Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Panic & Emergency Exit Devices，Panic Bar Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Slow Return, Jamming, Alignment | EKIN

Keep EN 1125 panic exit devices (touch bars) and EN 179 emergency exit devices (push pads/levers) working safely, relatching reliably and ready for audit. This page gives you a preventive maintenance plan and a quick troubleshooting guide for the most common on-site issues.

Explore devices → EN 1125 /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/ · EN 179 /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
Install guide → /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/ · Sizing → /knowledge/door-size-compatibility/
Checklist (PDF) → /compliance/inspection-checklist/

Preventive maintenance – little and often

Suggested frequency: monthly walk-through + after works/events. Increase frequency for high-traffic routes (schools, retail, arenas).

Routine tasks (all door sets):

• Operate the device 3× and confirm positive relatching with the closer fitted.
  
  

• Check keeper/strike seating and the engagement line; tighten fixings progressively.
  
  

• Verify signage visibility and a clear swing path (no displays, bins, rails).
  
  

• Inspect covers/end caps/rod guides; replace damaged parts.
  
  

• For re-entry: test outside trim and euro cylinder (smooth key action, correct length/profile).
  
  

• Record actions in your inspection log and note any parts ordered.
  
  

Spares to keep on site: end caps, cover screws, dogging covers (non-fire doors only), rod guides, common strikes/keepers, protection plates, selected cylinder lengths.

Downloads → Templates & datasheets /downloads/installation-pdfs/

Troubleshooting – symptoms, causes, quick fixes

1) Door closes but won’t relatch

• Likely causes: keeper misalignment, weak closer latch speed, latch throw not fully captured.
  
  

• Quick fixes: re-set the engagement line; shim/pack the strike; increase latch speed slightly; verify no seal/furniture fouling.
  
  

2) Slow return / sticking bar

• Causes: over-tightened fixings deforming case; rod/guide friction (vertical-rod); dirt/debris.
  
  

• Fixes: loosen/retighten evenly; clean/lubricate moving interfaces per datasheet; check rod guide alignment.
  
  

3) Rattle on double doors

• Causes: top keeper or floor/surface strike not seating; rod lengths out of sync; mullion keeper loose (paired rims).
  
  

• Fixes: re-seat top keeper; confirm recessed floor strike depth and protection plate; synchronise rods; re-fix mullion keepers.
  
  

Links → Vertical-Rod /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/vertical-rod/ · Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/

4) Bar operates, but outside trim won’t open the door

• Causes: wrong trim family, spindle not engaging, cylinder length/profile incorrect.
  
  

• Fixes: use family-compatible trims (rim/vertical-rod/mortise); re-seat spindle; change euro cylinder to correct length so it sits flush.
  Links → Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

5) Latch scuffing strike / visible wear

• Causes: strike too high/low or set too deep/shallow; high trolley impact at threshold.
  
  

• Fixes: re-mark engagement, shim to height; add/renew protection plate; consider switching to recessed floor strike on vertical-rod sets.
  
  

6) Dogging left on / door held open (non-fire doors only)

• Causes: housekeeping lapse; public interference.
  
  

• Fixes: implement a written policy; use lockable dogging covers; audit after events.
  Link → Dogging Keys & Covers /products/accessories/dogging-keys-covers/
  
  

7) Seasonal changes (binding on hot/cold days)

• Causes: frame/leaf movement alters keeper alignment and closer behaviour.
  
  

• Fixes: minor keeper re-set; tweak closer latch speed; re-check 3× relatch with the door fully conditioned.
  
  

8) Vandalism / impact damage

• Fixes: replace damaged covers/end caps; re-seat keepers; for persistent issues, specify heavier protection plates or alternative strike types.

Vertical-rod & paired doors – special notes

• Two-point latching: both top and bottom must engage reliably.
  
  

• Recessed floor strikes preferred; use surface strikes only where recessing isn’t possible and ensure rating suits your floor finish and traffic.
  
  

• Rod synchronisation: adjust so both latches release and re-engage together; verify guides are square and free.
  
  

• Centre mullion option: where a mullion exists, paired rim devices with mullion keepers are a service-friendly alternative.
  See → Double-Door Kits /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/double-door-kits/

Outdoor, high-traffic & hygiene environments

• Outdoor/partially exposed: check corrosion points; use manufacturer-approved lubricants; inspect seals more often.
  
  

• High-traffic retail/education: add/refresh protection plates; tighten fixings on a shorter cycle; keep a small kit of common spares.
  
  

• Healthcare/food areas: avoid unapproved lubricants; clean residue that could increase friction.

Documentation, compliance & when to replace

• On fire doors, approvals must align across device + strikes/keepers + fixings and match the door leaf certificate.
  
  

• Keep an inspection log with dates, actions, signatures and parts used; attach datasheets and certificates.
  
  

• Replace hardware when fatigue, cracking, severe deformation or repeated failures persist despite correct adjustment.
  
  

Compliance hub → /compliance/ · EN 1125 → /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ · EN 179 → /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/
Checklist (PDF) → /compliance/inspection-checklist/

FAQ – Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Q1: How often should I service exit devices?
Monthly is common, plus checks after works/events or when symptoms appear.

Q2: What’s the fastest fix for “closes but won’t relatch”?
Re-set keeper height/position to capture full latch throw, then adjust closer latch speed and re-test 3×.

Q3: Should I lubricate the bar?
Only with manufacturer-approved products and sparingly—avoid contaminating latch interfaces.

Q4: Vertical-rod pairs keep rattling—why?
Usually top keeper or floor strike seating, or out-of-sync rods. Re-seat and synchronise.

Q5: Can I keep exits dogged during deliveries?
Only on non-fire doors, under a written policy, with lockable covers and immediate release after use.

Need parts or an on-site tune-up plan? Send door photos, single or double, centre mullion/threshold details, fire-door status and any re-entry needs. We’ll specify a compliant parts list and maintenance schedule in £.

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• Request a Quote → /quote/