Description
ESSEX HEWMO-3 Hand-E-Wave® Touchless Door Switch with Manual Override
The ESSEX HEWMO-3 Hand-E-Wave® is a professional-grade touchless door activation and request-to-exit switch designed for demanding access control applications. Using advanced 24 GHz Doppler Radar technology, the HEWMO-3 detects a deliberate hand, wheelchair, or cart movement without requiring physical contact. This model features a rugged double-gang 304 stainless-steel faceplate plus an integrated manual override button for emergency egress.
Its low-profile construction, adjustable detection range, visual and selectable audible feedback, and fail-safe manual override make the HEWMO-3 particularly well suited for healthcare, education, commercial, institutional, retail, and controlled-egress applications.
Key Features
- 24 GHz Doppler Radar touchless detection
- Hands-free door activation and Request-to-Exit capability
- Integrated manual override for emergency egress
- Double-gang 304 stainless-steel faceplate
- Rugged, low-profile recessed design
- Adjustable detection zone from approximately 2" to 24"
- Visual activation feedback
- Selectable audible activation feedback
- Field-selectable timed or toggle output
- Adjustable relay hold time
- Epoxy-coated electronics for enhanced environmental protection
- IP64 rated HEWMO configuration
Product Specifications
| Manufacturer | Essex Electronics |
| Part Number | HEWMO-3 |
| Series | Hand-E-Wave® |
| Switch Type | Touchless / Manual Override |
| Technology | 24.125 GHz Doppler Radar |
| Power | 12–24 VAC/DC |
| Detection Range | 2"–24" Typical, Adjustable |
| Output | DPDT Relay |
| Relay Rating | 2A @ 30 VDC Resistive / 0.5A @ 125 VAC |
| Faceplate | Double Gang, 304 Stainless Steel |
| IP Rating | IP64 |
| Dimensions | 4.5" H × 4.5" W × 1.25" D |
24 GHz Touchless Door Activation
Unlike conventional mechanical push plates, the Hand-E-Wave uses Doppler Radar motion detection to activate the connected door or access control system without requiring the user to touch the switch. A moving hand, wheelchair, cart, or similar object entering the detection zone can trigger the relay.
The sensing field is adjustable from approximately 2 inches to 24 inches, allowing installers to tailor the activation distance to the environment. A shorter range can be used when deliberate hand-wave activation is preferred, while a greater range can accommodate accessibility or low-traffic applications.
Manual Override for Emergency Egress
A major advantage of the HEWMO-3 over the standard HEW-3 is its built-in manual override function. The mechanical override provides an alternate means of activating the egress circuit if the touchless radar sensor becomes unavailable.
The manual override timer is adjustable from approximately 0.5 to 60 seconds and is designed as a fail-safe function for emergency egress applications. This additional level of redundancy makes the HEWMO-3 particularly useful at security-controlled exits.
Visual & Audible Feedback
The illuminated hand symbol provides immediate visual confirmation of activation. Under normal standby conditions, the hand symbol is illuminated blue; when motion is detected and the relay activates, the symbol changes to green.
Audible feedback can also be enabled or disabled during installation, allowing the switch to provide both visual and audible confirmation when desired.
Flexible Relay Operation
The HEWMO-3 can be configured for either timed or toggle operation. In timed mode, motion activates the relay for a selected period. Toggle mode allows one activation to switch the relay on and a subsequent activation to switch it off.
This flexibility allows the Hand-E-Wave to be used with automatic door operators, access control panels, magnetic locking systems, Request-to-Exit inputs, and other compatible door control equipment.
Rugged Stainless-Steel Construction
- 304 stainless-steel faceplate
- Heavy-duty 1/8" faceplate construction
- Low-profile recessed design
- Easy-to-clean surface
- Epoxy-coated electronics
- IP64-rated HEWMO construction
- Operating temperature from approximately -40°F to +180°F
Installation
The HEWMO-3 is designed to mount to a standard U.S. double-gang switch box. Its 4.5" × 4.5" stainless-steel faceplate provides a professional finished appearance while the recessed electronics keep the installation low profile.
The switch operates from an unswitched 12–24 VAC/DC power source and provides relay contacts suitable for connection to compatible automatic door and access control equipment.
Ideal Applications
- Automatic door activation
- Request-to-Exit applications
- Emergency egress doors
- Access-controlled openings
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Commercial buildings
- Corporate facilities
- Retail locations
- High-traffic public entrances and exits
HEWMO-3 vs. Standard Hand-E-Wave
| Feature | HEWMO-3 | Standard HEW-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Touchless Activation | Yes | Yes |
| 24 GHz Doppler Radar | Yes | Yes |
| Double-Gang Format | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Override | Yes | No |
PDF Resources
While we strive to provide accurate imagery, product photos may not reflect the exact model or configuration offered. Please refer to the product description and part number for details, or contact us for assistance before ordering.
