What does a "delayed egress" device do?

A "delayed egress" device is designed to enhance security while allowing a safe exit in emergency situations. It functions by delaying the opening of a door for a specified period, commonly 15 seconds, which ensures that unauthorized exits are deterred. This delay allows for the proper monitoring of individuals exiting the premises and helps prevent potential security breaches or theft by ensuring that the person wanting to exit does so with a controlled process.

The importance of this feature lies in its ability to balance safety and security. In emergency scenarios, the person can still exit quickly after the delay, ensuring that they can evacuate if necessary. For this reason, the correct understanding of delayed egress devices is that they do not open the door immediately, lock the door permanently, or require a special key to open, but rather introduce a delayed mechanism to manage exits effectively.