Motorized Crash Bars for Schools: ADA-Compliant, Lockdown-Ready Exit Devices

Modern campuses need doors that are both easy to exit and intelligent to control. Motorized crash bars (electrified exit devices) pair panic-grade hardware with electronic control for remote unlock/lockdown, ADA-friendly egress, and live door status—ideal for K-12 and higher education.

What Is a Motorized Crash Bar?

A motorized (electrified) exit device uses an internal motor/solenoid to control the latch electronically while preserving one-motion, free egress. When tied to an access control system, staff can unlock on schedule, badge in, or trigger lockdown—without compromising life safety.

Key Benefits for Schools

• Integrated access control: Works with cards, fobs, mobile credentials; supports schedules, roles, and audit trails.
• ADA & code-conscious egress: Low operating force and one-motion exit align with accessibility and life-safety principles.
• Emergency lockdown: Centralized lockdown while maintaining free egress from the inside.
• Real-time monitoring: Door position, latch status, and held-open/forced-open alerts through cloud dashboards.
• Tamper-resistant security: Panic-grade hardware (often ANSI/BHMA Grade 1) with optional alarmed exit.

Ideal Campus Use Cases

• Main entries restricted during class hours
• Classroom wings requiring rapid lockdown capability
• Gyms/auditoriums with after-hours community access
• Perimeter doors needing tamper resistance and monitoring

Design Choices & Power

• Device types: Rim, surface vertical rod (SVR), concealed vertical rod (CVR)—match the door/frame and fire rating.
• Fail behavior: Coordinate fail-safe vs. fail-secure by opening type and AHJ guidance. Egress must remain free.
• Power & transfer: 24VDC listed power supply with battery backup; use electrified hinge or door loop for cabling.
• Sensing: Add door position switch (DPS) and request-to-exit (REX) where required.
• Video & alarms: Integrate with cloud video and intrusion for event-linked clips and alerts.

Typical Integration Workflow

1. Survey: Validate door type, fire rating, hardware prep, and power paths.
2. Specify: Choose motorized device (Rim/SVR/CVR), power supply, readers, and credentials.
3. Install: Mount device, route power/REX/DPS, and connect to controller.
4. Program: Set schedules, roles, lockdown groups, and alert thresholds.
5. Test & train: Verify egress, access, and lockdown; train staff on daily use and drills.

FAQ

Are motorized crash bars ADA-compliant?
They support low-force, one-motion egress and are commonly used in ADA-conscious designs. Always confirm hardware listings and local requirements.

Will lockdown trap people inside?
No—properly configured systems maintain free egress while securing exterior entry.

Do I need new doors?
Often, existing doors can be retrofit; selection depends on door type, condition, and rating.

Secure Your Campus with SecurityTekton

We design, install, and support motorized crash bars with cloud-managed access control, campus-wide lockdown groups, and door status monitoring. We’ll coordinate with your AHJ and facilities team to deliver a code-conscious, user-friendly solution.

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This article is for general information only. Codes and listings vary by jurisdiction and door assembly. Always consult your local AHJ.