Exit Devices / Panic Bars

Exit devices and panic hardware from the most trusted brands in America

Panic hardware, also known as an exit device, panic bar, crash bar, touch bar or push bar, is designed to provide building occupants fast and easy egress in an emergency. Exit Devices unlock doors opening to the outside during emergency conditions. Exit devices are required by building code and local fire departments for many public buildings. Buildings will not pass inspection if they are not up to The Life Safety Code with door hardware.

Because of its durability and ease of use, panic hardware is also commonly installed in places where it isn’t required by code.

• Required for most rooms with 50+ people (and all high hazard occupancies)
• Devices available for steel, wood, and aluminum doors
• Single & double door applications
• Trusted brands including Von Duprin, Falcon, Precision, Dormakaba, Sargent, Corbin Russwin, and Yale

Understanding Code Requirements for Panic Hardware

Exit Device Types

Rim Exit Devices: A rim panic device is surface-mounted on the door, with the latch projecting from the panic device rather than the door edge. This is the simplest configuration of panic hardware, and the easiest to maintain. Rim panics can be used on single doors, or on pairs of doors in conjunction with a removable mullion.

Vertical Rod/Cable Devices: Vertical rod exit devices are typically used for pairs of doors, and the rods and latches may be surface-mounted on the face of the door, or concealed inside of the door. Vertical rod fire exit hardware is sometimes installed “less bottom rod” (LBR), which allows floor strikes to be omitted along with the bottom rods and latches.

Mortise Exit Devices: A mortise panic device has a mortise lock body which is installed in the door, with the panic hardware mounted on the door face but controlling the mortise lock. Mortise panics are less commonly used than rim panics, likely because of the more complex door preparation and product design. For fire-rated pairs with a 3-hour label, mortise fire exit hardware is sometimes used in conjunction with vertical rod fire exit hardware on the other leaf, but some manufacturers have successfully tested their products for 3 hours with vertical rod fire exit hardware on both leaves.

Alarmed Exit Devices: Alarmed exit devices are designed for primary and secondary exits that require an alarm to sound when someone attempts to exit, alerting management to the unauthorized exit. These devices are typically found in retail stores, on emergency exit doors.

Exit Device Trim

Exit Device Trim: The outside trim or control is used to retract the panic hardware latch(es) from the exterior. The exit-only function has no exterior trim. Nightlatch trim is typically used where panic hardware is “dogged” to unlock the door, and may have a cylinder only, a cylinder and a pull handle, or a cylinder with a fixed lever handle. Lever trim is available in passage, storeroom, or classroom functions. Thumbpiece trim is also available.