EXIT BAR/PANIC BAR

At WaunaKey Locksmith, we specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of exit bars (panic bars) for commercial properties. These essential safety devices allow for quick and secure emergency exits, ensuring your building complies with fire safety regulations and local codes. Whether you’re upgrading outdated hardware or outfitting a new building, our expert locksmiths provide fast, reliable service using high-quality, durable components. Trust us to enhance the security and safety of your business while keeping your doors accessible when it matters most.

An Exit Device — sometimes called a Panic Bar or Crash Bar — is mechanical door hardware operated from the inside of an outswing exit door through the use of a crossbar or push rail and extends at least halfway across its width. According to life safety code, an exit device must always release the door without prior knowledge of how to operate the device. Any horizontal force on the crossbar or push rail will release the door.

The History of Exit Devices

  • In1903, 602 people lost their lives in the Iroquois theater fire in Chicago because iron gates blocked exits1
  • In1908, 174 children died in the Collinwood school fire in Cleveland 2
  • In1911, 148 girls perished when fire swept through Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York3

These figures represent only some of the massive loss of life due to fire in the first half of the 20th century. In many of these cases, many people were crushed to death in the panic that resulted as they frantically tried to get out of buildings. In some cases, there were not enough doors; sometimes, doors were locked, and sometimes, doors that opened inward were blocked because of a surge of people.

In the 1911 shirt factory fire, the owner and operator of the building was arrested, put on trial, and convicted for not providing adequate protection for his employees. He was heavily fined and sent to prison. His defense was that there were no laws defining the degree of protection he had to provide for his workers, but he was found guilty nonetheless.

Different Types Of Exit Devices

1. Rim Exit Device

Rim Exit Devices are surface-mounted panic bars designed for fast and safe egress during emergencies. Ideal for single or double doors, they offer reliable performance and easy operation. Our locksmiths provide expert installation and maintenance to ensure your building stays secure and code-compliant.

  • Operation: Crafted for smooth operation, a simple press or push on the panic bar releases the latch with ease.
  • Typical Use: It’s a popular choice for single exterior doors or the primary leaf of double doors, offering top-notch security and resilience against daily use.
  • Security: Among all exit device applications, Rim Exit Devices stand out as the most secure.
  • Application: Think of the main exit doors in small businesses. The goal? Preventing unauthorized access while ensuring ease of maintenance.

2. Mortise Exit Device

Mortise Exit Devices feature a built-in mortise lock for added strength and durability, making them perfect for high-traffic commercial doors. They combine emergency exit functionality with superior security. Our professional locksmiths ensure precise installation for long-lasting, code-compliant performance.

  • Typical Use: It’s the go-to for doors where aesthetics meet functionality, adding an extra safety layer and demanding minimal upkeep.
  • Key Advantage: Mortise panic devices are a security powerhouse. Why? They’re integrated into the door, making them more robust and secure than their surface-mounted counterparts.
  • Functionality: Thanks to the 8” body, Mortise Exit Devices come with a broader range of functions, giving institutions and facilities more versatility.
  • Application: Picture the front doors of commercial spaces, where the need is for durable hardware that keeps potential intruders at bay.

3. Vertical Rod Exit Device

Vertical Rod Exit Devices are designed for double doors, using top and bottom rods to secure the door without the need for a center mullion. They provide strong, reliable exit solutions while maintaining a clean, modern look. Our team installs and services these systems to ensure maximum safety and smooth operation.

  • Operation: A simple push or shove is all it takes to unlock the door.
  • Typical Use: Perfect for double doors that see frequent use, designed to withstand daily challenges.
  • Application: Envision auditorium doors that demand both security and ease of maintenance.

4. Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device

Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Devices offer discreet, secure exit solutions with hidden rods inside the door, ideal for sleek commercial aesthetics. They provide robust top and bottom locking without visible hardware. Our locksmith experts ensure precise installation for reliable, code-compliant emergency egress.

  • Operation: A gentle press on the bar, and voila! The concealed rods release.
  • Typical Use: Ideal for venues valuing aesthetics, with the concealed feature adding a touch of safety.
  • Application: Luxury venues with a focus on preventing unauthorized access and long-lasting hardware.