Quality and Price Aspects of Exit Devices

Any discussion on quality of exit devices and exit alarms naturally revolves around the intended

use. In a way, it is related to incidents that are likely happen in certain areas. One has to foresee the possibility of crowd surge in an auditorium; and put in place $450 alarmed panic exit

devices. For a small office, perhaps a $100 knob trim lock is sufficient. In a hospital like situation, you would be thinking of exit devices convenient and safe for patients.

New types of exit door alarms and devises keep hitting the market; there is a wide choice to fit

the purpose exactly.

Alarmed Exit Devices: Primary and secondary gates require emergency exits, so that people can leave quickly if there is

a panic, but at the same time, you need to prevent unauthorized exit. Devises armed with exit

door alarms meet this need. The devise has an electronic sensing system to monitor the latch

bolt, which sets off an alarm, if someone tries to sneak out. It opens only from inside and does not allow operation from outside. Running on batteries, these devices are effective, even when the regular power supply fails (which, is likely in emergencies.) Another option is ‘electric

strike’ exit door alarm that allows both remote and manual operation; some types of exit door alarms can be coupled to computerized security systems too.

Electrically operated equipment costs around $550; prices for simpler models start from about

$300.

Fire Rated Exit Latches: Fire rated exit devises are recommended for storerooms, particularly if volatile substances or

expensive items are stored. From insurance point of view, it is essential to fit ANSI standard fire rated exit devises for such storage spaces. Depending on the stored material, you may have to

choose different grade exit door alarms and latches.

Remotely operated electric strike UL 10C 3 hour fire-rated devises allow the lock to be

opened without drawing the bolt or turning the latch. These are useful in conjunction with 10C fire-rated frames. The advantage is that the

devises are battery supported and function even when fire cuts off power supply.

If in doubt about the right type of exit door alarms and devises, you could also consult online hardware stores, which provide phone guidance.

Frequent Use Exit Devices:

You may not need such high-end exit

alarms all the time; for places where people keep moving out often, simpler

arrangements are more convenient. Say for schools, offices, hotels and conference halls, frequent use exit

devises in attractive designs, comfortable to use and durable start

from around $100 and some are less expensive too.

Best Places to buy: Whether you are buying just one or two locks for home use or dozens of exit devises for a commercial building, you would be looking for wide choice and the best price. The cost assumes

greater importance when buying large numbers for commercial or industrial use. A few dollars markdown per piece runs into thousands of dollars saved on the total bill. Nationally well known, trusted brands of exit devises sell for lower prices at online stores. The

difference between the local hardware store and the E-commerce supplier may workout to as much as 20 to 30% on some locks and door hardware.

Online stores buy and sell across the country, their volumes are high; and this enables them to offer attractive prices. In fact, often, these stores stock wider range and latest models and a whole range of door hardware.

Since the material is door delivered with free shipping, buying online gets you quality exit devises at lesser prices.

Source: http://deborahparker.hubpages.com/hub/Quality-and-Price-Aspects-of-Exit-Devices