Panic bars and other exit devices enable your employees and clients, students, patients and visitors to exit the commercial building quickly and safely the in case of an emergency.

The device does not require any turning of a knob, entering codes or using a key. Instead, people simply press a bar or touchpad, which unlocks the door.

Panic hardware can be installed in various kinds of buildings including educational institutions, hotels, retail stores, theaters, warehouses, offices, hospitals, events facilities and other locations where there is public or employee occupancy.

The installation and maintenance are critical. It is crucial to keep the door secure against intrusion from outside but enable reliable exit from inside.

How Commercial Panic Hardware Works

The panic bar is mounted horizontally on the inner side of the door and in case it is pressed, the door gets unlocked.

This very easy operation becomes critical in case of an emergency situation as there may be smoke, darkness, loud noises or crowds making it impossible to open a door with a lock.

There are two types of commercial panic hardware: wide bar and narrower touchpad. Each type of it is better suited for particular door and location.

Types of Exit Devices

Rim Exit Devices

It is mounted to the surface and uses a latch which locks into the strike secured to the doorframe. It is usually installed in the single doors.

Vertical Rod Devices

They are locking mechanisms securing the door at its upper point, sometimes even bottom one. Usually, it is used in pairs of doors.

Mortise Exit Devices

In this kind of devices, there is the lock body located inside the door edge. This kind of panic bars may be required for some door types.

Fire Rated Exit Devices

It is a panic bar which must comply with particular fire safety requirements. It cannot be installed by the use of incompatible parts and unauthorized locking.

Professional Installation

It is very important to measure, align and mount the device correctly. The locksmith needs to make sure that the latch will function correctly and the door will open with reasonable pressure. In addition, the strike, hinges, frame and door closer will have to function properly.

On pairs of doors, more parts will be needed to control the sequence of their closing and latching.

In case of incorrect installation, the door may:

• Not latch

• Remain unsecured

• Require too much pressure to open

• Close with a slam

• Stay ajar

• Fail to function in an emergency

Common Panic Bar Problems

The devices used in commercial buildings are under heavy use and may experience such troubles as:

• Loose bar

• Latch sticking

• Damaged strike

• Doors not closing

• Too much opening pressure

• Unusual grinding sound

• Faulty spring

• Misaligned vertical rods

• Leaking or damaged closer

The sagging door or shifting frame may lead to malfunction of the latch as well. It is impossible to replace the device without solving the problem of door alignment.

Some electronic panic bars may use electrical latch release, alarm system, outside card reader or request to exit sensors. Their correct operation is to be additionally checked.

Repair or Replacement

The majority of panic bars can be easily fixed by adjusting hardware or springs, realigning rods, repairing closer or replacing defective components.

It may be recommended to replace the device in case it is heavily damaged, outdated, improper for particular door or lacks required components.

Never block the emergency exits in commercial buildings by chains, padlocks, furniture or other barriers.

If extra security is needed outside, the alarmed exit devices and access controlled exterior trim can be recommended by the locksmith without compromising the safe exit from the building in an emergency.

Maintenance of Exit Doors

It is crucial to check the operation of panic bars on a regular basis, the door has to open easily, close itself automatically and latch without any help.

The staff of the business is responsible for notifying about problems with sticking, slamming, remaining open, unusual sounds or any troubles with exit door. The exit route should be free of boxes, furniture and other objects.

Regular maintenance helps to detect worn parts before panic bar fails.

Commercial Panic Bar Service

The professional locksmith will install, repair, replace, adjust and maintain the panic bars and exit devices.

The dependable exit hardware guarantees the security of the building against any exterior intrusions but allows people to exit in case of need.