Door Guard comparison: Basic or with pre-alarm? | All differences, advantages & applications

Securing escape and rescue routes is a legal obligation for operators of buildings open to the public. At the same time, doors must remain freely accessible in an emergency, but must not be used without authorization. Door guards offer a standard-compliant solution and are used in public facilities, schools, daycare centers, industrial buildings, and healthcare facilities .

In this comparison, we explain the differences between the Door Guard Basic, the Door Guard with Pre-Alarm, and the easy-NB Door Guard. All models provide security at emergency exits, but follow different approaches. This article will help you choose the right system for your requirements.

4  Modelle im Vergleich

Merkmal
Application & Selection
Public access
Gering
Mittel bis hoch
Gering bis mittel
Mittel bis hoch
Compatibility
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Alarm & Operation
Pre-alarm — Yes — Yes
Audible battery warning
Yes, warning at 15% remaining battery capacity
Yes, warning when battery has 15% remaining capacity
Yes, warning at 15% remaining battery capacity
Yes, warning when battery has 15% remaining capacity
Automatic alarm shutdown — Yes — Yes
Times for alarm deactivation
—
1 minute, 5 minutes
—
1 minutes, 5 minutes
Alarm volume
98dB
98dB
98dB
98dB
Mobile Communications & Monitoring
Mobile communications / easy-NB —— Yes Yes
Battery status via smartphone —— Yes Yes
Retrieval of alarm counts —— Yes Yes
Alarm messages via SMS / email —— Yes Yes
Design & Technical Data
Case material
aluminum
Zinc - die casting
aluminum
Zinc - die casting
Housing color
RAL 6032
Ral 6032
RAL 6032
RAL 6032
Material top cover
ABS, injection molding
ABS, injection molded
ABS, injection molding
ABS, injection molded
Color top cover
RAL 6032
RAL 3001
RAL 6032
RAL 3001
Half-profile cylinder
30/10
30/10
30/10
30/10

Application & Selection

Public access
Door Guard Basic
Gering
Door guard with pre-alarm
Mittel bis hoch
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Gering bis mittel
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Mittel bis hoch
Compatibility
Door Guard Basic
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Door guard with pre-alarm
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Notausgangsverschlüsse nach DIN EN 179

Alarm & Operation

Pre-alarm
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Mobile Door Guard Basic
—
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Audible battery warning
Door Guard Basic
Yes, warning at 15% remaining battery capacity
Door guard with pre-alarm
Yes, warning when battery has 15% remaining capacity
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Yes, warning at 15% remaining battery capacity
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes, warning when battery has 15% remaining capacity
Automatic alarm shutdown
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Mobile Door Guard Basic
—
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Times for alarm deactivation
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
1 minute, 5 minutes
Mobile Door Guard Basic
—
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
1 minutes, 5 minutes
Alarm volume
Door Guard Basic
98dB
Door guard with pre-alarm
98dB
Mobile Door Guard Basic
98dB
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
98dB

Mobile Communications & Monitoring

Mobile communications / easy-NB
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
—
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Yes
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Battery status via smartphone
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
—
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Yes
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Retrieval of alarm counts
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
—
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Yes
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes
Alarm messages via SMS / email
Door Guard Basic
—
Door guard with pre-alarm
—
Mobile Door Guard Basic
Yes
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Yes

Design & Technical Data

Case material
Door Guard Basic
aluminum
Door guard with pre-alarm
Zinc - die casting
Mobile Door Guard Basic
aluminum
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
Zinc - die casting
Housing color
Door Guard Basic
RAL 6032
Door guard with pre-alarm
Ral 6032
Mobile Door Guard Basic
RAL 6032
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
RAL 6032
Material top cover
Door Guard Basic
ABS, injection molding
Door guard with pre-alarm
ABS, injection molded
Mobile Door Guard Basic
ABS, injection molding
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
ABS, injection molded
Color top cover
Door Guard Basic
RAL 6032
Door guard with pre-alarm
RAL 3001
Mobile Door Guard Basic
RAL 6032
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
RAL 3001
Half-profile cylinder
Door Guard Basic
30/10
Door guard with pre-alarm
30/10
Mobile Door Guard Basic
30/10
Mobile door guard with pre-alarm
30/10
Türwächter Basic ohne Voralarm

Door Guard Basic – simple and reliable escape route security

The Basic door guard offers a functional and cost-effective solution for securing individual areas or infrequently used doors. The alarm is only triggered when the door handle is turned and the door is opened . This model is particularly suitable for areas where there is no increased need for surveillance.

Discover Door Guard Basic

  • Typical areas of application

    • Storage and technical rooms
    • workshops
    • Human Resources
    • Side entrances without public access
    • Buildings with manageable risk

  • Advantages

    • easy assembly and commissioning
    • user-friendly operation
    • legally compliant escape route securing
    • affordable entry-level solution
1 2

Easy-NB door guard – networked escape route security with remote monitoring

The easy-NB door guard digitizes traditional emergency exit security by integrating digital control and remote monitoring . Alarm messages, status updates, and battery information are transmitted directly to your smartphone via the easy-NB platform, giving those responsible a constant overview.

Discover easy-NB door guards

  • Typical areas of application

    • Industrial and production facilities
    • Logistics centers and warehouses
    • Critical infrastructure
    • Public buildings with central monitoring
    • Branches and locations without permanent supervision
    • Security-relevant doors with documentation requirements

  • Advantages

    • Alarm messages on your smartphone
    • Remote monitoring via the easy-NB platform
    • Access to alarm counts and status information
    • Battery level monitoring for predictable maintenance
    • Less monitoring effort thanks to digital transparency
1 2

Door guard with pre-alarm – greater control in security-critical areas

The door guard with pre-alarm activates a pre-alarm as soon as the door handle is pressed. If the door is then opened further, the main alarm is automatically triggered. The pre-alarm acts as a deterrent and prevents incorrect operation by unauthorized persons.

AlertLatch Einhand-Türwächter mit Voralarm oval - gleichschließender Zylinder - AlertLatch

Door guards with pre-alarm – more control in security-critical areas

The door guard with pre-alarm activates a pre-alarm as soon as the door handle is turned . If the door is opened further, the main alarm follows automatically. The pre-alarm acts as a deterrent and prevents unauthorized use.

Discover door guards with pre-alarm

  • Typical areas of application

    • Schools and kindergartens
    • Administrative buildings with visitor traffic
    • Hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors' offices
    • Public institutions and government agencies
    • Production areas with safety zones

  • Advantages

    • Additional control level through pre-alarm
    • ideal in combination with supervisory duties
    • Minimizes false alarms
    • Increased security in sensitive areas
1 2

Our recommendation

If you are looking for a straightforward solution for securing escape routes, the Basic door guard is a safe and cost-effective choice. However, if you are concerned about misuse, incorrect operation, or supervisory duties, the door guard with pre-alarm is the better option.

If you require remote monitoring, alarm notifications, or central control, then the mobile door guard with easy-NB connection is just right for you.

Frequently asked questions about door guard models

What is the difference between the basic, the pre-alarm and the easy-NB models?

The basic model reliably secures escape doors without an acoustic warning.

The pre-alarm model also features an integrated alarm that sounds as soon as the door handle is activated, before the door is actually opened. This immediately signals any intentional or unintentional use of the door – ideal for public buildings or heavily frequented areas.

The easy-NB model supplements remote monitoring and digital control. Thanks to the easy-NB platform, operators have access to the status of the secured door at any time and from anywhere.

Which model is suitable for which applications?

Door guard basic: Ideal for private, commercial or less frequently used doors where the opening of the door itself should trigger the alarm signal.

Door guard with pre-alarm: Recommended for schools, care facilities, hospitals or public buildings where misuse or incorrect operation should be detected early

easy-NB door guard: Digitizes escape route security and enables operators to monitor remotely.

Can I install all models later?

Yes, all door guards can be retrofitted without interfering with the emergency exit function.

Installation is possible either by screwing or gluing onto (glass) frame doors.

No electrical installation is required.

How does the pre-alarm work technically?

When the door handle is pressed, the pre-alarm triggers an acoustic signal before the door is actually opened.

The alarm duration is factory-set to 1 or 5 minutes. After this time, the device switches off automatically or can be manually reset.

What happens when the battery capacity is low?

All models feature battery level monitoring.

As soon as the remaining capacity falls below 15%, the door guard issues a warning message – in time before the battery needs to be replaced.

Are there differences in the casing material?

Yes.

Basic model: Aluminum case
Pre-alarm model: Zinc die-cast with ABS cover
easy-NB model: Zinc die-cast with ABS cover

All versions are robust, impact-resistant and finished in RAL 6032 (green) .

How do the maintenance costs differ?

All systems require little maintenance , as no wiring is necessary. Only the battery should be checked or replaced every few years.

Can I get special conditions for large quantities?

Yes. For large projects, series production, recurring projects or facility management orders, AlertLatch offers attractive special conditions for major customers .

What mounting options are available?

Several mounting kits are available for both models:

  • L-angle mounting plate for glass and frame doors
  • Adhesive plate for drill-free installation
  • Direct mounting for wooden or steel doors

This allows the appropriate option to be chosen for almost any door situation.

Can I combine the models with different locking cylinders?

Yes, all door guards are optionally equipped with

  • keyed alike,
  • single-closing or
  • without lock cylinder

available and can be integrated into existing locking systems.