The Integrator’s Choice Since 1995

SDC pioneered the revolutionary delayed egress locking category in 1985. We patented the ExitCheck® 1511S series in 1995  – the first delayed egress lock to integrate a visual digital display, verbal countdown and alarm tone, alternating verbal message and door release indicator.

Later, we added the ExitCheck® 1511T series for double doors and the 1581S mini delayed egress for smaller security needs and budgets. With the deepest line of complementary accessories, SDC provides the most comprehensive delayed egress solutions in the industry. Explore the importance of delayed egress devices in ensuring security and compliance in various settings.

The Role of Delayed Egress Devices in Security

Delayed Egress Systems are door locking solutions designed for use in non-emergency situations to prevent a door from opening immediately when egress is attempted. Fire, Life Safety and Building codes usually require that occupants can freely exit in a single motion to unlatch the door without special knowledge, effort, or the use of a key or tool. Delayed Egress systems are an exception to the rule.  

Typically used on exit doors, when unauthorized egress is initiated in the locked mode, Delayed Egress locks delay egress through the door for 15 or 30 seconds. Meanwhile, the person exiting must wait while personnel or security respond. The door unlocks after 15 seconds have elapsed, permitting egress. A signal from the fire life safety system will release the lock for uninhibited egress in an emergency.

Delayed Egress systems are used to control pedestrian traffic in government, public and transportation facilities, including airport jetways and tarmacs. They provide theft protection of merchandise, technology and other valuables such as art and museum artifacts in stores, warehouses, art galleries, museums and technology facilities. Delayed Egress locks also restrict movement of wandering patients in senior assisted living, psychiatric, and drug rehab facilities and guard against infant abduction in hospital nurseries.

Compatibility with Exit Devices and Locking Devices

Delayed egress devices are designed to be compatible with exit devices and locking devices, making them easy to integrate into existing security systems. Exit devices, such as panic bars or push bars, allow for quick and easy exit during emergencies. These devices are commonly used in public buildings, schools, and other high-traffic areas. By combining exit devices with delayed egress devices, organizations can ensure a safe and controlled exit process.

Locking devices, are used to secure doors and restrict access to certain areas. By integrating delayed egress devices with locking devices, organizations can enhance their security measures by providing a time delay before the door can be opened. This delay allows security personnel to respond to any potential threats or unauthorized access attempts.

Common Applications

Pedestrian Traffic Control and Theft Protection

As said previously, Delayed Egress systems are used to control pedestrian traffic in government, public and transportation facilities, including airport jetways and tarmacs. The purpose is usually to “prevent unauthorized access/egress and to control and limit traffic effectively in designated areas." ¹ Chances are, you’ve probably heard a door alarm, siren or audible alert message at an airport when someone tried to enter or exit a terminal door enabled with a Delayed Egress lock. Theft protection of property, merchandise and other valuables is becoming increasingly problematic. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that there is a surge in theft and violent crime due not to one-time shoplifters but to the rise in highly organized retail crime rings. In 2022, retailer losses, or shrink amounted to nearly $100 billion dollars.² Some great Delayed Egress application examples can be found in a Delayed Egress Traffic Control Solution flyer featuring our 1581S Series Mini Integrated Delayed Egress Locks (click here) or a Delayed Egress High Traffic Control solution featuring our 1511S Series Integrated Delayed Egress Locks found on page 28 of our Access Control Security Solutions brochure (click here).

Wandering Patients and Infant Protection

Delayed Egress locks also restrict movement of wandering patients in senior assisted living, psychiatric, and drug rehab facilities. Having a controlled environment to serve the special needs of Dementia-Alzheimer patients is critical to their care. Delayed Egress Systems allow freedom of movement while protecting wandering patients from dangerous elopement situations. They are also used to guard against infant abduction in hospital nurseries. And, they can be compatible with popular patient tracking systems like those used in nurseries to deter kidnapping of infants. Check out our LTC Facilities page for more Delayed Egress locking applications.

Proper Application Must Comply With Codes

A Delayed Egress System must comply with all national and regional building and fire life safety codes and the NFPA 101 section on Special Locking Arrangements. Some common requirements are: 

• The delayed egress lock must be approved or listed and shall be permitted for installation on doors serving occupancy levels as specified per prevailing code (consult your AHJ for complete details). 
• The doors must unlock upon activation of an automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system. 
• The doors must unlock upon loss of power controlling the delayed egress locking device. 
• The delayed egress locks shall be unlocked by a signal from the fire command center.

1 From “Electronic Locking Systems” by John L. Schum: Considered to be the Industry Bible for Electronic-Electric Locks - https://www.amazon. com/Electronic-Locking-Devices-Security-Technicians/dp/0409901253

2 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Retail Crime Data Center - https://www.uschamber.com/economy/retail-crime-data-center