Publish Time: 2025-08-16 Origin: Site
In any commercial or public building, ensuring safe and efficient emergency egress is of paramount importance. During fires, earthquakes, or other life-threatening situations, the speed and ease with which occupants can exit a building can be the difference between safety and disaster. This is precisely where panic bars, also referred to as panic exit devices or crash bars, play a crucial role.
A panic bar is a type of door hardware designed to enable people to open a door rapidly by simply pressing a horizontal bar. This one-step operation requires no prior knowledge or key, ensuring that even panicked or unfamiliar users can escape immediately. Due to their simplicity, reliability, and proven safety advantages, panic bars are now mandated by international building codes in many facilities such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls, theaters, airports, and office complexes.
A panic bar is a door exit mechanism installed horizontally across the interior surface of a door. When pressure is applied to the bar, the internal mechanism retracts the latch, allowing the door to swing open outward. This enables large groups of people to exit quickly without bottlenecks or confusion, even if they are in a state of panic.
Key characteristics of a panic bar include:
Quick egress with one push: No keys, twisting, or special knowledge are required.
Safety compliance: Meets life safety and fire safety codes in most jurisdictions.
Durability: Designed for high-traffic environments and tested for thousands of cycles.
Compatibility: Can be used on single or double doors, with rim, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod, or mortise lock configurations.
The significance of panic bars lies in two aspects: life safety and compliance. In emergencies, especially fires, people often panic and rush towards exits. If doors require complex operation or keys, chaos and injuries can ensue. Panic bars prevent this by ensuring instant and intuitive exit.
Additionally, fire-rated panic bars are engineered to withstand extreme heat while maintaining the fire integrity of the door. This prevents flames and smoke from spreading too quickly, providing valuable time for evacuation and firefighting.
In Europe, panic exit devices are regulated by EN1125, which specifies the performance requirements for doors used in emergency routes where panic situations may occur.
Our CE EN1125 certified panic exit devices undergo rigorous testing to meet and exceed these standards. Key features include:
200,000 cycle durability test: Ensures long-term reliability even in heavy-use environments such as schools or airports.
EN1634 fire rated: Certified for 132 minutes or 240 minutes fire resistance, maintaining door integrity under fire conditions.
EN1670 corrosion resistance: Tested to withstand 240 hours of corrosion, making it suitable for coastal and industrial environments.
Smooth operation: A single horizontal push opens the door instantly, even under pressure from crowds.
These panic exit devices are ideal for European projects where CE compliance is mandatory. With a variety of models available (rim type, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod, or mortise lock), they can be paired with lever trims for controlled outside access while ensuring instant egress inside.
For contractors, architects, and building managers, choosing a CE EN1125 panic exit device guarantees compliance with EU safety codes and provides assurance to inspectors, project owners, and occupants alike.
In North America, panic exit devices are tested and certified under UL standards, primarily:
UL 305: Safety standard for panic hardware.
UL 10C: Positive pressure fire test for door assemblies, often required for 3-hour fire-rated doors.
Our UL Listed fire exit hardware is engineered for high-performance applications and is widely used in American and international projects that must comply with U.S. safety standards.
Key features of UL fire exit hardware include:
UL 305 certification: Ensures the device can withstand emergency crowd pressure and still function properly.
UL 10C fire rating: Fire-tested for up to 3 hours, suitable for fire-rated steel and wooden doors.
ANSI/BHMA compliance: Meets additional American performance and durability standards.
Heavy-duty durability: Designed for intense usage in hospitals, commercial complexes, and institutional facilities.
UL panic bars are trusted by contractors and inspectors worldwide for their proven reliability and strict certification process. For international buyers, using UL fire-rated exit hardware also makes it easier to gain approval in projects following American codes or multinational safety requirements.
Both CE EN1125 panic exit devices and UL fire exit hardware offer exceptional safety and reliability, but the choice depends on the project’s location and regulations:
European Projects: CE EN1125 & EN1634 certified devices are required.
American Projects: UL 305 & UL 10C certified devices are mandatory.
International Projects: Many contractors prefer to use devices that are dual-certified to CE and UL, ensuring global compliance and smoother inspections.
A panic bar is more than just a piece of door hardware—it is a life-saving device that ensures safe, rapid evacuation in emergencies. For contractors, project managers, and facility owners, selecting the right panic exit device is both a compliance requirement and a moral responsibility.
With our CE EN1125 panic exit devices (200,000 cycle tested, EN1634 fire rated up to 240 minutes, EN1670 corrosion resistant) and our UL Listed fire exit hardware (UL 305 and UL 10C, 3-hour fire rated), we provide globally certified solutions that deliver safety, durability, and peace of mind.
Whether your project is in Europe, the U.S., or anywhere in the world, choosing a certified, fire-rated panic bar ensures compliance with international standards and, most importantly, protects lives when it matters most.
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Contact: David Jian
Mob: 0086-139 2903 7292
Email: sales@danddhardware.com