8 Different Types of Commercial Exit Devices To Know
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1. Alarmed Exit Devices
Alarmed exit devices produce sound to signal unauthorized door openings. Manufacturers design them to prevent the misuse of emergency exits.
Security personnel and facility managers rely on these devices to address safety and security concerns. They are practical for a wide range of applications. For example, a shopping mall security team may install these devices on side exits to prevent shoplifting attempts or unauthorized access. Warehouse teams depend on them to safeguard inventory and deter unauthorized movement. Additionally, alarmed exit devices in cinemas or event venues assist with crowd management and emergency readiness.
2. Electrified Exit Devices
Electrified exit devices integrate modern access control with traditional egress functions. These devices allow security teams to control door access electronically by connecting them with biometric readers or keycard machines. They create secure yet accessible pathways while helping business owners and managers enforce monitored movement.
Electrified exit devices are ideal for securing corporate offices and sensitive facilities to control the flow of staff and visitors. For example, pairing these devices with authorization systems research laboratories grants entry to credentialed personnel only.
Electrified exit devices in patient wards or pharmaceutical storage rooms restrict entry and support emergency egress. School buildings, particularly dormitories or classrooms requiring secure access, have these devices for safety and controlled usage.
Business leaders should choose devices that integrate naturally with their existing security infrastructure. For example, RFID-capable electrified exit devices are ideal for facilities aiming for swipe-based access, while biometric options suit high-security workspaces.
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3. Mullions
Mullions are vertical supports positioned between double doors that improve door stability and guide locking mechanisms. These components appear in settings that require secure functionality for double-door systems.
Depending on the application, mullions are permanent or removable structures. Typically, mullions support high-traffic buildings, such as gyms, religious spaces, and public institutions. For example, school administrators may install mullions to maintain door alignment in gymnasiums, and they are removable for equipment deliveries.
Churches and community centers use these supports to stabilize oversized double doors, improving durability as well as functionality. With their ability to meet practical and aesthetic needs, mullions enhance small and large entryways.
Types of Mullions
Removable mullions offer flexibility for buildings requiring wide entryways at specific times. A venue that hosts banquets, for instance, benefits from mullions that quickly detach to accommodate setup teams moving large tables and fixtures.
Permanent mullions, on the other hand, support heavy wear and tear and remain fixed for continuous stability. They work well in environments less likely to change regularly, such as museums or administrative facilities.
4. Surface Vertical Rod Exit Devices
Surface vertical rod exit devices feature rods on the exterior surface of the door to control locking at the top and bottom points. These devices provide secure closures, especially for double doors and high-traffic entry points.
These commercial exit devices support large doors or double-door configurations that require reliable locks. For example, gymnasium staff use them to secure entrances during non-operating hours while supporting quick unlocking during emergencies.
Event venue managers install these devices to manage crowd flow and protect areas between events. They also exist in schools and public buildings for stability and ease of use in cafeterias and assembly halls.
5. Concealed Vertical Cable Exit Devices
Concealed vertical cable exit devices use internal cables within the door to operate locking points at the top and bottom frames. Their hidden mechanisms provide doors with a clean, polished look while maintaining lock functionality.
These devices suit sleek, unobtrusive designs. For instance, concealed vertical devices within modern doors balance security with visual appeal in luxury hotels. Retailers and boutique owners use them to create welcoming spaces without compromising functionality at exits.
Maintenance Tips
Regular inspections can help you identify cable wear or tension loss early, keeping the locking mechanism secure and efficient. Adjusting cable tension can prevent operational issues due to environmental shifts, such as swelling wooden doors in humid conditions. Lubricating internal components reduces friction and preserves smooth functionality.
6. Three-Point Locking Exit Devices
Three-point locking exit devices are other types of commercial exit device to know. They secure doors at the top, bottom, and side connection points. This locking mechanism creates an evenly distributed hold across the door, elevating its strength and preventing forced entry.
Three-point locking devices fit environments that need advanced protection for valuable or sensitive materials. For example, these locks exist in museums to secure storage rooms holding valuable artwork or artifacts. Warehouses and distribution centers also favor this locking system to protect high-stakes inventory.
Installation Considerations
Three-point locking systems demand precise alignment during installation to coordinate all locking points. Installers must carefully measure and position the hardware and engage the top, bottom, and side latches along the frame. Different entryways may require customization, like reinforced strike plates or fire-rated hardware, to meet building codes or security standards.
7. Motorized Exit Devices
Motorized exit devices integrate small motors into door hardware to automate the locking and unlocking process, creating an effortless and secure solution for commercial doors.
The exit devices support locations that prioritize hands-free operation, efficiency, and accessibility. For instance, hospital staff benefit from motorized devices in patient care areas so that they can pass through doors smoothly while transporting medical equipment.
Workers in airports and transit hubs also benefit from motorized exit devices, which streamline foot traffic and reduce delays at key entry and exit points.
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8. Rim Exit Devices
Rim exit devices use side-mounted latches that engage with the frame of the door, providing secure egress. These devices work best for single doors or the active side of double doors in high-traffic areas. For example, a retail store with rim exits for employee entrances balances ease of use with durability. While rim devices offer basic functionality, their applications might not suit locations requiring multiple locking points.
Do Other Commercial Exit Devices Exist?
Absolutely! While we’ve covered the most common and versatile exit devices, there’s a huge range of other options out there. At DoorHub, we specialize in helping you find the right fit for your building, whether it’s a high-traffic retail space, a secure facility, or something else entirely.
Our collection of exit devices has something for everyone, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Take a look at our selection today, and see how DoorHub can support your door hardware needs.
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Author
Michael Rega
Chief Marketing Officer and founding Member of DoorHub.com