For situations where a facility might need to prevent individuals from exiting temporarily, a delayed egress device can be used. Such a device can also have optional cylinder dogging (when dogged, the exit bar does not function; it remains free) for increased security. A dogging indicator light, which can be seen from 50 feet away, provides a visual indication that helps reduce the time needed to conduct inspections.
For instance, at the high school lecture halls in the San Mateo (Calif.) school district, exit devices are equipped with LED indicators so that, when the doors are dogged down during the day, a teacher can determine their status from across the room at a glance. If it becomes necessary to secure the room, they can be undogged quickly to provide security by any teacher or staff member with a key. This avoids the possibility that an unauthorized person could lock the doors if the teacher were out of the room.
Another exit device feature that may be useful in some applications is a luminescent soft glow panel on the touch pad. In Calif., the Piedmont Unified School District uses them in areas such as gymnasiums so they are easier to locate in dark or dim light.
There are several types of exit devices.
Touch Bar: Touch bar exit devices are mounted on the inside of the door and feature an enclosed mechanism case with a push bar area to allow egress.
Cross Bar:Cross bar exit devices are designed for use with all-glass door applications. Available in both wide and narrow stile, they are ideal for environments that demand a traditional looking device with the durability to withstand rugged applications.
Recessed: Recessed exit devices are embedded into the door to maintain a low profile with sloped end caps that deflect objects away from the door and are close to being totally flush with the door when depressed. This eliminates pinch points, such as putting a soda can between the door and bar, stopping the bar from being depressed enough to open it.
Rods v. Cables: Exit devices have historically been made with rods that secure the door. Recently, new exit devices use a concealed vertical cable instead of rods. The bottom line for administrators is that newer concealed vertical cable exit devices are easier to install and maintain than older, traditional rod-based exit device
s.
Door Closers:
As its name implies a door closer closes a door, either after someone opens it or it was automatically opened. There are both manual and electronic door closers. Choosing a door closer involves considering a variety of criteria. In addition to the closer’s performance in fire situations, other criteria may include resistance to opening forces (including heavy duty models for areas with high winds), control over the rate of closing, safety, durability, risk of vandalism and aesthetics. There are three types of door closers.
Surface Mounted Closers: These closers mount to the ceiling above the door or on the wall to the side of the door. There are floor-mounted closers as well.
Concealed Closers: Concealed closers feature a modern design for concealment in either the head frame or top rail of the door.
High Security Closers: High Security closers feature a vandal resistant design.
Automatic Openers:
Low energy electro-hydraulic and pneumatic automatic door operators provide no-hands access and feature a heavy duty closer with a slow opening function. They use a motor gearbox and control box to perform the opening and closing function. Automatic openers are primarily used for doors that require automatic opening, as in the early grades, or dedicated to handicap use.
Door Hardware Accessories:
Besides the basics we’ve already discussed, there are many different types of door hardware accessories, including hinges and pivots, pulls and push plates and other devices. For the most part, you do not need to worry about them. If you want, ask your integrator for the manufacturer’s catalog or go to their Web site. These products need only a quick read.
You will also want to select from the various architectural styles and finishes that locks and other door hardware devices feature. Again, a quick review of manufacturer literature and and Web sites is the best, fastest way to review them.
Good Luck With Your Security System
Lastly, you do not need to specify the same model of door hardware throughout a school. In some areas, you will want hardware that is quieter than standard. Other areas need higher security hardware (i.e. a large district’s computer center). Some areas need extra strong hardware to combat high winds while in certain other spots, such as the superintendant’s office, the door hardware can be fancier. You should always choose what’s right for each specific location.
Knowing the jargon for door hardware will help you work better with your integrator and give you a feeling of confidence that you are creating the best possible security and safety system for your school district.
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April Dalton-Noblitt is Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies’ director of vertical markets.
Photo: iStock.
