Commercial Emergency Push-for-Help Station | Latching Switch | Single-Gang Mount | 10A Contacts | IP65 Weather-Resistant Design

Provide dependable emergency signaling with the Alarm Controls PBL-1 Latching Panic Station, a commercial-grade emergency push-button designed for use with compatible security, alarm, assistance, and monitoring systems.

Manufactured by Alarm Controls, an ASSA ABLOY company, the PBL-1 features a large 1-1/2-inch red mushroom push button mounted on a satin stainless steel single-gang wall plate.

The faceplate is clearly marked EMERGENCY PUSH FOR HELP, allowing users to identify the emergency activation station quickly.

Unlike conventional momentary push buttons, the PBL-1 features an alternate-action latching switch. When pressed, the switch changes its electrical contact state and remains activated until the button is pressed again.

The standard PBL-1 provides one normally open (N/O) and one normally closed (N/C) contact, allowing integration with compatible alarm panels, monitoring systems, and electronic security controllers.

Designed for commercial and institutional applications, the PBL-1 features a weather-resistant stainless steel plate conforming to IP65 standards, screw-terminal connections, and a durable mechanical switch.

Ideal for commercial offices, healthcare facilities, schools, industrial buildings, and emergency assistance stations, the Alarm Controls PBL-1 provides a reliable means of manually initiating an electrical emergency signal.

Key Features

• Latching Emergency Push Button: Switch remains activated until pressed again.

• 1-1/2" Red Mushroom Button: Large button provides an easily identifiable activation point.

• EMERGENCY PUSH FOR HELP Marking: Clearly identifies the emergency signaling function.

• Single-Gang Stainless Steel Faceplate: Durable construction for commercial installations.

• Satin Stainless Steel Finish: Professional appearance for industrial and institutional facilities.

• Normally Open Contact: One N/O contact for compatible electrical monitoring circuits.

• Normally Closed Contact: One N/C contact for systems requiring contact interruption.

• 10A Electrical Contact Rating: Heavy-duty switching capability within verified voltage limits.

• Alternate-Action Operation: Each button press changes the maintained switch state.

• IP65 Conformance: Weather-resistant faceplate construction.

• Screw-Terminal Connections: Convenient wiring connections for professional installation.

• Mechanical Operation: Standard switch does not require independent power.

• Multiple Contact Configurations: Additional PBL Series models provide alternate N/O and N/C arrangements.

• Optional LED Illumination: Separately ordered illuminated configurations are available.

• Optional Guard Ring: Provides additional protection against accidental activation.

• Optional Lift-Up Cover: Helps protect the button from unintentional operation.

• Commercial-Grade Design: Suitable for properly designed emergency assistance and security systems.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Alarm Controls

• Parent Company: ASSA ABLOY

• Model / SKU: PBL-1

• Series: PBL Series

• Product Type: Latching Emergency Panic Station

• Button Style: Mushroom Push Button

• Button Diameter: 1-1/2"

• Button Color: Red

• Switch Operation: Latching / Alternate Action

• Reset Method: Press Button Again

• Contact Configuration: One N/O and One N/C

• Switch Rating: 10A, subject to operating voltage

• AC Contact Rating: 10A at 120V AC

• DC Contact Rating: Verify Actual Device Documentation Before Installation

• Mounting: Single Gang

• Faceplate Material: Stainless Steel

• Faceplate Finish: Satin Stainless Steel

• Faceplate Marking: EMERGENCY PUSH FOR HELP

• Faceplate Height: Approximately 4-1/2"

• Faceplate Width: Approximately 2-3/4"

• Switch Depth Behind Plate: 2-1/2"

• Electrical Connections: Screw Terminals

• Weather Resistance: Conforms to IP65

• Operating Temperature: -13°F to 158°F (-25°C to 70°C)

• Standard Button Illumination: None

• Power Requirements: None for Mechanical Switching

• Built-In Audible Alarm: No

• Built-In Alarm Communicator: No

• Built-In Electronic Timer: No

• UPC: 604840963008

• Manufacturer Warranty: Limited Lifetime, Subject to Warranty Terms

Latching Push-Button Operation

1. Emergency Activation

When the red mushroom button is pressed, the PBL-1 changes the state of its electrical contacts.

The normally open contact closes, while the normally closed contact opens.

These contact changes can be used to activate a properly connected emergency signaling or monitoring system.

2. Maintained Latching Operation

The PBL-1 remains in its activated electrical state after the operator releases the button.

Unlike a momentary push button, the contacts do not immediately return to their original positions.

This allows the connected system to receive a maintained activation signal.

3. Push-Again Reset

Pressing the button a second time changes the contacts back to their original state.

Important: Resetting the PBL-1 switch does not necessarily reset a connected alarm panel. Reset behavior depends on the external system's programming and operating requirements.

4. Normally Open & Normally Closed Contacts

The standard PBL-1 includes two complementary contact functions:

Normally Open (N/O)

• Open in the normal switch state

• Closes when the station is activated

• Can provide an activation signal to compatible security equipment

Normally Closed (N/C)

• Closed in the normal switch state

• Opens when the station is activated

• Can be used in compatible circuits that monitor contact interruption

5. External Alarm Integration

When connected to appropriate equipment, the PBL-1 can provide an electrical signal to:

• Emergency Assistance Systems

• Commercial Security Alarm Panels

• Healthcare Assistance Systems

• Industrial Monitoring Equipment

• Security Annunciation Systems

• Building Management Controls

• Compatible Access-Control Controllers

The PBL-1 is a switching device only. It does not independently sound an alarm, send a notification, or contact emergency responders.

Optional Alarm Controls Accessories

GR – Guard Ring

An optional guard ring provides protection around the red mushroom button to help reduce accidental activation.

LUC – Lift-Up Cover

An optional lift-up cover helps prevent unintended button operation in busy environments.

LED Illumination Options

The manufacturer offers separately ordered illuminated configurations with available LED voltages including:

• 6V DC

• 12V DC

• 24V DC

• 120V AC

The exact illuminated configuration must be specified when ordering.

The standard PBL-1 does not include LED illumination.

Alternate Faceplate Options

Alarm Controls offers selected PBL configurations with:

• Stainless Steel

• White

• Ivory

• Red

• 1-3/4" Narrow Stainless Steel

• 1-3/4" Narrow Red

These are separately specified configurations and should not be assumed to be included with the standard PBL-1.

Recommended Applications

• Commercial Office Buildings

• Emergency Assistance Stations

• Healthcare Facilities

• Assisted Living Facilities

• Schools and Universities

• Government Buildings

• Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities

• Warehouses and Distribution Centers

• Security Control Rooms

• Commercial Retail Facilities

• Reception and Administrative Areas

• Employee Emergency Notification

• Institutional Security Systems

• Panic Alarm Activation

• Building Emergency Monitoring Systems

• Commercial Security Retrofits

Installation & Compatibility

The Alarm Controls PBL-1 is designed for professional installation in compatible alarm, monitoring, and security-control circuits.

The station mounts to an appropriate single-gang electrical enclosure and connects to external equipment through its screw-terminal switch contacts.

Installation Considerations

• Confirm that latching operation is appropriate for the application.

• Verify the mounting location and available wall-box depth.

• Provide at least the required clearance for the 2-1/2" switch depth.

• Secure the single-gang stainless steel faceplate.

• Connect the normally open and normally closed contacts as specified by the approved system design.

• Verify voltage and current are within the actual switch rating.

• Confirm the connected system's activation and reset behavior.

• Test both the latched and unlatched switch positions.

• Install any required protective cover or guard ring.

• Follow all applicable electrical and building requirements.

Important Installation Information

• This listing is for the standard Alarm Controls PBL-1.

• The switch has latching, not momentary, operation.

• The button changes state again when pressed a second time.

• This model is labeled EMERGENCY PUSH FOR HELP.

• The PBL-1 does not include a built-in alarm siren or communication device.

• The standard model is not illuminated.

• Optional LEDs and protective accessories must be ordered separately.

• An external alarm panel or compatible controller is needed to use the station for emergency signaling.

• The PBL-1 should not be represented as a standalone fire alarm manual pull station.

• It is not a mechanical panic exit device or listed fire-exit bar.

• Its latching behavior must not be used in a manner that prevents required emergency egress.

• The IP65 designation applies to the manufacturer's stated product construction; proper installation and environmental sealing remain essential.

• Follow manufacturer instructions and applicable codes.

Why Choose the Alarm Controls PBL-1?

The Alarm Controls PBL-1 Latching Emergency Panic Station provides dependable manual emergency activation for professionally installed commercial monitoring and assistance systems.

Its large red mushroom button, latching switch operation, N/O and N/C contacts, satin stainless steel faceplate, and weather-resistant construction make it a practical solution for commercial and institutional security applications.

For facilities requiring a clearly identified emergency assistance activation point with maintained electrical switching, the PBL-1 offers durable construction and straightforward operation.