doors | Von Duprin Commercial Door Hardware

What is Electric Strike?

January 15, 2009 at 9:33 pm | Posted in Industry Topics | 3 Comments
Tags: commercial doors, door, doors, electric strikes, Von Duprin exit devices

The Von Duprin 6112 Electric Strike

Exit devices, like those manufactured by Von Duprin, allow doors to remain locked to public access (usually on the exterior side of the door.) However, the door may still be opened quickly and easily from the inside without the use of a key. (Read more.) Entry from the outside of a door outfitted with an exit device can only be obtained with a key.

Electric strikes for exit devices offer an extra measure of convenience suitable for a number of applications. An electric strike plate replaces the standard fixed strike faceplate which is normally mounted within the door jamb. Like a fixed strike, the electric strike has a ramped surface which allows the bolt to pass over the plate and lock into place. When someone pushes the exit bar from inside, the latch retracts the same as for a fixed strike, allowing the door to be opened.

Electric strikes, however, offer the added convenience of being able to remotely open the door upon which it is installed without the use of manual force. By activating the remote control device, the electric strike’s ramped surface pivots out of the way in response to electrical current. The door can then be pushed open from the exterior without the use of a key, door knob or lever.

Most electric-strike systems employ a buzzer-type alarm. The buzzer lets the person on the outside of the door know that the electric strike plate has been de-activated and entry is possible. The length of time that the door remains accessible from the exterior is determined by the remote control setting inside.

Electric strike exit systems are suitable for a variety of applications where controlled access is necessary. They are frequently found on apartment buildings and condominiums, so that only residents can access the building from the exterior with a key. However, residents inside the building can also remotely open exterior doors to allow guests to enter the building. Office and government buildings also frequently use electric strike systems to control public access.

Next Week: The Two Types of Electric Strikes

Commercial Applications for Alarmed Exit Devices

January 1, 2009 at 9:18 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments
Tags: alarmed exit device, alarmed exit devices, commercial doors, doors, exterior doors

Exit devices have come a long way since the original Von Duprin 88 Series of 1908. Design improvements and modern technology have allowed companies like Von Duprin to create products that address changing business security needs while still keeping human safety a top priority. The alarmed exit device is one such modern innovation.

The primary function of an exit device is to allow business and commercial property owners to limit access to a building from the outside while allowing people indoors to leave the building quickly and easily in an emergency. Exit devices, when applied to doors, keep doors locked on one side (the outside, in the case of exterior doors.) The opposite side (inside) is outfitted with a crash bar or panic bar. Applying a small amount of force to the bar releases the locking mechanism, making a quit departure possible.

Adding an alarm component to a standard crash bar gives an extra measure of security. Alarmed exit devices will emit a buzzing, beeping or ringing sound when the crash bar is activated. Alarmed exit devices are typically installed on doors that are not intended to be used for regular public traffic. Rather, they are applied to emergency/fire exits as required by law. Employees and patrons are prohibited from using these doors to exit the property, except in the event of an emergency (i.e. fire, robbery, threat, etc.)

Alarmed exit devices make suitable security solutions for businesses such as:

1) Restaurants. Restaurants typically designate only one or two sets of doors for public use. Other doors may include staff-only entrances and emergency/fire exits. By applying alarmed exit devices to these doors, owners/managers are immediately aware that the door has been used.

2) Retail establishments. Grocery, clothing, department and other types of stores can control theft (i.e. snatch-and-runs) as well as unauthorized employee use (i.e. employees allowing non-staff into restricted areas) by using alarmed exit devices.

3) Care Homes. Care homes can monitor door usage with alarmed exit devices, preventing vulnerable residents from being able to wander out of the building unnoticed.

4) Schools/Daycare centers. Children can be safely contained inside the building, and teachers/caregivers will know immediately if a child tries to exit an alarmed door. Staff and children will still be able to make a fast exit in an emergency situation.

Alarmed exit devices, such as Von Duprin’s Guard-X Device, are the perfect solution for business and commercial property owners. It’s etched with a message readily identifying it as an alarmed door intended for emergency use only. Owners can rest assured that their properties and inventories as well as patrons and staff will be safe and protected.