Exterior NEMA 4 Metal Control Stations

Choosing an Exterior Metal Control Station

NC vs NO Stop Circuit

Look at the stop input on the operator before you pick a station. An NC stop opens the circuit when pressed and is the common choice on commercial operators. An NO stop closes the circuit instead. The PBT-3, PBTL-3, 3BLM and 3BLM-BC have an NC stop. The 1MHD has one NO and one NC set, so it can serve as a stop or a command. On the 3BX, 3BXL, 3BXC, 3BFX and 3BFLX, check the stop contact on the product page against the operator diagram.

Choosing Buttons

• Single command: 1BX or 1BXC.
• Open and close only: 2BX, 2BXC or 2BXL.
• Open, close and stop: 3BX, PBT-3, 3BXC or the flush 3BFX.
• Large palm button: 1MHD mushroom head, easy to hit with gloves.

Enclosure Rating vs Location

NEMA 4 stops wind-blown rain, dust and hose-directed water. Many of these stations also carry NEMA 3R and 12. Painted or bare metal can still corrode near salt air or chemicals. For those sites use NEMA 4X washdown stations or non-metallic stations. The 1BXC, 2BXC and 3BXC add a spring-loaded cover that closes over the buttons.

Lockout Options

• Keyed lockout: 3BXL, 2BXL, PBTL-3.
• Mortise cylinder, keyed random: 3BLM and the flush 3BFLX.
• Best-style 7-pin SFIC core: 3BLM-BC, so the station can match a building master key system.

Common Questions

Do I need a lockout on an outdoor station?

On a public side of a gate or dock door, yes in most cases. Without one, anyone walking past can run the operator.

Can I flush mount an exterior station?

Yes. The 3BFX and 3BFLX are NEMA 4 flush faceplates over a 3-3/4 in square back box. The rest surface mount on a wall, post or column. See all control stations or gate operator accessories.