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Panic bars are a familiar sight on commercial doors, but outdoor gates create an entirely different set of challenges. Weather exposure, corrosion, gate movement, alignment changes, and frequent use can all affect how traditional hardware performs.
D&D Technologies has introduced a new approach to solving those challenges with the MagnaLatch® Panic Bar, the world’s first magnetic latching panic bar designed specifically for outdoor environments.
Available from All Security Equipment, the MagnaLatch Panic Bar combines easy push-to-exit operation with magnetic latching technology engineered for outdoor gates, providing installers, property managers, and facility professionals with another option for creating safe and reliable pedestrian gate access.
What Makes the MagnaLatch Panic Bar Different?
Traditional panic hardware is primarily associated with indoor commercial doors. Outdoor pedestrian gates, however, can move throughout the day as temperatures and environmental conditions change.
The MagnaLatch Panic Bar addresses this with magnetic latching technology rather than relying solely on mechanical resistance. D&D Technologies says its magnetic design allows for greater intraday gate movement than typically accommodated by panic bars designed for indoor applications.
A powerful rare-earth magnet helps draw the latch bolt into position as the gate closes, supporting reliable engagement when the system is properly installed and aligned.
For installers, this means panic hardware designed from the beginning with the realities of an outdoor gate installation in mind.
Built Specifically for Outdoor Gates
One of the biggest distinctions of the MagnaLatch Panic Bar is right in its intended application: this isn’t simply indoor panic hardware being installed outside.
D&D Technologies engineered the system for both internal and external use. The panic bar incorporates corrosion-resistant components and UV-stabilized materials to help it withstand outdoor conditions.
That makes it particularly interesting for applications such as:
- Public and commercial pedestrian gates
- Swimming pool gates
- Playground gates
- Security gates
- Privacy gates
- Front and side gates
- Child-safety gates
- Single driveway gates
The system can be used with compatible aluminum, steel and ornamental iron gates, with additional gate-material compatibility depending on the configuration.
Magnetic Latching With No Mechanical Resistance
The defining feature is the MagnaLatch magnetic latching system.
Instead of requiring the same type of mechanical engagement associated with conventional hardware, the system uses magnetic force to help the latch engage as the gate reaches the closed position. D&D describes this as magnetic latching with no mechanical resistance.
This design helps accommodate some of the movement that outdoor gates can experience during normal daily operation.
The panic bar also offers up to 1/2 inch (13 mm) of horizontal adjustment, with a specified gate-gap range of approximately 7/16 inch to 15/16 inch (11–24 mm).
Proper gate installation and alignment remain essential, and installers should always follow the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
Easy Push-to-Exit Operation
From inside the secured area, users can simply push the 36-inch panic bar to release the gate.
This makes the MagnaLatch particularly useful in pedestrian gate applications where simple, recognizable exit operation is important. D&D also identifies the panic bar as suitable for ADA standards.
For applications requiring entry from the opposite side, the system can be paired with the MagnaLatch Access Vertical Pull.
Add Controlled Entry With MagnaLatch Access
D&D Technologies also offers the MagnaLatch Panic Bar as part of a complete kit with its MagnaLatch Access Vertical Pull.
While the panic bar provides push-to-exit operation from one side of the gate, the Access attachment provides a lockable entry solution from the other.
The MagnaLatch Access includes a universal release knob designed for easy operation and child safety, and the latch can be locked when it is not in use. D&D states that the Access Latch is designed to meet ADA requirements for operable force without requiring tight grasping or twisting.
This combination creates a practical solution for locations that need convenient egress while maintaining controlled access from the opposite side.
Compatible With Different Locking Options
Another advantage for security professionals is flexibility.
The MagnaLatch Panic Bar is compatible with a range of common locking solutions, including:
- Lever locks
- Coded locks
- Electronic locks
- Smart locks
This gives installers more flexibility when designing a pedestrian gate around the access requirements of a particular property.
A Strong Solution for Pool and Public-Safety Gates
Pool gates are one application where dependable gate closure and latching are especially important.
D&D Technologies specifically highlights public pool safety as an important use case for the MagnaLatch Panic Bar. The magnetic system is designed to help the gate latch consistently while its outdoor construction addresses the weather exposure associated with pool and perimeter environments.
However, hardware alone does not determine whether a gate installation complies with local requirements. Pool gate, emergency egress, accessibility, fire, building, and life-safety codes can vary by jurisdiction. Always verify the requirements of the applicable authority having jurisdiction before selecting or installing gate hardware.
Two MagnaLatch Panic Bar Options Available at All Security Equipment
All Security Equipment currently offers two configurations, allowing installers to select the solution that better fits the project.
D&D Technologies ML3PB36R MagnaLatch Panic Bar
The D&D Technologies ML3PB36R includes the 36-inch MagnaLatch Panic Bar and rim strike plate.
It is a good choice when the project primarily requires the panic bar or when the installer plans to combine it with another compatible locking or access solution.
Key features include:
- 36-inch panic bar
- Rim strike plate
- Magnetic latching
- Outdoor-ready, corrosion-resistant construction
- Up to 1/2-inch horizontal adjustment
- 11–24 mm gate-gap range
- Compatibility with common lever, coded, electronic, and smart locks
- Suitable for ADA standards
- Black finish
D&D Technologies ML3PB36RVPKA MagnaLatch Panic Bar + Access Kit
For projects requiring both easy exit and controlled access from the opposite side, the ML3PB36RVPKA MagnaLatch Panic Bar Kit provides a more complete solution.
The kit includes:
- MagnaLatch 36-inch Panic Bar
- MagnaLatch Access Vertical Pull
- Rim Strike Plate
The panic bar provides convenient push-to-exit operation, while the lockable Vertical Pull provides keyed access from the opposite side of the gate.
Which MagnaLatch Panic Bar Should You Choose?
The choice mainly comes down to how people need to use the gate.
Choose the ML3PB36R MagnaLatch Panic Bar when you need the 36-inch magnetic panic bar and rim strike and want flexibility in how access from the opposite side is configured.
Choose the ML3PB36RVPKA MagnaLatch Panic Bar + Access Kit when the project calls for a more complete gate access solution with push-to-exit operation on one side and a lockable Vertical Pull for access from the other.
In either case, gate dimensions, post size, gate gap, material, alignment, local codes, and the overall access-control requirements should be reviewed before installation.
A New Approach to Outdoor Gate Panic Hardware
The MagnaLatch Panic Bar brings one of D&D Technologies’ best-known concepts, magnetic gate latching, into a category traditionally dominated by mechanically operated indoor hardware.
By creating the world’s first magnetic latching panic bar specifically designed for outdoor environments, D&D Technologies has developed a solution that addresses some of the challenges installers encounter when bringing panic hardware to exterior pedestrian gates.
With magnetic latching, corrosion-resistant construction, horizontal adjustability, ADA-suitable operation, and options for controlled access from the opposite side, the MagnaLatch Panic Bar provides a versatile new option for commercial, pool, playground, security, and other outdoor gate applications.
Need help choosing the right MagnaLatch configuration for your project? Explore both D&D Technologies MagnaLatch Panic Bar options at All Security Equipment or contact our team for help selecting the right gate hardware for your application.
