Delayed Egress Exit Devices – Secure Exit Doors with Controlled Egress
Posted by ZenSupply Product Guru on Jul 17th 2025
Balance Life Safety with Security Compliance
In commercial buildings, especially in retail, healthcare, and educational environments, exit doors must walk a fine line: allowing safe egress while preventing unauthorized exit or theft. That’s where Delayed Egress Exit Devices come in.
At ZenSupply, we carry a full line of UL-listed, code-compliant delayed egress solutions that delay door release for up to 15 seconds, giving your security systems time to respond while still meeting fire and life safety requirements.
Whether you're outfitting an emergency exit, a patient care facility, or a retail back door, ZenSupply makes it EASY to specify and ship delayed egress exit devices that keep people safe and assets protected.
What Are Delayed Egress Devices?
Delayed egress devices are specially designed exit devices that delay unlocking for a preset time (usually 15 seconds) after someone attempts to exit. They include:
- An alarm and/or voice prompt to alert staff
- A timer that begins upon activation
- Compliance with fire alarm override and manual release
Ideal for areas where you need to control unauthorized egress without violating life safety code.
Why Use Delayed Egress?
Delayed egress hardware provides a controlled and monitored exit solution for:
- Theft Prevention – Stops grab-and-go exit in retail
- Wander Management – Protects patients in hospitals and senior care
- Student Security – Controls building perimeters in schools and campuses
- High-Value Zones – Secures labs, IT rooms, inventory areas
Meets NFPA 101, IBC, and ADA standards when installed correctly and tied to the fire alarm system.
Types of Delayed Egress Devices We Carry
ZenSupply stocks a variety of delayed egress devices to match your building type, door hardware, and fire/life safety requirements.
Rim Exit Devices with Delayed Egress
Most common for single doors with surface-mounted hardware.
Features:
- 15- or 30-second delay options
- Visual/audible alerts
- Fire-rated and non-fire-rated models
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 construction
Applications:
- Rear retail exits
- Corridor doors in healthcare
- Daycare and K–12 school exits
Mortise Exit Devices with Delayed Egress
Integrated mortise lock and latch for added strength and aesthetics.
Benefits:
- Clean appearance for high-end facilities
- Enhanced tamper resistance
- Easy integration with card readers or REX devices
Vertical Rod Exit Devices with Delayed Egress
Designed for double doors or doors requiring multi-point latching.
Ideal for:
- Gymnasium or auditorium doors
- Tall double doors with center mullion
- Facilities requiring top/bottom latching
Standalone vs. Integrated Delayed Egress Systems
System Type |
Best For |
Quick retrofits, battery-powered alerts |
|
Fire alarm, access control, and CCTV tie-in |
|
Full facility lockdown or security alerts |
ZenSupply can help you select the right system based on your fire panel, door hardware, and access control needs.
Accessories & Support Components
To ensure full code compliance and functional integration, ZenSupply offers:
- Power Supplies – UL294, fire panel-compatible
- Alarm Horns & Strobes – Audible/visual exit alerts
- Touch Bars / Push Plates – Sensors and push buttons
- Key Switches – Override capability for staff
Need help with layout or wiring? Ask a Zen Advisor.
Who Needs Delayed Egress Devices?
We supply delayed egress hardware to:
Retail Chains – Prevent shoplifting without locking exits illegally
Hospitals & Memory Care – Protect patients while allowing safe evacuation
Schools & Campuses – Control movement without compromising fire safety
Commercial Offices – Secure perimeters while maintaining ADA compliance
Government & Labs – Meet strict code and security standards
Why Choose ZenSupply?
✅ Full Code Compliance
We carry only UL305- and UL294-listed devices. All are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1.
✅ Real-Time Expert Support
Need to verify NFPA 101 compliance or integrate with an existing access system? Chat with a Zen Advisor live.
✅ Fast Shipping, Nationwide
From emergency replacement to project rollouts we ship fast and track in real time.
✅ ZenSupply Rewards
Earn points on every delayed egress device and accessory. Redeem for gift cards, discounts, and more.
Trusted Brands We Carry
Brand |
Specialty |
Electrified egress with wide integration options |
|
Standalone delayed egress with alarms |
|
Lock power supplies and controls |
|
Narrow stile delayed egress for glass doors |
|
Grade 1 exit devices with security wiring |
Common Questions
Q: Is delayed egress legal?
A: Yes, but it must comply with local building and fire codes. This includes release within 15 seconds, manual override, and fire alarm integration.
Q: What’s the difference between fail-safe and delayed egress?
A: Fail-safe devices unlock during power loss. Delayed egress locks remain secured during power but delay release upon activation.
Q: Can I retrofit a standard exit device to add delayed egress?
A: Often yes, with kits or device replacement. ZenSupply offers retrofit-friendly solutions.
Final Word: Control the Exit Without Compromising Safety
Delayed egress devices strike the perfect balance between security and life safety. Whether you're preventing theft, protecting vulnerable occupants, or managing access in high-traffic zones ZenSupply makes it EASY.
✔ UL-Listed exit devices
✔ Pre-configured delayed egress kits
✔ Fire alarm and REX-compatible systems
✔ Same-day shipping
✔ Real-time expert advice
✔ Points on every order
Ready to Control Egress with Confidence?
Shop Delayed Egress Devices Now → Shop Now
Talk to a Zen Advisor → Contact Us
Join ZenSupply Rewards → Zen Rewards