Standards - BS EN 13637

BS EN 13637 is a critical European Standard that addresses the safety, performance, and functionality of electrically controlled exit systems for doors used in emergency and panic situations. It is specifically designed for doors that rely on electric controls for locking and unlocking mechanisms in buildings where both security and safe, efficient evacuation are paramount. This standard is applicable across various types of public and private buildings, including offices, shopping centers, hospitals, and schools, where emergency preparedness and controlled access coexist as safety requirements. This document provides a comprehensive framework for manufacturers, building designers, and facility managers, ensuring that doors with electrical locking mechanisms operate reliably during emergencies to facilitate a quick and safe escape route.

Purpose and Scope of BS EN 13637

BS EN 13637 aims to ensure that electrically controlled exit systems can facilitate safe evacuation under all conditions, especially during emergencies that might affect building power or increase occupant panic. The standard addresses the need for security systems that allow efficient access control while ensuring that, in emergencies, these systems do not hinder evacuation. Its guidelines apply to various electrically controlled components, including door locking devices, emergency exit buttons, control units, and other connected components.

This standard covers both mechanical and electrical requirements, with detailed tests and procedures that all electrically controlled exit systems must undergo to ensure compliance. Its scope includes everything from the design and functionality of the locking mechanism to the control systems that ensure the door can be unlocked in case of a power failure or other emergencies. It also outlines the interaction between different components, so each part of the system supports a safe and unobstructed exit.

Key Components of BS EN 13637

BS EN 13637 specifies requirements for several key components of an electrically controlled exit system:

1. Electric Locking Devices: These are the locks that engage or disengage in response to electrical signals, allowing controlled access in regular circumstances but automatically unlocking during an emergency to facilitate egress. The standard mandates that these locks must operate reliably under various conditions, ensuring they will open even if the building’s power is compromised.

2. Control Units: These units manage the electric signal sent to the locking device, determining when the door should lock or unlock. Control units are often integrated with building security systems and may include sensors, timers, or overrides to regulate access under normal conditions. During an emergency, the control unit must default to a setting that permits free and unrestricted exit.

3. Emergency Exit Buttons: Also known as "break glass" units or push-to-exit buttons, these devices provide a manual option for unlocking a door in emergencies. BS EN 13637 sets guidelines for their visibility, accessibility, and operability, ensuring they are easily identifiable and usable by all occupants under emergency conditions.

4. Power Supply and Backup: Electrically controlled exit systems depend on a reliable power source. The standard mandates that these systems have a backup power supply or an alternate unlocking mechanism in case the main power source fails, so that doors remain accessible in all situations.

5. Signage and Indicators: Signage requirements ensure that exit doors and controls are clearly marked for easy identification. This is particularly important in large or complex buildings where occupants may not be familiar with the exit routes.

Performance and Testing Requirements

To ensure safety and reliability, BS EN 13637 includes detailed performance and testing requirements for each component in the electrically controlled exit system. These requirements cover factors like durability, reaction time, force thresholds, and environmental resilience.

1. Durability and Mechanical Performance: Locks and exit buttons must withstand a certain number of operations without failure, reflecting the usage demands of high-traffic buildings. Testing also includes assessments of the mechanical strength to ensure components do not fail under physical stress during panic situations.

2. Reaction Time: The standard sets strict response times for doors to unlock upon receiving an emergency signal. The reaction time must be fast enough to allow immediate escape but also controlled to avoid accidental unlocking. This performance criterion ensures the door unlocks in under a second, facilitating swift egress during an emergency.

3. Temperature and Humidity Resilience: Electrically controlled exit systems may need to function in various environmental conditions. BS EN 13637 specifies that components should operate reliably within a specified range of temperatures and humidity levels, ensuring they work under conditions like heat from a fire or cold outdoor environments.

4. Battery Backup Testing: Systems with battery backups undergo testing to verify that they can sustain power for a required duration during an outage. This ensures that doors remain operable during extended power failures, avoiding scenarios where occupants could be trapped in the building.

5. Anti-Tamper Mechanisms: Given the importance of these systems in both security and safety, BS EN 13637 outlines requirements for tamper resistance. Locks, control units, and emergency buttons must resist unauthorized interference, ensuring they function only as intended, particularly during critical situations.

Importance of BS EN 13637 in Building Safety

The development of BS EN 13637 addresses a growing need for building codes that balance safety and security. The use of electrically controlled exit systems offers advantages in security but introduces risks if systems malfunction during emergencies. By setting uniform standards for design, installation, and maintenance, BS EN 13637 plays a vital role in mitigating these risks. Compliance with this standard is essential for meeting the safety expectations of modern building codes and local regulations, especially in countries that follow European safety guidelines.

One of the major benefits of this standard is the assurance it provides to building occupants. In an emergency, the standard guarantees that doors will unlock, facilitating a timely exit. This functionality is crucial not only for occupants’ safety but also for building owners and managers who are responsible for ensuring safe evacuation routes. Additionally, BS EN 13637 can enhance the building's overall value by aligning it with international safety standards, which may be required by some insurers and regulators.

Implementation and Compliance

To ensure compliance with BS EN 13637, building operators and facility managers must work closely with certified installers and technicians. Proper installation and regular maintenance are critical for system performance, as even minor malfunctions in components like the control unit or electric lock can compromise the entire system. Facilities often need to conduct regular tests to verify that the exit system operates as required, which may include checking the reaction time, testing emergency exit buttons, and ensuring that backup power sources are functioning.

Manufacturers also bear responsibility for compliance, as they must produce components that meet BS EN 13637’s standards. This includes adhering to testing procedures, providing clear installation instructions, and conducting rigorous quality assurance to confirm that each device performs reliably under all specified conditions.

Conclusion

BS EN 13637 sets a crucial safety standard for electrically controlled exit systems, ensuring that in emergency situations, building occupants have a secure and effective means of evacuation. By defining the operational criteria and performance benchmarks for components like electric locks, control units, and emergency exit buttons, this standard addresses both the technical and practical aspects of exit systems. Compliance with BS EN 13637 is essential for building safety and reflects a commitment to occupant well-being, as it ensures that electrically controlled doors remain functional and safe under all emergency conditions. This standard represents a significant step forward in building design, integrating security with safety to create environments that can be quickly and safely evacuated when needed.