DELAYED EGRESS EXIT DEVICE

A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) dispose d in the housing (22) for substantially rectilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that t he retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracte d position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interv al for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104). When the time delay circuit interrupts power to the locking mechanism (104), the plunger (106) moves allowing the latch bolt (82) to move to the retracted position.