Surface mount, single or pairs
ANSI/BHMA A156.3 · UL 305 · NFPA 101
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
An alarm exit device is a push bar with a built-in alarm. When someone opens the door, a loud horn sounds, often near 100 decibels. The door still opens right away, so people can always get out in an emergency. Businesses use these devices on back doors, stairwells and emergency exits that should not see daily foot traffic. Some models add delayed egress, keypads or remote alerts to your security team. Each one helps you control a door without breaking fire and life safety codes.
A loud alarm warns staff the moment someone props open or uses a restricted exit door.
People can still leave in one push, so you meet fire code and pass your inspections.
Alarmed exits deter theft, unsafe wandering and unwanted entry at back doors, stairwells and loading docks.
King Locksmith And Doors Inc. is a commercial locksmith and door company serving Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Our technicians install, repair and maintain alarm exit devices for small businesses, government agencies, hospitals, hotels and large enterprises. We know the local fire codes and work around your building’s schedule to limit downtime. From one stairwell door to a full campus, we deliver clean installs, clear pricing and fast service calls when an alarm fails.
Not every alarmed exit works the same way. Use this guide to match the device to your door, your traffic and your code needs before you buy, so the job gets done right the first time.
Start with the door itself. Measure the width, note whether it is wood, hollow metal or aluminum, and check if it is a single door or a pair. Narrow stile glass doors need a slim device made for that frame.
Next, look at the existing lock. A rim device fits most single doors. Pairs often need surface vertical rods or a removable mullion. The right fit prevents sagging, rubbing and annoying false alarms later on.
Basic alarmed bars sound a loud local horn when the door opens. They work well for back doors that should only be used in a true emergency. Most run on a 9-volt battery and reset with a key switch.
Busier sites may want more control. Choose hardwired models that report to your security panel or trigger a camera. Hospitals and memory care units often tie exit alarms into their nurse call systems to protect patients.
A delayed egress device holds the door for 15 seconds after a push while an alarm sounds. In some cases, the local fire official may allow 30 seconds. This gives staff time to reach the door before anyone leaves.
These devices must unlock when the fire alarm or sprinkler system activates and when power fails. They also need signs on the door. Codes limit where you can use them, so ask us before you buy.
Exit devices in the DMV must follow the building and fire codes your jurisdiction adopts. These are based on the IBC, IFC and NFPA 101, plus NFPA 80 for rated fire doors. Panic hardware should be listed to UL 305.
On fire-rated doors, the device must also carry a fire exit hardware label. Look for ANSI/BHMA A156.3 grading on the spec sheet too. Grade 1 devices last longest on busy commercial, school and public exits.
Battery-powered alarms are quick to install and need no wiring at all. The tradeoff is upkeep. A dead battery means a silent door, so schedule checks and swap batteries at least once a year.
Hardwired units cost more up front, but they stay on and can alert your security team right away. Whatever you choose, plan yearly tests and keep a log. Fire doors with exit hardware also need an annual inspection under NFPA 80.
A standard panic bar lets people out, but it says nothing when they leave. Here is how an alarm exit device compares on the points facility managers care about most.
Consideration
Alarm Exit Device
Standard Panic Bar
Sounds an alarm every time it opens
Opens silently with no warning at all
Discourages theft through back and side exits
Lets items leave without anyone noticing
Alerts staff when a door stays open
Allows propped doors to go unnoticed
Can report to panels, cameras and nurse call
Has no built-in signal or reporting
Keeps one-push exit while controlling door use
Meets code but offers no use control
Alarm exit devices take heavy abuse on busy doors. When one fails, you lose security, risk a code violation or annoy everyone with false alarms. Watch for these four problems.
We install alarm exit devices on wood, metal and aluminum doors, sized and fitted for each opening.
We fix dead alarms, false alarms, sticking bars and broken reset cylinders, often on the first visit.
We convert existing panic bars to alarmed models, adding door monitoring without replacing the door or frame.
We install and wire delayed egress devices with required signs, fire alarm release and power fail safety.
We connect exit alarms to access control, security panels, cameras and nurse call systems for instant alerts.
We test alarms, replace batteries and check door alignment on a set schedule, keeping you inspection ready.
Get a free site assessment from King Locksmith. We will review every exit and recommend the right alarm exit devices.
