Which Type of Exit Device is Best for You?

Exit devices, as the name implies, helps to move people away from big buildings and malls in the case of an emergency. People refer to exit devices with many names like panic hardware, crash bar, panic devices etc. Exit devices have become an inevitable feature in malls, hospitals, large buildings and big residential areas. Their primary job is to help people vacate the place fast. It could be said, their secondary job is to reduce insurance and liability costs! For this reason, the doors with exit devices are constructed in such a way as to accommodate more people to leave the location faster.

These devices also help to avoid people thrashing each other while evacuating.

Exit devices operate in a simple way. Its locked from outside and those who are inside can quickly open it without unlocking the door. They come with a horizontal bar fixed on the door; you can push the bar with ease to unlock the door. Safety is on top priority by property owners, that’s why they fix reliable exit devices to safeguard human injuries and lives.

Initially exit devices were introduced in the brand name Von Duprin. Today Von Duprin 99 series like Von Duprin 9947 are very popular models. Others use the original design by Von Duprin to develop exit devices. Von Duprin has also now enhanced their original design and incorporated the latest technology to come out with new and interesting exit devices. This paves the way for many types of exit devices to enter the market. Property owners choose exit devices based on their safety and security needs.

Rim style Exit devices
This style of exit devices is suitable for small malls and commercial, heavy traffic areas. These are affordable and satisfy the building safety codes. Also, you can use them both on single and double doors. They can be installed quickly and easily in any type of door in a variety of decor.

Mortise style exit devices
This style is best for medium and big size buildings and malls. This type is stronger and comes in a simple design. It gives you more security and can’t easily be tampered with. Mortise style devices are ideal for schools, hospitals and big office complexes.

Surface and concealed exit devices
This style is an economical choice for large buildings and even malls. Surface and concealed styles are good for buildings which require additional security. It perfectly fits with any type of building design.

The type of door determines the type of appropriate exit device. A fire rate door would require a fire rate exit device for instance. The width of the door also plays a crucial role in determining the right type of device. However, exit devices are available in various lengths to suit a wide range of door widths. Choosing strong, durable, and reliable exit devices is the best route for safety and security in highly packed areas. Finally, exit devices can eliminate maintenance problems and costs and allow you to offer smooth and efficient service for many years.

How to Buy Door Hardware like Commercial Locks?

How to Buy Door Hardware, or Commercial Locks? The question may sound rather ordinary; but then, if you buy door hardware from the right source, there are quite a number of advantages. 

The right type of hardware alone can serve the intended purpose, last long and provide convenient service. Even experienced contractors may not always be abreast in the door hardware and commercial locks or access controls.

What are the items needed to make a door work properly, securely and look attractive? At least two or more of these items: hinges, floor closers or door closers, exit or entry alarms, holders and stops, gate closers, access controls, exit devises and panic bars, smok-checks, keying supplies, bolts are required for a door. Before you do buy door hardware, think about the purpose, location, and appearance.

Hinges and pivot sets serve as a good illustration. A 6’ door for a general purpose room/hall works fine with ordinary hinges. But, a heavy and unusually tall door needs pivot sets or intermediate pivots. Hotels, commercial buildings and posh residences have custom-made deluxe doors, which unless supported by sturdy pivots, will sag, screech and cause embarrassing disturbance. The bottom arm of the pivot takes on the entire weight and prevents fasteners don’t loosen soon. You will have frictionless and smooth door for a long time.

Of course, we don’t usually buy door hardware of such special order type; hinges are more common. From regular butt hinges to electric strikes (these have in-built wiring and electrical system and help in connecting to alarm systems,) there are probably over a thousand types of hinges.

Similarly, choice in commercial locks is enough to boggle a mind now days. The range varies from regular key-operated types, special purpose electric strikes, and fire-rated commercial locks and so on.

Prices can swing widely; so knowing a little more will help in cutting costs also. Local stores can rarely stock the entire range and may not have patience to guide. Before you buy door hardware, spend a few minutes browsing any good online store’s website, gather the information and compare prices; you are sure to find better hardware and commercial locks for the doors.

Plan with Care while Buying Door Hardware

You would buy door hardware in hundreds, costing thousands of dollars while constructing a commercial building. Long term planning in selecting appropriate door lock hardware will help prevent, replacements, repairs and maintenance. Of the innumerable points to keep in mind, here are a few.

Insurance:

Insurance companies will check whether the building has burglarproof, strong, and ANSI (American National Standard Institute) grade locks at the time of booking the policy. Should there be a claim; insurance companies will definitely asses the security rating of the door lock. Hardware fixed to the door, such as the hinges, alarm locks too will come under scrutiny. More than worrying about Insurance, adopting ‘prevention is better than cure’ policy goes a long a way in reducing hazards and losses.

Door Lock Hardware Types:

Buy door hardware based on non-price performance appraisal and cost-related business decisions. Purpose goes to determine the type of a door lock. Hardware such as hinges, latches, and knobs have both utility and decorative aspects, while you have to consider durability and ease-of-use for door and frame closers, jambs and jams and so on. A few examples would help.

Fore remotely operated doors, you need electric strikes and special hinges that transfer low-voltage current to the activators. Just for separating public and private areas in a building, you could opt for a simpler mechanical pushbutton lock. On the other hand, door lock hardware for storerooms and sensitive areas will need fire rated, ANSI grade 1 locks, and deadbolts.

As such, before you buy door hardware, check out product catalogues online; you will gain several useful pointers to discuss with the architects or construction firm.

The Costs:

For a factory or commercial building, you would spend thousands of dollars on door lock hardware; the cost will go up if you need high-security rated and sophisticated alarm locks, electrically operated door closers, or heavy-duty hardware. For instance, extra heavy-duty classroom security lever costs over $300. This is the price at an online store, so don’t be surprised if the local store quoted a higher price. Over and above the lower price, online stores offer quantity discounts on certain door lock hardware.