed
• Contact rating: 6 amps at 125/250V AC
• Button design: Fully guarded
• Primary application: Commercial garage doors, overhead doors, and gate operators
• Quantity: One control station

The published 3BX specifications identify a die-cast aluminum enclosure, guarded buttons, NEMA 3R/4/12 ratings, and 6-amp contacts rated at 125/250V AC.

Product Features

• Three separate Open, Close, and Stop push buttons
• Rugged exterior-rated construction
• Surface-mounted enclosure
• Die-cast aluminum housing
• Guarded buttons help reduce accidental activation
• Suitable for exposed commercial and industrial locations
• Clearly identified control functions
• Hardwired operation without batteries or radio programming
• Compatible with many operators using standard three-button control circuits
• Suitable for new installations or replacement applications

Button and Contact Functions

Open Button

The OPEN button uses a normally open contact. Pressing the button temporarily closes the circuit and sends an opening command to the connected operator.

Close Button

The CLOSE button also uses a normally open contact. Pressing it sends the closing command required by the operator’s control circuit.

Depending on the operator and applicable safety requirements, constant pressure may be required to close the door.

Stop Button

The STOP button uses a normally closed contact. Pressing the button interrupts the control circuit and stops door movement.

Because the stop circuit is normally closed, incorrect wiring or an open circuit may prevent the operator from functioning.

Common Applications

The 3BX control station is commonly used with:

• Commercial sectional garage doors
• Rolling steel doors
• Industrial overhead doors
• Fire-station bay doors
• Warehouse and loading-dock doors
• Automotive service-bay doors
• Manufacturing facilities
• Storage facilities
• Automatic gate operators
• Commercial access-control systems

The control station is intended for fixed, hardwired operation of equipment with compatible Open, Close, Stop, and common control terminals.

Compatibility

The 3BX may be compatible with commercial door and gate operators that accept a traditional three-button control station.

Before ordering, verify that the connected operator provides terminals for:

• Open
• Close
• Stop
• Common

Also confirm:

• The operator supports normally open Open and Close contacts
• The operator requires a normally closed Stop circuit
• The control voltage and current are within the station’s ratings
• The operator permits an exterior hardwired control station
• The required number of conductors is available
• The installation complies with the operator’s monitored-safety requirements

This is not a wireless remote, radio receiver, keypad, or standalone door controller.

Exterior Enclosure

The metal enclosure is intended to protect the internal push-button contacts in demanding locations.

Its published NEMA 3R, 4, and 12 ratings make it suitable for environments requiring protection against conditions such as rain, windblown dust, dirt, and splashing water when installed correctly.

Proper enclosure performance depends on correct mounting, conduit entry, fittings, gaskets, and sealing.

Do not assume the complete installation retains its environmental rating if incorrect fittings or unsealed openings are used.

Installation and Wiring

The control station should be installed in a visible location where the user can observe the complete door or gate opening while operating it.

Typical wiring requires separate conductors between the control station and the operator’s:

• Open terminal
• Close terminal
• Stop terminal
• Common terminal

Always use the wiring diagram supplied with the door or gate operator. Terminal names and wiring arrangements may differ between manufacturers and operator generations.

Do not apply incoming line voltage to low-voltage control terminals unless the operator manufacturer specifically requires it.

Important Installation Notes

Before installation:

• Disconnect power to the door or gate operator
• Confirm the control-circuit voltage
• Verify the required contact configuration
• Inspect existing field wiring
• Use exterior-rated conduit and fittings where required
• Seal all enclosure penetrations
• Mount the station on a stable surface
• Keep the control station within sight of the moving door

After wiring, test every function individually.

Confirm that:

• OPEN starts the correct direction of travel
• CLOSE starts the correct direction of travel
• STOP immediately stops movement
• The door does not move unexpectedly
• All monitored entrapment-protection devices operate correctly

Package Contents

• One 3BX exterior three-button control station

Control wire, conduit, fittings, mounting anchors, operator, safety sensors, monitored sensing edges, and other installation materials are not included unless specifically stated.

Safety Information

Commercial doors and gates are large moving systems that can cause serious injury, death, or property damage.

The control station must be installed where the user has a clear, unobstructed view of the entire opening. Do not place it where a person can operate the door without seeing people, vehicles, or obstructions in its path.

This control station does not replace required photoelectric sensors, monitored sensing edges, entrapment-protection devices, warning equipment, or operator safety controls.

Installation and troubleshooting should be performed by a qualified commercial door, gate, access-control, or electrical technician.

3BX Exterior 3-Button Open/Close/Stop Commercial Door Control Station

Exterior surface-mount 3BX Open/Close/Stop control station with guarded push buttons, die-cast aluminum enclosure, NEMA 3R/4/12 ratings, and commercial operator contacts.