The new Southco® R4-EM electronic rotary latch combines robust rotary latch security and electronic access convenience in a single integrated solution. Unlike a standard mechanical latch linked with a separate solenoid actuator, the gear-motor drive in the R4-EM delivers a better feel to latch actuation and is more efficient in terms of lower power requirements and higher load capability.

This provides versatility for performance across a wide range of applications from storage compartments on truck, bus, off-highway, construction, and agricultural vehicles, to RV baggage doors, to storage compartments or access doors on medical, electronics, self-service, and industrial equipment.

The compact integrated latch design also makes the R4-EM easy to install, operate, and maintain. The 2.56" x 2.72" x 0.75" (65 x 69 x 19mm) housing requires minimal space and minimal protrusion inside the compartment, and installs simply with just two bolts to keep installation costs low. Its proven mechanical design and all-metal construction provide excellent vandal resistance with long-term durability and reliability.

The latch operates on 12 to 24VDC with a current draw during actuation of less than 500 milliamps at 12VDC.  Microprocessor control accepts a variety of electronic actuation signals including wireless devices such as proximity cards or RF key fobs, hard-wired numeric keypads or swipe-card terminals, smart-reader devices, biometric devices, and remote computer or network security system signals. An integral microswitch option is available to provide a "latch opened/latch closed" status signal for remote monitoring.