DORMA has raised the benchmark for exit devices by introducing the 9000 series narrow stile exit devices for fire escape doors.

The 9700 series devices are claimed to be an industry first, having been tested to 15 million cycles, way beyond the industry minimum of 500,000 cycles as required by Ansi/BHMA 156.3 for Grade One devices. The 15 million cycles have been verified by an independent, globally recognised third-party laboratory, says a company spokesman.

The new product is designed to ensure safety of residents in a fire situation, he says. “Most casualties in fire incidents have been due to the fire escape doors failing to open as the exit devices used in the doors malfunctioned. Hence, Dorma has come out with an exit device for fire escape doors, which will safeguard residents of buildings.”

With an unprecedented and unequalled milestone of 30 times – the industry standard for cycle testing – assuring best-of-class performance, the benefits to the end-user are plenty. It is the only device which can be used for all door configurations including narrow, medium or wide stile, flush, full glass, hollow metal, wood or composite, he says.

This apart, the elegant aesthetics of the narrow stile by Dorma enhances its appeal to designers who have been dissuaded from using exit devices due to big and bulky looks with which these devices have traditionally been associated. Apart from the device being narrow, the stile is also unique as it is the only one of its kind in the market in the premium category with true stainless steel touch bar and assembly.

Also, the narrow stile exit devices have a full-length touch bar which makes it easier for the user to release the latches or bolts of the exit device compared to a partial touch bar. The devices have both Ansi and EN standards – apt for the Middle East construction industry where both standards are equally popular.

“It is also the first device to be listed in the ‘Future Build’ portal of Masdar, becoming the product of choice for sustainable projects,” says the spokesman.

Furthermore, an antimicrobial coating option of the device is available for ultra-clean environments like hospitals. With these features, the 9000 series narrow stile devices will satisfy the demand for aesthetic and reliable safe egress solutions with the highest level of security, putting Dorma as the clear leader in the market for premium access solutions and services.

Dorma Gulf is part of a globally active manufacturer of door technology systems and allied products. In October 2007, it built its regional headquarters in Jebel Ali Free Zone to serve the region’s construction sector and meet the growing demand for innovative technology in door and access systems.

Currently, Dorma operates four offices in the region of which three are based in the UAE and one in Saudi Arabia with branches in eight cities and a total of 253 staff across the Middle East.

The firm has been actively involved with the region’s leading projects such as the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Metro and Meydan Racecourse, all in Dubai; Emirates Palace hotel and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in Abu Dhabi; Qatar Convention Centre, in Qatar; Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, and others.