Turn a mechanical Sargent panic bar into an access control device without replacing it. Sargent M56A electric latch retraction kits add a quiet, motor-driven latch retraction to 80 Series exit devices manufactured after 2006, so a card reader, schedule, or automatic operator can unlatch the door remotely. Shop kits for E, F, J, and G rails covering 24- to 48-inch doors, in stock at Commercial Door Hardware and shipping the same day.
Why Retrofit Instead of Replace
When a building adds card access, an automatic door operator, or scheduled unlocking, the obvious move is to replace the panic hardware with electrified devices. On a good 80 Series device, that's usually unnecessary.
An electric latch retraction kit installs inside the existing push rail. It adds a motor that pulls the latch back on a signal from the access control system, holds it retracted for as long as the door should be free, and releases it to relatch. The device, the door prep, the strike, and the trim all stay in place. You get an electrified opening at a fraction of the cost of a new device, with far less labor.
And the rule of panic hardware doesn't change: the push bar still opens the door mechanically, with or without power.
How the M56A Works
When the access control system sends power, the motor retracts the latch and the door works as a simple push/pull door. The 56- circuitry monitors the rail position and adjusts itself, so retraction stays accurate without manual tuning. When the signal drops, or the retraction timer expires, the latch extends, and the door relocks.
A motor drive rather than a solenoid is what separates the M56A from older electric latch retraction. A solenoid snaps the latch back with a loud bang and draws heavy current. A motor pulls it back smoothly and quietly, using far less power.
Specifications
|
Specification |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Power |
24VDC regulated and filtered power supply |
|
Current draw |
600mA during retraction, 250mA held retracted |
|
Retraction timer |
Digital, adjustable 0 to 20 seconds; factory set at 5 seconds |
|
Rail position |
Automatically monitored and adjusted by the 56- circuitry |
|
Mode |
Fail secure |
|
Duty |
Intermittent and continuous duty |
|
Listing |
UL listed for Class II circuits |
|
Handing |
Non-handed |
|
Compatibility |
80 Series exit devices manufactured after 2006; not available on FM8700 |
The low current draw has a practical payoff: in many cases the device can be powered through an electric hinge instead of a dedicated electric power transfer, which simplifies the retrofit considerably.
Choosing the Right Kit
M56A kits are sized to the rail of the existing device, so measure the rail before ordering.
|
Kit |
Rail |
Rail length |
Door width |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sargent M56A-E |
E rail |
8-1/2" |
24" to 32" |
|
Sargent M56A-F |
F rail |
11-1/4" |
33" to 36" |
|
Sargent M56A-J |
J rail |
14" |
37" to 42" |
|
Sargent M56A-G |
G rail |
20-1/2" |
43" to 48" |
Compatible Sargent Exit Devices
|
Series |
Device type |
|---|---|
|
8800 |
Wide stile rim exit device |
|
8900 |
Mortise exit device |
|
8700 |
Surface vertical rod exit device (not FM8700) |
|
8600 |
Concealed vertical rod exit device |
|
8500 |
Narrow design rim exit device |
|
8300 |
Narrow design mortise exit device |
|
8400 |
Narrow design concealed vertical rod exit device |
The 2006 cutoff matters. Kits fit 80 Series devices manufactured after 2006. Check the date or model on the device before ordering, and send us photos if you're unsure.
Popular Electrification Products
|
Product |
What it's for |
|---|---|
|
Sargent M56A-F |
The most common kit, for standard 36" doors |
|
Sargent M56A-E / -J / -G |
Narrow, wide and oversized doors |
|
Sargent R56A rail assembly kits |
Complete electric latch retraction rail assemblies, such as the R56AG for 43" to 48" devices |
|
Sargent 855 retrofit request-to-exit switch |
Adds rail monitoring to signal the access control system |
|
24VDC regulated power supply |
Powers the retraction kit |
|
Electric hinge or power transfer |
Carries power from the frame to the door |
Available Finishes
The M56A motor kit installs inside the push rail and isn't visible, so the finish that matters is the existing device. Where a complete rail assembly is needed, match the finish to the device and trim.
|
Code |
Finish |
Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
|
630 / US32D |
Satin stainless steel |
The standard exit device finish |
|
605 / US3 |
Bright brass |
Polished brass entrances |
|
613 / US10B |
Oil-rubbed bronze |
Bronze hardware schedules |
|
BSP |
Black suede powder coat |
Contemporary and dark framing |
Finish codes follow the BHMA system, with the older US designation shown alongside. The two codes describe the same finish, so 630 and US32D are interchangeable on a hardware schedule.
Benefits of Sargent M56A Kits
-
Electrify without replacing the existing device, strike or trim.
-
Quiet motor-driven operation for noise-sensitive buildings.
-
Low current draw of 600mA retracting and 250mA holding.
-
Self-adjusting rail position for consistent retraction.
-
Adjustable timer from 0 to 20 seconds.
-
Works with automatic operators, card readers and schedules.
-
Free egress at all times, with or without power.
-
Ready to ship. In-stock kits ship the same day.
Applications
-
Hospitals and assisted living, where quiet operation matters.
-
School entrances unlocked on a schedule and locked for lockdown.
-
Office and campus perimeter doors adding card access.
-
ADA entrances with automatic door operators.
-
Auditoriums, theaters and libraries.
-
Retail and hospitality entrances unlocked during business hours.
How to Retrofit with an M56A Kit
-
Confirm the device is 80 Series, manufactured after 2006, and not FM8700.
-
Measure the rail and choose E, F, J, or G.
-
Plan power: a 24VDC regulated, filtered supply sized to the load.
-
Plan power transfer through an electric hinge or power transfer device.
-
Add request-to-exit if the access control system needs a rail signal.
-
Check the fire rating, since rated openings need fire exit hardware and must relatch on fire alarm.
-
Install per Sargent's instructions using a qualified installer and integrator.
-
Set the timer and test retraction, relatching, and free egress.
Why Order Sargent Electrification Kits from Commercial Door Hardware
Commercial Door Hardware supplies door hardware for schools, healthcare facilities, offices, retail, hospitality and institutional buildings across the country, carrying exit devices, exit trim, locks, cylinders, closers, hinges, thresholds, weatherstripping and the parts that go with them from Sargent, Von Duprin, Corbin Russwin, Accentra, Schlage, LCN, Norton and Pemko.
Retrofits fail when one piece doesn't match: the wrong rail size, a 12V supply on a 24V kit, or a hinge without the right wiring. We stock M56A kits with the power supplies, electric hinges and request-to-exit switches they work with, so the whole retrofit arrives together.
Every item in this collection is in stock at Commercialdoorhardware.com and ships the same day, because a failed exit opening is a life safety and security problem rather than a maintenance item.