Electric Dogging & Automatic Door Operator Configurations

Optimize your facility’s workflow with our Electric Dogging Exit Device Applications. This setup is specifically designed for commercial environments—such as schools, retail hubs, and public buildings—that require the door to remain unlatched during business hours for high-frequency use. By pairing an electric dogging exit device with a door operator, you can automate your entrance for maximum accessibility while maintaining the ability to remotely secure the building at a moment’s notice.

System Operation: 

The Electric Dogging application manages the state of the exit device independently of the door operator’s swing cycle.

• Door is normally closed and locked.
• Electrically dogged exit device to be activated by means of a key switch at remote location.
• Manually depressing interior or exterior pushbutton will activate the door operator.
• Door will act like a push/pull door assembly when electrically dogged.
• Fire Rated exit device must be interface (integrated) with the fire alarm system.

System Operations Summary

• System Initiation (Morning/Open): A signal from a timer or access control system sends continuous power to the exit device.
• Latch Retraction: The exit device dogging motor or solenoid engages, pulling the latch back and holding it in the retracted position. The door now moves freely.
• Automated Operation: During this "dogged" state, the door operator acts as the primary mover. Users trigger the operator via sensors or actuators, and the door swings open without any mechanical latch resistance.
• Manual Mode: Because the latch is retracted, able-bodied users can simply push or pull the door to enter, reducing wear on the operator motor during peak traffic.
• Secure State (Evening/Closed): When power is removed from the dogging feature, the latch immediately projects, and the door becomes a standard, secure exit.
• Life Safety Compliance: In all states, the mechanical push bar remains active for immediate egress. If the fire alarm is tripped, the system can be configured to drop power, instantly latching the door for fire containment.