Panic hardware is an emergency exit device installed on commercial doors, emergency exits, and fire doors which allows fast and easy egress. Also known as a crash bar, push bar, or panic device, this mechanism unlatches the door without the need of a key, twisting, pushing levers, or any other unlocking maneuvers.
Why is panic hardware required?
Panic hardware, also known as an exit device, is designed to provide building occupants fast and easy egress in an emergency. Because of its durability and ease of use, panic hardware is commonly installed in places where it isn't required by code.
Do all exit doors require panic hardware?
Keep in mind that when an application requires panic hardware, all of the doors in the means of egress from that room or area will typically require panic hardware, including the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
What is the purpose of a panic bar?
Panic bars prevent entry from the opposite side of a door. On the inner side of the door, they ensure exit in times of emergency. Many countries require exit alarm panic bars to be installed on the doors of public establishments for safety purposes.
Where are panic bars required?
Where panic hardware is required, the actuating portion of the device (touchpad or crossbar) must be at least half the width of the door leaf. Current codes require panic hardware to be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor.
Why is it called a panic bar?
The names panic bar and crash bar were coined to indicate the way people when panicked in a mass evacuation due to emergency crashed into the doors in order to exit. In any building area or room where many people may be gathered, code requirements dictate that safe and easy egress must always be possible.
Can you put a panic bar on a glass door?
Panic Exit Devices for Glass Doors are available to make glass doors comply with building code egress requirements. The locking side is reversible for single doors (rim device).
Why was the panic bar invented?
What is a panic bar? While originally created as a way to prevent crowd crushing in an emergency, panic bars are now used as the primary door opening mechanism in many commercial buildings.
Who invented the panic bar?
Von Duprin
How does a panic bar work?
How it Works. Panic bars consist of a flat, horizontal bar attached to the inside of an outward-opening door. This flat bar retracts a latch mechanism when pushed, unlocking the door for fast exit. Doors using a classic crash bar require no knowledge or keys to operate and are ADA-compliant for handicapped usage.
What is a panic bar lock?
A panic lock (also called a panic bar, a crash bar, or a panic device) is used to provide quick unlocking of a door in an emergency situation. Pushing on the bar will release the lock, making it easy to push the door outward and escape to the outside.Apr 2, 2019
Where is panic hardware needed?
The required locations for panic hardware vary depending on which code has been adopted, but typically, panic hardware is required for assembly, educational/daycare, and high hazard occupancies, where the calculated occupant load is 50 people or more (International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC
Are crash bars required on exit doors?
It is usually only installed on doors that are required by law to have panic hardware. International Building Code IBC only requires this type of hardware on buildings: with specific high-traffic or high-hazard occupancy, such as educational or assembly facilities with more than 50 people.Dec 1, 2016