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Learning the Basics of Exit Devices

An exit device is installed on the secure side of an out swinging door. These devices are designed to restrict access towards the inside while providing free egress. Exit devices were developed after several incidents of building fires in the United States that claimed hundreds of lives. Through the development of these devices, problems of being crushed against the door have significantly diminished. Such problem previously existed as people did not have the knowledge on how to open closed doors or they simply did not have the time to unlock and open the door, which resulted to accidents and injuries. The following is some useful information brought to you by the guys down at Diamondback lock and key in Chandler.

Traditional Exit Device

traditionalEarly exit devices were designed using a metal tube placed between two cases. The cases were placed on each side of the door. The first case is considered the active case. This comes with a latch bolt which would retract when the tube is pushed downward or forward. This would allow the door to swing open.

The traditional design of the exit device is continuously being offered by several manufacturers. However, with recent developments in the industry, this device has evolved over the past decade. In fact, exit devices now come with rail style mechanism that makes use of forward mounted push pad. A horizontal force applied to the pad will release the door.

The Three Types of Exit Devices

Today, there are three common types of exit devices. These are the rim, the mortise lock and the vertical rod.

Rim Exit Devices

The most common type is the rim exit device. This device is designed with a latching mechanism that is similar to rim locks. The rim locks and rim exit devices are mounted and placed on the secured side of the door. This type of exit device is considered a self contained door lock mechanism. Its latch is located at the center chassis or case. In addition, the latch of this type of exit device is surface mounted, which slides over the strike that is also mounted on the surface. This type also comes with a dead latching mechanism, which prevents that latch from being forcibly retracting. This prevents any unauthorized access.

Mortise Lock Exit Devices

mortiseThe mortise lock style on exit devices, on the other hand, is incorporated with a mortise lock without the deadbolt being mounted on its door pocket. For this style, the mortise lock is considered a part of the exit device. It is important to take note that a standard mortise lock is not designed to work as an exit device. The mechanism of this type of exit device allows the door to swing out whenever the push bar is pressed. When this happens, the spindle will rotate and retract the latch bolt, allowing the door to swing out. In addition, this device comes with an exterior trim which contains the lock cylinder. This device is often installed on the active leaf of a pair of doors.

Vertical Rod Exit Device

The vertical rod exit device is available in concealed versions. This device comes with a rod which connects the push pad to the bottom and top latches. This type of exit device can be configured as a top rod or top and bottom rod.

Installation Options

Most types of exit devices can actually be installed on wood, aluminum and hollow metal doors, provided that the stile is compatible with the device. However, there are also exit devices that are specifically created for aluminum doors that come with narrow stiles. This type of exit device comes with a narrow center chassis or case. This standard stile measures more than two inches wide while the narrow stile measures less than two inches wide.

An exit device can be installed with or without an exterior trim. There are varied trim choices to choose from. The trim types include keyed trim, pull handles, lever trim and electrified trim. In choosing the trim, it is important to take note that the stile choice will affect the dimensions of the exit device as well as the trim.

It is essential to take note of the basic information of exit devices before purchasing and installing one on your door. The choice of exit devices will depend on various factors like the type of door that you have as well as your door needs and preferences.

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Installing, Repairing, and Replacing Exit Devices and Panic Bars with an Alarm

Door exit devices with alarm are designed and installed in commercial and other institutions to ensure safe exit during an emergency. They are designed in a way that ensures easy and quick motion. They usually have an loud siren or a monitoring device or even a combination of the two. They come with either a bar or a push paddle. Lock systems from many companies offer crash bar or push paddle hardware fitted with an alarm that sounds when the door is opened.

New Exit Device Installation

Currently, there are many door exit devices with alarm that can be installed in your residential or commercial property. A good locksmith will guide you on the specifications of the best device or hardware to use on your door. Therefore, look for a locksmith who is interested in ensuring safety of your property so that they can install the right device on your doors. They should also help in saving lives in the event of fire outbreak in a property. Basically, the best device should restrict access while at the same time providing egress. They have been used for many years in different applications. Modern devices have greatly evolved to include rail style that uses a mounted push pad.

There are three major door exit device hardware styles. These are the mortise lock, vertical rod and the rim. Majority of these devices can be installed on aluminum, hollow metal and wooden doors. They also come with different manufacturing elements depending on the company. It is important that you learn about different brands and models of these devices so that you can choose the right one for your doors. This can be a challenging task, contact East Valley Lock and Key a locksmith who you can trust to help with the planning and setup of your new hardware. Let us know what you looking for and we can guide you through the process. This way, you will get door exit devices with alarm that suit the needs of your property and guarantee it meets the proper fire codes and regulations in the Greater Phoenix Metro. We service the following cities Ahwatukee, Anthem, Apache Junction, Avondale, Black Canyon City, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Gold Canyon, Goodyear, Higley, Laveen, Litchfield Park, Maricopa, Mesa, North Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, San Tan Valley, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun Lakes, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, Wickenburg.

Common Exit Device Brands

  • Arrow
  • Cal Royal
  • Falcon
  • Corbin Ruswin
  • Detex
  • ANSI
  • Adams Rite
  • Jackson
  • Detex
  • Dorma
  • Monarch
  • Sargent
  • First Choice

Exit Device and Panic Bar Repair

Old exit devices that have not been properly maintained can have alarm problems, battery wiring separation, circuit board malfunctions or the alarm has stopped working completely. East Valley Lock and Key has a range of services to repair these issues, generally same day service is also available.

AZ Zip Codes Where our Coupon is Applicable

85001, 85002, 85003, 85004, 85005, 85006, 85007, 85008, 85009, 85010, 85011, 85012, 85013, 85014, 85015, 85016, 85017, 85018, 85019, 85020, 85021, 85022, 85023, 85024 85026, 85027, 85028, 85029, 85030, 85031, 85032, 85033, 85034, 85035, 85036, 85037, 85038, 85039, 85040, 85041, 85042, 85043, 85044, 85045, 85046, 85048, 85050, 85051, 85053, 85054, 85085, 85086, 85086, 85087, 85116, 85117, 85118, 85119, 85120, 85121, 85127, 85138, 85139, 85140, 85142, 85143, 85178, 85201, 85202, 85203, 85204, 85205, 85206, 85207, 85208, 85209, 85210, 85211, 85212, 85213, 85214, 85215, 85216, 85217, 85218, 85219, 85220, 85224, 85225, 85226, 85227, 85233, 85234, 85236, 85238, 85239, 85240, 85242, 85242, 85243, 85244, 85246, 85248, 85249, 85250, 85251, 85252, 85253, 85253, 85254, 85255, 85256, 85257, 85258, 85259, 85260, 85261, 85262, 85263, 85264, 85266, 85267, 85268, 85269, 85271, 85278, 85280, 85281, 85282, 85283, 85284, 85285, 85286, 85287, 85290, 85295, 85296, 85297, 85298, 85299, 85301, 85302, 85303, 85304, 85305, 85306, 85307, 85308, 85310, 85311, 85312, 85318, 85323, 85324, 85326, 85327, 85331, 85335, 85338, 85339, 85340, 85345, 85351, 85353, 85363, 85372, 85374, 85375, 85376, 85377, 85378, 85379, 85380, 85381, 85382, 85383, 85385, 85387, 85388, 85392, 85395, 85396, 85396, 85397, 85398

Types of Exit Devices we Service:

Push paddles, Touch Bars, Crash Bars, Delayed Egress, Automatic Door Closers, Rim Style Exit Devices, Mortise, Surface Vertical Rod, Concealed Vertical Rod, Mid Panel, UL Fire Rated for Interior Doors, and Narrow Stile for Glass Doors.

Visit EastValleyLockandKey.com for more information.

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Exit Device 101: Rim Style

Security has always been an issue for people entering a building or any kind of establishment. Even though buildings are generally safe, there are times that your safety as well as the property’s safety can be put into danger. Fortunately, exit devices are now made available to protect you when entering unsecured public buildings.

An exit device (crash/panic bars) is basically a hardware intended for door use, mainly to lock the door from the outside. Fundamentally, people inside the building can alternately exit without having to unlock the door.

The mechanism behind exit device is that you can free yourself from the building without having to use your hands. This device could be activated by applying strong body force, thus the term crash bar. Exit devices are beneficial for business and commercial building to ensure the safety and security of the employees while inside the building premises.

Rim Style Exit Devices

  • Rim style is one of the three styles available for exit devices. Panic bars that come in rim style are those that are secured on the inside exterior of the door.
  • When using a rim device, a single latch point can be observed. Using this kind of latch point, all the components are applied on a surface, thus making the application as well as the installation easier and more convenient.

Choosing Rim Style Exit Devices

  • Among the different styles available for exit devices, rim style is the most ideal for small businesses that are mostly crowded by people such as convenient stores, malls and strip malls.
  • Rim style devices are budget-friendly. Moreover, this style complies with general building codes, particularly the ANSI specifications.
  • When choosing this device, choose a product that is designed to withstand high impact abuse. Ensuring heavy commercial application guarantees that the device is durable enough for commercial or public buildings. Furthermore, choose exit devices that are designed to comply with the latest installation regulations of protective devices for commercial and public establishments.
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