Most Frequently Asked Questions About Our Product
What is an Ultra-Dog?It is an after-hours door security device. It is the first after-hours security product designed with the intent of the Life Safety Codes. All the codes are based on intent. "Intent of egress." This product clearly shows the intent of immediate egress with minimum effort and no prior knowledge. What does the NFPA say about the Ultra-DogRead the letter from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). They talk about elephant chains and padlocks, and they talk about not intending to regulate this product under Life Safety Code. Look for us in the NFPA Journal Buyers' Guide 2003 and the NFPA's Online Buyers' Guide at www.nfpabuyersguide.org.
How do Fire Chiefs and Fire Marshals feel about Ultra-Dog products?Most firefighters and regulatory officials like the product because it gets the chains down and guarantees secondary egress for their people. They feel the codes are based on intent of egress. They feel Ultra-Dog will save lives. We demonstrated these products at the FDIC, IAFC, NFPA and Fire and Rescue West. We are overwhelmed with the positive national and international response to our products. Follow this link to letters from Fire Chiefs and Fire Marshals across the country and helpful internet links on door security. Where did the name Ultra-Dog come from?I am an ex-Navy submariner; the term "dog the doors and hatches" is common to any seafarer. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines Ultra as "going beyond others" and Dog as "any of various simple mechanical devices for holding, gripping or fastening that consist of a spike, rod or bar." What is different about this product?
How much pressure is needed to disengage the Ultra-Dog®?The Ultra-Dog® is a cam action lock that draws the door tight against the frame. The “PUSH TO RELEASE” handle is set a few degrees past the break point of the cam, once set on a door the slightest touch will disengage it. Ounces of pressure will move the “PUSH TO RELEASE” past the break point of the cam where spring and gravity pressure drive the release. Does the bolt-through attachment kit affect the fire rating of a door?The AD-100 series uses the largest bolts for installation which are 3/8” in diameter and require a total of two holes in the door. The AD-200 series through the AD-500 series uses bolts which are 5/16” in diameter and require 4 holes in the door very similar to door closers. NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, 1-3.4 states job site preparation holes shall not be permitted to exceed a diameter of one (1) inch. Does the surface-mount attachment kit affect the fire rating of a door?Regarding the surface mount attachment kit, NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, 1-3.5.2 and 1-3.5.3 states the total area shall not exceed 5.0% of the area of a fire door and that an adhesive shall be used. As an example, 5.0% of a 3/0 x 7/0 door is approximately 147 square inches, the surface mount attachment kit covers a total of 18 square inches which is approximately 0.6% of the area permitted. What do you do when there are more than ten (10) people in the building after hours?A major retail store chain installed over 250 pieces in their stores. In the after-hours there are generally more than ten employees in the building for stocking and maintenance. The store demonstrated a training program to their local fire officials who approved it. Our products are used at McCormick Place in the City of Chicago. Again, special conditions were worked out with the fire officials. Where do you store an Ultra-Dog during the daytime or when it is not in use?We provide a convenient storage hanger that can be mounted on the door jamb or in a closet. What do you have to prevent the Ultra-Dog from running off?As with any good dog, sometimes a good leash is required. We have an optional "Stay-Put" tether. It consists of a stainless steel cable with a diecast eyelet at one end and a machined aluminum block, cosmetically palatable, that can be mounted on the door jamb or mullion. The machined aluminum block is secured to the mullion or jamb with two recessed stainless steel tamper-proof screws and the cable is secured by compression with a third recessed stainless steel tamper proof screw. The die cast eyelet is inserted in an Ultra-Dog end block and is secured by the end block adjusting screw. What about the Ultra-Dog being a trip hazard?This product is an after-hours door security device. If the trip hazard is an issue after-hours, the "Stay-Put" tether when mounted on the hinge side of the door can clear the path. In an after-hours situation, if someone tripped over the product while clearing a building, they could crawl out and be alive eliminating the "Chicken Farm Scenario." What about ADA Compliance?We sell a product for after-hours use. After reading the Federal Register / Vol.56, No. 144 / Friday, July 26, 1991, under A4.3 Accessible Route, A4.3.10 Egress and 4.13.9 Door Hardware, our perception is that we are in compliance. A4.3.10 specifically talks about emergency management plans with specific provisions to ensure safe evacuation playing an essential role in fire safety and life safety. What I gained from the Federal Register is that "common sense is essential in any situation regardless of the hours." We know that the product works. Read this news release of our installation at the Independent Living left of the Hudson Valley.Back to Top How does the Federal Government feel about Ultra-Dog?We have demonstrated our products to various branches of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense and also the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Our product is now used to secure the Statue of Liberty. We also participated in the Force Protection Equipment Demonstration (FPED) IV at United States Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, in 2003. For further information and CD e-mail the Product Manager for Physical Security Equipment, Fort Belvoir, VA at pmpse@pm-pse.army.mil. |
