Panic Bars and Fire Exit Devices

Panic Bars are surface mounted fire exit devices that are applied on the inside of the door. They with many functions the most popular being with a vertical rod that extends to the ceiling and floor with metal rods, that insert threw pre drilled holes. This is a commercial Locksmith device that are placed in schools, hospitals and many municipalities as they are part of the cites building code. The panic bars can be adjusted for exit or egress purposes and can be placed on a door that out swings and will lock in most cases upon closing. In simple terms it is a one way door. When a panic device is used for both exit and entry there are multiple exit trims that can be applied. Some incorporate handles and others levers or knobs and in many cases they will install an electronic opening device on the side of the wall so the door can open with no effort. A properly installed device is designed to release the latching mechanisem and open the door. Do to hydraulics sprinted hinges or door closers these doors will a minimal amount of applied pressure. Panic bars are built to code and specifications and therefore should not incorporate a separate lock or security device. They are usually fire rated and therefore have to adhere to testing to see if it falls into a criteria that is suitable for its intended use.

Some functions that are offered are

Delayed Egress:

What that means is exit can be delayed for a pre-programmed amount of time usually between 10 and 20 seconds. Changes may be made by someone who has been specified to have access control.

Delayed Egress Weatherized

This application would function most efficiently as a primary access point such as a door that is exposed to whether conditions like rain or snow.

Applications:

• Doors  that are functioning as an element of theft control, loss prevention or high security areas with restricted access. Outside doors or gates requiring high security loss prevention such as garden centers
• Private out door areas that are enclosed, such as a court-yard or therapeutic facility
• Out Door and Temporary Structures and Military Installations

Over View:

Panic Devices and fire exit hardware are made-up and consist of a door latching assembly mechanism that incorporates a device usually spring loaded, that releases the latch upon pressure directed towards the direction of travel. Whre a door is required to be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware, such releasing device shall:

1. Comprise of a set of bars or a group of  panels, with the activating portion not extending less than 1/2 of the width of the door leaf, not less than 30″ or exceed 44″ above the floor.
2. Should Cause the door latch to release when a force not to exceed 15 lb. is applied.”
3. Panic Security hardware is a precautionary device approved government  for panic hazard on specific applications. The door does not need to be fire rated.
4. Panic Fire exit hardware is a pre approved device but is fire rated and is accepted for use as panic hardware for fire exits, but which also has been tested for use on fire doors.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) NFPA has written the definitive resource for fire safety ratings it is titled the Life Safety Code and contains descriptive information of panic and fire exit hardware. It is the authority of the industry and many other Ul directories use there information as a guide line to conducting there fire safety tests and inspections.  There information has been the backbone of there competitors but stands alone when used as a source of information regarding fire ratings