Differences in Panic Door Hardware and How to Choose the Right One for You

Door Panic Hardware: Get to Know the Basics

"Panic Doors" are typical in public places like commercial buildings and hospitals. It provides significant benefits. A Panic door or exit door, as popularly known, have an essential hardware component: the Panic Bar. Panic Bars are the hardware that use to unlock the doors. In an emergency, this device is attached to the outside and be used instead of the standard door handle. You can open the door by putting your weight on the bar. So, all you need is a door closer and a release button on the other side of the door.

This Panic exit device has various types, and there are many factors to consider when choosing suitable Panic door hardware. Today's article aims to understand the different kinds of Panic door hardware and how to choose the best one for you.

What are Panic Bars?

A Panic Bar is a door handle that lets people open doors by pushing a bar. Initially, the aim is to prevent people from getting crushed in an emergency. Today, Panic Bars are famous in commercial buildings, and many use them as the primary way to open doors.

In addition, a door that has panic hardware cannot have an additional locking mechanism added to it, such as a deadlock, chain, padlock, and others. Finally, panic hardware cannot have a feature that prevents the latch from being released when the touchpad or crossbar is depressed. The only exception to this rule is a controlled or delayed egress device that the code permits in specific applications.

The Panic exit device is a metal bar with a spring attached horizontally to a door that swings toward an exit. Pushing the bar will let people quickly leave the building. Modern fire codes often require that doors in commercial facilities and other places where many people may have trouble getting out soon if the doors don't have Panic bars.

Various Types of Panic Exit Devices

Many door types have panic bars as a primary feature, especially for public and commercial use. You can select Panic hardware based on your building's style, price, and security requirements. Here are the various Panic exit devices you need to understand before purchasing one.

Rim Exit Device

Rim exit device provides greater security. As a result, it has become the most popular Panic hardware. Features of the Rim exit device are surfaced-mounted on the face of the door. The unit's latching mechanisms contain one lever arm case that doubles as a clock case. The latch bolt sticks out of the lock case instead of the edge of the door. Then, the strike is attached to the frame stop. Before securing the surface strike plate, ensure the frame must strengthen.

Concealed Vertical Rod Device

Hidden inside the door is a vertical rod exit device. On the lock stile, the latching mechanism is hidden. This method of installation makes things look better, but it makes installation harder. Cases, crossbars, and touch bars are attached.

Vertical Rod Device

Devices with Vertical rods are surface-mounted like a Rim exit device. Their crossbar functionality is also identical. Using vertical rods to latch the door, extend the device from the lock case to the top and bottom. It also engages strike plates attached to the frame's head and the floor. Also, two devices may use on pairs of doors with both active leaves and no mullion.

Mortise Exit Device

The Mortise exit device is compatible with typical mortise lock cuts. It operates from the inside by a crossbar attached to the door at both ends by lever arm cases. In addition, the strike plate conjunct with the Mortise device is compatible with the standard frame. The best features are that it provides instant egress and greater security. 

How to Choose Panic Door Hardware?

Several factors should consider when choosing a suitable Panic door hardware for your commercial building. The following are the lists of factors that will influence your choices.

• Consider the Door Design
• Consider the Door Size
• Consider the Door Glazing
• Check the Building Code
• Check the Owner Requirements
• Check the Overlapping Astragals

Furthermore, building codes and Life Safety codes are crucial. It will determine what kind of Panic hardware is best to use in certain commercial places. Most places have adopted the International Building Code (IBC) rules. However, it is always wise to check first to see if your state or city has different requirements.

Most buildings have gatherings, teaching, or high-risk activities; therefore, they must have Panic bars. For example, the National Fire Protection Agency requires Panic door hardware in facilities that can hold at least 100 people. On the other hand, the International Building Code (IBC) says panic hardware must be in buildings that can keep at least 50 people. Lastly, The National Electric Code says that high-risk facilities with specific electrical equipment require panic hardware, no matter how many people live in the building.

Final Thoughts

It may cause injuries by Panic hardware doors, which are most often because by poor installation, Poor maintenance, and putting secondary locks in the wrong places. Panic hardware is a part of a door made to make it easy and quick to get out of a doorway. Typically, commercial buildings, hotels, and hospitals install Panic hardware on the doors of hallways. Even if it's not a requirement by code, Panic hardware can install for comfort, safety, or durability.

The most important thing about panic devices is that you don't need special skills. You just push a rod, bar, or other triggers, and the latch mechanism moves back, letting you open the door. These devices work differently than a standard door lock because they let you out without a key or rotary motion. Therefore, it is ideal for all people, even people with disability.

UHS Hardware is your ideal partner for Panic door hardware. They are the best in Miami if you are searching for a reliable provider. Any questions you have in mind will accommodate by their professional team. UHS Hardware sells a range of door hardware and locks for homes and businesses, car keys, smart keys, keyless entry remotes, and more.