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If you've ever pushed open a commercial door with a horizontal bar, you've used an exit device. These safety mechanisms are essential components in buildings across the world, providing quick and easy egress during emergencies. Among the various types available, the mortise exit device stands out for its robust construction and reliable performance.
Understanding how these devices function can help building owners, facility managers, and security professionals make informed decisions about their door hardware. Whether you're retrofitting an existing building or designing a new facility, knowing the mechanics behind mortise exit devices ensures you choose the right solution for your specific needs.
This guide breaks down the inner workings of mortise exit devices, exploring their components, operation, and advantages over other exit device types.
A mortise exit device is a type of panic hardware designed to allow quick exit from a building while maintaining security when the door is closed. Unlike surface-mounted exit devices that attach to the door's surface, mortise exit devices integrate directly into the door itself through a mortise pocket—a rectangular cavity cut into the door's edge.
The device consists of two main parts: the horizontal push bar (called a touchpad) mounted on the interior side of the door, and the mortise lock body that fits into the door's mortise pocket. When someone pushes the bar, it activates the locking mechanism, allowing the door to open immediately.
These devices are commonly found in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other facilities where building codes require panic hardware for life safety compliance.
Understanding the individual components helps explain how the entire system functions together:
The touchpad is the horizontal bar that spans most of the door's width, typically mounted about 42 inches from the floor. This component houses the mechanical linkage that connects to the lock body. When pressure is applied anywhere along the bar, it activates the unlocking mechanism.
The lock body fits into the mortise pocket and contains the latch bolt, deadbolt (in some models), and the mechanical components that control locking and unlocking. This assembly is what actually secures the door when closed.
A mechanical connection—either a rigid rod or flexible cable—links the touchpad to the lock body. This connection transfers the motion from the pushed bar to the locking mechanism.
The strike plate mounts to the door frame and receives the latch bolt when the door closes. The keep is the part of the strike that actually holds the bolt in place.
The operation of a mortise exit device involves a straightforward mechanical process:
When the door is closed and no pressure is applied to the touchpad, the latch bolt extends from the lock body into the strike plate, securing the door. The device remains locked from the outside while allowing free egress from the inside.
When someone pushes the touchpad, several things happen simultaneously:
The mechanical linkage transfers the force from the touchpad to the lock body. This force retracts the latch bolt from the strike plate, allowing the door to swing open. The entire process takes a fraction of a second, ensuring quick exit during emergencies.
Once the pressure is removed from the touchpad and the door closes, the latch bolt automatically extends back into the strike plate. The device returns to its locked state without requiring any additional action from the user.
Several variations of mortise exit devices are available to meet different security and functional requirements:
The basic model provides panic egress functionality with a latch bolt only. These devices meet most building code requirements for panic hardware and offer reliable operation for standard commercial applications.
Some models include both a latch bolt and a deadbolt for enhanced security. The deadbolt typically operates independently of the panic function, requiring a key or thumb turn to engage or disengage.
Fire-rated mortise exit devices are tested and certified for use on fire doors. These devices must maintain their integrity during a fire while still providing reliable egress functionality.
Modern mortise exit devices can incorporate electronic components for integration with access control systems. These may include electric strikes, magnetic locks, or monitoring switches that interface with building security systems.
Mortise exit devices offer several benefits over other types of panic hardware:
The mortise design distributes stress across the entire door thickness rather than just the surface. This construction method creates a stronger, more durable installation that can withstand heavy use and abuse.
Since the lock body is recessed into the door, mortise exit devices present a cleaner, more streamlined appearance compared to surface-mounted alternatives. This aesthetic advantage makes them popular in upscale commercial applications.
These devices can accommodate various door types and thicknesses, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They work well with both wood and metal doors when properly installed.
The integrated design makes it more difficult to compromise the locking mechanism from the outside. The mortise construction also allows for additional security features like deadbolts without requiring separate hardware.
Proper installation is crucial for mortise exit devices to function correctly:
The door must be mortised to accept the lock body, which requires precise cutting to ensure proper fit and operation. The mortise pocket must be accurately sized and positioned to prevent binding or misalignment.
All components must be compatible with each other and with the door and frame. This includes ensuring proper backset dimensions, strike alignment, and touchpad positioning.
Installation must comply with local building codes and ADA requirements. This includes proper mounting height, force requirements, and accessibility considerations.
Mortise exit devices represent a sophisticated solution for buildings requiring reliable panic hardware combined with robust security. Their mechanical operation ensures functionality even during power outages, while their integrated design provides both strength and aesthetic appeal.
When selecting exit devices for your facility, consider factors like door construction, security requirements, and local building codes. Mortise exit devices excel in high-traffic applications where durability and reliability are paramount.
For optimal performance and code compliance, always work with qualified door hardware professionals who can ensure proper specification, installation, and maintenance of your exit devices.
