EN179 - Classification System for Emergency Exit Devices

EN 179 specifies the manufacturing, performance, and testing requirements for emergency exit devices operated by lever handles or push pads. These devices are designed for emergency situations where occupants are familiar with the device operation and door configuration (such as outward-opening doors), making panic conditions unlikely.

All European building hardware standards utilize a classification system; each digit within it designates a specific product characteristic, measured according to standard performance requirements. EN 179 employs a 10-digit classification code for emergency exit devices.

                                                                                                          Classification

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Category of use	Durability	Door mass	Suitability for use on fire/smoke doors	Safety	Corrosion resistance	Security	Projection of operating element	Type of operation	Field of door application

Digit 1 - Category of use

Only one grade is identified :

Grade 3: high frequency of use where there is little incentive to exercise care, i.e. where there is a chance of an accident occurring and of misuse.

Digit 2 - Durability

Two grades of durability shall be used:

Grade 6: 100, 000 test cycles;

Grade 7: 200, 000 test cycles.

Digit 3 - Door mass

Three grades are identified :

Grade 5: up to 100 kg;

Grade 6: up to 200 kg;

Grade 7: over 200 kg.

Digit 4 - Suitability for use on fire/smoke doors

Three grades shall be used:

Grade 0: Not approved for use on fire/smoke door assemblies;

Grade A: Suitable for use on smoke door assemblies;

Grade B: Suitable for use on fire and smoke door assemblies based on a test in accordance with EN 1634-1.

Digit 5 - Safety

Only one grade is identified:

Grade 1: all emergency exit devices have a critical safety function, therefore only the top grade is identified.

Digit 6 - Corrosion resistance

Two grades of corrosion resistance given in EN 1670:2007 are identified:

Grade 3: 96 h (high resistance);

Grade 4: 240 h (very high resistance).

Digit 7 - Security

Four grades of security shall be used:

Grade 2: 1000 N;

Grade 3: 2000 N;

Grade 4: 3000 N;

Grade 5: 5000 N.

Digit 8 - Projection of operating element

Two grades are identified:

Grade 1: projection up to 150 mm (large projection);

Grade 2: projection up to 100 mm (standard projection).

Digit 9 - Type of operation

Two types of operation shall be used:

Type A: emergency exit device with “lever handle” operation;

Type B: emergency exit device with “push pad” operation.

Digit 10 - Field of door application

Four categories shall be used :

Category A: outwardly opening single exit door, double exit door: active or inactive leaf;  

Category B: outwardly opening single exit door only;

Category C: outwardly opening double exit door: inactive leaf only;

Category D: inwardly opening single exit door only.

Note: Certain emergency exit devices are dedicated to specific door types within this classification. Installers should consult the manufacturer's installation instructions to confirm the appropriate application.

Example of classification of DIROCK EN 179 Escape Lock

The following classification (3 7 6 B 1 4 5 2 A B/D)  denotes an emergency exit device engineered for high-frequency applications, tested to 200,000 cycles. It accommodates door mass up to 200kg and is suitable for fire/smoke doors with very high corrosion resistance. Approved for use on escape route doors, it provides security grade 5 (5,000 N resistance) with a projection of up to 100 mm. The device is intended for outwardly /inwardly opening single exit doors only.

DIROCK Door Hardware brings over 15 years of expertise as a specialized mortise lock manufacturer. Our EN 179 certified escape mortise locks deliver proven reliable performance in critical situations. We provide tested and certified solutions and dedicated technical support for your specific project requirements.