From Simple Bars to Smart Exits: A Detailed Exploration of the Evolution of Exit Devices

Do you think about how everyone would safely evacuate from a crowded building in an emergency? These may be very dangerous situations that can cause significant damage to life. But the answer to safe evacuation lies within the inconspicuous bars that are mounted on the inside of exit doors, known as exit devices.

In particular, incidents like fires in nearby apartment buildings, which fortunately did not cause serious injuries, have highlighted the critical role that these devices play in ensuring building safety. But how did these seemingly simple bars evolve into the sophisticated technology we rely on today?

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at exit devices, from their humble beginnings to the smart technologies shaping their future.

What Are Exit Devices?

Exit devices, also referred to as panic bars or push bars, are essential safety features installed on the interior side of exit doors. They facilitate safe and efficient egress during emergencies, surpassing traditional door knobs or locks that may be challenging to operate under pressure.

These devices include a variety of options beyond the traditional panic bar, such as vertical rods, electrified models, and units with integrated alarms, all designed to enhance functionality and safety.

How Important Are Exit Devices?

Exit devices are important in spaces with significant foot traffic, including commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and theaters. They are essential for emergency preparedness, offering a dependable means of escape that reduces the potential dangers associated with regular door knobs or locks, which can be difficult to operate in a panic situation. Exit devices are easy to operate, requiring a simple push or pull action to unlock the door. This streamlined process facilitates smooth and secure evacuations.

What Are the Different Types of Exit Devices?

Commercial door hardware devices have evolved to meet the diverse architectural and security needs of different buildings. There are various types of exit devices available, each serving specific purposes:

Each type of exit device serves specific security and architectural needs, providing a wide range of options for different building environments.

From Basic Bars to Advanced Intelligence: A Historical Journey

Now that we have looked at the different types of exit devices and their specific applications, it’s important to understand the history and evolution of these innovations. But what led to the development of all these types? Or what paved the way for the development of these devices for commercial spaces? Let’s take a look.

The Early Days in Response to Tragic Fires

The early twentieth century witnessed some catastrophic building fires, such as the Iroquois Theatre (1903), the fire at the Collinwood School (1908), and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (1911). The public outrage over these tragic events spurred the development of more stringent building regulations, specifically addressing the dangers posed by inward-opening doors and closed exits. In response to these tragedies and the call for safer buildings, safe egress devices became a focal point for innovators and regulators alike.

Subsequent improvements in door hardware technology led to the initial design of exit devices. They were primarily built using solid materials like steel or cast iron. Later, these devices became essential components of door hardware, particularly in public buildings and emergency exits, featuring horizontal bars that allowed doors to be unlatched with a single push. This innovation marked a significant advancement in safety, directly inspired by the lessons learned from the disastrous fires of the early twentieth century.

 Advancements in Mechanical Exit Devices

Mechanical exit devices, commonly known as panic bars or crash bars, are crucial components of modern building security and safety systems. These devices have developed progressively incorporating advanced mechanical features into traditional exit devices, leading to improved performance, durability, and longevity.

Changes in building codes have driven further enhancements to these devices. It’s important to note that the integration of advanced locking systems has maintained security measures. Meanwhile, the implementation of delayed egress mechanisms has facilitated the maintenance of high-security levels and the rapid evacuation of individuals during emergencies.

They also started offering a range of features such as durability and reliability, advanced locking mechanisms, advanced accessibility features including reduced activation force, ADA-compliant designs, and more. The result of these advancements is that modern mechanical exit devices offer a powerful combination of robust security and dependable safety for building occupants.

The Introduction of Electronic Exit Devices

In the latter half of the twentieth century, there was a significant shift from mechanical exit devices to electronic ones. This change was motivated by the need for improved security and more efficient building access control. Nowadays, there are various commercial door manufacturers like Von Duprin, Corbin Russwin, Falcon, Sargent, Yale, Detex, and Adams Rite, leading this technological evolution by offering electronic exit devices.

These devices combined mechanical components with electronic advancements to introduce features such as alarms for unauthorized access and automated locking/unlocking sequences tailored for authorized personnel. The integration with broader security systems allowed for centralized control and enhanced monitoring of building access, representing a pivotal evolution in exit device technology.

The development of electronic exit devices was also influenced by specific incidents which highlighted the limitations of mechanical devices. Electronic exit devices, even though an upgraded version of mechanical ones, offer some added advantages, such as real-time monitoring, alarms for unauthorized access, centralized control, data collection, hassle-free integration into existing systems, and more. Combining mechanical reliability with electronic sophistication, these devices have set new standards in the industry, ensuring that buildings remain secure and accessible only to authorized individuals.

The Rise of Smart Exit Devices

The emergence of smart exit devices represents a significant advancement in enhancing safety, efficiency, and accessibility in commercial buildings. These advanced tools seamlessly integrate with building management systems, using real-time data to optimize operations. They offer numerous benefits, including remote monitoring capabilities, cutting-edge technology integration, ADA guidelines compliance, smooth functionality, and adherence to rigorous safety standards.

Several smart exit devices are available in the current market, known for their innovative features and reliability. Leading commercial door hardware brands such as Corbin Russwin and Sargent offer solutions that seamlessly integrate with modern building systems, providing enhanced security and operational efficiency.

The adoption of smart exit devices is gaining traction across various sectors, including commercial, residential, and industrial. Commercial buildings lead in adoption due to stringent security requirements and the need for efficient building management. The residential and industrial sectors are also increasingly adopting these technologies to improve safety and operational control.

Looking ahead, the future of smart exit devices holds promising advancements. Biometric integrations, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, are anticipated to enhance security by providing robust access control. Enhanced AI capabilities will enable these devices to effectively analyze data, predict maintenance needs, and optimize building operations further.

The role of smart exit devices in smart buildings is expected to expand significantly. They will not only continue to enhance safety and operational efficiency but also seamlessly integrate into broader smart building ecosystems. Predictions suggest that these devices will become more intuitive and interconnected, playing a pivotal role in creating safer, more responsive environments.

Overall, the integration of smart exit technologies represents a transformative shift in commercial buildings, addressing today’s demands for safety, efficiency, and accessibility. This evolution towards smarter systems marks a substantial improvement in managing and safeguarding commercial spaces, underscoring the critical role of technology in advancing safety and operational efficiency.

What Are the Challenges and Considerations While Choosing the Right Exit Device?

As technological advancements continue to transform exit devices, it is crucial to carefully assess the challenges related to introducing these new technologies. One of the main concerns is privacy, particularly regarding the collection and use of data. To ensure responsible adoption, it is important to establish strong safeguards to address these privacy concerns.

Another key consideration is the cost-effectiveness of implementing these innovations, especially when upgrading older buildings or managing projects with limited budgets. It is essential to find a balance between investing in advanced exit devices and effectively managing project costs.

Additionally, the user-friendliness and reliability of exit devices during emergencies are also critical factors to consider. Ensuring that even the most advanced exit devices can be easily operated during emergencies is essential for the safety and security of building occupants.

When updating a building’s hardware, especially for frequently used doors, the installation of exit devices can significantly enhance safety and compliance. However, choosing the appropriate device requires careful consideration of several key factors.

• Door Type Compatibility: Different types of doors require specific exit devices. For instance, single or double doors may need different solutions, such as mullions for double doors or vertical rod and mortise devices for unobstructed access.
• Fire Safety Requirements: Fire-rated exit devices provide crucial protection for fire-rated doors during emergencies. While non-fire-rated alternatives can offer cost savings, they cannot be used on fire-rated doors.
• Noise Considerations: Taking noise levels into account is especially important when operating motor-operated devices in sensitive environments such as hospitals or schools. These devices can generate noise that may be disruptive in certain settings, so being mindful of this factor is indispensable.
• Location-Specific Needs: Weatherproof exit devices are essential for exterior doors to ensure reliable operation in all weather conditions.

It can be difficult to select the right exit device for your space after considering all these factors, so utilizing the services of a professional technician is recommended. When you understand your requirements and consider factors like safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, they can assist you in choosing the best exit device and other commercial door hardware parts for your facility.

Final Wrap

The evolution of exit devices, from simple bars to high-tech solutions, has significantly advanced building security. Current trends include biometric exit devices, wireless exit devices, IoT-enabled exit devices, and customized exit devices, offering features that traditional devices cannot provide.

Commercial door hardware manufacturers are developing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of users. Through a comprehensive approach and the utilization of the latest technology, they strive to deliver high-quality, innovative security solutions that enhance safety and security. Building owners and managers are encouraged to upgrade their exit devices to embrace the latest trends in building security. Doing so ensures a safer future for their occupants and better protection for their assets.

If you’re interested in learning more about the latest trends in exit devices, consider exploring Qualitydoor.com. We have a large inventory of in-stock, ready-to-ship exit devices, and other door hardware accessories, helping users get what they need. Whether you are looking for new models of exit devices for your spaces or want to explore retrofit exit device options, we have you covered. For more information, visit our website or schedule an appointment today.