Panic Bar vs Panic Bolt – Which to Use in the UK? | EKIN

Public vs trained-only areas, compliance differences (EN 1125/EN 179), costs and maintenance. Use our selector or request a quote. “Panic bar” and “panic bolt” are often used interchangeably, but they can point to different standards and mechanisms depending on region and context. This guide clarifies the terms and helps you choose a compliant device for your door set. 

1) Terminology – why it’s confusing

• Panic bar (push bar / touch bar): Typically refers to a full-width horizontal bar used on public-access routes. In compliance terms this is EN 1125 hardware.
  
  

• Panic bolt: In everyday UK usage, people may mean a panic bar; others mean a bolt-type emergency device for staff-only areas. Check the standard and mechanism before ordering.
  
  

• Emergency exit bolt / latch (EN 179): For trained-only routes. Operated by a push pad or lever; the internal mechanism may be a bolt or latch.
  
  

• Key takeaway: Match the route type first (public vs trained-only), then choose the mechanism and door configuration.

2) The standards that actually decide it

• EN 1125 – Public access (Panic exit devices):
  Hardware: full-width touch bar.
  Use where anyone (unfamiliar with the building) may need to escape.
  Explore → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/
  
  

• EN 179 – Trained-only (Emergency exit devices):
  Hardware: push pad or lever handle operating a bolt or latch.
  Use where users are staff/trained and know the exit.
  Explore → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
  
  

If unsure, default to EN 1125 for public routes.

3) Door types & the right hardware

Single public door

• Choose EN 1125 rim touch bar; add outside trim & cylinder if controlled re-entry is needed.
  Links → Rim /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/rim/ 

• · Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ 

• · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

Double doors (public)

• No centre mullion: EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs with head keepers + recessed floor strikes (or surface strikes where recessing isn’t possible).
  
  

• With centre mullion: Paired EN 1125 rim devices with 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/
  
  

Design-led public frontage

• EN 1125 mortise for a flush look; confirm edge preparation and certification.
  Link → Mortise /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/mortise/
  
  

Staff-only internal doors (trained-only)

• EN 179 bolt or EN 179 latch with a push pad or lever on single internal doors.
  Links → Bolt /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/bolt/ 

• · Latch /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/latch/

4) “Bolt” vs “Latch” (and when it matters)

• Bolt (EN 179): the pad/lever retracts a single-point bolt. Compact devices for internal, trained-only routes.
  
  

• Latch (EN 179): lever or pad operates a latch mechanism for quick release.
  
  

• Public routes: do not use EN 179. Specify EN 1125 with a full-width bar.

5) Accessories & re-entry control

• Outside trims & cylinders: Allow controlled re-entry from the safe side (key–key or key–thumbturn). Match trims to rim / vertical-rod / mortise families and door thickness.
  Links → Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ 

• · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

• Strikes & keepers: Choose head keepers, recessed floor strikes (preferred for vertical-rod bottoms) or surface strikes where recessing isn’t feasible; use mullion keepers for paired rims.
  Link → Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/
  
  

• Dogging keys & covers: For non-fire doors only, under a written policy; consider lockable covers.
  Link → Dogging Keys & Covers /products/accessories/dogging-keys-covers/

6) Compliance & inspection (UK-focused, globally applicable)

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

• Keep signage compliant and the bar/pad unobstructed.
  
  

• Maintain an inspection log (monthly + after works/events).
  Compliance hub → /compliance/ 

• · Checklists → /compliance/inspection-checklist/
  Guides → EN 1125 /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ 

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

7) Common mistakes

1. Ordering a “panic bolt” for a public door but receiving an EN 179 pad device. → For public routes, specify EN 1125 touch bar.
   
   

2. Using EN 179 on double doors serving public routes. → Use EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs or paired rim with a centre mullion.
   
   

3. Skipping the floor strike on vertical-rod pairs. → Use recessed floor strikes where possible.
   
   

4. Mismatching trims/cylinders to the device family. → Use family-compatible trims and correct cylinder length/profile.
   
   

5. No inspection records. → Use the checklist and file with certificates.

FAQ – Panic Bar vs Panic Bolt

Q1: Is a “panic bolt” the same as a “panic bar”?
Not always. Many people say “panic bolt” when they mean a panic bar (EN 1125), but others mean an EN 179 bolt for staff-only routes. Check the standard.

Q2: Which should I use on public exits?
EN 1125 with a full-width touch bar.

Q3: When is EN 179 appropriate?
On staff-only doors where users are trained and familiar with the exit—typically single internal doors.

Q4: What about double doors?
Public pairs generally need EN 1125 vertical-rod (no mullion) or paired rim with a centre mullion.

Q5: Can I add re-entry from the safe side?
Yes—use outside trims & cylinder kits matched to your device family and door thickness.

Unsure which device name matches your use case? Send door photos, single or double, centre mullion/threshold details, fire-door status and any re-entry needs. We’ll recommend a compliant configuration with an itemised price in £.

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

• Request a Quote → /quote/