It’s Full Steam Ahead for Delayed Egress Systems

Oct. 27, 2008
All Hands on Deck

The use of delayed egress systems has increased ever since the technology was developed and then approved by code writing authorities. Security and door control continue to gain popularity as the public’s awareness matures. The benefits of security, safety and loss control brought about by utilizing access control systems and special locking arrangements are being realized on a large scale. In conjunction, the variety of delayed egress products is also growing, with many different models to suit the essentially infinite variety of installation environments.


Along with the increase in the use of special locking arrangements, the number of building codes addressing these installations have also increased. As is often the case, different code writers specify different requirements. The installing dealer integrator therefore, must determine the requirements the authority having jurisdiction will be enforcing, before selecting and installing delayed egress.


A recently performed service call on a delayed egress system installed on the shipping and receiving door at a large supermarket is a study in what you can expect when servicing these units. The system was an Alarm Lock 715 which had pretty much been knocked around by forklifts smashing into it—yet it continued to lock, unlock, and generate alarms!
The system was installed with no outside trim because there is no entry into the area from the outside. If the door is to be opened, the employees do it from within. The system was keyed to arm/disarm by the manager’s key and a separate alarm keypad located next to the door.


Additionally, the 715 was connected to the premises fire alarm. If the fire control panel went into alarm, the 715 was set up not to unlock but to simply cancel the exit delay. Therefore if an individual wished to egress, the door would open immediately. If someone attempted to egress without first disarming the 715, the built-in sounder sounded and the alarm system would notify the front desk.


During the service call it was determined that the circuit from the FACP (fire alarm control panel) to the alarm lock was in constant alarm condition. The 715 therefore, was not delaying egress as the system was designed. Additionally, the required signage was absent from the door. The facilities department was notified of the FACP system trouble and the required signage was installed before departing.


The Alarm Lock 715 is a non-handed, delayed egress electronic exit door locking system. The unit is somewhat unique in that it incorporates a deadbolt and also utilizes control circuitry mounted off the door on the wall adjacent to the door. It is more or less an evolved version of the legendary paddle-actuated stainless steel deadbolt units that made Alarm Lock a legend.
The 715 adds the delayed egress feature, extends the paddle to a bar across the door, uses line voltage power supply as well as a battery backup, and provides the unique cam latch. Arming is accomplished by actuating the deadbolt using a 1 1/8” rim cylinder. An optional cylinder may be installed on the exterior of the door so the unit may be armed/disarmed from either side.
Arming the unit extends the deadbolt into the rim strike and physically locks the door. The 715 also engages the door with a cam latch. The 715 provides the ability to connect to the premises fire alarm. When the bar on the 715 is depressed, a loud alarm sounds (95dB @ 10’), and after 15 seconds the door may be opened for egress. In the event of a fire alarm, the door may be opened instantly without the 15-second delay.


The 715 also provides terminals which can be connected to smoke detectors. The audible alarm may be configured to sound continuously until the 715 is reset with a key or to be automatically shut down after 2 minutes. The door must be manually relocked with a key regardless of the audible alarm setting.


A power interruption to the 715 will not cause the door to unlock or even affect the operation of the delayed egress feature. The inexpensive 9-volt battery used for backup will operate the unit for 200 alarm sequences or seven hours continuously.
Alarm Lock stresses that NFPA 101 regulations are observed and the 715 is connected to an approved supervised automatic fire detection system or sprinkler system. Alarm Lock also recommends using a door closer that is able to fully close the door.


The 715 is a very rugged device suitable for harsh environments. It will withstand a lot of abuse and continue to function properly. For facilities or enterprises which use a large number of delayed egress systems, the 715 offers some great features. It is positive locking, a dead battery or loss of power will not result in a loss of security.


Most failures can be resolved by the replacement of a small inexpensive component available from Alarm Lock, rather than replacing the entire assembly. Installation is surface-mounted; no mortising to the door or frame is required.
The unit offers stylish, cost-effective control of unauthorized use of exit doors and a monitoring output for simultaneous use of CCTV camera, secondary siren, remote monitoring console, etc. A smoke detector input can be used to power existing systems or standalone smoke detector(s). Includes armored door cord and cables for wiring and a 9V battery back-up powers in event of power failure.

Self Monitoring and Integrated Units Help Avoid False Alarms
Securitron’s iMXD and iEXD Series are Integrated Exit Delay Systems. The iMXD and iEXD function as follows: The door’s normal condition is secure from the Model 62 Electromagnetic Lock (in the iMXD/ iEXD housing). A person desiring to exit makes an attempt to exit the door. The iMXD permits the door to move a short distance but it remains secure. The movement of the door is detected by the iMXD, and this movement initiates an irrevocable 15 or 30 second time delay sequence.


In the iEXD, an external sensor is employed, typically a touch sense bar with a dry switch output, and the person desiring to egress presses on the bar which initiates an irrevocable 15 or 30 second time delay sequence.
During the 15 or 30 second delay, a sonalert audible signal sounds in the unit.


The iMXD and iEXD are designed to be connected to a premises fire alarm, and if a fire alarm occurs, egress may be accomplished through the iEXD and iMXD instantly with no delay.


In some code versions, relocking is accomplished by a momentary turn of an integral keyswitch furnished as part of the iMXD/ iEXD housing. Other code versions mandate the use of door position sensing so that reset is accomplished by the act of opening the door. The iMXD incorporates door position sensing and it can be set for relocking via keyswitch or door position sensing.


Note that separate versions of the iMXD are supplied for 12 or 24 volt operation. The iMXD typically is not combined with controlled entry from the outside (via a card reader or digital keypad, for instance). The reason is as follows: for the iMXD to work properly, the door must include a mechanical latch which can’t be operated from the outside.


A person exiting, operates the latch by turning a handle or pushing an exit bar and this starts the delay. If the latch was operable from the outside, delay could be initiated from the outside and false alarms would result. The iEXD however, doe not rely on a latch, so it may be used on applications where card readers but no latch are involved.
The iMXD/ iEXD also include integral lock status sensing. Any time that the unit is in a secure condition, they automatically self-monitor the secure status of the Magnalock (users familiar with the Magnalock as independently supplied will identify this as the Senstat feature).


If the Magnalock fails to internally report “secure” more than five seconds after the door has been initialized or relocked following a delayed exit event, the remote alarm relay will signal an alarm condition. The five second delay is to avoid “false alarms” by allowing a brief period of time for the door to close and the lock to pull in if, for example, the door was relocked (which powers the Magnalock) when it was not entirely yet closed.


Exact code requirements for delayed exit vary somewhat in different jurisdictions. The iMXD and iEXD are designed to be adaptable to a variety of these codes. Besides building codes, delayed egress systems may be UL listed. The iMXD is UL Listed under the FWAX category for its NFPA 101 operation, and not other modes.

Ideal for HIGHLY Controlled Areas

Building Codes are changing constantly. It is up to you to determine the exact requirements of the AHJ and select the appropriate delayed egress system and settings.


Chexit from Von Duprin is designed for delayed exit applications. The Chexit system is ideal for controlled areas. This concept in delayed exit systems combines life safety with the needs of security and meets all requirements of NFPA 101 for “Special Locking Arrangement.” The Chexit system will keep an exit door secured for a 15 second period, yet tied into the fire alarm system will release immediately when an alarm condition exists. All controls, auxiliary locking, local alarm, and remote signaling output are self-contained in the Chexit assembly, providing safe, secure and easy to install door control hardware.


The Chexit system is ideal for highly controlled areas such as airports, hospitals, government facilities and development labs, retail stores, libraries and security facilities. The CX98 and CX99 are available for rim, mortise lock and surface and concealed vertical rod mounting styles. The CX33A and CX35A are available in rim-mounting style only. Chexit is UL listed for use on panic or fire exit doors 3’ or 4’ wide.


The Chexit device includes decal to apply on the door: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS. In addition to the Chexit Bar, a typical complete Chexit system requires a PS873 power supply and a power transfer. They provide power and signal connections from the fixed door frame to the door and the Chexit unit. Chexit features include: non handed; field sizable; 3/4” (19mm) throw, latch bolt and deadlocking.


A Request to Exit Switch is built in to detect when someone attempts to exit. Applying less than 15 pounds to the push pad will cause this switch to start an irreversible alarm cycle.


When the Nuisance Audible and Nuisance Delay options are set to off, the device will go into alarm as soon as the push pad is touched. Turning the Nuisance Delay on will require the push pad to be pressed for 2 seconds before the Chexit goes into alarm, which is ideal in public areas. If the Nuisance Audible and Nuisance Delay are both on, the alarm will sound as soon as the push pad is pressed, but the alarm sequence will stop unless held for 2 seconds or more.


A set of relay contacts (rated 1 ampere, 24VDC) are provided to give external alarm indication. These contacts close when the device is in an irreversible alarm condition. These contacts can be used to drive a horn, lamp, or other signaling devices.
The Key Switch provides the means to arm, disarm, or reset the Chexit. The key can be removed in either the arm or disarm position.


An Indicator Lamp determines the status of the Chexit. When the lamp is off, it indicates “disarmed” and is functioning as a normal exit device. A slow flashing lamp indicates “armed.” A fast flashing indicator lamp indicates the device is in alarm.
Whenever the device is in alarm or the push pad is pressed, the Internal Horn will sound. The volume level of this horn exceeds 85 db at 6 feet. An external door position switch can be connected to the Chexit. The door position switch will cause the alarm to sound if the door is not closed when the device is armed.


The External Inhibit Input (optional) allows remote override of the Chexit in the armed condition. It also allows remote reset of the Chexit in an alarmed condition. The Fire Alarm Input disables the Chexit immediately upon a fire alarm.
An Internal Auxiliary lock is engaged when the Chexit is armed. The locking mechanism is specifically designed to hold securely even when the exit device is struck with forceful blows.


The Rearm Time is the amount of time after the device is activated (via key switch or external inhibit) before it arms. It is designed to give someone time to pass through the door before rearming occurs. The user can change timing for any time between 2 and 28 seconds in two-second intervals. There is also an infinite rearm setting that requires the use of an external door position switch. In this setting the door remains in the rearm mode until the door is closed. This can be useful on jet way doors in an airport.


Most jurisdictions allow 15 seconds of delay before allowing egress. In those cases when 15 seconds is not appropriate, Von Duprin can set the Chexit for any delay time between 0 and 60 seconds in two-second increments. For delays greater than 15 seconds a letter from the local authority must be provided with the order.