Rim, vertical rod, or mortise
NFPA 101 · IBC 1010 · ANSI/BHMA A156.3 · UL 294
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
A delayed egress exit device is a panic bar that keeps a door locked for a short time after someone pushes it. The push starts a loud alarm and a countdown, usually 15 seconds. When the countdown ends, the door unlocks and the person can safely leave. During a fire alarm or power loss, it opens at once. This gives your staff time to respond to theft, patient wandering or other unwanted exits. You get a secure door that never blocks a safe way out.
Shoplifters cannot dash out a back exit. The alarm and delay give staff time to respond.
Memory care and pediatric units stop patients from wandering out alone while staff get a warning.
Meets NFPA 101 and IBC rules, so you add security without risking a failed fire inspection.
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 exit devices for small businesses, hospitals, hotels, schools and government agencies. We know local fire codes and work with your fire marshal, so each delayed egress door passes inspection. We carry major brand parts on our trucks. From one door to a full campus, we deliver safe exits on time.
The right delayed egress exit device depends on your door, your building and your local code. Use these five simple checks before you buy. They help you avoid failed inspections, wasted money and unsafe exits.
Delayed egress is only allowed in buildings with a supervised sprinkler system or an approved fire detection system. The door must unlock at once when the fire alarm sounds or power fails.
The delay is 15 seconds, or 30 seconds if your code official approves. A sign on the door must read: Push until alarm sounds. Door can be opened in 15 seconds. Your local fire marshal gives final approval before the device goes live.
Single doors usually take a rim device. Pairs of double doors often need vertical rods or a mortise lock so both leaves latch. Fire-rated doors need a fire-labeled device with no dogging feature.
Check the door material, width, swing and frame condition too. Hollow metal, aluminum storefront and wood doors each mount in a different way. We measure every opening on site, so the device fits right the first time and works exactly as planned.
Most delayed egress devices run on 24 VDC from a dedicated power supply. The device must connect to the building fire alarm so it releases the moment an alarm starts. A licensed low-voltage technician usually handles this link.
Some models hold the controller inside the bar. Others need a separate power panel and a door position switch. Planning the wiring early keeps the job clean, the schedule short and the total cost easy to predict.
Staff should not have to wait 15 seconds every time they use the door. A key switch, card reader or keypad can bypass the delay for approved users, and the alarm stays quiet for them.
This setup works well for hospital units, warehouse docks and government offices. It also records who used the door and exactly when it happened. We can connect your delayed egress hardware to most access control systems already in your building.
Choose a Grade 1 device under ANSI/BHMA A156.3 for busy doors or any door that takes abuse. Trusted makers include Von Duprin, Sargent and Detex. Each offers delayed egress models in common finishes, sizes and functions.
Match your existing hardware when you can. This keeps keys, parts and service simple. Ask about warranty length, lead times and local parts supply. We stock major brands, so your repairs do not wait weeks for parts to ship.
Both devices sound an alarm when someone pushes the bar. Only one holds the door closed long enough for staff to act. Here is how they compare in real buildings.
Consideration
Delayed Egress Exit Device
Standard Alarmed Exit Device
Holds the door 15 seconds for staff
Thief is gone the moment it sounds
Gives staff time to redirect residents
Resident is outside before staff arrive
15 to 30 seconds to reach door
Zero seconds; door opens on push
Logs door events through access control
Local horn only, with no event record
Countdown and signage discourage casual exits
Many people push through despite the horn
Delayed egress hardware has more parts than a standard panic bar. When one part fails, the door may trap people inside or let anyone walk out. Watch for these signs.
Supply and install delayed egress exit devices on new or existing doors, including pairs and fire-rated openings.
We convert standard panic bars to delayed egress hardware without replacing the door, frame or existing trim.
We work with your fire alarm contractor so every device releases instantly on alarm or power loss.
Add card readers, keypads or key switches so approved staff exit without starting the delay or alarm.
We fix timers, latches, power supplies and reset switches on most major brands, often in one visit.
We test release, alarm, signage and reset for the yearly NFPA 101 inspection of special locking doors.
Get a free site assessment from King Locksmith And Doors. We will recommend code-compliant delayed egress hardware for every exit.
