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 .

This comparison explains the differences between the Door Guard Basic and the Door Guard with Pre-Alarm. Both models offer security at emergency exits, but they employ different approaches. This article will help you choose the right system for your needs.

AlertLatch Door Guard Basic - Single Lock Cylinder
AlertLatch Door Guard Basic - Single Lock Cylinder
AlertLatch Door Guard with pre-alarm - single lock cylinder
AlertLatch Door Guard with pre-alarm - single lock cylinder
Gehäusematerial
aluminum
Zinc - die casting
Gehäusefarbe
RAL 6032
Ral 6032
Material obere Abdeckung
ABS, injection molding
ABS, injection molded
Farbe obere Abdeckung (o. Voralarm)
RAL 6032
RAL 3001
Verbauter Profilhalbzylinder
30/10
30/10
Mit Voralarm ❌ ✅
Batteriestandsüberwachung
Yes, warning at 15% remaining battery capacity
Yes, warning when battery has 15% remaining capacity
Automatische Alarmabschaltung ❌ ✅
Zeiten für automatische Alarmabschaltung
-
1 minute, 5 minutes
Go to the door guard overview

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.

  • 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
Discover Door Guard Basic

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.

  • Typical areas of application

    • Schools & Kindergartens
    • Administrative building with visitor facilities
    • Hospitals, nursing homes and doctors' offices
    • Public institutions and authorities
    • 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
Discover door guards with pre-alarm

If you need a simple escape route security system, the Door Guard Basic is a safe and economical solution.
However, if you need to consider misuse, incorrect operation or supervisory duties, the door guard with pre-alarm is the better choice.

Frequently asked questions about door guard models

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

The basic model reliably secures escape doors without acoustic warning.

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

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.

Can I install both models later?

Yes, both 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?

Both 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

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

How do the maintenance costs differ?

Both 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.