CAS Panic Exit Devices / Panic Bar / Panic Lock / Emergency Exit Hardware

CAS Panic Exit Devices / Panic Bar / Panic Lock / Emergency Exit Hardware Exit Locks Exit locks, sometimes referred to as exit control devices, are listed in the UL “Mechanical Equipment Directory” under the heading FQUV. While these devices may look like exit devices, they may or may not be approved as panic hardware or fire exit hardware. There are several types of devices available for exit control, including: a. Hardware that permits exiting and sounds an alarm. b. Hardware that delays egress for a designated period of time and sounds an alarm. c. Hardware that qualifies as panic hardware or fire exit hardware, in addition to sounding an alarm. While this may appear confusing, the first two types are not always approved for use or do not qualify as panic or fire exit hardware. Unfortunately, exit locks are sometimes installed on doors that require either panic or fire exit hardware. While this may be from ignorance of code requirements or lack of thought when a building owner requests alarmed devices, the consequences cannot be overstressed. Improper selection may place more than one party in jeopardy and lead to expensive legal consequences. It should be noted that some manufacturers can add an alarm package to an existing exit device without replacing the entire unit. Special Locking Arrangements This type of hardware permits delayed egress for up to 15 seconds. Once the device is activated, it starts an irreversible sequence of events that includes sounding an alarm for the specified period before allowing exiting to occur. The use of this hardware has specific restrictions regarding delay of egress and is limited to specific occupancies. Table III shows variations and limitations of the model building codes. The UBC is obviously more stringent than the other codes, as it limits occupancy essentially to businesses and requires both sprinklers and smoke detectors throughout the premises. Deadlocking This feature is valuable in preventing the latchbolt from being forced out of the strike by manipulation. Some manufacturers offer this feature on all exit devices, while others limit it to specific devices. Deadlocking may not be as important on rim devices, since the latchbolt is safeguarded because the strike is mounted on the face of the frame stop. In determining whether it is needed for a particular door, consider the door’s location and the level of security desired. Dogging Holding the latchbolt in the retracted position is termed dogging and is permitted only on devices that are not fire-rated. Dogging may be achieved through the use of a tool or a key cylinder, depending on the design of the exit device. Cylinder dogging is considered to be more secure, as a dogging tool is too easy for unauthorized persons to obtain. Switches Switches may be used with exit devices for a variety of purposes. A signal switch can monitor the position of a pushpad or latchbolt. Other switches may be used on doors that have door status indicator, as a request-to-exit signal to allow egress without sending an alarm. Auxiliary Locks and Exit Devices Auxiliary locking mechanisms or devices, which prevent full use of panic hardware or fire exit hardware, are not permitted. This is specifically referenced in LSC 5-2.1.5.5 and inferred by other model codes, although they do not refer to it specifically.