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Have you ever wondered what those long metal bars on the doors of public buildings are called? You may have heard them referred to as panic bars or crash bars. But do you know what they are and why they are used? In this article, we will explain what panic bars and crash bars are, how they work, and why they are important for safety and security.  Panic bars and crash bars are different names for the same type of door hardware that allows emergency-free egress. This means that the door can be opened easily and quickly by pushing the bar from the inside, without the need for a key, a knob, or a handle. We will also discuss the difference between a panic bar and a crash bar and code requirements that apply to them.

difference between a panic bar and a crash bar

Panic bars and crash bars are designed to prevent people from being trapped inside a building in case of a fire, a stampede, or any other emergency. They also prevent unauthorized access from the outside, as the door can only be opened from the inside. Panic bars and crash bars have many benefits for both the occupants and the owners of the building. They can save lives by allowing people to escape quickly and safely in an emergency. Let’s dive into this article and how a panic bar is different from a crash bar.

Types of Exit Devices

The proper name for panic bars and crash bars is exit devices. Exit devices are classified by the shape and style of the bar that activates the latch. There are three main designs for exit devices: touch bar, crossbar, and integrated.

Touch Bar:

A touch bar is the most common and popular design for exit devices. It consists of a horizontal metal bar that runs across the width of the door, usually at waist level. The bar is attached to a spring-loaded mechanism that releases the latch when the bar is pushed. A touch bar is easy to operate and requires minimal force and movement. It is also comfortable and ergonomic for the user.

Touch bar

Crossbar:

A crossbar is an older and traditional design for exit devices. It consists of a vertical metal rod that connects two horizontal bars, one on each side of the door. The rod is attached to a pivot point that releases the latch when the rod is pushed. A crossbar is more visible and noticeable than a touch bar, but it may also be more prone to vandalism and damage. It may also be less convenient and comfortable for the user, as it requires more force and movement to operate.

cross bar

Integrated:

An integrated exit device is a newer and innovative design for exit devices. It consists of a metal plate that covers the entire surface of the door, with a hidden mechanism. This mechanism releases the latch when the plate is pushed. An integrated exit device is the most discreet and elegant design, as it blends in with the door and does not interfere with the appearance of the building. It is also the most secure and durable design, as it protects the mechanism from tampering and wear and tear. However, it may also be the most expensive and complex design, as it requires more installation and maintenance.

integrated

We recommend patriot locksmith as a reliable and professional service provider for installing and repairing exit devices. Their team have the expertise and experience to handle any type of exit device, whether it is a touch bar, a crossbar, or an integrated design. They also offer a wide range of brands and models to suit your needs and preferences. They can help you choose the best exit device for your door, based on factors such as size, material, style, and functionality.

Types of Latches

Exit devices can also be classified by how they latch to the door frame. The latch is the part of the exit device that secures the door when it is closed and releases it when it is opened. There are four main types of latches for exit devices: rim, mortise, surface vertical rod, and concealed rod.

Rim:

A rim latch is the simplest and most common type of latch for exit devices. It consists of a metal plate that is mounted on the surface of the door, near the edge. The plate has a hook or a bolt that extends out and engages with a strike plate on the door frame. A rim latch is easy to install and operate, but it may also be less secure and stable than other types of latches. It may also be more visible and noticeable, which may affect the appearance of the door.

Mortise:

A mortise latch is a more complex and sophisticated type of latch for exit devices. It consists of a metal box that is recessed into the edge of the door. This comes with a hook or a bolt that extends out and engages with a strike plate on the door frame. A mortise latch is more secure and stable than a rim latch, as it provides a stronger and deeper connection between the door and the frame. It is also more discreet and elegant, as it does not protrude from the surface of the door. However, it may also be more difficult and expensive to install and maintain, as it requires more cutting and drilling of the door.

Surface Vertical Rod:

A surface vertical rod latch is a type of latch for exit devices that are used for double doors. It consists of two metal rods that run vertically along the surface of each door, from the top to the bottom. The rods have hooks or bolts that extend out and engage with strike plates on the top and bottom of the door frame. A surface vertical rod latch is useful for securing both the active and the inactive door, without the need for a mullion or a divider between them. It is also adjustable and flexible, as it can accommodate different door heights and widths. However, it may also be less secure and durable than other types of latches. Because it exposes the rods to tampering and damage. It may also be less aesthetically pleasing, as it adds more hardware to the door.

Concealed Rod:

A concealed rod latch is a type of latch for exit devices that are used for double doors. It consists of two metal rods that run vertically inside the door, from the top to the bottom. The rods have hooks or bolts that extend out and engage with strike plates on the top and bottom of the door frame. A concealed rod latch is similar to a surface vertical rod latch, but it hides the rods within the door, making them more secure and attractive. It is also more reliable and long-lasting, as it protects the rods from tampering and damage. However, it may also be costlier and more complicated to install and repair, as it requires more cutting and drilling of the door.

What You Need to Know About Code Requirements

If you own or manage a commercial building, you may have heard of panic bars and crash bars. These are devices that allow people to quickly and easily exit a building in case of an emergency. But did you know that panic bars and crash bars are regulated by building codes and standards? In this article, we will explain the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware. And when each type of device is required by the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). How to choose the best exit device for your situation will also be discussed. We will also recommend Patriot Locksmith as a knowledgeable and certified service provider for ensuring compliance with code requirements for your exit device.

Panic Hardware Vs Fire Exit Hardware

Panic hardware and fire exit hardware are two types of exit devices that are designed to allow people to escape from a building in an emergency. However, here are some key differences between a panic bar and a crash bar that affect their functionality and installation.

Panic hardware: 

Panic hardware is a device that consists of a spring-loaded metal bar that releases the latch of the door when pushed. This can be used on any door that is required to have a latch. Panic hardware can be either rim-mounted (attached to the surface of the door) or concealed (mounted inside the door). Panic hardware can also have additional features, such as electric locks, alarms, or delayed egress.

Fire exit hardware:

Fire exit hardware is a device that is similar to panic hardware but has some additional requirements. This can only be used on fire-rated doors that are part of a fire-rated assembly. Fire exit hardware must be labeled as such and must not have any mechanical dogging feature. Fire exit hardware must also be able to withstand a certain amount of heat and pressure and must self-close and self-latch after each use.

When is Panic Hardware Required by the IBC?

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings. The IBC is adopted by most states and local jurisdictions in the United States and is updated every three years. The latest version of the IBC is the 2021 edition. The IBC requires panic hardware on doors that serve as exits for certain occupancies, such as assembly, educational, high-hazard, and institutional. Rooms or spaces with an occupant load of 50 or more also need panic hardware on their exit doors. Doors that are part of a horizontal exit also need panic hardware. A horizontal exit is a fire-resistance-rated wall that separates two building areas and allows occupants to move from one area.

When is required

When is Fire Exit Hardware Required by the NFPA?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes codes and standards for fire safety and prevention. The NFPA is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an accredited standards developer. The NFPA publishes over 300 codes and standards, covering topics such as fire alarms, sprinklers, electrical systems, and emergency lighting. One of the most widely used NFPA standards is NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. This provides minimum requirements for the design and operation of buildings to protect occupants from fire and other hazards. The latest edition of NFPA 101 is the 2021 edition.

When is Fire Exit Hardware Required

NFPA 101 requires fire exit hardware on doors that are part of a fire-rated assembly, such as fire doors, fire barriers, or fire partitions. Doors that are part of a means of egress also require fire exit hardware. A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way. Doors that are part of a vertical exit enclosure also require fire exit hardware. A vertical exit enclosure is a stairway, ramp, or elevator shaft that is enclosed by fire-resistance-rated walls and doors.

Why Choose Patriot Locksmith for Your Exit Device Needs?

If you are looking for a knowledgeable and certified service provider to ensure compliance with code requirements for your exit device, you should choose Patriot Locksmith. Patriot Locksmith is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community for over 20 years. Their team can distinguish between a panic bar and a crash bar They offer a wide range of locksmith services, including installation, repair, and maintenance of panic bars and crash bars. Patriot Locksmith has the expertise and experience to handle any type of exit device. Whether it is rim-mounted, concealed, electric, or alarmed. Patriot Locksmith also has the credentials and certifications to ensure that your exit device meets the standards and regulations of the IBC, the NFPA. Their team is available 24/7 and offers free estimates and consultations. Patriot Locksmith is the best choice for your exit device needs.

Video Guidance:

Here is a video guidance for you make a difference between a panic bat and a push bar:

Conclusion:

In this article, we discussed the difference between a panic bar and a crash bar and how they work. Panic bars and crash bars are two terms that refer to similar but not identical types of door hardware. They allow people to exit a building quickly and safely in case of an emergency. They are both push bars that release the latch when pressure is applied. But they differ in their design, function, and code requirements. Panic bars have a spring-loaded mechanism that retracts the latch bolt when the bar is pushed. While crash bars have a direct mechanical connection that pushes the latch bolt out when the bar is pushed.

Panic bars are required for doors that serve as fire exits or are part of an exit route. While crash bars are suitable for doors that are not subject to fire codes or are used for internal purposes. Both panic bars and crash bars provide security and convenience for building occupants and visitors. But they need to be installed and maintained properly by qualified professionals. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced locksmith service that can install, repair, or replace panic bars and crash bars for your commercial, residential, or automotive needs, you may want to consider Patriot Locksmith.

 

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