Four references. Different parts of the door solution.
EN 179, EN 1125, EN 13637 and BS 7273-4 are often mentioned together on access control projects. They address different aspects of escape hardware, electrically controlled exit systems and fire-alarm interfaces. They are not interchangeable labels for an access-controlled door.
This overview is for clients, architects, consultants and contractors planning an installation. The applicable requirements must be established for the particular building and door; mentioning a standard does not make every installation subject to it.
| Reference | Main subject |
|---|---|
| EN 179 | Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad. |
| EN 1125 | Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar. |
| EN 13637 | Electrically controlled exit systems for escape routes. |
| BS 7273-4 | Electrical control arrangements for door release in response to fire detection and alarm systems. |
Emergency and panic exit hardware.
EN 179 concerns emergency exit devices using a lever handle or push pad. EN 1125 concerns panic exit devices using a horizontal operating bar. The appropriate escape arrangement is established through the building’s requirements and agreed escape strategy, rather than choosing solely by appearance.
Access control can work with suitable escape hardware. For example, an electromechanical lock can control entry while allowing mechanical operation from the escape side, when installed in the appropriate manufacturer-approved arrangement.
Hardware selection needs to consider the complete combination, not the lock model alone. ABLOY’s published packages include EL560 arrangements for both emergency and panic escape applications, using the specified associated hardware. We check the selected package, door suitability and manufacturer documentation for the project.
Digilec can supply and install the appropriate locks and associated access control equipment once the required escape arrangement has been established.
Electrically controlled escape door systems.
EN 13637 addresses electrically controlled exit systems used on escape routes. The release device, control and locking elements need to be considered as a system, with the selected combination supported by the manufacturer’s documentation.
ABLOY Escape Door Systems, including ePED solutions, offer arrangements for this type of application. The ePED range includes a display door terminal, with system options selected to suit the agreed requirements.
Our engineers are trained and certified by ABLOY to supply and install their escape door systems. We help select and install the appropriate documented solution, coordinate its interfaces and commission the agreed operation.
Any controlled or delayed escape arrangement requires explicit approval within the building’s escape strategy. The availability of a feature does not establish permission to use it on a particular door.
Electrical control and fire-alarm interfaces.
BS 7273-4 covers electrical control arrangements for mechanisms that unlock, release or open doors in response to a fire. Its scope includes the interface between the door mechanisms and the fire detection and alarm system; it is not limited to door hold-open devices.
For access control, the relevant work can include interfacing electrically locked doors with the fire alarm so that locks release in accordance with the agreed fire strategy. Interface design, installation, commissioning and maintenance need to be coordinated between the relevant parties.
Digilec can provide the access control side of this work, coordinating the required release signals and carrying out agreed functional tests with the fire-alarm contractor and project team. The required response to fire, power loss or a fault is established for the specific installation.
A green break-glass unit is not a standards label.
Maglocks and other electrically controlled locks can form part of an access installation where the agreed door-release arrangement permits them. Their suitability depends on the overall design, the door, how it is used and the required behaviour during normal use and an emergency.
A request-to-exit button and a green emergency door-release unit serve different purposes. Adding either device does not, by itself, demonstrate that the complete door arrangement meets EN 179, EN 1125 or EN 13637.
Equally, a fire-alarm interface designed with BS 7273-4 in mind does not certify every aspect of the escape hardware or the door. Each relevant requirement needs to be addressed in its own scope.
We assess suitable locking and control arrangements for the brief, without presenting every access-controlled door as an EN 13637 escape door system.
Start with the escape strategy. Then select the equipment.
The client and their appointed fire-safety professionals establish the building’s fire-risk assessment and escape strategy, including the required egress arrangement for each relevant door. Digilec does not carry out fire-risk assessments or determine the building’s escape strategy.
We can advise on locking and access control solutions that align with the stated requirements, review manufacturer-supported hardware combinations, coordinate electrical interfaces and identify points that need clarification before installation.
Give us the door requirement, not just a product name. A door schedule, agreed escape strategy, fire-interface requirements and information about the door construction help us propose the right installation.
For architects and consultants, our access control design support page explains how we assist with specifications, door schedules and coordination.
From the agreed design to a working installation.
Digilec supplies and installs access control, locking hardware and appropriate escape door systems, coordinating the equipment around the agreed door requirements. We commission normal access, release functions and the required interfaces within the installation scope.
Ongoing maintenance can include functional checks of access readers, locks, power supplies, standby batteries where fitted and agreed emergency-release and fire-interface tests. Records and test scope should match the equipment and responsibilities of the project.
We also provide fault investigation and service agreements for existing systems. Where an existing escape arrangement is unclear, we identify the need for clarification with the client and their advisers before proposing changes.