A Panic Door Explained

A panic door is a door that opens with a push bar or panic bar. What makes a panic door special is the hardware installed on it. The key piece of equipment for this door is a panic bar. These simple surface mounts replace the typical door handle in favor of a more a type of opening device that everyone can use without fail in the event of an emergency.

While a door handle usually requires a hand, panic doors with panic bars can be opened with a minimum of 15 lbs of force. In other words, leaning on the bar can open the door. Add on a door closer and a release for the other side of the door and you are ready to go.

If the panic door in question is on a fire break or fire wall, however, all accessories must be fire rated to withstand high temperatures for at least a specified amount of time; about 3 hours. Also, panic doors are meant to be opened with as little effort as possible. So, dead bolts and electromagnetic locks cannot be installed. Please call or e-mail us today if you would like to learn more.