UK Fire Exit Compliance – Panic exit devices EN 1125 & EN 179 Overview | EKIN

Understand when Panic exit devices EN 1125 vs EN 179 applies, door hardware requirements and inspections. Download a checklist or talk to a specialist.Choose, install and maintain exit devices in line with Panic exit devices EN 1125 (public access) and EN 179 (trained-only) requirements. EKIN provides product mapping, accessories and documentation so your doors open instantly, relatch reliably and pass inspection. 

Panic exit devices EN 1125 vs EN 179 — the one-screen decision

• Panic exit devices EN 1125 (Public Access): For routes where anyone may need to exit without prior knowledge. Hardware uses a full-width touch bar.
  Explore → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/
  
  

• EN 179 (Trained-Only): For staff-only or trained users who know the exit. Hardware uses a push pad or lever handle.
  Explore → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
  
  

If in doubt, treat the route as public access and specify EN 1125.

Typical door sets & configurations

• Single public door: Panic exit devices EN 1125 rim device; add outside trim & cylinder for controlled re-entry.
  Link → Rim /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/rim/ · Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

• Public double doors: EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs with head keepers and recessed floor strikes for two-point latching; or paired rim devices with a centre mullion and mullion keepers.
  Links → Vertical-Rod /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/vertical-rod/ · Double-Door Kits /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/double-door-kits/ · Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/
  
  

• Staff-only single door: EN 179 latch/bolt (lever or push pad).
  Links → EN 179 Latch /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/latch/ · EN 179 Bolt /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/bolt/
  
  

• Design-led public interiors: Panic exit devices EN 1125 mortise for a flush aesthetic—confirm edge preparation.
  Link → Mortise /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/mortise/

Installation & height notes

• Follow the manufacturer’s template for drilling and bar/lever height range.

• Verify latch throw and keeper/strike engagement before final tightening.

• On vertical-rod sets, confirm top keeper clearance and floor strike seating (recessed where practical).
  How-tos & templates → /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/ · /downloads/installation-pdfs/

Fire-door compatibility (approvals must match)

For fire doors, approvals must align across:

1. Device (EN 1125 or EN 179 model),

2. Strikes/keepers (head, floor/surface, mullion),

3. Fixings (specified screws/through-fix).

Use only the listed accessories and maintain records that tie components to the door leaf certificate.

Signage & unobstructed operation

• Fit compliant exit signage and keep the hardware clear of furniture, merchandise or security bars.

• Confirm closing/relatching with the door closer set correctly.

• Where re-entry is policy-controlled, specify outside trims & cylinders of the correct family (rim/vertical-rod/mortise).
  Accessories hub → /products/accessories/

Inspection & record-keeping

Adopt a simple scheduled log:

• Frequency: e.g., monthly + after works/events.

• Checks: operating force, relatching, fixings, keeper seating, closer action, signage, damage/vandalism.

• Records: door ID, device type, components used, corrective actions and date.
  Download → Inspection Checklist (PDF) /compliance/inspection-checklist/

Policy notes (dogging & re-entry)

• Dogging keys & covers are for non-fire doors only and under a written policy (cleaning, events). Consider lockable covers to prevent misuse.
  Link → Dogging Keys & Covers /products/accessories/dogging-keys-covers/
  
  

• Re-entry from the safe side uses outside trims with cylinder kits (key–key or key–thumbturn). Match cylinder length/profile to door build-up and trim.
  Links → Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/

Downloads & resources

• Installation templates & datasheets → /downloads/installation-pdfs/

• Door size & compatibility → /knowledge/door-size-compatibility/

• Maintenance & troubleshooting → /knowledge/maintenance-troubleshooting/

• Panic exit devices EN 1125 guide → /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/

• EN 179 guide → /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/

Disclaimer

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with your authority having jurisdiction and the door/fire certificate for your project.

FAQ (Compliance)

Q1: How do I decide between Panic exit devices EN 1125 and EN 179?
If the route is public access, specify EN 1125. If it is staff-only and users are trained, EN 179 may apply.

Q2: What should I use on double doors?
Typically Panic exit devices EN 1125 vertical-rod for two-point latching, or paired rim devices with a centre mullion. Check keeper/strike selection.

Q3: Are accessories like trims and cylinders part of compliance?
Yes—on fire doors the trim, cylinder, strikes/keepers and fixings must match the door’s approval.

Q4: Why does my door fail to relatch after busy periods?
Commonly keeper misalignment or incorrect fixings. Re-check the template, latch throw and closer speed; tighten progressively and log adjustments.

Q5: Can I hold an exit open during deliveries?
Use dogging only on non-fire doors and under a written policy with signage. Release immediately after use.

Send door photos, single or double, centre mullion/threshold details, fire-door status and any re-entry needs. We’ll propose a compliant configuration with an itemised price in £.

• Request a Quote → /quote/
  
  

• Use the Selector → /tools/product-selector/