Dogging a Door: How to Choose Exit Device Dogging for Your Commercial Doors?

If you've ever walked through a busy building like a school or mall and noticed how doors swing open effortlessly without needing to push a bar each time, you've likely encountered the concept of dogging door. This practical feature in exit devices makes life easier in high-traffic spots, but it's more than just convenience—it's about balancing security, safety, and efficiency.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into what dogging a door really means, explore different methods like mechanical dogging and electric dogging, and highlight top options from Camax Hardware. Whether you're a facility manager or just curious about dogging door hardware, stick around to learn how these systems can enhance your space. Keep reading to discover which dogging method is right for your facility, and why Camax is the partner you can trust.

What Does Dogging a Door Mean?

In the simplest terms, dogging a door refers to retracting and holding the latch bolt of a panic exit device in an unlatched position. By doing this, the door essentially transforms into a push/pull passageway, allowing free access without pressing the panic bar or turning a lever. This action is usually achieved through a dogging plate, a hex key, or an integrated mechanism that keeps the push rail depressed.

The main purpose of dogging door hardware is to improve traffic flow in busy areas such as shopping centers, schools, hospitals, or office buildings. By keeping the latch disengaged, the door opens and closes smoothly, reducing both noise and mechanical wear. Over time, this helps extend the life of the exit device and lowers maintenance costs.

However, dogging a door isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it involves weighing ease of use against potential security risks. When you decide to dog a door during peak hours, you're opting for smoother traffic over constant locking. This trade-off is crucial in settings where quick access is key, but it must be managed carefully to avoid unauthorized entry. For those dealing with panic hardware dogging, understanding this balance ensures your doors remain functional and secure. At Camax Hardware, our exit devices are designed with these needs in mind, offering reliable dogging door options that prioritize both performance and safety.

What Is the Difference Between Mechanical and Electric Dogging?

1. Mechanical Dogging: Traditional Manual Control Systems

Mechanical dogging stands out as the go-to manual method for securing the latch bolt in a retracted position on exit devices. It typically involves inserting a tool, like a hex key or similar, into the device to activate an internal lock that keeps everything held back. This straightforward technique is popular because it's simple and doesn't rely on power sources, making it reliable in basic setups.

It should be noted that mechanical dogging is NOT permitted on fire-rated doors and on fire exit hardware. Fire safety codes demand that these doors remain self-latching to effectively block smoke and flames from spreading. A mechanically dogged door stays unlatched, which could be disastrous during an emergency.

2. Electric Dogging: The Automated Solution

Electric dogging takes convenience to the next level by integrating exit devices into an access control system. Instead of using a hex key, a solenoid or motor retracts and holds the latch bolt. This method allows facility managers to schedule when doors are dogged or secured. For example, a shopping mall can automatically unlock entrances at opening time and secure them again at closing.

Unlike mechanical systems, electric dogging is permissible on fire-rated doors when properly integrated with fire alarm systems. When fire detection systems activate, electric dogging automatically disengages, allowing the latch bolt to extend and secure the door. This engineered solution provides operational flexibility while maintaining critical fire safety compliance.

Types of Mechanical Dogging Systems for Exit Devices

At Camax Hardware, we provide three versatile types of dogging for emergency exit door locks: hex key dogging, cylinder dogging, and thumbturn dogging. These options cater to various security and usability needs, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your dogging door hardware requirements.

1. Hex Key Dogging

Hex key dogging is a practical choice that uses an Allen wrench to activate the mechanism. To use it, press down on the push pad and rotate the inserted hex key to secure the latch bolt in place. It's easy and quick, but keep in mind the security downside. Anyone with a standard hex key could potentially access and alter the setting, which might not suit high-risk areas like external school doors.

Camax offers robust mechanical exit devices like the CMP400, CMP466, CMP600, and CMP800, all can be equipped with reliable hex key dogging. These exit devices are built for durability, making them ideal for internal spaces where controlled access isn't a top concern.

2. Cylinder Dogging

Cylinder dogging offers higher security by demanding a specific key to operate. A cylinder lock integrated into the exit device controls access to the dogging function, ensuring only authorized personnel with proper keys can modify the door's latch status. This approach significantly reduces unauthorized tampering while maintaining operational convenience for authorized users.

Camax's CMP450 Series and CMP750 Series offer cylinder dogging kit options, providing robust security suitable for exterior doors, restricted access areas, and facilities with dedicated security personnel.