Escape door systems

EN-Standards

To protect people in the event of fire, but also in other panic situations, the standards EN 179 and EN 1125 exist within the EU with regard to escape doors.

A distinction is made between an emergency exit lock (EN 179) and a panic exit lock (EN 1125).

EN 179

Emergency exit lock

The following requirements apply to an emergency exit lock:

- Emergency exit door must open with a single operation of the emergency exit lock
- User is informed about emergency exit
- Prescribed lever handle with the free end pointing towards the surface of the door leaf (no catching, snagging or similar)

EN 1125

Panic exit lock

The following conditions apply to a panic exit lock:

- Panic doors must open easily across the full door width
- prescribed for buildings in which many people are frequently present
- Visitors are NOT informed about escape routes and actuation (therefore intuitive handling in an emergency)
- Bar handles/push bars required on the escape side, as people could be pushed against the door in hazardous situations or if visibility is obstructed