Emergencies can rattle everyone. Even the calmest people can get lost when under duress, and there is a threat to safety looming. This is where panic hardware installation comes in – to give people a way out in a safe manner.
What Is Panic Hardware?
Panic hardware is an exit device that allows people to conveniently leave the vicinity by simply pushing a bar to open exit doors. These devices play an essential role in keeping people safe, especially in commercial facilities such as hotels, schools, and malls.
Panic hardware has a dogging capability that cannot be found in fire exit hardware. The dogging feature of a panic exit device is useful when the door needs to stay open for a longer time, like in emergencies or when securing deliveries. Mechanical dogging can be done through a hex key or key cylinder.
Due to fire safety concerns, mechanical dogging functions don’t apply to fire doors to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. To achieve dogging functions for a fire door, the installation of electrical dogging options is viable as long as they are connected to the fire alarm system.
Different Types of Panic Hardware
Panic hardware comes in different types. These types are based on whether they can be utilized on a single or double-door application.
The four types of panic hardware are:
Rim
A rim exit device is one of the most popular types of panic hardware, given its easy installation and maintenance. A rim panic device has a latch bolt coming out from the panic device and latches onto the door’s surface.
The rim device is often used on single doors and double doors with a removable mullion.
The entire panic hardware is surface-mounted, but a hole can be bored for a key cylinder or other outside pull plate installation.
Mortise
Mortise is also a common type of panic hardware usually installed on exit doors and emergency exits. In this system, the panic hardware mounted on the door face controls the mortise lock installed on the side of the door frame. Since it is more complex to install, this type of panic device is less commonly used.
Vertical Rod/Cable
One of the best features of a vertical rod exit device is that it can latch at both the top and bottom parts of the door. It is best used for double doors. It can be mounted on the surface or concealed inside the door, whichever you prefer.
For the surface vertical rod panic bar, the rod on the door surface activates the latch at the top and bottom parts of the door. The top and bottom latches have a surface-mounted strike they can activate for operation.
Double doors with no center posts mostly use the surface vertical rod exit device. This type may experience issues in cold climates and may need to be adjusted often due to ground heaving. It may also easily get damaged since the hardware is exposed.
Conversely, the concealed vertical rod panic bar is not visible. As its name suggests, this panic bar is well hidden from prying eyes and abusive hands. Thus, vandalism and wear and tear do not pose problems as much as it does with the surface-mounted vertical rod.
In the concealed version, the rod or cable is located inside the door. It operates the same way as the surface-mounted vertical rod/cable.
Multi-Point
This type of panic hardware combines the convenience of a rim device with the security of vertical rods for a 3-point latch. It provides enhanced security and also meets windstorm building code requirements in some states.
Factors to Consider Right Panic Hardware
Knowing and understanding the different types of panic hardware may help you choose the suitable exit device for your door. However, there are other factors you must consider when choosing the right one.
Panic Hardware Designs
The types of panic hardware also come in various design styles. Choosing one will affect the aesthetics and the overall design of the entire door.
- Touchpad Style. The most commonly used design, especially for modern buildings and other contemporary applications. To operate, a person pushes the pad into the body to retract the latch. It is also the best one for electrified exit devices since it has enough space to house electronic components.
- Crossbar Style. Typically used for glass doors or to achieve a vintage look, a minimalist and sleek crossbar extends the entire width of the door. Unfortunately, this style limits electrified options due to the lack of space for components.
- Recessed Style. Also referred to as an integral device, this style recessed into the face of the door. It cuts out in the door and is, therefore, only good to use in hollow metal doors.
Finishes
Depending on the look you are after, panic hardware comes in various finishes. You can opt for anodized aluminum, powder coat finishes, stainless steel and other architectural plated finishes.
With a selection of finishes, the panic exit device can easily blend with the rest of the commercial door hardware.
Exit Device Options
Panic hardware comes with several optional add-ons. These additional features enhance the safety and security of the panic exit device. These options include:
- Security indicators
- Alarmed exit device
- Delayed egress
- Mechanical and electrical dogging
- Electric latch retraction
Ratings
Before choosing suitable panic hardware, always check for the rating it has been issued. A panic-rated device means that the door can be “dogged” and can be opened with a key cylinder or an Allen wrench.
Another rating is a Fire Rated Panic Hardware that can help contain fires for about three hours. Panic devices with this label cannot be dogged because they have an active latch bolt meant for positive latching to prevent the fire from spreading. However, the option of electric latch retraction can be added to provide it with dogging capability.
Safe Exit with Panic Hardware
Make sure to choose and install reliable panic exit devices from brands you can trust, like Von Duprin. Von Duprin is one of the brands we carry at All Security Equipment.
Our online shop is your one-stop shop for all security and safety needs. Our catalog of door hardware, door closers and other related door accessories come from a variety of tested-and-proven brands.
For further assistance, our customer service will be more than willing to help you during operation hours!
