What is a Push Bar Door?
Push bars, commonly referred to as panic bars or crash bars, are essential safety features typically found on exit doors to facilitate quick and effortless egress during emergencies. Many public buildings are equipped with these devices, and their primary function is to allow building occupants to swiftly exit the premises by simply pushing a bar, making it easier to open the door.
The primary purpose of a panic bar or crash bar is to ensure safe and rapid evacuation in case of fires, security threats, or other emergencies, thereby fulfilling critical life safety code requirements. This article looks at the types of panic devices to install, their safety features, and the benefits an exit device provides for your building. For the easy installation of high-security panic bars, contact the trained professionals at Hiro Locksmith.
Types of Panic Bar Devices
Installing an exit or panic device in commercial buildings, apartments, and retail stores offers an added level of protection to the occupants and a quick emergency exit in the event of a fire or other situation. Let’s look at some of the more common panic devices.
Rim Exit Devices
Rim exit devices are typically surface-mounted on single doors, with some elements of the panic hardware, such as the latch, projecting out from the panic device rather than at the edge of the door. This type of exit device is particularly suitable for single-door applications and is commonly installed in commercial and public buildings.
Its design allows for straightforward installation and provides reliable protection and easy opening during an emergency. These types of panic devices can be installed with all the necessary panic hardware, such as the cylinder lock, trim, leaf, small steel pull plate, and more.
Surface Vertical Rod Exit Devices
Surface vertical rod exit devices are typically used for a pair of doors. Panic hardware includes a vertical rod system and latches that can be surface-mounted on the face of the door or concealed inside the door itself.
Because these devices use the vertical rod and latch system, they are ideal for metal door applications and are frequently installed in retail stores or any busy commercial space. The rods offer better protection and efficient exiting and opening for medium to high-traffic areas. It is almost impossible to force open a bolted door containing these rods.
Alarmed Exit Devices
Alarmed exit devices are equipped with a sound mechanism that triggers an alarm when someone attempts to exit through the door. This feature sounds like an alarm alerting management of an unauthorized exit. With the addition of the alarm, this system enhances protection in environments like retail stores and other commercial spaces.
With the alarm system in place, these devices serve as a deterrent to unauthorized use and a means to ensure that doors are used appropriately during emergencies.
Key Components of a Panic Device
Stainless Steel Latch Bolt
A stainless steel latch bolt is an integral part of the panic hardware, providing durability to the exit devices. These steel latches resist corrosion and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance even under frequent use.
Not only is this type of steel panic device stronger than others, but the steel used in the panic hardware and crash bar itself helps maintain the reliability of these exit doors in critical situations. You can use this panic device on wood or metal door applications for optimum protection.
Exit Device Trim
Exit device trim comes in various styles, including lever, grip pull, and night latch trim, allowing for customization to suit specific needs and preferences for various wood and metal door applications. You can even paint these trims to enhance the door’s aesthetic appeal. With a painted door and custom-painted trim installed on your door, you have an exit device that looks great but also works great during an emergency.
Safety Features
Fire-Rated Exit Devices
Fire-rated exit devices are designed to meet stringent fire safety standards, ensuring a safe exit in the event of a fire. These devices are essential for commercial buildings and public spaces where exiting the door quickly in the event of a fire is a top priority. These doors, along with properly installed direction signs, ensure that occupants can locate and unlock the door, evacuating quickly and safely.
Primary and Secondary Exits
Primary doors are typically exterior doors designed for frequent use and must be equipped with reliable exit devices to ensure quick and efficient exiting. Secondary exits, used mainly in emergencies, also require exit devices on doors that meet life safety code requirements. It’s important to maintain both types of exits to ensure they function correctly when needed most.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation Instructions
Proper installation of exit devices is crucial to their effectiveness. Brand manufacturers of panic devices provide detailed installation instructions, which should be followed meticulously for easy installation and function.
Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance of exit devices is essential to ensure their proper functioning. Over time, wear and tear can affect their performance. Regular maintenance checks help maintain compliance with safety standards and ensure that the devices are ready for use at all times.
When To Call Hiro Locksmith
If you are unsure how to install a particular type of panic device for your brand of door, you might be causing more damage to the door, plate, trim, knob, rods, and any other hardware included with the panic device. For proper installation of panic bars, call the professionals at Hiro Locksmith. We have years of experience with several brands of panic bars. Whether you need the panic device installed on wood or steel doors, we handle them all.
Benefits and Considerations
Increased Protection and Efficiency For Your Door
A push bar door significantly enhances safety and efficiency by providing fast and easy egress in emergencies. You can unlock the door quickly without the need for a key or other device. They meet life safety code requirements and ensure compliance with local fire departments and building codes.
Compliance with Building Codes
Exit devices must adhere to specific building codes and regulations. Ensuring compliance with these codes is vital to avoid costly fines and penalties. Doors with properly installed and maintained exit devices help buildings meet these requirements and provide peace of mind to building owners and occupants.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Exit Device
When selecting an exit device, factors such as door type, traffic volume, and security needs must be considered. Choosing the right device for your door involves assessing the specific needs and preferences of the building and its occupants.
By selecting an exit device that meets these criteria, building managers can ensure safety and efficiency, providing reliable egress solutions that protect lives in emergencies. Contact Hiro Locksmith today for superior and secure exit device installation.