What is BS EN 13637 – Test methods for electrically controlled exit systems about?
The performance of electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes play an integral role in the safety and security of the building and its occupants.
BS EN 13637 is a European standard that discusses electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes.
BS EN 13637 specifies requirements for performance and testing of electrically controlled exit systems, specifically designed for use in an emergency or panic situation on escape routes.
BS EN 13637 covers electrically controlled exit systems that are either manufactured and placed on the market in their entirety by one manufacturer or assembled from sub-assemblies produced by more than one manufacturer and subsequently placed on the market as a kit in a single transaction.
It is assumed throughout BS EN 13637 that exit doors generally open towards the outside in order to ensure a safe escape. However, there are cases such as hospital or hotel bedroom doors, classroom doors, etc. where building authorities allow, by way of exception, the exit door to open against the direction of the exit.
Note 1: Examples of products covered by BS EN 13637:
- Electrically controlled exit systems designed to be used in emergency situations, where people are familiar with the exit and its hardware
- Electrically controlled exit systems designed to be used in panic situations, where people are not always familiar with the exit and its hardware
- Electrically controlled exit systems for use on hinged or pivoted door leaves only
- A range of electrically controlled exit systems including those for use on double door sets
- The exceptional case of electrically controlled exit systems intended for use on single leaf inwardly opening exit doors
Note 2: Products not covered by BS EN 13637:
- Any particular design of electrically controlled exit systems and only such dimensions as are required for safety reasons are specified
- Any other element of a security system, other than those directly involved in the control of an exit door
- Mechanically operated exit devices containing electrical functions that are not related to the release of an electrically locking element. Such devices are within the field of EN 1125 or EN 179
- Electrically controlled exit systems intended for use on inwardly opening double door sets
Who is BS EN 13637 - Test methods for electrically controlled exit systems for?
BS EN 13637 on electrically controlled exit systems is useful for:
- Building owners and management authorities
- Interior designers
- Manufacturers and designer of building accessories used in exit systems
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Electrical and mechanical engineers
- Installers
Why should you use BS EN 13637 - Test methods for electrically controlled exit systems?
Experience relating to fire and/or smoke hazards and general safety has made it desirable that doors in circulation areas, or those that have to be operated in an emergency situation, be fitted with exit devices. Increasingly, such exit devices may form a part of the security system of a building and involve the use of electrical locking and controlling elements.
BS EN 13637 provides common European Standard requirements for such electrically controlled exit systems.
BS EN 13637 introduces the concept of time delayed exit and denied exit mode, as a means of increasing the security of the building against unauthorized exit, and the concept of central management control.
The performance of an electrically controlled exit system could be tested in accordance with the specified test methods mentioned in BS EN 13637. BS EN 13637 helps determine the self-closing ability, suitability, and durability of fire/smoke doors on escape routes.
BS EN 13637 also covers guidance on Assessment and Verification of the Constancy of Performance (AVCP) that ensures your products conform with the requirements.
Moreover, BS EN 13637 leads you through the designing of electrically controlled exit systems, and in addition to safety, offers increased security to avoid unsafe means of locking the door, for example additional padlocks and chains.
As a result, complying with the performance requirements ensures of a safe and effective escape through a doorway with a maximum of two operations to release the electrically controlled exit system.