Electrified options for panic hardware

There are several electrified options available for panic hardware. Options are often added for access control, but they may also be added for a number of reasons, including remote monitoring of the hardware status, alarms to discourage use of the door, and code compliance for stairwell doors that require re-entry or fire-rated doors where electric dogging is needed.

 

The following are the six most common electrified options, why they are chosen and where they are regularly used.

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1 Alarm

This electrified option produces an audible alarm that sounds when the panic hardware is used. It can be used to signal egress only or both ingress and egress, depending on which type of monitor switch is installed. The alarm—which can be battery-operated or hardwired—is used in many types of buildings. It’s often utilized on emergency exits for retail stores, schools or concert venues. The intent is to prevent the removal of things from the building or allowing in unauthorized people.

While there are typically no code requirements to address exit alarms, it is important to consider protocol if and when the alarm sounds.

 

2 Delayed egress

This electrified option does just as its name implies. It delays egress for 15 seconds, or 30 seconds when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The model codes require delayed egress locks to have an audible alarm and signage. Additionally, the doors must release without delay if there is a fire alarm or power failure. The purpose is to act as a deterrent to prevent unauthorized use of a door—either to help prevent theft or elopement. The International Building Code (IBC) does not currently allow delayed egress to be used for doors serving assembly, educational or high-hazard occupancies. It is most commonly used in retail applications and may be used in healthcare facilities, although many hospitals and nursing homes are now using controlled egress locks instead.

Delayed egress is often used in museums, libraries and airports, but because these are assembly occupancies, the AHJ must approve the use of delayed egress in these facilities if the IBC is the prevailing code.

3 Controlled egress

Controlled egress—which is allowed only in healthcare units where patients require containment for their safety or security— prevents egress until evacuation is necessary. Common units that use controlled egress locks include memory care, maternity/nursery, pediatrics and psychiatric areas. No audible alarm or signage is required, but you must document how to release the door in safety/emergency plans and the clinical staff must carry the credentials necessary to unlock the doors.

In many (but not all) applications, the controlled egress locks must unlock automatically upon fire alarm, remote release and power failure.

 

4 Monitor switches

There are two types of monitor switches that are most often used on exterior doors, as well as high-security interior doors:

1. Touchpad switch to monitor the position of the touchpad or crossbar (also called RX, REX or request-to-exit switch)

2. Latchbolt switch that monitors the position of the latch and sends a signal to retract the latch

Both types can be used to sound an alarm or interface with the building’s security system. The touchpad monitor switch is generally used to indicate egress only, where the latchbolt monitor will monitor ingress or egress. The touchpad monitor switch may also be used to unlock an electromagnetic lock.

 

5 Electric latch retraction

When electricity is applied to panic hardware with electric latch retraction, the latch retracts, creating a maintained push/pull application or momentarily retracting the latch so the door can be pulled open. When power is cut, the latch projects, securely latching the door. Electric latch retraction may be used for several reasons, including:

• Access control

• Releasing the latch on a door with an automatic operator

• Holding the latch retracted on a fire door

Schools—main entrances and cross-corridor fire doors—are an ideal application for electric latch retraction. It’s important to keep in mind that when you use electric latch retraction on a fire door, it must interface with the fire alarm system so the door is latched if there is a fire. Another benefit of electric latch retraction is that this option may be retrofitted in the field on some models of panic hardware.

 

6 Electrified lever trim

Electrified lever trim options—where the locking and unlocking of the lever handle is controlled by the application of power—are often used on stairwells where you want to lock the door on the stair side and unlock it remotely if a fire occurs. Electrified lever trim may also be used with an access control system, particularly when the door needs to be latched regardless of the locked/unlocked state. It is available in fail safe or fail secure modes.

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