Basics of Exit Devices
Exit devices come in mortise, rim, surface, and concealed vertical rod exit device configurations that can provide electrified functions such as electric latch retraction, locking (and unlocking), dogging, exit alarms, and delayed egress. Exit devices are categorized as either panic or fire exit hardware and have a touch bar, cross bar, or integral device design. Fire exit hardware must be labeled and tested for use on fire-rated assemblies and some features of standard panic hardware cannot be used on fire-rated openings.
Touch Bar
Cross Bar
Integral
Rim Exit Device
Mortise Exit Device
Surface Vertical Rod Exit Device
Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device
Features and Related Details About Exit Devices
Dogging, mechanical or electronic – Panic hardware can be mechanically or electronically dogged to hold the latch bolt in the retracted position.
Electric latch retraction – Latchbolt can be electrically retracted momentarily or held in the retracted position to make the opening push/pull, depending on the desired application.
Exit alarms – Exit devices can be configured with an exit alarm to sound when the door is opened to deter unauthorized use, such as on emergency exits.
Delayed egress – Prevents immediate egress for a specified amount of time, commonly 15 or 30 seconds, for specific applications that require a delayed door opening.
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