Panic bars are applied on the inside of the door. Usually offered in either a press or push pad style, these bars are placed on commercial doors for exit (or egress) purposes and can be placed on a door that doesn't have a "fire rating" such as exterior doors with an occupancy rate of less that 100 people. Exit trims like handles, levers or knobs go on the outside of the door to assist with entry. When properly installed and used, panic exit bars are designed to release the door latch and open the door (with less than 15 lbs. applied weight). By pushing on a panic exit device, the door should open easily and swing freely. Locks like deadbolts, surface bolts, or barrel bolts should not be used on the door with panic hardware.
Fire exit door hardware is a panic bar that is used on fire rated doors. Fire exit door hardware needs to meet fire resistance testing for a certain number of hours and not have a dogging feature. NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® document provides in-depth explanations of panic bars vs. fire rated exit hardware and their applications. Prior to installation, this document along with local ordinance codes should be examined.
The 120 Series is designed to:
The 3000FR Series by Sentry Safety is designed to: