Safe Egress: The Role of Exit Devices

The exit device is one of the most important elements in security and life safety. It provides a means of egress while providing for physical security. Initially a strictly mechanical device, exit devices have evolved so that they now frequently incorporate electronics to provide multiple features.

Although the development and widespread deployment of panic bars in the U.S.A. is reported to be as a consequence of the 1903 fire in the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago, the actual invention of the panic bar is attributed to United Kingdom after an unfortunate incident in Victoria Hall in 1883 where 183 children died as a result of blocked in swinging exit door. A few years earlier another conflagration in Vienna, Austria involving the Ring Theatre is also noted as a contributing factor in the heightened focus on life safety and fire prevention.

As a result of these fires and mishaps, exit doors were redesigned to be out swinging (open in the direction of egress), and special hardware was developed, making it much easier to unlatch the doors in an emergency.

Reading the accounts of these incidents and fires reveals several other interesting aspects to life safety back then and how societies behaved and the reactions and consequences to disasters. The high rate of deaths associated to theatres back then was partially due to the facts the theatres were large structures, attracted large groups of people and were constructed of highly flammable materials. Additionally, the exterior doors were locked to prevent non-paying individuals from entering. If a door was locked, it inhibited both entry and egress.

The Iroquois Theatre Fire in Chicago  claimed the lives of almost 600 people. Carl Prinzler narrowly escaped being in this theatre the fateful day that the fire occurred. Shocked by the tragedy, and recognizing that one of the primary problems that caused the deaths was the design of the locks, Prinzler sought a solution to make it easier to exit even while the door was secure from the outside.

Prinzler partnered with architectural engineer Henry H. DuPont. In 1908 the first model of a "panic bar" style egress device was released and Vonnegut Hardware Company was created to market it.

Owing to the joint effort to develop and sell the product, it was sold under the name Von Duprin, a combination of the names Vonnegut, DuPont and Prinzler. The first panic bar was the “88 Crossbar” and it has evolved over the years but is still manufactured today. Von Duprin continues to manufacture security related products and is an Allegion brand.

What is an Exit Device?

An exit device facilitates exit through an opening. ANSI 156.3 Section 2.6.4, defines exits thusly: an exit device is a door latching assembly incorporating an actuating mechanism usually called an activating bar which releases latch bolt(s) upon application of forces in direction of travel.

Exit Devices are installed for several reasons:

1. They provide universally recognized means of emergency egress (exit). The consensus is most individuals can find an exit bar on a door even when vision is obscured by smoke, and most will intuitively reach out and push on an exit device.
2. They allow barrier free access, and comply with the ADA and ANSI 117.1.
3. Exit devices facilitate comprehensive security with authorized entrance features and failsafe exit design. In this context, failsafe means the design of an exit device ensures it will always unlock, it will not fail to open, and occupants are safe from mechanical failure.
4. Exit devices mitigate fire and smoke transmission by holding the opening in a closed (latched) position.

Exit device design and deployment are intended to comply with both fire and life safety codes (NFPA 80, NFPA 101) and building codes (IBC, BOCA, SBC). These codes offer guidelines to minimum standards, with LAHJs (local authority with jurisdiction) having the final word.

Exit devices are also subject to UL testing and classification. How an exit device is installed with where it installed must be consistent with the product’s UL Listing.

Exit devices are used on doors which must be latched while still provide an exit in emergencies such as stairwell doors, cross corridor doors, exit doors and exit only doors.

Three situations where exit devices are suitable or perhaps mandatory:

• High occupancy areas, where there is a concern for exiting in an emergency
• Perimeter security, where there is a restricted, authorized entrance with provisions for exit under alarm conditions
• Security systems, where there is a need for access control

How to specify an exit device

First determine if the door is Fire rated (labeled)? Is the fire door in the means of egress? Measure the door stile width, or vertical member of the door structure.

Determine the traffic (pedestrian) load, including traffic volume (based upon building type and occupancy) and if the door is used as an entrance and exit. If the door is to also allow entrance, exterior ‘trim’ (lever) or and exterior (lock) ‘cylinder’ must be installed.

Does the application call for electronic features such as security alarm, access control to authorize entrance, fail safe exit, monitoring of the door, controlled egress and the fire/smoke control interface, or delayed egress?.

Finally a barrier free environment must exist in compliance with ADA and ANSI 117.1 in terms of levers (versus knobs)

Exit Device Types

The different kinds of exit devices are: rim, mortise and concealed or surface mounted vertical rod.

A rim exit device has a single latch point. As a result, the components are surface applied, allowing for simple application, preparation and installation.

The mortise device features a single latch point. It uses a mortise lock, operated by the exit device, and requires a mortise in the door for the lock body.

The surface mounted vertical rod requires two latch points (at both the top and bottom) and therefore involves more components.

The concealed vertical rod is very similar to the surface vertical rod. It involves two latch points (at the bolt and rod). It is more difficult to prepare, install and adjust as assembly is concealed in the door.

The crossbar is the traditional style of exit device. The full length touchpad is the more familiar style and it features an operating mechanism as long as the device or a partial length touchpad which extends at least half of the door's width.

The flush panel style the door is typically provided in doors directly from the factory and not easily retrofitted. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the flush panel does not encroach on the clear opening width of a door, and does not have projections which might interfere with door use.

Exit devices are available for different width styles:

1. The medium/wide style device features a larger chassis and cover, requires larger stiles for reinforcement and is common in commercial buildings.
2. The narrow style device is aesthetically pleasing, has a thinner chassis, and accommodates narrow stile doors and is commonly used on aluminum doors.
3. The standard style device is less expensive, but has limited applications and finishes.

Exit Device Trim

The trim operates the device from the pull side of the door. There are many types of trim, including the lever, knob, thumb piece, pull, exit only, key-in, removable core, rigid, free-wheeling and clutch/breakaway.(Levers must be used to meet the ADA while knobs and thumb pieces do not meet the ADA.)

Trim is always used on the active door or door with lock cylinder. Exit only (EO) trim means that there is no trim on the pull side. Key-in trim describes trim in which the cylinder lock and unlock are located in the lever or knob.

Removable cores are commonly used in dormitories or apartment buildings where there is a high occupancy turnover. The cylinder core is easily removed and changed with a change key.

Active trim is a lever, while fixed or dummy trim can look like the active trim for aesthetics, or simply be some other device which can provide enough of a grip to pull open the door (once it is unlocked).

Dogging (dogged) the mechanism mechanically secures the touchpad in the depressed position. It retains the latch bolt in, so the door is not latched. In almost every situation, doors with exit devices are equipped with door closers which control the door’s  opening and also pull  the door back to a closed position. As long as the exit device is dogged, the door may close, but it should not latch.

Doors can be dogged using either a hex key or a key cylinder, adding extra security.

Mechanical dogging is not allowed on fire-rated doors, however, Fire Exit Devices can be dogged electrically and interfaced to premises life safety or fire alarm system to cancel the dogging during an emergency alarm situation and permit the device to latch and secure the door in the frame so the door can fulfill its functions as a fire door.

DORMA 9000 Series with MLR

DORMA announces the Motorized Latch Retraction (MLR) option for the heavy duty 9000 exit device.

The 9000 Series high impact exit device is now available equipped with a quiet motor for electronic latch bolt retraction. Ordered as an option on most 9000 series exit devices.(DE devices excluded), the MLR feature provides retraction of the latch from the secure side upon authorization of valid access control credential. When activated, the concealed motor in the device’s rail draws in the touch bar, thus retracting the latch.

Other features of this option include the ability to electrically hold/dog the pushbar in a retracted position during non-secure hours.

While the push bar is retracted, the door functions as a push/pull with the door closer keeping the door closed. To allow for flexibility of the users’ needs, the remote function can be obtained via key switches, card readers, or other remote access devices.

Designed for use in quiet environments such as museums, childcare facilities, hospitals, DORMA’s MLR delivers quiet reliability with the security of access control.

In addition to its smooth, quiet operation, the MLR operates on low power consumption, so it is less costly to operate and safer on the environment than standard solenoid-driven latch retraction products.

For ADA functions, the 9000 MLR device can be paired on an opening with the DORMA ED900 automatic operator. Because of its low amperage draw (under 1 A), the MLR feature can be powered by the operator.

Antimicrobial Coating  is available, along with multiple architectural finishes.

PS Series Power Supplies for Use w/ MLR

PS532RF—Power and control (2) exit devices

- Input: 110 VAC/60 Hz

- Output: 2.0 A @ 24 VDC, Class 2

- Enclosure Size: 14" H × 16" W × 6.5" D

PS610RF—Power and control (1) exit device

- Input: 110 VAC/60 Hz

- Output: 1.0 A @ 24 VDC, Class 2

- Enclosure Size: 12.5" H × 12.5" W × 4" D

NOTE: Both power supplies can be used with ES105 power transfer cable, 75200 electric intermediate, or electric through wire hinges when rated to carry a minimum of 1 amp continuous power.

More Info: www.dorma.com

SDC Exit Check® S6000-101

SDC’s Exit Check® S6000-101 All-In-One delayed egress panic and fire exit device comes with controller and delayed egress logic all integrated into the bar. Available in rim mount, mortise and vertical rod (surface mount & concealed) configurations, the All-In-One is perfect for retail loss prevention, pedestrian control, wandering patient control and nursery infant protection.

Audible alarm and multi-colored LED provide alert to unauthorized egress when initiated by depressing the push pad. A key switch provides reset and bypass control.

In a life safety emergency, the device will immediately unlock upon loss of power or when powered by a fire control supervised power supply. The included signage provides clear and comprehensive instructions of the door egress operation for persons without prior knowledge of the exit delay, including the sight and hearing impaired.

When unauthorized egress is initiated by depressing the push pad of the S6000-101, an audible alarm will sound and an irreversible unlock delay period of 15 seconds will begin. Meanwhile, the person exiting must wait to egress, allowing personnel or security time to respond to the alarm. After the delay period has expired, the device unlocks, permitting egress until the device is reset.

Recommended Accessories:

• S6000DES Series – Delayed Egress Slave Exit Device
• (for Pair of Doors)   
• 600 Series regulated & filtered power supply –
• 602RF (1 Amp) or 631RF (1.5 Amp)
• Door contact (included) – MC-4 recessed magnetic switch
• Power Transfer Device – PTH-10, PTM-10 Series, PT-5

More Info: Www.SDCSecurity.com

Dortronics 6495 Series Egress Bar

It’s often said that safety and security start at the front door, which makes the installation of egress bars from Dortronics Systems a great first line of defense when implementing door control solutions.  The Dortronics 6495 Series Egress Bar provides a strong mechanical latch intended for mounting on outward swinging doors to facilitate safe egress. The smooth action allows reliable egress via a soft push to any area of the actuating bar in compliance with ADA criteria.

Utilizing a sintered steel latch bolt with an adjustable jamb mounted roller strike plate, the 6495 Series Egress Bar is intended for use in environmentally unprotected areas such as parking garages or uncanopied doorways.  Required by code as a “no prior knowledge” REX device, Dortronics 6495 Series Egress Bars fit any standard 36” wide door, and are offered with special width devices for doors up to 48” wide.

The 6495 Series Egress Bar is available with single or dual contact outputs for REX input to card access systems and for use with Dortronics’ EDR-101 Delayed Egress Systems.  Dortronics 6220 Series Armored Door Cords can also be used with the 6495 Series Egress Bars to protect wiring for REX signals being transmitted to the appropriate alarm/control devices.

Imprinted with “Push to Exit” in a black accent, the aluminum egress bars have a clear anodized finish or can be ordered in various finishes to match most entrance and exit doors.

More Info: www.dortronics.com

Securitech Lexi 

Securitech LEXI Control trim is an effective way of interfacing electric release with mechanical locking. It’s ideal to retrofit to existing doors.

Control trim is key activated and electrically-released lever handle trim which can be released by any access control system or remote release.

Internal switches, activated by lever movement can send request-to-exit signals and release electromagnetic locks invisibly.

The electric release solenoid has a low current draw allowing easy access control system integration without special power supplies.

LEXI mounting plates make retrofit installations a breeze! They simplify field installation.

Securitech recognizes that a facility may have exit devices from different manufacturers. LEXI allows one trim to be used throughout - the mounting plates and operators change to match the exit device, but the basic electrified lever handle unit is the same.

By selecting the correct mounting plate and operator, LEXI may be used with exit devices produced by the following manufacturers: Adams-Rite - Arrow - Corbin - DCI - Detex - Dor-OMatic - Dorma - First Choice - Jackson - Kawneer -Monarch - Precision - Russwin - S. Parker - Sargent -TACO - Von Duprin - Yale - & others

Installation is easy on existing doors. Cutting into the frame for an electric strike is not required.

The Lever can be unlocked momentarily by key, card access, keypad, intercom, pushbutton or other release

The slip cutch lever handle option stands up to abuse; will break-away when forced and easily reset by just lifting up. Stainless steel lever features  durable, rugged one-piece construction and meets A.D.A. Code

TRIM FUNCTIONS: Trim functions meet different entry and notification requirements. The following functions are the most popular. Other functions are available.

D11: Standard (Single Entry -ANSI F09) Key unlocks lever momentarily. Removing key relocks lever.

D13: Standard & Key Usage Switch Provides complete information for access control systems. A signal is sent when the key is used to enter: this signal balances the forced door alarm with information that the key was used (not a break-in or short in the system).

D31: Classroom Function (ANSI F08) Key unlocks lever for extended period, until key is used to re-lock lever. Lock functions in passage mode while exterior lever is in unlocked mode.

R11: Re-Entry (Fail-Safe) Lever is locked when power is applied. Loss of power (or removal of power by Fire Alarm System) unlocks lever.

Securitech’s 7000 series is the first exit device which provides code-compliant latch and deadbolt exiting. Available as a single-point or high-security multi-point lock, the GK exterior lever trim allows deadbolt projection by key from the exterior. This allows access control release of the door during the day (latch locking) and deadbolt security after-hours by projecting the deadbolt. The deadbolt may also be projected by the optional interior turnpiece or cylinder. 100% code compliance is maintained via singe-motion exiting, with simultaneous latch and deadbolt retraction. An access control lockout option is also available when the deadbolt is projected.

More Info: www.securitech.com

Von Duprin CHEXIT

The Von Duprin Chexit device is designed for accident hazard or fire exit applications. It meets both life safety and security needs as well as all requirements of NFPA101® for “Special Locking Arrangement” and UBC “Special Egress-Control Devices.”

The Von Duprin Chexit device sounds an alarm and keeps an exit door secured for 15 seconds following an attempt to exit. The Chexit releases immediately upon a fire alarm condition.

More info: www.allegion.us