Interior NEMA 1 Control Stations

How to Choose an Interior Control Station

NC vs NO Stop Circuit

Most commercial door and gate operators want a normally closed (NC) stop. The circuit stays closed until Stop is pressed, so a cut wire also stops the operator. Some operators use a normally open (NO) stop that closes on press. Read the stop terminal on the operator wiring diagram first. The PBS-3, PBC-3 and LCE-3 have an NC stop. The PBS-3R and LCE-3A are the NO versions. The 3BFL and 3BFLM have both NO and NC contacts, so wire the set the operator calls for.

Choosing Buttons

• One button (PBS-1, PBC-1): 2 wires to the operator single-button input.
• Two buttons (PBS-2, PBC-2, 2BF): open and close, 3 wires, no stop.
• Three buttons (PBS-3, PBC-3, LCE-3, 3BF): open, close and stop on 4 wires.

Surface or Flush Mount

PBS stations sit on the wall in a small metal box, good for block walls and retrofits. PBC, LCE, 2BF and 3BF faceplates fit a single-gang back box in a finished wall. The 3BFL and 3BFLM need a 3-3/4 in square back box.

Enclosure Rating vs Location

NEMA 1 keeps fingers and falling dirt out. It is not rated for rain or hose-down. If the wall is near an open dock door or gets wet, step up to exterior NEMA 4 metal stations or NEMA 4X washdown stations.

Lockout Options

The 3BFL uses a keyswitch and the 3BFLM uses a mortise cylinder. With the key off, the buttons do nothing, so the door stays put after hours. Run extra conductors for the lockout circuit.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the PBS-3 and PBS-3R?

Same box and buttons. The PBS-3 (also listed as 3B) has an NC stop. The PBS-3R (also listed as 3BU) has an NO stop.

Can a one-button station replace a three-button station?

Yes, if the operator has a single-button input. You give up a dedicated stop, so check that the operator still has a working stop elsewhere. More options are in door controls and all control stations.