5 Tips to Mitigate Campus Security Threats

 June 30, 2025 0 Likes 42 Views
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Our world is full of threats both external and internal. This whitepaper encourages looking at life safety and security measures on your campus from another perspective. Most facilities have addressed access control and the securing of main doors, but those should be measures of last resort. There are steps you can take — some that you may not have considered — to mitigate the threat before it arrives at your front door.

But the threat isn’t always external. What about the daily safety of your students and staff? Measures to alert security personnel when unauthorized access or egress is about to occur can be put in place to prevent an incident before it happens.

Supplemental security measures, such as securing perimeter entrances and installing devices to warn when secondary entry points are compromised, can increase your ability to protect your campus against threats.

Prevention is the key

The questions facing the person responsible for campus safety and security are numerous. How do you allow authorized staff to move freely through your facility, accessing areas that are restricted to the general public, but still allow egress during an emergency? Are you vulnerable to an attack from a disgruntled staff member, begrudged student, or stranger off the street? How effective is your access control system if staff or students are propping doors open? Can we put controls in place, but still meet ADA requirements?

We give these threats little thought until the unthinkable is broadcast on national news and then we scramble to ensure our faculty and students are not exposed to such a threat.

Examining security and safety on your campus from a holistic viewpoint can help prevent these threats from materializing. Enhance life safety and security measures on your campus with the addition of cutting-edge technology that works in conjunction with your existing systems, such as:

  1. Delayed egress devices with alarms
  2. Perimeter fencing emergency exit and access control
  3. Door prop alarms
  4. Tailgate detection systems and alarms
  5. Lockdown systems

1) Delayed egress devices

Delayed egress devices in education facilities can protect lives. Check your local fire and safety codes before installing delayed egress equipment. By installing delayed egress exit devices, you can:

  • prevent unauthorized exit through secured openings.
  • re-direct foot traffic to a specific corridor that is monitored by security personnel.
  • combine them with electric latch retraction and automatic door operators for access control, which will allow staff to move freely throughout the facility while controlling visitor and student foot traffic.
Weatherized delayed egress prevents potential threats before they can even enter your property.

2) Perimeter emergency exit and access control

Playgrounds with emergency exit gates that open near a busy street can be cause for concern. Where life safety codes restrict traditional locking of these gates, weatherized delayed egress may be an acceptable application, depending on the authority having jurisdiction. Weatherized delayed egress systems:

  • include panic hardware that emits a loud local alarm, encouraging a student to move away from the area while alerting staff that someone is attempting to exit through the gate.
  • provide staff time to react before the gate unlocks and helps to avoid a dangerous situation.
  • feature access control that prohibits unauthorized entry.
  • are tied into a fire alarm override, providing safe, undelayed exit during a fire emergency.

3) Door prop alarms

Supplementing existing door security with door prop alarms helps maintain a more secure environment. A door left propped open, even for a few seconds, can provide an easy access point for threats. Door prop alarm hardware will:

  • alert personnel to an unsecure door via audible alarm.
  • send an alert to any central security monitor.
  • help prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the premises.
tailgate detection ad banner
Tailgate detection systems limit access to a single authorized user.

4) Tailgate detection technology

Access control systems and temporary visitor badges have become common in most school districts. However, regardless of the campus size, tailgate detection technology can be used to control access, allowing only authorized personnel access to to restricted areas. Tailgate detection systems will:

  • sound an alarm if someone attempts to follow an authorized employee through a secure door.
  • help secure areas that may contain sensitive material, expensive equipment, or personnel or student records.
Help prevent the unthinkable from happening. Electric dogging provides uncomplicated, instant lockdown to a campus threat.

5) Lockdown Systems

What is the safest, fastest, easiest and most cost effective means of locking down your campus? There are many answers; however, one way that has been overlooked by many security door consultants is the use of panic exit devices with electric dogging. When installed throughout a school facility, electric dogging allows all locking devices to be “energized” by one control switch that can be located in a centralized area of the building. Electric dogging:

  • keeps doors in push / pull configuration.
  • can be activated from one of several switches located throughout the campus to lock main doors in case of a required lockdown.
  • provides additional security when electricity is removed by reverting to secure mode, effectively preventing entry at every door equipped with this type of device.

(Be aware that add-on mechanical options like hex or cylinder dogging may jeopardize the effectiveness of the lockdown system.)

Electric dogging is different than electric latch retraction. With latch retraction, applying power pulls the latch(s) back and holds them until power is removed. With electric dogging, after applying power a user must manually depress the pushpad to retract the latch(s). The latches stay retracted until power is removed from the device.

When electric dogging is applied to entry doors, it removes the need for a staff member, perhaps in the height of a crisis, to remember where the key is and how to lockdown the doors. The administrator, taking the responsibility off the shoulders of the education staff, makes the decision and takes action to lockdown. Electric dogging can:

  • allow doors to be dogged for push / pull operation during a specific hours.
  • automatically revert to secure mode at a pre-selected time, locking the doors to entry, but individuals leaving are still allowed to exit.

Put all the right pieces in one place for complete peace of mind.

Ensuring all the pieces of technology will work together is key. Manufacturers and some dealers will create a kit to fit your application that includes best-in class products along with wiring and riser illustrations to fit your application. Be careful of specification writers who supply only a list of products without a wiring diagram or information on how the items are integrated together. Failing to install the items correctly can create years of headaches and wasted money. Ensure the supplier understands your needs and offers time-tested products. Additionally, make sure they can support the installation with wiring diagrams, riser illustrations and technical support.

Rim or Mortise Cylinder?

 June 27, 2025 0 Likes 38 Views
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rim cylinder
mortise cylinder
Advantex logo
RimMortise
Cylinder Dogging (CD)X
Electric Unlock Trim (EU, EU2W, EUV)X
08/09D, 08/09DN, 08/09DNV, 08/09DV X
03WS, 03WSVX
03C, 03CN, 03CNV, 03CVX
03CMX
03ZX
03WMX
03RX
03CBKX
Hardwired Exit Alarm (EA)X
Weatherized Exit Alarm with Battery (EB W)X
Delayed Egress (EE)X
Electric Integration (EI)X
Value Series logo
RimMortise
Cylinder Dogging (CD)X
03WSX
03P, 03PNX
03A, 03ANX
08/09BNX
Electric Unlock Trim (EU2W)X
Hardwired Exit Alarm (EA)X
Exit Alarm with Battery (EB)X
Weatherized Exit Alarm with Battery (EB W)X
Delayed Egress (EE)X
EAX logo
RimMortise
EAX-500X
EAX-2500X
EAX-3500X
EAX-4200X
EAX-300X
ECL logo
RimMortise
ECL-230DX
ECL-230X (TD, TDB, TB)X
ECL-600X
ECL-620X
90 Series logo
RimMortise
(F)90KR(E)X
Miscellaneous
RimMortise
CSX

The Basics of Break-In Prevention: Securing Your Facility

 June 26, 2025 0 Likes 151 Views
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No facility is completely impervious to break-ins, but with the right security measures in place, you can make it much harder for burglars to succeed. The goal of break-in prevention is not to guarantee a completely secure building but to delay unauthorized entry long enough for law enforcement or security personnel to respond. Even if your building hasn’t experienced any recent security threats, regular evaluations and upgrades to its protective measures are essential.

Here’s a back-to-basics guide on how to fortify your facility’s entry points and deter potential break-ins.

1. Start with a Heavy-Duty Door

The foundation of a secure entry point starts with the door itself. Even the strongest locks and security features will be ineffective if the door is weak.

  • Material Matters: Choose a door made of thicker material—16-gauge steel doors and frames are significantly stronger and more resistant to break-ins than their 20-gauge counterparts.
  • Reinforcement: Your door should be reinforced to properly support security hardware like locks and bolts. Be sure to consult with a door security distributor or integrator to ensure compatibility and durability.

2. Use a Full-Length Hinge

In commercial settings, doors must swing outward to comply with egress codes, leaving the hinge knuckles exposed and vulnerable.

  • Why Full-Length Hinges?
    • Support: Full-length hinges provide better support for heavy-duty doors compared to standard discrete hinges.
    • Resistance to Tampering: Continuous hinges are much more difficult for potential intruders to manipulate or vandalize. Upgrading to a full-length hinge significantly boosts your door security.

3. Invest in High-Strength Locks

The lock is your first line of defense, so its strength should never be overlooked.

  • Pull Force Resistance: Choose locks that can withstand at least 10,000 pounds of pull force.
  • Deep Bolt Penetration: Ensure your locks have deep bolt penetration into the door frame for maximum security.
  • Floor Bolts: Adding a bolt that locks into the floor helps prevent burglars from prying the bottom of the door upward, a common tactic used in break-ins.

4. Install a Burglar Alarm

A robust alarm system can be a strong deterrent against intruders. Alarms alert authorities and make your facility a less attractive target. When paired with strong door hardware, alarms create a multi-layered security approach that is both proactive and responsive.

Layering Security for Maximum Effect

The most effective security comes from combining these elements:

  • Heavy-duty doors
  • Full-length hinges
  • High-strength locks
  • Alarm systems

Together, these components work to:

  • Delay or prevent unauthorized access
  • Deter intruders from targeting your facility

Conclusion

Break-in prevention is all about implementing strong, well-maintained hardware and a layered approach to security. Even small upgrades, like replacing standard hinges with full-length ones or adding a floor bolt, can greatly enhance the safety of your building.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your facility, contact our team for guidance on how to improve your security systems. Together, we can build a safer, more secure environment for your business.

Detex Welcomes Yarimar Gonzalez as Engineering Test Lab Technician

 June 4, 2025 3 Likes 379 Views
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portrait of yarimar gonzalez

Detex is proud to announce the addition of Yarimar Gonzalez to our team as the Engineering Test Lab Technician. In this vital role, Yarimar leads efforts to ensure product compliance with industry standards by conducting rigorous testing, maintaining the integrity of our quality assurance processes, and supporting agency certification requirements. She also reviews product drawings and installation instructions for accuracy, manages updates to the BHMA Certified Products Directory (CPD), and coordinates UL and Intertek recertification testing.

Yarimar is a U.S. Air Force veteran with 11 years of service as an Air-Launched Cruise Missile Maintenance Technician, including 7 years in supervisory roles. She brings extensive expertise in testing, troubleshooting, project management, integration, and life cycle logistics. Throughout her military career, Yarimar led critical phases of the missile life cycle—from maintenance and testing to shipping, receiving, and deployment—ensuring mission readiness and operational excellence.

She also has specialized experience in defense acquisitions, with a focus on testing and evaluating weapon systems. In her final military assignment, Yarimar served as Deputy Chief of Program Integration, where she led efforts to prepare a base for the fielding of a new weapon system.

In addition to her certification and compliance responsibilities, Yarimar supports regulatory audits, production testing, and technical troubleshooting, and maintains critical door fixtures and testing equipment. Her sharp attention to detail and leadership background make her a valuable asset in sustaining Detex’s reputation for safety, security, and reliability. She will also represent the company at customer sites and trade shows, collaborating across departments to support innovation and continuous improvement.

Yarimar brings a passion for growth and excellence to everything she does. With her technical knowledge and drive, she is well-positioned to make a strong impact as she helps advance Detex’s testing capabilities and product innovation.

Panic Exit Devices vs. Fire-Rated Exit Devices: What’s the Difference?

 June 3, 2025 0 Likes 330 Views
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Exit devices play a crucial role in ensuring safety during emergencies, but not all are created equal. While panic exit devices and fire-rated exit devices may look similar, their purposes and applications differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is key to selecting the right hardware for your building’s needs.

advantex 10 series rim device / request to exit device / latch bolt monitor

What Are Panic Exit Devices?

Panic exit devices, often called crash bars, push bars, or simply exit devices, are designed to allow quick and easy egress during emergencies. They operate by releasing a latch when pressure is applied to a horizontal bar or pad in the direction of exit travel.

Key Features:

  • Ease of Use: The device unlocks the door with minimal force (15 pounds or less).
  • Coverage: The push bar or pad must extend at least half the width of the door.
  • Application: Required by the International Building Code (IBC) for certain buildings, including:
    • Educational and assembly facilities.
    • High-hazard occupancies.
    • Electrical or battery rooms.
  • Relocking: While panic exit devices can re-latch when the door closes, re-latching is not mandatory.

Purpose:

Panic exit devices prioritize speed and simplicity, enabling occupants to exit safely during emergencies, such as a fire or other life-threatening situations.

fire rated exit control lock

What Are Fire-Rated Exit Devices?

Fire-rated exit devices serve a dual purpose: providing quick egress while also maintaining the integrity of a fire-rated door assembly. These devices are designed for doors that help compartmentalize a fire, slowing its spread and allowing more time for evacuation and emergency response.

Key Features:

  • Fire-Rated Doors: Used on doors within fire-rated walls, such as:
    • Stairwell doors.
    • Doors to common hallways.
    • Doors within separation walls.
  • Re-Latching: Fire-rated exit devices must re-latch automatically when the door closes, ensuring the door remains securely closed during a fire.
  • Industry Testing: These devices must pass rigorous testing to confirm they can secure the door during a fire.
  • Time Rating: Must bear a label indicating the fire rating, typically ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
  • No Mechanical Dogging: Fire-rated devices cannot be mechanically dogged (held in the open position), though electric dogging is permitted.

Purpose:

Fire-rated exit devices are critical for life safety and property protection, ensuring that fire-rated doors perform as intended to contain fire and smoke.

Key Differences Between Panic and Fire-Rated Exit Devices

FeaturePanic Exit DevicesFire-Rated Exit Devices
Re-LatchingOptionalMandatory
Fire ResistanceNot requiredMust pass fire-resistance testing
Mechanical DoggingAllowedNot allowed (electric dogging permitted)
Fire-Rated DoorsNot requiredRequired
ApplicationsGeneral emergency exitsFire-rated door assemblies

Choosing the Right Device

When selecting exit hardware, consider the specific requirements of your building and its safety codes:

  • Use Panic Exit Devices for doors in educational facilities, assembly spaces, or high-hazard areas where quick egress is the primary concern.
  • Use Fire-Rated Exit Devices for doors within fire-rated walls, such as stairwells and hallway separation doors, where fire containment is crucial.

Keep in mind that all fire-rated exit devices are also panic exit devices, but not all panic devices meet fire-rating requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between panic exit devices and fire-rated exit devices ensures that your building is both safe and compliant. By selecting the right hardware for each door, you can protect occupants, preserve property, and meet building code requirements.

Understanding Automatic Operators and the “Knowing Act”

 May 13, 2025 0 Likes 339 Views
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Automatic door operators play a vital role in providing accessible, convenient, and secure building entrances. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing door or planning for a new installation, understanding the differences between operator types and the importance of the “Knowing Act” is essential for compliance and safety.

Types of Automatic Operators

ada swing door thumbnail

Automatic operators generally fall into two categories:

  1. Low-Energy Operators
    • Purpose: Ideal for mixed-use doors that some users open manually while others activate automatically.
    • Standard: Governed by ANSI 156.19, which limits the speed and force of operation to ensure safety.
    • Activation: Requires a Knowing Act, where users consciously trigger the door using push buttons, touchless switches, card readers, or similar devices.
    • Applications: Common in schools, libraries, hospitals, and entrances designed for ADA compliance.
  2. Full-Energy Operators
    • Purpose: Designed for high-traffic areas where doors open and close quickly.
    • Standard: Governed by ANSI 156.10, which includes stricter safety measures like sensors and guard rails.
    • Activation: Triggered by motion sensors that detect movement near the door.
    • Applications: Grocery stores, retail outlets, and environments requiring rapid door movement.

The Knowing Act: Key to Low-Energy Operators

Low-energy operators must be activated by a “Knowing Act,” meaning the user makes a deliberate effort to trigger the door. This activation method not only complies with ADA standards but also limits potential risks by ensuring users are aware of the door’s operation.

4-1/2 inch square push plate for automatic operators

Common Knowing Act Devices:

  • Push Buttons: Available in various sizes and shapes, these can be mounted on walls, jambs, or bollards for easy accessibility.
  • Touchless Switches: Hands-free solutions that enhance hygiene and convenience.
  • Card Readers & Keypads: Ideal for secure facilities, providing both access control and activation.

Installation Guidelines for Knowing Act Devices

To ensure compliance with standards like ADA, ANSI 156.19, and ICC A117.1, follow these installation tips:

  • Mount the actuator within 1-12 feet of the door.
  • Position the device so users are not in the swing path of the door.
  • Ensure a clear floor space is available for wheelchair users, beyond the arc of the door swing.
  • Actuators must operate without requiring tight grasping, pinching, or twisting and should require a maximum force of 5 lbs.

Why Not Use Motion Sensors for Low-Energy Operators?

Adding motion sensors to a low-energy operator changes its classification to a full-energy opening under ANSI 156.10, which requires enhanced safety measures such as sensors and guard rails. These additions increase both the cost and complexity of the system, making Knowing Act devices a more practical solution for many applications.

Selecting the Right Operator for Your Needs

When choosing between low-energy and full-energy operators, consider the traffic flow, safety requirements, and compliance needs of your facility. For most ADA-compliant entrances, low-energy operators activated by a Knowing Act are sufficient, offering an accessible, cost-effective solution without compromising safety.

By understanding the nuances of automatic operators and their activation methods, you can ensure your building meets regulatory requirements while providing a seamless experience for users.

Detex Partners with Skillpoint Alliance to Emplower the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent

 May 6, 2025 0 Likes 269 Views
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Detex Corporation is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit workforce development organization in Austin, TX providing fast-paced, no-cost training for high-demand careers in manufacturing and other skilled trades. This collaboration reflects Detex’s commitment to growing the local talent pipeline and investing in the future of advanced manufacturing in Central Texas.

Through Skillpoint Alliance’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, students receive hands-on training in safety, quality, production, maintenance, and cutting-edge skills such as 3D printing, CNC milling, and soldering. In 2024, the manufacturing program served 63 students, with 83% graduating and 79% securing employment. Graduates earned an average top starting wage of $21.47 per hour.

Detex has played a vital role in Skillpoint’s success in the New Braunfels region, one of the organization’s fastest-growing hubs.

“Detex has gone above and beyond from the very beginning,” reads the Skillpoint Alliance 2024 Annual Report. “The team provided tours, mentorship and shared their soldering requirements to help equip our New Braunfels manufacturing students for success. They’ve committed to evaluating each student, with top performers being considered for a soldering role—their highest entry-level position. We’re thrilled to continue strengthening this partnership!”

Skillpoint’s training programs are helping bridge the skills gap in high-demand areas such as New Braunfels, Seguin, and surrounding counties. In 2024, the organization hit a milestone by enrolling 451 students—its highest number to date. With a graduation rate of 91% and an average post-graduation income increase of over 36%, Skillpoint continues to transform lives and communities through workforce education.

As Skillpoint looks to expand its reach and serve 600 students in 2025, its partnership with industry leaders like Detex will be crucial in ensuring students are trained to meet current and future workforce needs. Detex is proud to continue supporting this impactful program and remains committed to empowering the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.

Understanding Windstorm-Rated Hardware: Protection Against Nature’s Fury

 April 23, 2025 1 Likes 490 Views
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windstorm icon

When it comes to safeguarding buildings and their occupants from extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, windstorm-rated hardware plays a crucial role. These specialized components are designed to protect against high-velocity winds and dangerous debris while maintaining structural integrity and functionality. Let’s explore the key distinctions and requirements for hurricane-rated and tornado-rated hardware.

Hurricane-Rated Hardware: Built for Sustained Storms

Hurricanes are among the most devastating natural disasters, with an average of 12 forming in the Atlantic basin each year. While storm surges are often the deadliest aspect, windborne debris accounts for much of the structural damage.

Hurricane-rated hardware is specifically designed to:

  • Prevent Debris Penetration: Protect buildings from windborne projectiles while maintaining the integrity of doors and their components.
  • Withstand High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ): Tested to endure sustained wind pressure and extreme conditions over long periods.

Guidelines and Testing

Hurricane-rated hardware must comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC), which sets stringent standards. Many coastal states adopt the FBC for their hurricane door requirements. Hardware is subjected to rigorous third-party testing, including:

  • Static Pressure Testing: Ensures hardware can withstand sustained wind pressure.
  • Debris Impact Testing: Verifies resistance to high-velocity projectiles.
  • Cyclical Pressure Testing: Simulates the stress of repeated wind gusts.

To meet FBC standards, all components—doors, frames, hinges, and exit devices—must bear visible windstorm rating labels. Importantly, the FBC recognizes component listings, allowing substitutions of products with equivalent ratings.

Tornado-Rated Hardware: Protecting Lives in an Instant

Tornadoes, while shorter in duration, are among the most violent natural events, with wind speeds reaching up to 250 miles per hour. In the U.S. alone, an average of 1,000 tornadoes are reported annually, making tornado-rated hardware vital in vulnerable regions.

The primary purpose of tornado-rated hardware is to:

  • Protect Occupants: Prevent extreme pressure differentials and block projectile debris.
  • Withstand Extreme Winds: Maintain integrity under short bursts of intense force.

Guidelines and Testing

Tornado-rated hardware adheres to FEMA 361 and ICC 500 standards, which outline stringent safety measures for tornado shelters. These products undergo comprehensive testing by third-party laboratories, including:

  • Static Pressure Testing: Ensures durability against extreme pressure differentials.
  • Impact Testing: Confirms resilience to debris impacts at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

Unlike hurricane-rated systems, tornado-rated hardware is tested and certified as an assembly. This means the door, frame, and hardware must be supplied and installed together as a single unit to maintain compliance.

Key Differences Between Hurricane- and Tornado-Rated Hardware

FeatureHurricane-Rated HardwareTornado-Rated Hardware
PurposeLong-term protection from sustained winds and debris.Short-term protection from extreme winds and debris.
StandardsFlorida Building Code (FBC).FEMA 361 and ICC 500.
TestingStatic pressure, debris impact, and cyclical pressure.Static pressure and 100 mph impact testing.
ApplicationCan use component listings.Must be installed as an assembly.
MaterialsVarious materials.Steel doors only for FEMA 361 compliance.

Choosing the Right Windstorm-Rated Hardware

When selecting windstorm-rated hardware, consider the specific risks in your region. Coastal areas prone to hurricanes may prioritize FBC-compliant systems, while tornado-prone regions should invest in FEMA-rated assemblies for maximum protection.

By understanding the differences between hurricane- and tornado-rated hardware, building owners and facility managers can make informed decisions to safeguard lives and property.

Have questions about windstorm-rated hardware? Contact us to learn more about protecting your building against extreme weather events.

DSI Honored with Exhibit Loyalty Award at ISC West 2025

 April 10, 2025 0 Likes 273 Views
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Detex is proud to announce that DSI has received the Exhibit Loyalty Award at ISC West 2025.

This prestigious award is presented to exhibitors who have demonstrated long-standing support and consistent participation at ISC West. DSI’s continued commitment to innovation, customer engagement, and industry advancement has been a mainstay at the event for over 15 years.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Exhibit Loyalty Award,” said Chris Rodriguez, Sales Engineer at DSI. “ISC West has always been an essential platform for showcasing our technology, building relationships, and staying connected to the evolving needs of the security industry. This recognition reflects our team’s passion and dedication.”

At ISC West 2025, DSI showcased its latest advancements in turnstile systems, tailgate detection, and entrance control solutions designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency across industries such as government, healthcare, commercial buildings, and transportation.

“We extend our thanks to ISC West for this recognition,” Rodriguez added. “We look forward to continuing our presence at ISC West for years to come and remain committed to delivering dependable, innovative solutions for secure access.”

About DSI

DSI, a division of Detex Corporation, designs and manufactures advanced pedestrian management and access control products. With a focus on security, safety, and reliability, DSI serves clients across a wide range of industries and environments, helping them protect people and property with confidence.

About ISC West

ISC West is the leading security industry event in the United States, bringing together professionals from access control, video surveillance, cybersecurity, smart home, public safety, and more. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event is hosted by RX and presented in collaboration with the Security Industry Association (SIA).

Understanding Grade 1 Panic Devices: What You Need to Know

 March 28, 2025 1 Likes 619 Views
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If you’ve worked with door hardware, you’ve likely heard of Grade 1 panic devices. But what does “Grade 1” actually mean? More importantly, why should it matter to you or your facility?

What Do the Grades Mean?

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) establishes and maintains standards for the door hardware industry, including panic hardware. These standards ensure a consistent level of quality and performance. Panic hardware undergoes rigorous cycle tests to earn one of three grades, each reflecting its durability and reliability:

  • Grade 1: Must withstand at least 500,000 cycles
  • Grade 2: Must withstand at least 250,000 cycles
  • Grade 3: Must withstand at least 100,000 cycles

Grade 1 devices are the toughest, designed for the highest traffic and most demanding environments. Some manufacturers go above and beyond, testing their products well beyond the minimum requirements to ensure maximum durability.

What Makes Grade 1 Different?

As of the latest ANSI/BHMA standard (2020), the requirements for Grade 1 panic devices include a preloading test. This means the device is tested with a simulated real-world load before the cycle test begins.

In real-world scenarios, doors may experience additional force from:

  • Air pressure
  • Misaligned doors or frames
  • Installation issues

The preloading test applies a force equivalent to a net 20-22 pound-force (lbf) to mimic these conditions, making it more challenging for devices to pass. This ensures Grade 1 devices are not only durable but also effective under realistic conditions.

Why Does This Testing Matter?

Panic hardware must perform flawlessly in critical moments, so testing focuses on several key criteria:

  1. Operation
    The device must function consistently, whether in a lab or the field.
  2. Durability
    Grade 1 hardware is built to last, ensuring years of reliable use.
  3. Safety and Security
    These devices are tested to withstand:
    • Forced entry from the pull side.
    • Heavy push loads from the opposite side.
  4. Appearance
    Grade 1 devices resist corrosion, chemicals, and UV exposure, ensuring they maintain their finish over time.
advantex 10 series rim device / grade 1 panic device

Why Choose Grade 1 Panic Devices?

Grade 1 panic devices are ideal for high-traffic areas such as:

  • Schools and universities
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Stadiums and arenas
  • Office buildings

Investing in Grade 1 hardware provides peace of mind, knowing that your exit devices are designed to withstand demanding conditions while maintaining the safety and security of occupants.

Conclusion

Choosing the right panic hardware isn’t just about meeting code requirements—it’s about ensuring durability, safety, and reliability for the life of your building. Grade 1 panic devices set the highest standard, delivering unmatched performance and peace of mind in even the most challenging environments.

When safety is non-negotiable, Grade 1 is the clear choice.