Which standard is crucial for the selection of escape door locks?

Are you planning escape door locks - and the path through the jungle of standards seems non-transparent? When it comes to equipping escape routes, the key question is whether an emergency or panic situation is to be expected in the planned building. Different standards apply depending on the situation: EN 1125 applies to panic exit devices and EN 179 to emergency exit devices. But how can I as a planner decide which standard to plan with? Our infographic clearly shows how emergency and panic situations are differ.

When deciding on the escape door locks, it is relevant whether an emergency or panic situation is to be expected. Depending on the situation, a different standard applies and the escape doors must be equipped differently:

Across Europe, standards EN 179 for emergency exit devices and EN 1125 for panic exit devices define the equipment and functionality of locking systems on escape doors.

The location - known versus unknown

If people do not know the location, a panic situation is more likely to occur. This is especially true for large crowds, such as in cinemas or event halls.

If people are familiar with the building, for example at work, panic is not to be expected. The escape routes are known and behaviour in the event of danger is also regularly trained in workplaces.

The number of people - rational versus irrational

The more people there are in a building, the greater the likelihood that they will behave irrationally. With smaller groups, it is crucial that they are familiar with the escape routes and behavioural patterns and that these are practised. 

The requirement 

Panic exit devices must function reliably even in extreme situations so that panicked people can leave the building safely and without assistance. The automatic unlocking of electrically controlled escape door systems, e.g. by a fire alarm system, is a reasonable technical option for enabling such an evacuation.

In emergency situations, knowledge of the escape options enables appropriate reactions. Here too, it is mandatory that the emergency exit can be opened without the use of a special tool or key.

The equipment

Panic or emergency exit locks are selected depending on the likelihood of a panic. For probable panic situations, mechanical locks with a panic function and suitable hardware or, in addition, electrically controlled escape door systems are approved. The most common fittings here are push bars and touch bars. These product combinations also open under preload, i.e. when people push or are pushed against the door leaf in a panic.

For emergency situations, lever handles and push plates are permitted in accordance with EN 179.

Test criteria DIN EN 179:

• Opening force without preload on the door: 70 N
• No test under preload
• Continuous function test 200,000 test cycles
• CE marking required
• Lock, fitting and striking plate must be tested together

Test criteria DIN EN 1125:

• Opening force without preload on the door: 80 N
• Opening force under preload max. 220 N at a pressure of 1000 N on the test door
• Continuous function test 200,000 test cycles
• Vandalism test
• CE marking required
• Lock, panic push bar and striking plate must be tested together

This is explained simply in the animated graphic. Our sales representative will be happy to assist you with the planning of buildings. You can also find detailed information on the topic of escape door locks as well as practical advice and legal regulations in the guide brochure "Saving life and property"