What Is a Panic Bar and Exit Devices

Panic Bar and Exit Device Guide: UL 305, EN 1125, EN 179 Standards, Installation Heights, Types, Costs & Compliance

What is a Panic Bar? Definition, Standards & Quick Overview

A panic bar—also called exit device, crash bar, or panic hardware in the US; EN 1125 panic exit device or EN 179 emergency exit device in EU/UK—is a horizontal bar that releases a door latch with a single push, enabling immediate egress for large groups even under stress. In the US, panic hardware is evaluated to UL 305 and referenced by IBC (International Building Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). Across EU/UK, devices comply with EN 1125 (public/panic situations with horizontal push bar) or EN 179 (non-public emergency exits with lever/pad), marked CE or UKCA under Construction Products Regulation.

Key difference: EN 1125 panic exit devices suit public venues (malls, schools, stadiums) where users are unfamiliar; EN 179 emergency exit devices work for staff-only spaces where occupants know the building. US codes specify panic hardware through occupancy chapters in IBC and NFPA, while EU/UK projects reference EN 1125/179 classification codes and manufacturer data sheets.

Conformity marking: Look for CE marking (EU) or UKCA marking (UK post-Brexit) indicating evaluation under Construction Products Regulation. Manufacturers publish 10-digit classification codes covering category of use, durability, door size, safety features, corrosion resistance. Always cross-reference the device's specific classification with your building type.

Types of Panic Bar Hardware: Rim, Mortise, SVR, CVR

Rim exit device — Surface-mounted latch case on door's latch stile. Simple installation, easy maintenance, ideal for single doors and pairs with removable mullion. Lower cost, robust performance. Common in retail and warehouse settings.

Mortise exit device — Lock body routed inside door, trim visible only. Clean aesthetic, strong construction, complex installation. Best for high-end retail, offices, healthcare where appearance matters. Higher labor cost.

Surface vertical rod (SVR) — Top and bottom rods visible on door surface with rail hardware. Standard for double doors without center mullion. Requires periodic re-timing and alignment adjustment over years of use.

Concealed vertical rod (CVR) — Rods hidden inside door edges, creating flush modern look. Gold standard for frameless glass doors and upscale entrances, but most demanding to install and maintain. Most expensive option.

Narrow-stile variants: Manufacturers offer slim-profile panic bars for aluminum and glass storefronts. Specify "narrow stile" when ordering for these applications.

Key Features: Dogging, ELR, Alarmed & Delayed Egress Devices

Dogging — Holds latch retracted during business hours so people freely enter/exit without pushing bar. Lock/unlock with hex key or cylinder. Prohibited on fire-rated doors unless device/door listing explicitly permits. Alternative: use ELR schedules on fire doors.

Electric Latch Retraction (ELR) — Electrically retracts latch on programmed schedule, integrating with access control systems. Eliminates manual dogging, maintains egress readiness, allows remote control and monitoring. Requires power supply sizing, wiring, and coordination with life-safety systems. Popular in healthcare and secure facilities.

Alarmed / Loss-Prevention Rails — Emits alarm on forced opening. Used in retail stock rooms, back exits, and storage areas to discourage unauthorized departures.

Delayed Egress Devices — Code-permitted delay (often 15 seconds) before door opens after push, allowing security response. Strictly regulated by occupancy-specific codes; verify local amendments.

Controlled Egress — Healthcare facilities may permit monitored exits. Requires coordination between architect, AHJ, and clinical safety team.

Panic Bar Installation: Sizing, Door Width Ranges & Pairs

US height: Centerline 34–48 inches AFF; actuating portion ≥ 50% door width. Follow manufacturer template for your specific device model.

EU/UK height: 900–1100 mm AFF per EN 1125/179 guidance; always verify manufacturer's supplied template.

Door widths: Rail-style devices typically field-cuttable or preset ranges (e.g., 33–52 inches US, adjust for EU equivalents). Check spec sheet before ordering.

Double doors: Options include SVR/CVR systems or Rim device with removable mullion. Verify strike and mullion compatibility. Choose based on aesthetic preference and maintenance expectations.

Accessibility clearances: Keep bar free of protruding obstacles; obstructions reduce maximum allowed mounting height per ADA requirements.

Use Cases: Where Exit Devices Are Specified by Occupancy Type

Schools/Universities: High-traffic, abuse-resistant touch bars; low-projection rails; exterior cylinder control; regular inspection routines per education life-safety codes.

Retail/Shopping Centers: Rim or SVR devices; alarmed rails for stock room and rear exits (loss-prevention); accessible main entrance doors.

Warehouses/Industrial: UL 305 panic hardware often mandated near electrical rooms per recent NEC updates; sturdy rim or SVR devices; durable construction for heavy use.

Healthcare Facilities: Controlled egress and monitored rails may be permitted by occupancy chapters; requires AHJ and clinical safety team coordination; documented inspection schedules.

Theaters/Stadia/Large Assembly: EN 1125 (EU) or UL 305 (US) devices with wide actuating surfaces, minimal projection, optimized for crowd flow; high reliability under stress.

Office Buildings: Mortise or rim devices; dogging or ELR on ground-floor/high-traffic exits; standard UL 305 or EN 179 compliance.

Troubleshooting Panic Bar Problems: Diagnosis & Fixes

Won't latch/re-latch: Check strike alignment, door closer speed, latch throw distance. Adjust rods on SVR/CVR systems. Verify no obstructions jamming mechanism.

Loose or sticking bar: Tighten rail screws, inspect end caps and center case, lubricate per manufacturer (avoid contaminating latch). Check for corrosion or debris.

Vertical rods misaligned: Re-time top/bottom rods on SVR systems; verify floor/ceiling strikes are plumb. Common in older installations.

Alarm false trips: Inspect microswitches, battery status, door-position sensors. Ensure door closer doesn't slam rail. Check wiring for corrosion.

Annual maintenance: Inspect, test, document operation. Healthcare facilities prioritize routine inspection records. Apply lubrication per manufacturer specs. Replace worn components proactively.

Panic Bar Costs, Grades & Buying Guide

US grades and listings:

• UL 305 listed panic hardware required for code compliance

• ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 specified for heavy-duty commercial use

• Fire exit hardware (distinct from panic hardware) required on fire-rated doors; never substitute

EU/UK specifications:

• EN 1125 classification for public panic exits

• EN 179 classification for non-public emergency exits

• CE or UKCA marking under Construction Products Regulation

• 10-digit classification codes: category, durability, door size, safety, corrosion resistance

Price ranges (approximate, varies by region and brand):

• Rim panic device Grade 1 / EN 1125 touch bar: mid-range, best value for single doors ($300–$600)

• SVR (surface vertical rod) for pairs: higher cost due to rods, strikes, labor ($600–$1,200)

• CVR (concealed vertical rod) for pairs: premium option, most labor-intensive ($1,000–$2,000+)

• ELR integration: add $400–$800 for power supply, controls, commissioning

• Alarmed or delayed egress: add $300–$600 for specialty features

• Installation labor: $200–$600 depending on complexity and location

Buying tips: Verify fire vs. non-fire door requirements before ordering. Confirm narrow-stile compatibility for glass/aluminum doors. Many manufacturers offer adjustable ranges (33–52 in US) to reduce stocking. Get quotes from multiple distributors or manufacturers for competitive pricing. Ask if device qualifies for any bulk or contractor discounts.

Fire Exit Hardware vs. Panic Hardware: Critical Difference

Panic hardware = non-fire-rated doors. UL 305 listed but NOT tested for fire performance.

Fire exit hardware = fire-rated doors. Tested to both UL 305 and fire safety standards; clearly labeled on door. Cannot be used interchangeably.

Installing panic hardware on a fire-rated door voids the door's fire rating and creates compliance violation. Always check door label specification.

Panic Bar Code Requirements: IBC, NFPA, AHJ Verification

US requirements vary by code edition and local adoption. IBC and NFPA 101 specify panic hardware in occupancy chapters. Assembly occupancies, stages, areas of high occupant load typically mandate panic hardware. Check your jurisdiction's adopted code version and any local amendments before proceeding. Consult AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for final determination.

EU/UK requirements reference EN 1125/179 standards and project-specific risk assessment. Public venues default to EN 1125; access-controlled spaces may use EN 179. CE/UKCA marking confirms compliance.

Common Questions: Dogging Fire Doors, Access Control Integration, Pairs

Can you dog a fire-rated door? Typically no. Dogging voids fire integrity unless specifically permitted by device and door listing. Use ELR schedules as alternative for fire doors.

Can panic bars integrate with access control? Yes. ELR rails, power supplies, REX (request-to-exit) switches, and monitoring allow panic bars to coordinate with building access control systems. Requires careful design to maintain emergency egress capability 24/7.

Do pairs need vertical rods? Not required if using rim device with removable mullion. SVR/CVR offer different aesthetics and maintenance profiles. Choose based on project requirements.

What's the typical inspection frequency? Annual minimum, more often in healthcare. Document every test and maintenance action.

Can you retrofit existing doors? Usually yes, depending on door construction and available space for hardware. Verify manufacturer compatibility and door condition.

Summary: Selecting Panic Hardware for Your Building

Match device type (rim/mortise/SVR/CVR) to door construction and occupancy. Verify UL 305 (US) or EN 1125/179 (EU/UK) compliance. Confirm height installation (34–48 in US, 900–1100 mm EU/UK). Never use panic hardware on fire-rated doors. Plan maintenance and inspection routines. Request transparent quotes including installation. Consult building department for code requirements specific to your jurisdiction.