For any business owner in Arizona, security is not just an option—it is a legal and ethical responsibility. Whether you manage a retail shop in Old Town, a busy restaurant, or a large industrial warehouse, how people exit your building during an emergency is just as important as who enters it.
At Scottsdale Lock & Key, we specialize in the professional installation of exit devices (commonly known as panic bars), ensuring your property meets the highest safety standards while staying fully compliant with local regulations.
1. What is an Exit Device and Why is it Vital?
An exit device is a high-security mechanism designed to allow a door to open instantly when pressure is applied to a bar from the inside. It is a critical component of any commercial security strategy for three main reasons:
- Life Safety: Its primary function is to prevent “crush” situations or stampedes during fires or other emergencies, allowing for a fast, hands-free exit.
- Access Control: While it allows free egress (exit), it keeps the door securely locked from the outside to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Legal Compliance: In Arizona, failing to meet fire safety codes can result in heavy fines, increased insurance premiums, or even the temporary closure of your business.
2. Types of Exit Devices We Install
Not all commercial doors are created equal. At Scottsdale Lock & Key, we evaluate your specific infrastructure to recommend and install the correct hardware:
- Rim Exit Devices: The most popular and durable option, these are mounted on the interior surface of the door and are easy to maintain.
- Surface Vertical Rods: These are ideal for double doors, securing the door at both the top and the bottom for maximum stability.
- Mortise Exit Devices: These are recessed into the door itself, offering a sleek, aesthetic look with superior resistance to tampering and forced entry.
- Alarmed Exit Devices: Perfect for back doors or loading docks, these trigger a loud siren if the door is opened, preventing internal theft or unauthorized departures.
3. The Value of Professional Installation
Many people attempt a DIY installation of these devices, but a misalignment of even a few millimeters can compromise the entire system. Here is why professional installation by Scottsdale Lock & Key is essential:
- Precision Alignment: A poorly installed bar can jam or stick. In the extreme Arizona heat, metal expands; we calibrate our installations to account for temperature fluctuations so they never fail.
- Industrial Grade Hardware: We only use Grade 1 hardware, which is tested to withstand over a million opening cycles.
- ADA Accessibility: We ensure that every device is installed at the precise height and tension required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring everyone can use the exit safely.
4. Navigating Arizona Building & Fire Codes
Operating in Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix Metro area requires an intimate knowledge of local codes (such as IBC and NFPA 101). Our team ensures that:
- The force required to push the bar does not exceed legal limits.
- The device is positioned correctly so that children or individuals with disabilities can operate it effortlessly.
- No secondary locks (like padlocks or chains) are present that would invalidate the emergency function of the door.
Conclusion
Your business’s safety is not the place to cut corners. A reliable, professionally installed exit device is the final line of defense for your employees and customers. At Scottsdale Lock & Key, we combine years of technical expertise with a deep commitment to protecting the Arizona business community.
Don’t wait for a fire inspection or an emergency to find out your hardware isn’t up to par. Invest in high-quality exit devices today to protect your assets and, most importantly, the lives of those who trust your establishment.