oSIST prEN 179:2015

Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods

This European Standard specifies requirements, performance and testing of emergency exit devices mechanically operated by either a lever handle or a push pad for the purpose of achieving a safe exit under an emergency situation on escape routes.
This European Standard covers emergency exit devices, which are either manufactured and placed on the market in their entirety by one producer, or assembled from sub-assemblies produced by more than one producer and subsequently placed on the market as a kit in a single transaction.

Schlösser und Baubeschläge - Notausgangsverschlüsse mit Drücker oder Stoßplatte, für Türen in Fluchtwegen - Anforderungen und Prüverfahren

Quincaillerie pour le bâtiment - Fermetures d'urgences manoeuvrées par une béquille ou une plaque de poussée, pour issues de secours situées sur les voies d'évacuation - Prescriptions et méthodes d'essai

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les exigences pour la fabrication, les performances et les essais des fermetures d'urgence manoeuvrées mécaniquement soit par une béquille, soit par une plaque de poussée, dans le but d'obtenir une évacuation en toute sécurité dans une situation d'urgence sur des voies d'évacuation.
La présente Norme européenne couvre les fermetures d'urgence qui sont soit fabriquées ou mises sur le marché dans leur intégralité par un fabricant, ou assemblées à partir de sous-assemblages produits par plus d'un fabricant et ultérieurement mises sur le marché en tant que kit au cours d'une transaction unique.

Stavbno okovje - Naprave za zasilne izhode z vzvodno ročico ali pritisnim pedalom za evakuacijske poti - Zahteve in preskusne metode

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 04-Feb-2015
• ICS: 13.200 - Accident and disaster control
• ICS: 91.190 - Building accessories
• Technical Committee: ISTP - Doors and windows
• Current Stage: 98 - Abandoned project (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 22-Apr-2024
• Due Date: 27-Apr-2024
• Completion Date: 22-Apr-2024
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Mandate: M/101 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on doors, windows and related products
• Ref Project: prEN 179 - Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN 179:2008 - Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023
• Revised: SIST EN 179:2008 - Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015

Overview

prEN 179 - "Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes" is a CEN draft European Standard that sets requirements, performance criteria and test methods for mechanically operated emergency exit devices. It covers devices manufactured complete or assembled from sub‑assemblies and placed on the market as a kit. The standard is intended to ensure a safe, single‑operation exit on escape routes and to support regulatory conformity (AVCP/CE marking) for building hardware across Europe.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and product types: Focuses on emergency exit devices mechanically operated by a lever handle or push pad for hinged/pivoted doors; the draft references related operation types and special cases (see full standard).
• Performance tests: Includes reproducible tests for ability to release, self‑closing, durability against aging and abuse, and suitability for use on fire/smoke doors.
• Durability and classification: Establishes a multi‑character classification covering category of use, durability, door mass, fire suitability, safety, corrosion resistance, security, projection, type of operation and field of application.
• Safety and usability: Requirements aim to enable safe escape with one single operation (assuming normal user familiarity), with provisions for inward‑opening exceptions and combinations with panic hardware.
• Marking and documentation: Specifies product marking, packaging and installation/maintenance information; includes annexes with installation and maintenance guidance.
• Assessment and conformity: Defines type testing, factory production control (FPC) and AVCP procedures required for demonstrating constancy of performance.
• Other controls: Tests include control of dangerous substances and corrosion resistance.

Practical Applications and Who Uses It

• Building hardware manufacturers designing emergency exit devices (lever handles, push pads).
• Product test laboratories and certification bodies performing performance and durability testing.
• Architects, specifiers and façade/door system designers selecting compliant exit hardware for escape routes.
• Installers, facility managers and safety officers responsible for correct installation, maintenance and regulatory compliance.
• Regulators and procurement teams requiring harmonized European technical standards for door hardware.

Related Standards

• EN 1125 - Panic exit devices (horizontal bar)
• EN 13637 - Electrically controlled exit systems for escape routes
• EN 1634‑1 / EN 1634‑3 - Fire resistance and smoke control tests
• EN 1670 - Corrosion resistance test methods
• EN ISO 9001 - Quality management systems

Keywords: prEN 179, EN 179, emergency exit devices, lever handle, push pad, escape routes, testing methods, CEN, AVCP, building hardware.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2015
6WDYEQRRNRYMH1DSUDYH]D]DVLOQHL]KRGH]Y]YRGQRURþLFRDOLSULWLVQLPSHGDORP
]DHYDNXDFLMVNHSRWL=DKWHYHLQSUHVNXVQHPHWRGH
Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for
use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods
Schlösser und Baubeschläge - Notausgangsverschlüsse mit Drücker oder Stoßplatte, für
Türen in Fluchtwegen - Anforderungen und Prüverfahren
Quincaillerie pour le bâtiment - Fermetures d'urgences manoeuvrées par une béquille ou
une plaque de poussée, pour issues de secours situées sur les voies d'évacuation -
Prescriptions et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 179
ICS:
13.200 3UHSUHþHYDQMHQHVUHþLQ Accident and disaster control
NDWDVWURI
91.190 Stavbna oprema Building accessories
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2014
ICS 91.190 Will supersede EN 179:2008
English Version
Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever
handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements
and test methods
Quincaillerie pour le bâtiment - Fermetures d'urgences Schlösser und Baubeschläge - Notausgangsverschlüsse
manoeuvrées par une béquille ou une plaque de poussée, mit Drücker oder Stoßplatte, für Türen in Fluchtwegen -
pour issues de secours situées sur les voies d'évacuation - Anforderungen und Prüverfahren
Prescriptions et méthodes d'essai
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 33.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 179:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .7
2 Normative references .7
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 Product characteristics . 12
4.1 General . 12
4.2 Ability to release . 13
4.3 Suitability for use on fire doors . 19
4.4 Self-closing . 19
4.5 Dangerous substances . 20
4.6 Durability of ability to release against aging and degradation (for doors on escape routes) . 20
4.7 Durability of self-closing ability C against aging and degradation (for fire/smoke doors) . 24
4.8 Product information. 24
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods . 25
5.1 General . 25
5.2 Tests for ability to release . 29
5.3 Tests for suitability to use on fire doors (Sample C) . 30
5.4 Tests for self-closing: Static Closing test (Sample B) . 30
5.5 Control of Dangerous substances . 31
5.6 Tests for durability of ability to release . 31
5.7 Tests for durability of self-closing ability . 37
5.8 Control of product information (Sample B) . 37
6 Assessment and verification of constancy of performance - AVCP . 38
6.1 General . 38
6.2 Type testing . 38
6.3 Factory production control (FPC) . 39
7 Classification . 44
st
7.1 Category of use (1 character) . 44
nd
7.2 Durability (2 character) . 44
rd
7.3 Door mass (3 character) . 44
th
7.4 Suitability for use on fire/smoke doors (4 character) . 45
th
7.5 Safety (5 character) . 45
th
7.6 Corrosion (6 character) . 45
th
7.7 Security (7 character) . 46
th
7.8 Projection of operating element (8 character) . 46
th
7.9 Type of operation (9 character) . 46
th
7.10 Field of door application (10 character) . 46
7.11 Example of classification . 47
8 Marking . 47
8.1 On the product . 47
8.2 On the packaging . 47
8.3 On the installation instructions . 48
8.4 Mortise lock combined with a separate operating element . 48
Annex A (informative) Installation and fixing instructions . 49
Annex B (informative) Maintenance instructions . 52
Annex C (normative) Flow chart of test procedure . 53
Annex D (informative) Guidance for choosing relevant product standards for particular exit door
applications . 54
Annex E (normative) Examples of configuration and description of exit systems . 55
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of the of
the EU Construction Products Regulation . 56
ZA.1 Scope and relevant characteristics . 56
ZA.2 Procedure for AVCP of Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad,
for use on escape routes . 57
Bibliography . 64

Foreword
This document (prEN 179:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 33 “Doors, windows,
shutters, building hardware and curtain walling”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 179:2008.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
Introduction
Experience relating to escape from buildings, fire and/or smoke hazards and general safety has made it
desirable those doors in circulation areas, or those that have to be operated in an emergency situation, be
fitted with emergency exit devices to common European Standard specifications.
The main purpose of the performance requirements contained in this European Standard is to give safe and
effective escape through a doorway with one single operation to release the emergency exit device, although
this might require prior knowledge of the door situation (e.g. inwardly opening).
The performance tests incorporated in this European Standard are considered to be reproducible and, as
such, will provide a consistent and objective assessment of the performance of these emergency exit devices.
Where panic situations are foreseen, reference should be made to EN 1125, covering panic exit devices
operated by a horizontal bar. See definition 3.18.
Where additional security is required for exit doors, reference should be made to EN 13637 covering
electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes. See Bibliography.
Due to the wide range of emergency exit devices, the reader is advised to refer to the scope and the detailed
contents of this European Standard for coverage but, for information and general guide, this revised European
Standard deals with:
 Emergency exit devices designed to be used in emergency situations, where people are familiar with the
exit and its hardware and therefore a panic situation is most unlikely to develop;
 Emergency exit devices for use on hinged or pivoted door leaves only;
 Range of emergency exit devices including those for use on double doorsets (see 7.10);
 Three specific types of operation:
 emergency exit devices with “lever handle” operation, type A (see 3.9 and figure 1);
 emergency exit devices with “push pad” operation, type B (see 3.15 and figure 2);
 emergency exit devices with “touch pad” operation type C (see 3.33 and figure 3);
 Two categories of emergency exit device projection in order to maximize the width of the escape route,
and minimize the projection from the door face where either or both of these criteria are of importance
(see 4.2.1.6);
 Exceptional case of emergency exit devices intended for use on single leaf inwardly opening exit doors. It
is assumed throughout this European Standard that emergency exit doors generally open towards the
outside in order to assure safe escape. However, there are cases such as hospital or hotel bedroom
doors, classroom doors, etc. where local building regulations allow, by way of exception, the exit door to
open against the direction of exit;
 double doorset emergency exit devices of which the first opening leaf is equipped with a panic exit device
conforming to EN 1125 and the second opening leaf is equipped with an emergency exit device
conforming to EN 179. It is essential that this combination undergoes an additional test for approval (see
4.6).
This European Standard does not cover the following:
 Any particular design of emergency exit devices and only such dimensions as are required for safety
reasons are specified;
 Specific emergency exit devices intended for use on inwardly opening double doorsets;
 Specific emergency exit devices intended for use by the severely disabled (due to the wide range of
disabilities, such emergency exit devices and their performances should be agreed between user and
manufacturer);
 Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar (see EN 1125) or electrically controlled exit systems
(EN 13637).
The major changes in this revision are as follows:
 Different sealing forces have been introduced for classification of the durability (2nd digit);
 Different static closing forces have been introduced for classification of Door mass (3rd digit);
th
 An additional grade has been introduced for release force, in relation with safety classification (5 digit);
th
 Definition of field of door application has been modified (10 digit);
 Safety requirements about Outside Access Device have been added;
 Temperature tests have been removed;
 Durability tests have been clarified;
 Closing test has been changed from dynamic to static.
List of different forces considered in the standard:
 F3: Sealing Force;
 F9: Static Closing Force;
 F10: Dynamic Closing Force;
 F11: Release Force under influence of F3;
 F13: Security Force;
 F14: Abuse Force.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements, performance and testing of emergency exit devices
mechanically operated by either a lever handle or a push pad for the purpose of achieving a safe exit under an
emergency situation on escape routes.
This European Standard covers emergency exit devices, which are either manufactured and placed on the
market in their entirety by one producer, or assembled from sub-assemblies produced by more than one
producer and subsequently placed on the market as a kit in a single transaction.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1125, Building hardware - Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar, for use on escape routes -
Requirements and test methods
EN 1634-1, Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and
elements of building hardware - Part 1: Fire resistance test for doors and shutter assemblies and openable
windows
EN 1634-3, Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and
elements of building hardware - Part 3: Smoke control test for door and shutter assemblies
EN 1670:2007, Building hardware - Corrosion resistance - Requirements and test methods
EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO 9001)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
active leaf
first opening and last closing leaf of a rebated single swing double doorset
3.2
automatic relatching device
part of an emergency exit device to enable the automatic securing of a door in the closed position, after it has
been operated
Note 1 to entry: For example, a spring loaded latch bolt or an automatically thrown bolt head.
3.3
bolt head
portion of an emergency exit device that engages with the keeper to secure the door in the closed position
3.4
dogging mechanism
part of an emergency exit device for holding the bolt head(s) in the withdrawn position until manually reset
3.5
doorset
assembly consisting of a single leaf exit door being hinged or pivoted vertically in a frame
3.6
inactive leaf
last opening and first closing leaf of a rebated single swing double doorset , including an emergency function
3.7
inside
face of the door on which the lever handle or push pad is situated for operating an emergency exit device in
order to exit
3.8
keeper
part of an emergency exit device such as a strike, socket or other fitting with which the bolt head(s) engages
3.9
lever handle
rotatable operating element as part of an emergency exit device whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the
face of the door and which operates the emergency exit device mechanism in order to release the bolt head(s)
3.10
producer
manufacturer, entity or organization that has legal responsibility for placing the product on the market
3.11
outside
face of the door opposite to the face on which the lever handle or push pad for operating the emergency exit
device is situated
3.12
outside access device
optional part of an emergency exit device for opening an exit device from the outside
Note 1 to entry: An outside access device can be supplied with optional re-entry function.
3.13
operating element
abbreviation for lever handle, push pad, or touch pad.
3.14
double doorset
assembly consisting of two hinged or pivoted exit doors within a single frame
Note 1 to entry: The meeting stiles can be either plain or rebated.
Note 2 to entry: A double doorset where only one leaf is equipped with an emergency exit device is considered to be a
single emergency exit doorset.
Note 3 to entry: A double doorset where the first opening leaf is equipped with a panic exit device conforming to
EN 1125 and the second opening leaf is equipped with an emergency exit device conforming to EN 179 is considered to
be a double emergency exit doorset, or a single panic exit door.
3.15
push pad
operating element of an emergency exit device that operates the emergency exit device mechanism in an
arch in the direction of the exit , in order to release the bolt head(s).
Note 1 to entry: The term “pull pad” is sometimes used instead of “push pad” for use on inwardly opening exit doors.
3.16
release force
force applied to the operating element, which is necessary to withdraw or release all the bolt head(s) from the
keeper(s), such that a door can be opened
3.17
vertical rod
extension of the bolt head of an emergency exit device that links it to the operating element via the operating
mechanism
3.18
panic exit device
exit device conforming to EN 1125 intended to give safe and effective escape through a doorway with
minimum effort and without prior knowledge of the panic exit device allowing safe escape even in the event of
the door being under pressure such as by people being pushed against the door in the direction of escape
Note 1 to entry: A panic exit device contains bolt head(s) that engage(s) with a keeper(s) in the surrounding door frame
and/or floor for securing a door when closed. The bolt head(s) can be released by the bar positioned horizontally across
the inside face of the door when it is moved anywhere along its effective length in the direction of travel and/or in an arc
downwards.
Note 2 to entry: Panic exit devices are intended for use where panic situations can arise. In a panic situation, a group
of people will react differently from an individual. When two or more people are rushing to an escape door, probably in
darkness and/or smoke, it is possible that the first one to reach the door will not necessarily operate the panic exit device,
but can push the surface of the door (door under pressure) while other people will be trying to operate the horizontal bar
by hand or body pressure.
Note 3 to entry: When a door opens in the direction of exit, a panic exit device can be used instead of an emergency
exit device subject to local regulations.
3.19
emergency exit device
exit device conforming to EN 179 intended for emergency purposes where panic situations are not likely to
arise, to give safe and effective escape through a doorway with one single operation to release the emergency
exit device, although this can require prior knowledge of its operation (see Figures 1, 2 and 3)
Note 1 to entry: An emergency exit device contains bolt head(s) that engage(s) with a keeper(s) in the surrounding
door frame and/or floor for securing a door when closed. The bolt head(s) can be released by the lever handle or the push
pad positioned on the inside face of the door.
Note 2 to entry: Exit devices conforming to EN 179 are intended for emergency purposes where panic situations are
not likely to arise. Where a pressure against the door caused by people in a panic is foreseen, then a panic exit device
conforming to EN 1125 should be used.
Note 3 to entry: Emergency exit devices are suitable also for inwardly opening single leaf exit doors, where local
building regulations allow.
Figure 1 — Example of type A emergency exit Figure 2 — Example of type B emergency exit
device device
Figure 3 — Example of type C emergency exit device
3.20
double doorset emergency exit device
emergency exit device designed for use on the leaves of double doorsets, such that the operation of either
operating element will release at least the door leaf to which it is fitted
3.21
deadbolt
part of an emergency exit device that can be deadlocked manually by key or automatically and which is
released when the exit device is operated
Note 1 to entry: An emergency exit device can be designed to incorporate additional deadbolt(s) thrown by a key or
thumbturn, used only at certain periods of time for additional security.
3.22
exit door
door on an escape route equipped with an exit device conforming to EN 179 and/or EN 1125
3.23
free end
furthest point away from the axis or the bearing point of the lever handle or push pad
3.24
re-entry function
optional function that allows, for safety reasons, an individual to re-enter a room from outside without a key
once the inside operating element has been actuated. After having released the device from the inside, any
handle (or other means) to operate the exit device from outside remains unlocked until manually reset by key
or other means
3.25
field of door application
door configurations for which the emergency exit devices are designed and claimed by the producer
3.26
limits of door mass and dimensions
dimensional and mass limits of the doors for which the emergency exit devices are designed
3.27
sub-assemblies
pre-assembled set of components that form one part of the emergency exit device, for example: pullman
catches, operating boxes and lock cases
3.28
visual inspection
assessment made with the naked eye, adjusted for normal vision and use of the appropriate measurement
equipment
3.29
functional test
assessment made by operating the test door (opening or closing) and/or operating any element of the exit
device
3.30
measurement
assessment made by using a measuring tool
3.31
latch bolt
spring-loaded movable part of a lock that usually engages a component fixed to a frame, and withdraws into a
lockcase that automatically engages a locking plate to keep the door leaf in its closed position
3.32
passive leaf
Lockable leaf equipped with locking devices (e.g. barrel bolts, flushed bolts,…), only opened in case of need,
without any emergency or panic function.
3.33
touch pad
operating element of an emergency exit device that operates linear in the direction of exit.
4 Product characteristics
4.1 General
The characteristics below are listed according to the essential characteristics of the emergency exit device.
The numbering of relevant clause of testing each characteristic in 5 corresponds to the one in 4.
4.2 Ability to release
4.2.1 Design characteristics
4.2.1.1 Lever handle design (Type A)
Lever handle operated emergency exit devices shall be designed to release the door following a movement of
the lever handle in a downward rotational direction.
Lever handles shall be designed to have a minimum length (dimension X) of 120 mm, measured from the axis
of rotation to the free end.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests
4.2.1.2 Push pad design (Type B)
Push pad operated emergency exit devices shall be designed to release the door following a movement in the
direction of the door opening in an arc downwards or to the side. This requirement shall also apply to
emergency exit devices intended for use on inwardly opening single leaf exit doors.
NOTE The term “pull pad” is sometimes used instead of “push pad” for use on inwardly opening single leaf exit
doors.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests.
4.2.1.3 Touch pad design (Type C)
Touch pad operated emergency exit devices shall be designed to release the door following a movement in
the direction of the door perpendicular to the face door.
Note: this type won’t be usable for inward opening doors.
4.2.1.4 Exposed edges and corners
An emergency exit device shall have all edges and exposed corners, that are likely to cause injury to persons
using the exit, rounded to a radius of not less than 0,5 mm.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and measurements.
4.2.1.5 Double doorset
The design of an emergency exit device intended for use on double doorset leaves shall allow both leaves to
be opened simultaneously and to swing freely in the direction of exit once the door has been released.
NOTE 1 The construction and installation of a specific doorset assembly, including choice of hinges, leaf thickness and
leaf width, can have a significant effect on the ability of both leaves to open simultaneously. These issues are beyond the
scope of this European Standard. Additional guidance is given in A.5.
NOTE 2 For example, on rebated double doors, operating the emergency exit device on the inactive leaf will release
both the inactive and the active leaf.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests carried before and also after durability
test.
4.2.1.6 Operating element projection
No part of an emergency exit device, when the door is in any position, shall project (dimension W) from the
face of the door more than:
 category 1: projection up to 150 mm (large projection);
 category 2: projection up to 100 mm (standard projection).
NOTE See Figures 4, 5 and 6 for illustration of dimension W (projection).
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and measurements.
4.2.1.7 Operating element face
With the emergency exit device secured, the width of the operating element (dimension V) shall be not less
than 18 mm. The shape of the operating element shall facilitate the application of the release force.
Verification shall be made in accordance with a) and b). See Figure 7.
a) If the operating element is a lever handle (type A), it shall have on its operating face – to which the
release force is applied – a minimum thickness of 5 mm, either with a flat surface or with a rounded
surface featuring a radius of not less than 0,5 mm. See Figure 7.
b) If the operating element is a push pad (type B) or a touch pad (type C), it shall have an operating face of
not less than 1 400 mm .
For the convenience of more architectural design freedom and less sophisticated production it is acceptable to
allow the lever handle to have a reduced cross-section of not less than 15 mm width (dimension V) and not
less than 4 mm thickness on the operating face, provided this reduction is within 20 mm from the free end of
the lever handle.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and measurements.

Key
U minimum dimension of lever end return
W maximum projection
X minimum length
α angle between the free end and the perpendicular to the door face
1 test block
Figure 4 — Critical dimensions of type A emergency exit devices
Key
R is the minimum gap between the push pad and the surface of the door leaf
W is the maximum projection
Figure 5 — Critical dimensions of type B emergency exit devices

Key
W is the maximum projection
Figure 6 — Critical dimensions of type C emergency exit devices

Key
V is the width of the operating element
Figure 7 — Width of operating element
4.2.1.8 Door free movement
The design of an emergency exit device shall be such that the bolt head(s), once the door has been released
to open, does not restrict or impede the free movement of the door.
The design of an emergency exit device can include a dogging mechanism or an automatic relatching device.
If the exit device is equipped with a dogging mechanism or a device retaining the bolt(s) retracted, this shall
not impede the free movement of the door once released.
An exit device shall be designed to avoid accidental release of the bottom bolt, preventing the free opening of
the door.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests carried before and also after durability
test.
4.2.1.9 Top vertical bolt
In order to ensure the self-closing, an emergency exit device with top and bottom vertical rods shall include a
mechanism to ensure that the releasing and/or the manipulation of the bottom vertical rod bolt head does not
release the top vertical rod bolt head. This is verified by pushing the bottom bolt head up to its flush position
with the bolt case.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests carried before and also after durability
test.
4.2.1.10 Keepers
The design of an emergency exit device shall include a keeper(s) for protecting the door frame and engaging
the bolt head(s) when the emergency exit device is in the secured position.
Keepers shall provide protection for any part of the door or frame that could be damaged by the emergency
exit device during the opening and closing cycle of the door.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and functional tests carried before and also after durability
test.
4.2.1.11 Keepers dimensions
The design of a floor keeper shall be such that dust and dirt can easily be removed with a conventional
vacuum cleaner. If the keeper is not fitted flush, then he exposed part of the keeper shall not be upper than 15mm
(dimension H) from the surface to which it is mounted and shall be chamfered in the direction of escape at an
angle (M) not exceeding 45° from the horizontal, and any up stand (dimension P) shall not exceed 3 mm.
See Figure 8.
Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection and measurements.

Key
H is the height of the floor keeper
M is the angle from the horizontal
P is the up stand of the floor keeper
Figure 8 — Floor keeper dimensions
4.2.1.12 Outside access device
The provision for a connection of an outside access device (key, cylinder, lever handle, knob, etc.) shall not, in
any, way render the emergency exit device inoperable from the inside, whether the outside access device is
tested in the fully locked or unlocked position with the key removed. The installation instructions shall clearly
indicate the approved configurations for outside access. See Annex A.
An outside access device that is not specified by the producer as designed to be compatible with a specific
emergency exit device shall not be considered to be in conformity with this document.
When an outside access device is intended for use with a thumbturn cylinder, the size and any positioning of
the thumbturn shall not interfere with the operation of the emergency exit device from the inside.
NOTE If a Emergency Exit Device doesn’t work in all the conditions of a standard cylinder of the outside access
device, when the key is not removed, then it shall be fitted with an adequate mean to prevent this situation. (Making sure
that there is not any blocking situation from inside).
Compliance is verified by a visual and mechanical examination, which shall include all the functions of the
outside access device which have been declared by the producer of the emergency exit device.
The result for characteristics above will be expressed by “Design characteristics checked”.
4.2.2 Release forces
4.2.2.1 Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle (type A device) or by a touch pad (type C
device)
When an emergency exit device is tested in accordance with 5.2.2.1, the force F11 required to release the
emergency exit device shall not exceed the value declared in 7.5. See Figure 9.
The test result shall be expressed by “grade X: yyN” according to 7.5
4.2.2.2 Emergency exit devices operated by a push pad (type B device)
When an emergency exit device is tested in accordance with 5.2.2.2, the force F11 required to release the
emergency exit device shall not exceed the value declared in 7.5. See Figure 9. For “pull pad” type B
emergency exit device, reverse the arrow.

Type A emergency exit device Type B emergency exit device
Type C emergency exit device
Figure 9 — Release forces F11 under influence of F3
If, due to design, the release force can’t be applied at the middle of the push pad, then it shall be applied at
the place where the device is normally operated.
The test result shall be expressed by “grade X: yyN” according to 7.5.
4.2.3 Release function
An emergency exit device shall be designed to release a door at all times from the inside, by one single hand
operation only, not requiring the use of a key or other similar object. It shall be designed to release the door
from the time the operating element is operated to the released position of the mechanism.
The operation of the operating element shall enable immediate exit from the inside at all times regardless of
any auxiliary locking and/or unlocking means being incorporated, such as a deadbolt or outside access
device.
Compliance shall be verified by 5.2.3.
The test result shall be expressed by “Release function ok”.
4.2.4 Security
When an emergency exit device is tested in accordance with 5.2.4, the device shall remain in the locked
position and shall keep the door closed when subjected to a security force F13 of:
 1 000 N for attaining grade 2;
 2 000 N for attaining grade 3;
 3 000 N for attaining grade 4;
 5 000 N for attaining grade 5.
Emergency exit devices conforming to this European Standard have a safety rather than a security function. It
is therefore considered essential that the emergency exit device shall continue to be operable after the
application of any security or abuse forces F13 or F14. The test values in 4.2.4 reflect this requirement and
indicate a level of strength that shall be achieved without impairing the escape function of the emergency exit
device.
The test result shall be expressed by “Grade X: yyN” according to 7.7.
4.3 Suitability for use on fire doors
An emergency exit device intended for use on smoke/fire-resisting door assemblies shall meet the following
requirements in accordance with its intended grade described in 7.4.
Grade A: emergency exit devices of Grade A representative of their type shall have been subjected to a
successful evaluation proving their suitability for use on smoke doors. For this, all parts of the emergency exit
device that are responsible for keeping the door in its closed position shall be made out of material with a
melting point of not less than 300 °C. If the emergency exit device is equipped with a latch bolt and the latch
bolt could be the only part of the emergency exit device that keeps a smoke door in its closed position, then
the projection of the latch bolt shall be at least 10 mm.
NOTE 1 Where the latching of the emergency exit device relies on an emergency exit device to EN 179 or a panic exit
device to EN 1125 classified to Grade A suitability for smoke doors, it can be assumed that the emergency exit device is
meeting this requirement as long as the other elements do not affect the self closing and latching of the system.
Alternatively, the suitability for use on smoke-resisting doors shall be determined by a successful test
conducted in accordance with EN 1634-3.
Installation instructions shall ensure that the engagement of the latch bolt inside the locking plate is not less
than 6 mm.
Grade B: Grade B exit devices representative of their type and including any outside access devices intended
for fire door use shall have been subjected to a successful fire test conducted should be fire tested at least on
the exposed face of the door in accordance with EN 1634-1 to prove the contribution of the exit device to the
fire resistance of the complete door assembly. It should not be necessary for the exit device to be operable
after such a fire test.
NOTE 2 Although the emergency exit devices referred to in this annex are suitable for use with smoke/fire-resisting
door assemblies, the safety aspect and ease of escape as described in the introduction to this European Standard
remains of the utmost importance.
Any additional elements installed on the fire test specimen, and which could influence the test result, shall be
clearly identified in the fire test report and shall be included in the product information such that the limitations
to the scope of fire performance approval for the emergency exit device can be established.
Any additional locking or securing means used on the fire test specimen shall not conflict with the
requirements of clause 4
Details of the inclusion or otherwise of a dogging mechanism in the fire test samples shall form a part of the
final fire test report.
Compliance shall be verified by the test methods of EN 1634-1 or EN 1634-2, and EN 1634-3.
Test result shall be expressed by “Grade X” according to 7.4
4.4 Self-closing
When an emergency exit device is tested in accordance with 5.4, the static closing force F9 required to
release an automatic relatching device in order to re-engage the emergency exit device in the secured
position shall not exceed the value declared in 7.3.
The test in 5.4 may be omitted if the emergency exit device does not include an automatic re-latching device.
Test result shall be expressed by “Grade X” according to 7.3.
4.5 Dangerous substances
National regulations on dangerous substances may require verification and declaration on release, and
sometimes content, when construction products covered by this standard are placed on those markets. In the
absence of European harmonized test methods, verification and declaration on release/content should be
done taking into account national provisions in the place of use.
NOTE An informative database covering European and national provisions on dangerous substances is available at
the Construction web site on EUROPA accessed through: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/construction/cpd-ds/”.
4.6 Durability of ability to release against aging and degradation (for doors on escape routes)
4.6.1 Corrosion resistance
When a panic exit device is tested in accordance with 5.6.1, the force to release the panic exit device, with the
test described in 5.2.2 shall not exceed, in accordance with the grade declared in 7.5:
Prior to the test:
 70 N (or 50N) for type A and C;
 150 N (or 100N) for type B.
After the test:
 100 N (or 80N) for type A and C;
 220 N (or 150N) for type B.
The result will be expressed by grade 3 or 4 according to 7.6.
4.6.2 Durability
When an emergency exit device is tested in accordance with 5.6.2, the cycling test shall consist of:
 100 000 cycles to achieve grade B, G, L, R, W;
 200 000 cycles to achieve grade C, H, M, S, X,
When an emergency exit device equipped with a deadbolt only thrown by a key for additional security is tested
in accordance with 5.6.2.2, the cycling test of the deadbolt shall consist of:
 25 000 cycles to achieve grade B, G, L, R, W;
 50 000 cycles to achieve grade C, H, M, S, X.
An emergency exit device ma
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