What Do You Mean by Panic Door Hardware?

Posted by Amazing Doors & Hardware,LLC on October 23rd, 2017

Panic door hardware, also referred to as panic exit devices or panic bars are door opening mechanisms that allow users to quickly and easily open doors by simply pushing a bar. Originally conceived as a device to prevent stampedes and similar incidents during emergencies, crash bars, as panic door hardware are also commonly known by, are now widely used as primary door opening mechanisms, especially in commercial buildings. 

Panic door hardware devices primarily consist of a horizontally fixed, spring-loaded metal bar, designed to swing in the direction of the exit door. As the bar is depressed, a mechanism that unlatches the door activates, allowing building occupants to leave the premises quickly. Modern fire standards require commercial buildings and occupancies where there are possibilities of mass evacuation to have doors fitted with panic bars. Other types of door opening mechanisms may slow mass evacuation and cause even more injuries in emergency situations. 

Panic door hardware should not be confused with fire exit hardware. While the two are very similar in nature, the proper hardware must be selected, depending on building code requirements. A panic exit device is reserved for use on doors that require panic hardware, but are not intended for use (or cannot be used) as a fire door. Panic bars typically have the dogging feature, which creates a push-pull function when the latch is held retracted. 

Fire exit hardware, on the other hand, are designed and tested for panic and fire conditions. They are used on fire doors, which are required by code to have positive-latching and eliminate mechanical dogging. It is best to consult with your contractor and latch hardware manufacturer to be sure of which type of exit door hardware your property or building is required to have to ensure compliance with local safety and building codes. 

Common locations where panic door hardware is required include educational facilities, high hazard environments, and buildings that have assembly occupancy. While these exit door devices are originally intended for buildings with safety code requirements, panic hardware is increasingly becoming a common choice of door handling hardware because of their extreme durability and ease of use, not to mention the added advantage of safety during emergency situations. Whether your building requires panic hardware or you simply want to have exit door mechanisms that work efficiently and can last long, panic door hardware is excellent investments for any type of property, especially buildings that require safe, quick, and easy exits. 

Author Bio: 

Amazing Doors & Hardware, LLC, proudly serves the hardware needs Worldwide. We are one of the best distributors of commercial door hardware & accessories in United States. They deal in high quality commercial door hardware and accessories online.