Managing High-Traffic Entrances: A Guide to the Briton 570 Series Dogging Device Kit

H
Harry Jenkins
door hardware building compliance commercial security exit hardware briton dogging device

In busy commercial buildings, managing the flow of people while maintaining strict security and safety standards is a constant balancing act. During an emergency, doors must open instantly to allow safe egress. However, during normal business hours, having staff, clients, or customers constantly pushing a heavy panic bar to enter and exit can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the hardware, and can be highly inconvenient for day-to-day operations.

This is where "dogging" devices offer a practical, reliable solution. If you are looking to streamline access through your busy entrances without compromising on emergency safety, the Briton 570 Series Dogging Device Kit is an essential accessory to consider.

What is 'Dogging' in Panic Hardware?

In the commercial door hardware industry, "dogging" refers to the process of manually holding the latchbolt of a panic bar or exit device in a retracted (withdrawn) position.

When an exit device is "dogged", the latch is held back inside the housing. This effectively converts the door into a simple push-pull door. Visitors can enter or exit by simply pushing or pulling the door frame or handle, without needing to press down on the main panic touch bar.

This setup is incredibly useful for high-traffic environments during their peak operating hours, such as:

  • School and college reception areas
  • Office lobbies and main corridors
  • Community centres and sports halls
  • Retail premises and public buildings

Introducing the Briton 570 Series Dogging Device Kit

The Briton 570 Series Dogging Device Kit is a premium manual hold-open accessory designed specifically for use with the Briton 570 Series of panic hardware (please note: it is not suitable for use with the Briton 573 model).

Rather than using a basic hex key (Allen key) mechanism - which can easily be operated by anyone who happens to carry a standard tool - the Briton 570 kit is operated by a key. This ensures that only authorised personnel, such as facility managers, security staff, or keyholders, can change the status of the door.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Key-Controlled Security: The kit is supplied with a euro-profile cylinder as standard. This means you can lock the latch in the retracted position during the day and easily release it at night to secure the building.
  • Keyed Alike Convenience: If your building has multiple high-traffic doors equipped with these kits, you will appreciate that they are supplied keyed alike. This allows a single key to manage all the dogging devices across your site, reducing key clutter and saving time for your maintenance team.
  • Reduced Wear and Tear: By holding the latch retracted during peak hours, you eliminate thousands of mechanical cycles on the internal springs and latch mechanisms of your panic hardware, significantly extending the lifespan of your exit devices.
  • Sleek Integration: Designed by Briton, a market leader in exit hardware, this kit integrates seamlessly with the clean, low-profile aesthetics of the Briton 570 Series touch bar.

Crucial Safety and Compliance Guidelines

While dogging devices are highly convenient, they must be used responsibly and in strict compliance with UK building regulations and fire safety standards.

  1. Never Use on Fire-Rated Doors: This is the most critical rule of door hardware safety. Fire doors must remain closed and fully latched to prevent the spread of fire and toxic smoke. Because a dogging device holds the latch in a withdrawn position, it must never be installed on a fire-rated door. Doing so will void the door's fire certification and fail safety inspections.
  2. Only for Non-Fire-Rated Escape Doors: The Briton 570 Dogging Kit is designed strictly for non-fire-rated doors that require panic exit hardware for emergency egress but also need to allow free access during specific times.
  3. End-of-Day Procedures: Authorised staff must make it a strict routine to disengage the dogging mechanism at the close of business. This ensures the latch re-engages, securing the building against unauthorised external entry overnight.

Maintaining Your Exit Hardware

To ensure your emergency exit routes remain fully compliant and operational, all components should be inspected regularly. If you are installing a new dogging kit or performing routine maintenance on your Briton panic hardware, it is often the perfect time to replace worn strikes, guides, or shootbolts to keep the entire system operating smoothly.

Explore the Briton 570 Series Dogging Device Kit and related high-quality exit hardware accessories below to optimise your building's access and safety:

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If you need expert advice on choosing the right accessories for your commercial doors, or if you want to discuss keying options for your facility, contact the specialists at Lock & Key Centre today.