The Ultimate Guide to Delayed Egress Exit Devices for Your Facility

Curious about the security measures in place when you exit a building? Delayed egress (DEED) devices play a crucial role, yet they remain relatively unknown to many. Imagine a scenario where an exit door doesn't immediately open when you push it. Instead, it waits, hesitating for a moment, as if pondering your exit. This delay is not a glitch, but rather but a deliberate security feature designed to enhance safety and thwart unauthorized exits.

It's time to fully understand the world of delayed egress devices—exploring their functionality, significance, and applications in various building environments. We'll uncover the effectiveness of these security tools and discover why they are indispensable components of modern security systems.

What Are Delayed Egress Exit Devices?

Delayed egress devices, also known as egress delay systems and referred to as "DEED," are specialized security door devices designed to delay the opening of a door for a short period after an exit attempt. This delay, typically 15 or 30 seconds, serves to enhance security by providing time for an appropriate response, such as alerting security personnel to respond.

When someone attempts to open a door equipped with a delayed egress lock, the system is triggered. This is usually done by pushing or pulling the door. Once activated, the locking mechanism engages a timer that delays the unlocking of the exit door. During this delay period, an alarm usually sounds to alert personnel of the exit attempt. After the delay period, the door automatically unlocks, allowing controlled egress while maintaining compliance with building code and safety regulations. If the exit attempt ceases before the delay period elapses, the system resets and the door remains locked.

Key Applications for Delayed Egress Exit Devices

Delayed egress devices are particularly useful in settings where security and controlled egress are crucial. Here are some common applications:

Retail Security Solutions: Delayed egress devices are used to prevent shoplifting by delaying unauthorized exits, giving security personnel time to respond. This controlled egress ensures that high-value merchandise is protected.

Healthcare Facilities: In hospitals and healthcare facilities, delayed egress devices help control the movement of patients, especially those who may be at risk if they leave unescorted, such as in psychiatric wards or pediatric units. These devices ensure that patients remain within safe areas while still allowing for emergency egress.

Assisted Living Security: Assisted living facilities use delayed egress devices to protect residents who might wander, providing staff time to intervene. This enhances safety for vulnerable populations, ensuring they do not exit the premises unsupervised.

Warehouse Security: Warehouses and industrial facilities utilize delayed egress devices to secure high-value inventory and prevent unauthorized removal of goods. The delay allows security teams to respond promptly to any exit attempts.

School Security Systems: Schools, campuses and childcare centers install delayed egress devices to prevent children from exiting unsupervised, ensuring their safety. These devices provide peace of mind for staff and parents, knowing that children are secure.

Delayed Egress Exit Devices: Enhancing Security and Safety

Curious about the security measures in place when you exit a building? Delayed egress devices play a crucial role, yet they remain relatively unknown to many. Imagine a scenario where an exit door doesn't immediately open when you push it. Instead, it waits, hesitating for a brief moment, as if pondering your exit. This delay is not a glitch, but rather a deliberate security feature designed to enhance safety and thwart unauthorized exits.

It's time to fully understand the world of delayed egress devices—exploring their functionality, significance, and applications in various building environments. We'll uncover the effectiveness of these security tools and discover why they are indispensable components of modern security systems.

What Are Delayed Egress Exit Devices?

Delayed egress devices, also known as egress delay systems and referred to as "DEED," are specialized security door devices designed to delay the opening of a door for a short period after an exit attempt. This delay, typically 15 or 30 seconds, serves to enhance security by providing time for an appropriate response, such as alerting security personnel to respond.

When someone attempts to open a door equipped with a delayed egress lock, the system is triggered. This is usually done by pushing or pulling the door. Once activated, the locking mechanism engages a timer that delays the unlocking of the exit door. During this delay period, an alarm usually sounds to alert personnel of the exit attempt. After the delay period, the door automatically unlocks, allowing controlled egress while maintaining compliance with building code and safety regulations. If the exit attempt ceases before the delay period elapses, the system resets and the door remains locked.

Benefits of Delayed Egress

The advantages of incorporating delayed egress systems are numerous:

• Deterrence: The audible alarm and noticeable delay serve as a strong deterrent to potential wrongdoers.
• Increased Response Time: The delay provides valuable time for security personnel to intervene and assess the situation.
• Enhanced Safety: In healthcare and educational settings, delayed egress helps protect vulnerable individuals and maintain a secure environment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Delayed egress devices help facilities comply with safety codes and regulations.

Fire Safety and Compliance

Delayed egress devices must comply with local building and fire safety codes, which dictate the maximum delay period and other operational features to ensure safety during emergencies. There must be an immediate manual override to allow instant egress in case of an emergency, such as a fire. Clear signage is also required to instruct users on how the delayed egress system operates and what to expect during the delay period. SARGENT devices are UL-cUL Fire-Rated, capable of withstanding direct flames for at least three hours, which provides optimal protection.

Advantages of Delayed Egress Exit Devices

The primary advantage of delayed egress devices is enhanced security. By delaying unauthorized exits, these devices provide time for security personnel or staff to respond, reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized departures. Additionally, these devices comply with safety standards, ensuring that in emergencies, such as a fire, immediate egress is possible. The flexibility of delayed egress devices makes them suitable for various settings across retail, healthcare, assisted living, warehouses, and school applications.

Regular Maintenance

To ensure that delayed egress devices function correctly and remain compliant with safety regulations, regular maintenance is essential. This includes testing all components of the system, ensuring that alarms and override mechanisms are operational, and keeping the system updated to meet any new safety codes.

Securing Space: The Power of Delayed Egress Exit Devices

Delayed egress devices play a vital role in security across various settings, striking a balance between controlled egress and safety compliance. Facility managers and security personnel, armed with a clear understanding of their functionality and ideal applications, can make informed decisions about their deployment. Whether in retail, healthcare, assisted living, warehouses, or schools, Delayed egress devices offer an indispensable layer of security and peace of mind.

Explore SARGENT’s Delayed Egress (DEED) Exit Devices:

The PE80 Series Exit Device sets a new standard for safety and performance. It's designed to exceed expectations, offering exceptional strength and durability that surpasses ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 requirements. For enhanced security, the PE80 Series also includes options for delayed egress, alarmed exit, and enhanced electric latch retraction.

The 80 Series Exit Device provides robust security and reliable operation, exceeding ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards – crucial for high-traffic areas and emergency exits. With various configurations available, it's adaptable to your facility's needs. Plus, added security features like delayed egress, alarms, and electric latch retraction give you even more control over access.

Both models comply with DEED UL listing requirements, holding UL Fire and Panic ratings. The 80 Series has also undergone UL Cycle Testing, surpassing the standard with over 5 million cycles, demonstrating its exceptional durability and longevity (Verification ID: V584148).

To learn more about our full line of delayed egress devices, please fill out the form below and our team will get back to you right away!