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Panic bars, also known as exit devices or crash bars, are designed to allow occupants to open an exit door by pushing against a horizontal bar or touchpad. They are commonly found on commercial, institutional, educational, healthcare, and other buildings where safe and convenient egress is important.
Choosing the right panic hardware involves more than selecting a brand. The door type, occupancy, fire rating, traffic level, exterior trim, access-control requirements, and applicable building and life-safety codes can all affect which exit device is appropriate. For that reason, panic bar hardware installation should be matched carefully to the particular opening.
Below are six established manufacturers associated with commercial exit and door hardware.
Contents
Why Do We Need a Panic Bar on Our Door?
A panic bar provides a simple way to open an exit door from the egress side. Instead of turning a knob, lever, or key, a person pushes the bar or touchpad and the latch releases.
This type of hardware is particularly important where many people may need to leave a building quickly. In an emergency, occupants should not have to locate a key or operate complicated locking hardware before opening a required exit.
Whether panic hardware is required depends on factors such as the building's occupancy classification, occupant load, door location, and applicable codes. Fire-rated openings may also require specifically listed fire exit hardware rather than an ordinary panic device.
The exit device also has to work together with the rest of the door assembly. Hinges, strikes, frames, exterior trim, access-control equipment, and door closers can all affect how reliably the opening operates.
6 Panic Bar and Exit Hardware Manufacturers
Von Duprin
Von Duprin is a well-known commercial door-hardware manufacturer associated with exit devices and electronic access-control hardware. Its exit hardware is commonly used in commercial and institutional applications where durability and frequent operation are important.
The company's product offerings include different exit-device configurations and related electrified hardware for a variety of door applications.
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Rixson
Rixson specializes in commercial door-control hardware, including door closers, pivots, and door-holding solutions. Its hardware can be used as part of commercial door assemblies that also incorporate panic or exit devices.
Proper coordination between the exit device, closer, hinges or pivots, and door is important for reliable operation and closing.
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Detex
Detex manufactures commercial exit-control and life-safety hardware. Its product offerings include exit devices as well as alarmed and controlled-egress products for applications where monitoring an exit is important.
Detex hardware is used in a variety of commercial and institutional environments, with the appropriate device selected according to the door and application.
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Corbin Russwin
Corbin Russwin manufactures commercial architectural hardware designed for demanding applications. Its product range includes exit devices, locks, and related door hardware used in commercial and institutional buildings.
Different exit-device configurations are available for applications such as rim, mortise, and vertical-rod openings, depending on the door and hardware requirements.
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PDQ
PDQ manufactures commercial door hardware in the United States and offers products for a range of commercial openings. Its hardware lineup includes exit devices and other architectural door components.
When selecting PDQ or another manufacturer, the device should be matched to the door construction, required function, traffic level, and applicable opening requirements.
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Sargent
SARGENT manufactures commercial locks and architectural door hardware, including a broad selection of exit devices. Available configurations include hardware intended for different door constructions and commercial applications.
Its exit-device offerings can be combined with appropriate trim and other door hardware to create a complete commercial opening.
Visit SargentChoosing the Right Panic Hardware
Brand is only one consideration when selecting an exit device. Two panic bars that appear similar may be designed for very different doors or applications.
Important factors include:
- Door material and construction
- Single or paired doors
- Rim, mortise, or vertical-rod configuration
- Fire-rated or non-fire-rated opening
- Required exterior trim
- Traffic and frequency of use
- Mechanical or electrified operation
- Access-control requirements
- Door closer and existing hardware
- Applicable building, fire, accessibility, and life-safety requirements
For electrified doors, the panic hardware may also need to coordinate with the building's access-control system. Whatever configuration is selected, electronic security should not interfere with required emergency egress.
A commercial locksmith can inspect the existing door and hardware to determine what type of exit device is appropriate and whether other components of the opening need adjustment, repair, or replacement.
Panic Bar Installation and Maintenance
Even a high-quality exit device can perform poorly when it is installed on a misaligned door or paired with incompatible hardware. The latch should engage correctly, the door should open with the required operation, and the door should reliably return to its closed position.
Commercial exit doors should also be inspected periodically. Loose hardware, worn components, door sag, damaged strikes, or a poorly adjusted closer can affect operation. Fire-rated and required egress openings may have additional inspection and maintenance requirements.
If a panic bar becomes difficult to operate, does not latch, fails to release properly, or requires excessive force, the complete opening should be inspected rather than simply replacing the bar without identifying the underlying problem.
