What Does Escape Route Security Mean?
Escape route security refers to measures used to control escape and rescue routes during normal operation without impairing their function in an emergency.
This is particularly challenging with emergency exit doors: the door should not be used as a regular entrance or exit, but it must still be possible to open it reliably in an emergency.
Typical reasons for additional security include:
- unauthorized persons leaving a building,
- unnoticed use of secondary exits,
- theft of goods or inventory,
- escape doors being left open,
- insufficient monitoring of remote emergency exits,
- organizational requirements in schools, public buildings, or commercial premises.
Escape route security should therefore not simply lock the door. Instead, the chosen solution must be suitable for the existing door, locking mechanism, building use, and respective security concept.
For workplaces, the ASR A2.3 “Escape Routes and Emergency Exits” specifies requirements for escape and rescue routes, among other things.
Why Are Emergency Exits Additionally Secured?
An emergency exit serves a different purpose than an ordinary exterior door. In an emergency, it forms part of the escape and rescue route. During everyday operation, however, a freely accessible emergency exit door can cause problems.
Schools and Daycare Centers
Children or other persons should not be able to leave the building unnoticed through an emergency exit. At the same time, the designated escape route must remain usable in an emergency.
Retail and Logistics
Emergency exits can be used as unauthorized exits or for the unnoticed removal of goods. An audible alarm makes their use immediately noticeable.
Industry and Commercial Buildings
Secondary entrances or remote escape doors can be difficult to monitor continuously through organizational measures alone. Especially in larger buildings, additional monitoring can therefore be useful.
Public Buildings
High foot traffic increases the risk of accidental or unauthorized use. In these situations, an early warning triggered when the door is operated can be helpful.
What Escape Route Security Options Are Available?
Depending on the building and security requirements, different solutions can be considered. These range from organizational measures and audible security solutions to more complex electrical emergency exit systems.
For many applications, a Door Guard for emergency exits can be an interesting option when the existing escape door is to remain fundamentally unchanged while additional alarm functionality is added.
One advantage of battery-powered solutions is that the Door Guard does not require a permanent mains power supply for operation. However, the appropriate solution always depends on the specific door and building situation.
What Is a Door Guard?
A Door Guard is an additional security device for doors in escape and rescue routes. The AlertLatch Door Guard is positioned below the door handle.
In its normal position, the Door Guard is located directly in the operating path of the door handle. When the handle is fully pressed down, the Door Guard is triggered and releases the necessary operating path. At the same time, an audible alarm is activated.
The door can then be opened. The alarm immediately makes people nearby aware that the emergency exit is being used.
We answer further basic questions about functionality, operation, batteries, installation, and cellular connectivity in our Door Guard Guide and FAQ.
Basic, Pre-Alarm or Cellular: Which Escape Route Security Solution Is Right for You?
Not every emergency exit has the same requirements. The selection should therefore be based not only on the product itself, but also on the specific use case.
Basic Door Guard
With the Basic Door Guard, the alarm is triggered when the Door Guard itself is actually activated.
This version is particularly suitable for less frequently used or controlled areas, such as:
- storage and technical rooms,
- secondary entrances,
- workshops,
- staff areas,
- more remote escape doors.
The Basic Door Guard therefore provides straightforward audible security for emergency exits.
Door Guard with Pre-Alarm
For more frequently used doors, it can be useful to provide a warning before the door is actually opened.
With the Door Guard with Pre-Alarm, an initial audible warning is triggered as soon as the door handle is operated. If operation continues and the Door Guard is fully triggered, the main alarm follows.
The Pre-Alarm can be particularly useful in locations where people might accidentally use an emergency exit door as a regular exit.
Typical applications include:
- schools and daycare centers,
- administrative buildings,
- publicly accessible facilities,
- retail areas,
- high-traffic areas within buildings.
→ View Door Guards with Pre-Alarm
Cellular Door Guard
For multiple buildings, larger properties, or emergency exits that are difficult to monitor visually, a purely local alarm may not be sufficient.
In these situations, Cellular Door Guards can transmit additional information digitally.
The corresponding AlertLatch models communicate via NB-IoT. The easy-NB platform provides centralized access to information including alarm events and battery levels. Depending on the activated connectivity package, additional notifications via email or SMS can also be used.
This can be particularly useful for:
- retail chains,
- logistics sites,
- municipal buildings,
- larger properties,
- facility management,
- multiple geographically separate locations.
How Is an Emergency Exit Secured with a Door Guard?
Installation depends on the door, hardware, and structural conditions. In general, the Door Guard is positioned so that it interacts with the operation of the door handle. It is essential that the required door-opening process remains reliably possible.
Different installation options are available for different situations. These include, for example:
- conventional mounting on the door leaf,
- adhesive mounting plates,
- L-brackets for certain frame constructions,
- dedicated solutions for panic bars,
- mounting solutions for windows and tilt-and-turn elements.
After installation, a complete functional test should always be carried out. In particular, the following should be checked:
- Can the door handle be fully operated?
- Is the Door Guard reliably triggered?
- Can the door then be opened freely?
- Is the alarm activated correctly?
- Does the Pre-Alarm function correctly, if applicable?
- Can the Door Guard be reset correctly?
Practical installation examples can be found in our video and installation instructions.
Escape Route Security for Fire Doors and Glass Doors
Not every door should be modified in the same way. Particularly with fire doors or glass surfaces, conventional screw mounting may be unsuitable or undesirable.
Suitable mounting plates and other fastening solutions are available for these installation situations. For example, an adhesive mounting plate can be used when direct fastening to the door leaf is to be avoided. An L-bracket may be required for certain glass-frame and framed doors.
However, suitability must always be assessed based on the existing door, its approvals, and the intended installation method.
Our installation instructions for fire doors, glass-frame doors, and other doors provide practical examples.
What About Escape Doors with Panic Bars?
Not every escape door is opened using a conventional door handle. Doors with a horizontal panic or push bar require a Door Guard version specifically designed for this type of door.
While DIN EN 179 covers emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, DIN EN 1125 covers panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar.
For this type of door, AlertLatch offers dedicated Door Guards for panic bars in Basic and Pre-Alarm versions.
→ View Door Guards for Panic Bars
DIN EN 179 and DIN EN 1125: What Needs to Be Considered?
DIN EN 179 and DIN EN 1125 are frequently mentioned in connection with escape route security. It is important to distinguish between the emergency exit or panic exit device and an additional security device such as a Door Guard.
DIN EN 179
DIN EN 179 covers emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad. The standard is intended for applications where a panic situation is considered unlikely.
For a more detailed introduction, see our article DIN EN 179 Explained: What Is It About Emergency Exits?.
DIN EN 1125
DIN EN 1125 covers panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar, particularly for doors intended for use in panic situations.
Where Does the Door Guard Fit In?
A Door Guard is not itself the emergency exit or panic exit device described in DIN EN 179 or DIN EN 1125. It is used as an additional security device in combination with the existing door and locking system.
The overall combination of door, locking mechanism, additional security device, installation, and building use must therefore always be considered.
Further information about DIN EN 179 is available, for example, from DIN Media.
Is a Door Guard Permitted on Emergency Exits?
This question cannot be answered universally for every installation situation.
Relevant factors include:
- how the building is used,
- the type of escape door,
- the existing emergency exit or panic exit device,
- the installation method,
- applicable building and occupational safety regulations,
- the fire safety concept,
- other site-specific requirements.
As a general principle, an additional security measure must not impair the required function of the escape route.
For complex properties, the specific solution should therefore be coordinated with the responsible specialist planners, safety officers, or other relevant qualified parties.
Can Escape Route Security Be Retrofitted?
In many cases, one of the advantages of a battery-powered Door Guard is that it can be retrofitted to an existing door.
Because the Door Guard is battery-powered, no permanent mains power supply is required at the device. This can reduce installation effort compared with more extensive hard-wired solutions.
Whether retrofitting is possible and which solution is suitable depends in particular on:
- the door leaf and door frame,
- the existing door handle or panic hardware,
- available installation space,
- fire safety requirements,
- the desired type of alarm notification.
Before equipping a larger number of doors, it is therefore advisable to assess the existing door situations first.
If you are not yet sure which model is suitable for a particular door, use our Door Guard Product Finder.
Which Lock Cylinders Are Available for the Door Guard?
AlertLatch Door Guards are available with different cylinder options. This allows the locking system to be adapted to the requirements of the respective building.
Individually Keyed Cylinder
With an individually keyed cylinder, each Door Guard is operated using its corresponding keys. This solution is suitable, for example, for individual devices or where separate keying is specifically required.
→ Door Guards with Individually Keyed Cylinders
Keyed-Alike Cylinder
With a keyed-alike version, multiple appropriately configured Door Guards can be operated using the same key. This can make operation easier, particularly in buildings with several secured emergency exits.
→ Door Guards with Keyed-Alike Cylinders
Without Lock Cylinder
Door Guards are also available without a supplied lock cylinder. This version is suitable when an appropriate profile half-cylinder is to be provided separately.
→ Door Guards without Lock Cylinders
Which Escape Route Security Solution Is Suitable for My Building?
A general product recommendation is rarely appropriate. The following overview can provide initial guidance:
| Situation | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Low-traffic emergency exit | Basic Door Guard |
| Higher-traffic area | Door Guard with Pre-Alarm |
| Alarm events should also be reported digitally | Cellular Door Guard |
| Door with panic or push bar | Door Guard for Panic Bars |
| Window or tilt-and-turn element | Window Guard |
| Multiple devices should be operated with one key | Keyed-Alike Door Guards |
| Multiple locations should be monitored digitally | Cellular Door Guards with easy-NB |
For guided product selection, you can also use the AlertLatch Product Finder. If you would like to compare the functions of the different models directly, use the Door Guard Product Comparison.
Escape Route Security Is More Than Just a Product
A Door Guard can be one component of a security concept. However, it does not replace consideration of the entire escape and rescue route.
This includes, among other things:
- a suitable door and appropriate locking mechanism,
- sufficient escape route widths,
- clear signage,
- proper emergency lighting,
- organizational measures,
- regular inspection and maintenance,
- fire safety and escape route planning, where applicable.
Escape route security should therefore always be integrated into the building's existing security concept.
Frequently Asked Questions About Escape Route Security
What Is Escape Route Security?
Escape route security comprises measures used to control the use of escape and emergency exit doors during normal operation while ensuring that the escape route remains safely usable in an emergency.
What Is an Emergency Exit Door Guard?
Emergency Exit Door Guard is a common term for a Door Guard installed on an escape or emergency exit door. When the secured door is used, an audible alarm is triggered so that the event can be noticed.
Can a Door Guard Be Retrofitted?
Depending on the door situation, retrofitting is possible. Battery-powered Door Guards do not require a permanent mains power supply at the installation location. However, the door, hardware, and mounting situation must be checked before installation.
What Is the Difference Between Basic and Pre-Alarm?
With the Basic Door Guard, the alarm is triggered when the device is actually activated. A model with Pre-Alarm emits an audible warning as soon as the door handle is operated, drawing attention to the secured door before the Door Guard is fully triggered.
What Is the Difference Between DIN EN 179 and DIN EN 1125?
DIN EN 179 covers emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad. DIN EN 1125 covers panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar. Which version is relevant depends, among other things, on the door, building, and intended use.
Can a Door Guard Be Installed on a Fire Door?
Depending on the door system and intended installation method, suitable mounting solutions can be used. The specific door, its approvals, and the installation situation must be taken into account. A general statement covering every fire door is therefore not appropriate.
Are Door Guards Available with Remote Monitoring?
Yes. Cellular-enabled AlertLatch Door Guards can transmit data to the easy-NB platform via NB-IoT. Depending on the activated connectivity package, functions such as centralized display of events and battery levels as well as notifications via email or SMS are available.
Conclusion: Choose Escape Route Security to Suit the Door and Its Use
Effective escape route security combines two objectives: Emergency exits must remain usable in an emergency, while unnoticed or unauthorized use during everyday operation should, as far as possible, be prevented or detected immediately.
Door Guards provide a way to add local audible alarm functionality to existing emergency exits. Depending on the application, Basic models, versions with Pre-Alarm, cellular solutions, and versions for panic bars and windows are available.
However, the device itself is not the only consideration. The door, hardware, installation, intended use, and overall security concept must all work together.
Which Door Guard Is Right for Your Door?
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