by S. Carl Dean
Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Americas
Indianapolis, Indiana

Most exit devices are used in high occupancy, high traffic, and often high abuse locations such as schools, airports, convention centers, and other places visited by large numbers of people who may be unfamiliar with the building. They also may be applied to provide safe emergency egress through openings that are used less frequently, but here they also incorporate an alarm. In this article, we will look at how codes affect these "back door" applications, in restaurants, stores or other facilities.

While the device may be required to provide an egress path through an opening in the side or rear of a restaurant, especially for people who may be unfamiliar with the facility, it also can leave the opening vulnerable to misuse by both patrons and employees. A dishonest patron may attempt to leave through the door without paying, while an employee could remove products or even worse, block the door open or tape back the latch to allow later re-entry. On a typical exit device, this can be prevented by incorporating a latch bolt monitoring system, an initial investment that could pay off in the long term. More commonly, an exit alarm or an alarmed exit device may be used to both deter unauthorized use of the door and to signal its misuse.

Meeting the Code
Exit devices are installed in response to the requirements of life safety codes, building codes and other applicable standards. Therefore, it is necessary to cover all the bases when applying an exit device. There are several reference standards that provide assistance. Regionally accepted codes for panic devices include NFPA and IBC, ANSI 156.3 and UL 305. A typical code statement is: "Only approved panic hardware shall be used …". Note that additional standards must be met when FIRE EXIT HARDWARE is used to meet building codes.
Some mechanical requirements are:

IBC 1003.3.1.9 (2000) NFPA-101 7.2.1.7.1 (2000)
The active portion of panic hardware must be at least ½ of the Opening - stop-to-stop for singles or stop-to- adjacent door edge for pairs. Some alarms require a longer paddle to meet this requirement.

UL 305 3.3 (1998)
The ends of the crossbar or pushpad shall be curved, guarded or otherwise designed to prevent catching of clothing of persons during exit. Some alarms require additional components to close the area behind the paddle to meet this requirement.

Occasionally a security person who sees a dead bolt on the main entrance of a facility may decide not to use a code-compliant exit device on other openings. This decision can be erroneous! Some codes allow the use of a deadbolt on the main entrance as long as it has a sign reading "To be Unlocked When the Building is Open" and meets several other restrictions. To provide safe egress when the building is locked, exit devices may be required at other locations. There are further restrictions, such as on a single door or one pair, manual flush or surface bolts are prohibited. (IBC 1003.3.1.8.1 Bolt locks)

Visual Message
The appearance of a piece of hardware can provide as much security as the device itself. A basic exit device may not provide enough "threat" in its looks. A piece of hardware that does not look substantial will provide little challenge to a would-be criminal. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by designing an exit device that has an uncompromising look. In this case, bigger is better, and visual strength is as valuable as real strength. To be an effective deterrent, a device should be designed with the power to intimidate. This visual deterrent can be as important as the device itself, unless a Delayed Egress device is installed to delay prohibited use of the door.

Another deterrent found on some alarmed exit devices is large easy-to-read signage that provides a clearer message to those intending to misuse the opening..

Installation
When selecting exit hardware, the installer must take into account the time and tools required for the installation. Another consideration is the limits on door width and stile on which a product may be mounted. Often alarms are used on remote flush doors that differ from conventional entrances. By selecting an alarmed device that meets the width requirement of all expectable sizes of exit doors ( up to 48 inches) and comes as a complete unit (requires no add-on parts), the installer can be assured that the installation will meet the owners needs and is code compliant. Several alarmed products are available with a stick-on template to make installation quick and easy.

Service
When selecting a battery operated device that will be used where a store manager is responsible for maintenance, the location of replaceable batteries and ease of testing are critical selection points. Most products today are designed for easy service by store managers and security personnel. A building owner who wishes to eliminate battery replacement can use a battery eliminator (low voltage) power supply. Wiring of the power supply can be simplified by using an alarmed exit device with a body that extends the full width of the door. With a narrower exit lock, it may be necessary to snake the wiring across the face of the door. This may be aesthetically unpleasing and provide a point to attack the wiring.

Durability
Because exit locks are often selected on the basis of their initial cost, many products are constructed to meet minimal demands. If an owner considers that this device is put in place to protect thousands of dollars worth of merchandise or to protect occupants' lives, a $20 or $30 dollar savings may not be worth the risk. Here again, bigger may be better.

What to Do?
There are several things an owner can do to protect property and occupants from misuse of exits. In order of effectiveness:

1. If the code allows, use a delayed egress exit device. If there is need for occasional employee use, add an access control system.

2. Consider a heavy duty exit device with latchbolt monitoring and a hardwired monitoring system.

3. If code requires an exit device, use a product that provides the alarming capabilities as it comes out of the box and meets the requirements of an exit device. The active portion should be at least one-half the opening width, and "The ends of the crossbar or pushpad shall be curved, guarded or otherwise designed to prevent catching of clothing." For this application, also consider the addition of a hardwired system to eliminate battery replacement (and the chance of the unit being out of service because of a dead battery).

4. In areas where an exit device is not required by code, the nature of the location prevents physical abuse, the employee or customer will be deterred by a small device, and the owner has a well-regimented preventive maintenance program to replace batteries, the use of an exit lock may be warranted. Always keep in mind the level of villain the opening is supposed to handle. Always consider the results of a misused opening.

Back To Top