Fire exit and final exit doors are life savers whose hardware needs to operate every time without fail. Emergency exit devices may not be used anywhere near as often as corridor door pull handles, classroom levers, or restaurant kitchen door hinges, but they must operate to their full capacity on the rare occasions they’re used.
But what exactly is panic door hardware?
If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you will know that door hardware is seldom straightforward, with only one option or variation. Final exit door hardware is no exception.
So join us as we explain basic terminology and break down the main types of escape door hardware, plus the factors to consider when selecting the right products for your doors.
Basic Terminology
Before we cover the main product types, we’ll explain the most common terminology for panic door hardware:
Push bar - A horizontal bar with a hinged action. A push action depresses the bar to release the latch or bolts. There is a void or space underneath the bar when it is not in use.
Touch bar - Another type of horizontal bar operated by a push action. Touch bars have an in-out motion, not hinged. The active part is encased within a housing, and there is no space or void around it.
Panic bar - An all-encompassing term for push bars and touch bars. Both can be used in a panic situation and will have been successfully type-tested for conformity to all of the requirements of BS EN 1125.
Crash bar - A slang term for panic bars due to the nature of their operation - you could physically crash into them or be crushed against them, and they will release in one operation.
Panic bolt - Concealed rods for aluminium doors or surface vertical rods for timber door applications. They provide additional locking points at the top and bottom of an exit door.
Panic latch - A bevelled latch bolt that holds a panic door closed. They come in the form of a rim panic latch or mortice nightlatch.
Pullman latch - Horizontal or vertical latches that provide additional locking points with a smooth, quiet operation.
Push pad - A narrow, hinged device that operates a latch or bolts, retracting them in one action. A small pad that is wide enough for operation by one hand, mounted on the lock stile of a door.
Pull pad - Similar to a push pad but operated with a pull, not push motion.
OAD - An acronym for Outside Access Device. They are lever or knob operated and unlocked by key or code. They allow for external access through a panic exit door.
Standards you’ll see concerning final exit door hardware include:
BS EN 1125:2008 - Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar for use on escape routes. This covers buildings/doors/areas used by the public, people with no prior knowledge of escape routes and no knowledge of how to use the hardware. It also encompasses room occupancy of over 60 people. This standard applies to side hung, hinged, or pivoting doors that open outwards. They can be single or double doors.
BS EN 179:2008 - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle, push pad or pull pad. This is for hardware used by trained personnel with a room occupancy of under 60 people. This standard applies to side hung, hinged, or pivoting doors. They can be single or double doors. Unlike BS EN 1125, this covers inward and outward opening doors.
BS EN 13637:2015 - Electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes - requirements and test methods. This standard relates to layering access control with panic and escape door hardware solutions.
EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 - Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies. Fire doors and shutters. It denotes fire resistance e.g. 30 minutes (E30), 60 minutes (E60), 120 minutes (E120), and outlines the test methods.
BS 8300-2:2018 - Design of an accessible and inclusive environment. Buildings, Code of Practice. In relation to door hardware, and door handles in particular, it provides design and dimensional guidelines for accessible use. It also covers door handle fitting heights.
CE Marking/UKCA Marking - Marks to denote performance against the standards a product has been type tested to. With final exit door ironmongery, this will be BS EN 1125 or BS EN 179.
Certifire - A third party certification scheme for passive fire products. A mark of performance to give buyers, installers, and users confidence when selecting and fitting hardware.
With the basics of product terminology and related standards covered, let’s move on to a deeper explanation of the main hardware types.
Types of Final Exit Door Hardware
Here are the main components of exit door hardware in more detail:
EN 1125 - Bars
- Panic bars include both push and touch variants. Panic bars can be a standard function or motorised.
- No matter the variant, they will all have been successfully type-tested for conformity to all of the requirements of BS EN 1125 for use on panic exit doors.
- Touch and push bars can operate vertical shoot bolts, a horizontal latch, or both, where 3-point locking is required.
- Doors with panic bars must open with minimal effort, and the bar should cover a minimum of 60% of the door leaf width.
- Only install to outward opening doors.
EN 179 - Pads
- Push pads or pull pads can also operate vertical shoot bolts, a horizontal latch, or both.
- They will have been successfully type-tested for conformity to all of the requirements of BS EN 179 for use on emergency exit doors.
- Products covered by this standard can offer greater security than products to EN 1125. Check digit 7 of the 10-digit classification code for the grade of security each product meets.
- Suitable for installation to inward and outward opening doors and single or double doors.
- Install to doors where no panic situation is foreseen, users have prior knowledge of how to operate the hardware, and the occupancy is less than 60 people.
EN 179 - Lever Handles
- Another option of a product that will have been successfully type-tested for conformity to all of the requirements of BS EN 179 for use on emergency exit doors (they’re not just standard door handles).
- Escape lever handles can retract shoot bolts or a latch.
- For use with escape locks to provide single action egress in the direction of escape.
- Choose handle designs that meet the dimensional requirements of BS 8300 for accessibility in use.
- Some escape door levers are supplied in kits or with escutcheons, like the Abloy 60-0319 Futura handles.
Outside Access Devices
- OAD for short, outside access devices come in two standard operational variants - knob or lever handle. Choose lever handle operation for ease of use or knob operation for a more anti-tamper solution. Some OADs can be operated by a pull handle. Need help selecting the right solution? Our team is here to guide you.
- They must only be installed if they have been officially tested and approved for use with the panic or emergency exit hardware by an independent test house.
- With the locking of OADs, there are several options:
-Standard key
-Cylinder barrel
-Digital keypad handle
With cylinder operation, there is a great deal of flexibility:
- OAD supplied with an integral cylinder
- OAD supplied with a replaceable cylinder, with options of different cylinder profiles
- OAD has an aperture only for you to add your own cylinder. This could be master keyed, keyed alike, or keyed to differ
- Key retention function available
Digital lock OADs can have additional functionality, such as passage function, to allow for unrestricted access.
External access at a Door Controls Direct specification project at South Wilts Ski Club.
Emergency and Panic Device Considerations
Many considerations should be factored into decision making when selecting panic and emergency escape hardware. These include but are not limited to:
- Standards - Do you need hardware that complies with EN 179 or EN 1125? Read more about the key standards in our blog that explains the what, why, and where of panic hardware.
- Operation methods - Push bar, touch bar, push pad, pull pad, or lever handle.
- Internal locking - Vertical or horizontal locking points, or both.
- Number of locking points - Panic hardware can have 1-point, 2-point, 3-point, or 4-point locking for high security areas. Multipoint espagnolette locks are available for escape doors but are uncommon.
- Installation - Surface or mortice hardware. Concealed panic hardware is typically for use on aluminium doors.
- Handing - Are products handed or reversible? It is possible to change the handing on site for most products, but always confirm this pre-purchase.
- Adjustments - Are bolts adjustable and the panic bar suitable for cutting to length on site? Or does a specific size of product need to be ordered to suit particular door dimensions?
- Door configuration - Is hardware being fitted to a single door or double doors? If a pair, do they have rebated or plain meeting stiles?
- Orientation - Is the door inward or outward opening? EN 179 caters to both options. If it’s an outward opening door, consider fitting security hinge bolts or security hinges for added protection to external doors.
- External access requirements - is an outside access device required? If so, what type? See above for the details on variants.
- Additional functions
The options are extensive but include:
- Dogging - The latch bolts are held in the retracted position to allow the door to operate freely. Legislation dictates that dogging devices can only be used on non-fire rated door assemblies unless the product has been tested on a fire door in an unlatched condition.
- Pullman latches - horizontal or vertical shooting latches to provide additional locking points. They provide a quiet, smooth closing action. They are bevelled latch bolts rather than straight edged shoot bolts.
- Clutch handle - Handles rotate when locked so they cannot be used as leverage points or opened under force. This also protects the internal mechanism.
- Anti-thrust latch - Prevents unauthorised retraction of a latch bolt.
- Linked to access control - Some panic and emergency exit hardware setups can be linked to access control systems. A microswitch can be fitted within the mechanism to allow for local or remote notification of the door status.
- Electronic bolt retraction - Access control credentials can activate a motor that withdraws the bolt to allow access. Egress is still single action internally using a touch bar.
- Connection to a fire alarm or an integral alarm - Allows for immediate notification that a device has been activated. Connections are available for electronic audio/visual alarms and door control systems.
- Paired with automatic operators - Like the dormakaba 9000 series panic hardware with their ED100 and ED250 low energy operators.
- Finish/coating options - Silver, black, and white are standard colours across many ranges. RAL colours and metal finishes are often available. In special applications, an anti-corrosive or anti-bacterial coating may be the best option, or marine grade 316 stainless steel in coastal areas. Consider the finish of your doors and nearby door hardware, plus the aesthetics of the building, when selecting a finish.
- Fixings - Have you got the correct type of fixings for your door material - timber/steel/aluminium/composite/uPVC/glass? And are the fixings, including spindles for OADs, long enough for the door thickness?
- Door detail - Always check: material, height, width, thickness, weight, fire rating, and specifics like glazing (use a slimline range or narrow stile variant).
- Fitting positions - Follow manufacturer and product-specific fitting instructions in the first instance. Special consideration must be given to atypical doors e.g. narrow, wide, or tall.
- Signage/instructions - For panic hardware, there must be a Push Bar to Open sign with a directional arrow on the inside and a Fire Exit Keep Clear sign externally. Even for trained personnel with push pad hardware, the pads have a pictogram or written instruction to ‘PUSH’ to operate.
- Accessories - Range allowing, there is often a wealth of different strike plates, electric strikes, extension bolts, spares, and security accessories to supplement the installation, retrofitting, and maintenance of panic hardware.
- Restrictions - For doors with restricted opening or a restricted width for escape, install a device with a projection up to 100mm (standard), not the larger projection (up to 150mm).
- Door location - Different levels of corrosion resistance are available, so consider where the door is located and choose Grade 3 high resistance or Grade 4 very high resistance.
It is not permitted by current EN standards for untested hardware from different brands to be fitted together. Whether you use Exidor, Briton, Arrone or another manufacturer, all items should be from the same manufacturer and range and should have been tested together to ensure compliance with current standards.
Types of Panic Hardware - Wrapped
Choosing the right panic hardware is crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient emergency egress. Whether selecting panic bars, push pads, or lever-operated devices, it’s essential to match the hardware to the door type, occupancy level, and intended use. Compliance with EN standards, correct installation, and consideration of additional security or access control features all contribute to a reliable exit system.
By carefully assessing these factors, you can ensure that your final exit doors are both secure and accessible when needed most. Need expert advice on the best solution for your project? Our team is here to help. Ensure compliance and safety with our reliable final exit door solutions.
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