Escape door control unit: structure, function & advantages

In the event of an emergency, it is essential that people can leave the affected building quickly and safely. Escape doors are used. To ensure safe exit in an emergency, but no unauthorized access, a special escape door control system is required. This article shows the tasks and functions of an escape door terminal.

The important function of an escape door control system

Fires, escaping gas, smoke development, mass panic – there are many dangers that can arise in buildings. In such cases, it is essential that people can leave the building safely.

This is where the door control unit comes into play –also known as an escape door terminal or escape door control. It ensures that in an emergency, people can safely reach a collection point via rescue and escape routes through the building.

In this regard, there are strict regulations and requirements that must be met. A special escape door control system is there so that the doors can be opened by anyone in an emergency. To do this, it monitors the escape doors during daytime operations. However, it is important to protect the building from unauthorized access. Therefore, reliable and safe control is necessary. This regulates all opening and closing processes of the doors in order to ensure maximum safety in every situation.

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Components of an escape door control system

In order for an escape door terminal to fully perform its tasks, it consists of special components. In general, escape door controls are made  up of three elements:

• Interlock
• Keypad
• Automatic controller

These components are indispensable. Depending on the requirements and complexity of the building, they can be expanded. Different buildings require a slightly different structure of the individual components. In kindergartens, for example, door handles must be installed in such a way that they can be reached by staff, but not by children. In schools, on the other hand, emergency stop buttons may exceed the maximum mounting height of 1.05 m. It is therefore important to deal with the individually applicable regulations and special features before an escape door control system is integrated.

Interlock

Some escape door openers are mounted concealed and unlocked when pressure is pressed. Alternatively, there are magnetic locks. These are mainly used when a panic lock is retrofitted.

Keypad

In most escape door controls, the control panel is  designed in green. It is installed directly next to the door and usually contains a key switch, emergency stop functions, control LEDs with tamper monitoring and warning sirens. Control panels can  be mounted flush-mounted. In addition, there is the possibility of controlling doors against the direction of escape.

Automatic controller

The task of control units is to take control of the doors. It is connected directly to hazard alarm systems and control panels. Depending on the version, it is even possible to activate all doors centrally. There are also combined devices that consist of a control unit and a control panel.

Extensions

Depending on individual requirements, escape door controls can be expanded beyond these three elements. For example, acoustic and visual alarm transmitters can be integrated into the system. In addition, the escape door control system can evaluate the door positions through different types of door contacts.

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Escape door control and its diverse areas of application

 Escape door controls are used in various areas, including:

• School
• Nursery schools
• Cinemas
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Underground‍
• Offices‍
• Retail outlets
• Commercial facilities

Escape door control has proven to be particularly helpful in schools: pupils should not be able to leave the premises during school hours. In an emergency, however, there must be the possibility of fleeing the building at any time. A system with escape door control offers exactly the desired security.

Escape route terminal and digital access system

The combination of escape door control and digital access system is popular. It offers the ideal level of security and security. After all, people are protected in dangerous situations, but people and valuables are safe from unauthorized access.

Especially in buildings where many people go in and out every day, it is important to invest in an intelligent locking system. This is the only way to control and regulate access accordingly.

For the combination of locking systems with an escape door terminal, there are special anti-panic cylinders that are installed in escape route doors. The principle is simple: the lock can be opened from both sides using an access medium such as a transponder, smartphone or smart card. In the event of an emergency or panic, the anti-panic lock can be unlocked without a transponder.

BlueID offers numerous solutions for locking systems and is happy to combine existing and new systems with an escape door control system for maximum security.

Regular checks of the escape door control system necessary

Escape door controls must be checked regularly – there is noway around it. There are clear legal regulations for this. The reason is quite simple: all elements related to the escape route must function reliably and error-free at all times. Otherwise, the safety of the people in the building is not guaranteed.

Anyone who, as a building owner or operator, does not take care of regular checks of the escape door control  system endangers the safety or even the lives of those affected.

However, not only personal injury but also economic damage can occur. Electric door openers are subjected to continuous stress – regular testing provides information on whether elements need to be replaced or other measures are necessary. The following applies: Well-maintained escape door controls are much more cost-effective than failures due to malfunctions or consequential damage.

There are clear guidelines that must be followed when inspecting systems with escape door terminals:

• Compliance with the proof of suitability must be confirmed by a certificate from the manufacturer before the first commissioning.
• An expert must determine whether the electronic locking system has been installed properly and works reliably.
• Existing doors with electric locks in escape and rescue routes must be checked by an expert.

The building owner then receives a certificate from the expert, which is suitable for submission to the building supervisory authority. This certificate is of great importance, especially in an emergency. If the building owner cannot show it, there is a risk of legal consequences. In the worst case, the entire operation must be paralyzed because insurance cover is no longer guaranteed.

Conclusion

A system with escape door control makes sense in many areas. Not only in schools and kindergartens, but also in the commercial sector, they are ideal for ensuring the safety of people in a building. At BlueID, you will receive tailor-made solutions to increase building security holistically.