Types of Panic Exit Devices

A Panic Exit Device is a type of hardware that allows people to quickly escape a building in the event of an emergency. These devices are essential in many commercial facilities, such as hotels, offices and hospitals.

There are a variety of Panic Exit Devices to choose from, and each has its own unique features and benefits. Understanding the different types of exit devices will help you make the best selection for your project.

Rim Panic Device: This type of panic hardware is mounted on the door rim and features a strike plate that projects from the door edge, usually on the frame or mullion for double doors. This style of panic hardware is a little more difficult to install and can be expensive.

Push Bar Panic Device: Also known as touch bar or touchpad style, this type of panic hardware has a push bar that opens with a finger swipe. This device can be used with a wide range of locks, including traditional mortise, fail-secure and electrified ones.

Alarmed Panic Device: These panic bars are equipped with an alarm that sounds if someone attempts to open the door. This can prevent unauthorized use and improve safety in your building.

Trim for a Pull Side of a Panic Device: There are several options available for installing exterior trim that retracts the latching mechanism of the panic hardware, so that it can be opened from the pull side of the door. These options include nightlatch trim, a lever or knob, and a keyed lock cylinder, as well as thumbpiece trim that retracts the latches from the exterior side of the door.

If you have ever experienced a crowded emergency exit during a large event, you know the challenge of moving from one point to another without getting lost or stuck. That’s why panic hardware — also known as exit devices, crash bars, touch bars, or push bars – is designed to speed egress and help people reach the front of a building more quickly.

A panic bar is a mechanical device that unlocks an outswing exit door in the case of an emergency. It consists of a crossbar or touchpad that extends at least halfway across the width of the door.

Panic hardware must be listed in accordance with UL 305, Standard for Safety – Panic Hardware. It is also required to pass NFPA 101 Life Safety Code testing for fire exits in addition to meeting the requirements of UL 10C Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.UL Panic Bar

A variety of commercial settings can benefit from panic hardware, including schools, offices, hospitals, and hotels. However, certain types of buildings – such as education (E), high-hazard (H), and assembly (A) – have specific occupant load requirements that make a panic bar a must for egress.

While both exit devices are used to open and close the door, the major distinction is the ability to ’dog’ or hold the latchbolt retracted on panic hardware. This helps minimize the wear and sound that occurs with frequent latching and unlatching during everyday use.

A Panic Push Bar is a type of exit hardware that is used on egress doors to unlatch the door and allow building occupants to safely evacuate during an emergency. Panic hardware is often installed on public buildings to comply with fire codes and building code requirements.

Panic hardware must be ADA compliant to meet accessibility standards. It must be installed between 34 and 48 inches above the floor and the latching mechanism must not inhibit egress or prevent an occupant from opening the door in an emergency.

There are several different types of exit hardware and each one is intended to be used with different kinds of locks. Touch-pad and crossbar style hardware is designed to work with both fail-secure and fail-safe locks including electric locks, traditional mortise locks and automatic lock systems.If you want to install this hardware on a double door, be sure that the rim or surface vertical rod version is compatible with the doors you are installing it on. 

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