By Kent · Lock Depot Staff Writer

Why the ECL-230X has so many tails

A Detex ECL-230X part number can run long: ECL-230X-TD, ECL-230X-TB, ECL-230X-TDB IC7R, ECL-230X-W, ECL-230X-IP. It looks like six products. It is one lock with a few add-ons and a few mounting choices, and once you know what each tail does you can read any of them off the box.

The ECL-230X is an alarmed deadbolt panic device. The catalog calls it the premium one: a hardened deadbolt, a 100 dB alarm on a 9V battery (included), gray finish, and a photo-luminescent warning sign in the box. It is listed as Grade 1 under ANSI/BHMA A156.3 and as UL 305 listed panic hardware. You put it on a secondary exit that must stay legal for egress but that you want to hear when somebody uses it.

230X, 230D, 600: the three base models

Start with which lock, then add the tail.

• ECL-230D: the workhorse. Alarmed deadbolt panic device, steel plate construction, 100 dB alarm, 9V battery. The catalog says the 230X adds hardened deadbolt security over the 230D for higher-threat applications. We stock it in black as the ECL-230D Black. It is the sensible choice for a stockroom or a warehouse side door.
• ECL-230X: the premium version. Same alarm, hardened deadbolt. Schools, government buildings and retail backrooms are the uses the catalog names. The base part is the ECL-230X.
• ECL-600: a rim-mounted alarmed device. The catalog says it is for doors where a deadbolt configuration is not ideal: hollow metal, aluminum and narrow stile doors. Same 100 dB alarm. If your door is a narrow-stile storefront, look at the 600, not the 230X.

Our guide on the ECL-230 for a propped back door explains the problem this family solves and how the alarm behaves on the door. Here the job is the suffix.

Reading the tail

The catalog descriptions for each variant tell you what changed. Here is the list as we have it.

TD: top and bottom deadbolt

The ECL-230X-TD description says "top and bottom deadbolt." The listing title calls it the Top Device.

TB: top bolt only

The ECL-230X-TB description says "top bolt only." The listing title calls it the Bottom Device. Read the two listings side by side and the titles and descriptions do not line up: "Top Device" with a top and bottom bolt, "Bottom Device" with a top bolt only. We have not resolved that. If you need a specific bolt location, tell us the door and we will confirm the part number before you order. Do not rely on the title alone.

TDB IC7R: both devices plus a removable core

The ECL-230X-TDB IC7R description lists a top and bottom deadbolt, a top deadbolt with a bottom bolt, and an SFIC (small format interchangeable core) 7-pin removable core. A removable core is the version for a building that rekeys often. You pull the core with the control key and the lock never leaves the door. The ECL-230X-TDB DX2 IC7R carries the same description with DX2 in the name. The catalog does not say what the DX2 changes.

W: weatherized

The ECL-230X-W is listed as weatherized. Use it where the lock is exposed to the weather, such as an exterior service door. The catalog does not give a weather rating.

IP: IP rated

The ECL-230X-IP is listed as IP rated. The catalog does not say which IP rating or what it protects against. If the rating matters on your job, ask us for the manufacturer sheet instead of guessing from the two letters.

What stays the same on every 230X

• Alarmed deadbolt panic device, premium grade.
• 100 dB alarm, 9V battery included.
• Hardened deadbolt.
• Gray finish.
• Grade 1 under ANSI/BHMA A156.3, UL 305 listed panic hardware.
• Operates with less than 15 pounds of force on the pushbar, per the ADA note in the listing.
• Photo-luminescent sign and mounting template in the box.

The listing also tells you that a mortise cylinder is sold separately on key-override models, and that the standard cylinder is a 1-1/8 in. mortise cylinder. Order the cylinder with the lock, not after it.

How to pick

1. A stockroom or warehouse side door: the ECL-230D. You do not need the premium bolt.
2. A school, government or retail backroom door that gets tested: the ECL-230X.
3. A narrow-stile storefront or hollow metal door that will not take a deadbolt: the ECL-600, not the 230X.
4. A door that needs a top and bottom bolt: the TD tail, after we confirm the part number against your door.
5. A building on a master key system: the TDB IC7R, so the core can be pulled.
6. An exterior door: the W, or the IP if the project calls for an IP rating.

If you would rather alarm the exit device itself, our V50 battery alarm exit device guide shows the other way to alarm the same opening.

What the catalog does not tell us

• The IP rating on the -IP, or the weather rating on the -W.
• What DX2 changes.
• Door thickness or stile width limits for the ECL-230X.
• The finish options beyond gray on the 230X and black on the 230D listing.

When you need one of those, we ask for the manufacturer's data sheet rather than quote you from a guess.

Common questions

What is the difference between the ECL-230D and the ECL-230X?

Both are alarmed deadbolt panic devices with a 100 dB alarm. The catalog says the 230X adds hardened deadbolt security over the 230D for higher-threat applications.

Does the battery come with it?

Yes. A 9V battery is included.

Do I need a cylinder?

On key-override models, yes. A 1-1/8 in. mortise cylinder is sold separately, per the listing.

What does IC7R mean?

The description lists an SFIC 7-pin removable core, which lets you change the key without taking the lock off the door.

Is it legal on a means of egress?

The listing says UL 305 listed panic hardware and meets NFPA 101 and IBC requirements for alarmed exit hardware. Your inspector has the final say on your door.

See every Detex alarm and exit control lock on our Detex page. Tell us the door, the frame and who needs the key, and we will name the part number.