Electrified exit devices integrate mechanical panic hardware with electrical controls to enable remote unlocking, access control, and life-safety compliance. This makes them a critical component for buildings that need both emergency egress and controlled entry on the same door.

What Is an Electrified Exit Device?

An electrified exit device is panic hardware equipped with an integrated electrical function—such as request-to-exit (REX) monitoring, electric latch retraction, or power-assisted dogging—so the door can be tied into an access control system. Unlike standard mechanical exit devices, which only allow free egress from the inside, electrified exit devices let facility managers control and monitor entry from the outside while still meeting life-safety codes for emergency exit.

How Do Electrified Exit Devices Work?

Electrified exit devices work by pairing a standard panic bar mechanism with an internal switch or actuator wired to a building's access control panel. When a valid credential is presented, the device either releases the latch electronically or signals the door status back to the system. Common configurations include:

• Request-to-Exit (REX) switches: Signal the access control system when someone exits, so the alarm doesn't trigger.

• Electric latch retraction: Allows remote unlocking of the outside trim without disengaging the panic function.

• Power-assisted dogging: Lets the device be electrically held open or "dogged" for scheduled free access, such as during business hours.

Keyman offers this technology in electrical exit devices, electrified mortise locks with motor or solenoid versions, and companion exit device trim, giving specifiers a complete electrified opening solution.

What Door Hardware Options Are Available with Electrified Exit Devices?

Door hardware with electrified exit device options typically spans several product categories that work together to create a fully integrated opening:

• Electrified exit devices: Panic hardware with built-in wiring for access control integration.

• Electrified mortise locks: Available in motor-driven or solenoid-driven versions for wireless ANSI mortise applications.

• Exit device trim: Outside trim compatible with electrified functions for controlled entry.

• Electrified hinges and intermediate pivots: Heavy-duty hinges and pivots that route power through the door to the hardware, eliminating exposed wiring.

Together, these components allow a single door to support both mechanical panic egress and electronic access control.

What Standards Do Electrified Exit Devices Need to Meet?

Electrified exit devices used in commercial and life-safety applications generally need to meet recognized hardware and fire-rating standards. Keyman's exit device lines, for example, are built to:

• ANSI/BHMA A156.3: The standard governing exit devices.

• UL 10C & ULC-S104: Fire-rated performance for up to 3 hours.

• UL 305 FVSR: Fire vestibule/stairwell re-entry standard for panic hardware.

Meeting these standards ensures the hardware performs reliably both as a life-safety exit and as part of an access control system. Keyman has manufactured ANSI/UL standard hardware since 1996, with products tested from raw material through final assembly.

Electrified Exit Device vs. Mechanical Exit Device: Which Is Right for You?

Mechanical exit devices are better suited for doors that only need free interior egress with no need for remote monitoring or entry control, while electrified exit devices work best when a door must support both emergency exit and controlled, credential-based entry—such as stairwells, secured corridors, or doors tied into a building's access control network.

Frequently Asked Questions