Standards - BS EN 8621

BS EN 8621 is a European standard focused on the requirements, testing, and classifications for building hardware used in emergency exit devices with electrically controlled exit systems. Specifically, this standard applies to devices that enable people to safely and efficiently exit buildings in emergency situations, especially when conventional locking systems might hinder evacuation. This standard is crucial for ensuring that emergency exit devices are safe, reliable, and functional even under adverse conditions.

Here’s a detailed overview of what BS EN 8621 entails, its importance, the specific requirements it establishes, and the implications for safety and usability in emergency situations.

---

Overview of BS EN 8621

Introduction

BS EN 8621 is designed for emergency exit devices that are controlled electronically, where key aspects of usability and security come into play. These devices are typically used in commercial, public, and industrial buildings where a large number of people may need to evacuate quickly in an emergency, such as in shopping centers, hospitals, and office buildings. The standard is focused on ensuring that these exit devices function properly to allow safe egress, even when the system is locked or in an electrically controlled mode.

Emergency exit devices that meet BS EN 8621 are typically used in combination with an electrical locking mechanism that overrides normal locking functions in an emergency. They are designed to allow occupants to open the door quickly and easily, often by pushing a bar or turning a handle, without requiring a key, specialized knowledge, or complex actions.

Scope and Application of BS EN 8621

BS EN 8621 is applicable in situations where:

• Rapid and Safe Egress is Necessary: In buildings where a quick exit route is essential, BS EN 8621-compliant devices help to avoid delays in emergency evacuation.
• Controlled Access Requirements Exist: Where buildings or rooms have security needs that involve electronic control over locking mechanisms, the standard ensures that these devices can still allow egress when needed.
• Electronic Locking Mechanisms are Used: For doors with electric locking mechanisms, BS EN 8621 specifies performance requirements to guarantee the release function will override any electronic locks during an emergency.

Key Requirements of BS EN 8621

BS EN 8621 sets specific requirements that emergency exit devices must meet to be certified under this standard. These requirements ensure reliability, durability, and ease of use under various conditions. Key areas of focus include:

1. Electrically Controlled Exit Functionality: The standard specifies that emergency exit devices must override any electric locking mechanism to ensure quick and simple egress. This means that if power is lost or if the system fails, the door can still be unlocked manually or automatically to facilitate a safe exit.

2. Ease of Operation: BS EN 8621-compliant devices are required to be operable by anyone without specialized knowledge or training. The action needed to operate the exit device, such as pushing a bar or turning a lever, must be straightforward and intuitive, ensuring accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

3. Durability and Strength: Exit devices covered by BS EN 8621 are subjected to testing for durability and mechanical strength. This ensures that they are capable of withstanding frequent use, potential misuse, and the environmental conditions of the building. The devices must maintain functionality even after extensive use, making them reliable in both everyday and emergency situations.

4. Fire Safety and Temperature Resistance: Since exit devices are often installed on fire-rated doors, the standard requires that these devices withstand high temperatures and fire conditions without failing. This ensures that during a fire, the exit device remains functional, providing a safe path to escape.

5. Fail-Safe Function: The fail-safe function is crucial for electrically controlled systems. BS EN 8621 requires that exit devices remain operable even if the electric locking mechanism fails or power is lost. The device must automatically revert to an unlocked state or provide a manual release option to ensure it does not hinder an emergency exit.

6. Security and Anti-Tampering Measures: While emergency exit devices must be easy to operate, they must also prevent unauthorized entry from the outside. BS EN 8621 includes security features to reduce the risk of tampering, unauthorized access, or misuse, which is especially important in public buildings and restricted-access areas.

Testing Requirements Under BS EN 8621

To confirm compliance with BS EN 8621, emergency exit devices undergo several tests that evaluate their performance, durability, and functionality. The testing procedures include:

1. Cyclic Operation Testing: This test simulates repeated use of the exit device to assess its durability and operational reliability over time. The device is subjected to a high number of cycles to verify that it can endure frequent use without degradation in performance.

2. Temperature Resistance Testing: Devices are tested for operation under both high and low temperatures, which might occur during a fire or in various building conditions. This ensures that the exit device remains functional across a range of temperatures.

3. Mechanical Strength Testing: This involves testing the strength of the device to resist mechanical stress, ensuring that it can withstand high force without malfunctioning. Mechanical strength testing is essential for buildings where people might use force to open doors during a crowded or panicked evacuation.

4. Electrical Failure Simulation: Since BS EN 8621 is specific to electrically controlled exit systems, it includes tests to simulate electrical failure scenarios. The device must demonstrate that it will revert to an accessible state or that an alternate manual release is available when electrical systems fail.

5. Corrosion and Environmental Testing: Components are tested for resistance to environmental factors such as humidity and corrosion, which could degrade materials over time. This ensures the device’s reliability in varied environments, from coastal areas to humid interiors.

6. Tamper Resistance Testing: Testing includes scenarios where unauthorized individuals attempt to manipulate or tamper with the device. This ensures the exit device remains secure from outside while allowing internal egress in emergencies.

Benefits and Importance of BS EN 8621 Compliance

Compliance with BS EN 8621 provides multiple benefits and plays an important role in building safety. Some of the primary advantages include:

1. Enhanced Safety for Occupants: BS EN 8621-compliant devices are designed to ensure that people inside the building can exit quickly and safely, even in cases of electrical failure. This promotes safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies.

2. Improved Access Control: By meeting both security and safety requirements, BS EN 8621 allows building managers to implement controlled access without compromising emergency egress. This is especially beneficial in commercial and industrial buildings where security is critical.

3. Reliability in Emergency Situations: The extensive testing requirements ensure that BS EN 8621-compliant devices can handle emergency conditions, including power outages, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. This reliability is essential for occupants’ peace of mind and safety.

4. Compatibility with Fire Safety Standards: BS EN 8621-compliant devices are often used on fire-rated doors and must be compatible with fire safety standards. This standard ensures that emergency exit devices will work effectively in conjunction with other fire safety measures.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Liability Reduction: Compliance with BS EN 8621 helps building owners, architects, and facility managers meet regulatory requirements for emergency exits. This reduces liability risks and ensures that the building’s safety infrastructure aligns with legal standards.

Applications of BS EN 8621 in Various Settings

BS EN 8621 is particularly applicable to buildings and facilities that require a combination of controlled access and emergency egress, including:

• Commercial Buildings: Office complexes, shopping malls, and entertainment venues benefit from BS EN 8621-compliant devices that allow secure access control without hindering emergency exits.

• Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses often have restricted areas, but need to ensure that workers can evacuate quickly if necessary. BS EN 8621 devices offer a balance of security and accessibility in emergencies.

• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals require secure yet accessible exit systems, as they house vulnerable populations who may need assistance during an evacuation. BS EN 8621 standards ensure safe egress without compromising patient security.

• Public Venues: Airports, stadiums, and theaters are high-traffic areas where emergency exit devices need to withstand frequent use and allow rapid evacuation. BS EN 8621-compliant devices are well-suited to these environments.

Conclusion

BS EN 8621 is a crucial standard for emergency exit devices with electrically controlled access, combining security features with emergency egress requirements. By defining rigorous requirements and testing protocols, the standard ensures that these devices function reliably during emergencies, providing safe and efficient egress without compromising building security.

For architects, facility managers, and security personnel, compliance with BS EN 8621 provides reassurance that emergency exit devices will work as expected in critical situations, reducing risks for occupants and helping meet regulatory standards. BS EN 8621 ultimately contributes to safer buildings by ensuring that emergency exit devices meet high standards for performance, security, and reliability, enhancing overall building safety for a wide range of public and private facilities.

---

This summary of BS EN 8621 highlights the critical aspects of the standard, including its requirements, testing protocols, and practical applications in different building types. Compliance with BS EN 8621 supports safe, efficient, and secure emergency egress, making it a key standard in building safety and emergency preparedness.