Electronic control of escape routes in Europe is governed by EN 13637. This standard defines how electrically controlled escape door systems must operate in both normal and emergency conditions. The requirement is not simply that a door can be opened. It must release immediately, without hesitation, under predefined emergency scenarios including power failure and alarm activation.
EN 13637 applies to the complete system configuration. The emergency release device, the locking mechanism, the power supply and the control logic are assessed as a functional unit. Substituting a single element outside the certified configuration invalidates compliance. This is frequently misunderstood in practice.
Designing an emergency exit system therefore demands more than selecting compatible hardware. It requires ensuring that the interaction between components guarantees immediate and unambiguous release while maintaining security during standard operation. The door must remain controlled without ever compromising the right of safe evacuation.
Failure to respect EN 13637 is not a technical oversight. It is a liability issue.
We define and validate escape door architectures that operate strictly within regulatory boundaries while preserving building security requirements.
