Offices & Public Buildings – Exit Solutions (Panic Bars Exit Devices EN 1125 & EN 179) 

Equip offices and public buildings with exit hardware mapped to occupancy and routes. Use EN 1125 touch bars on public-access doors and EN 179 devices on staff-only routes. EKIN specifies door-by-door configurations, matching accessories and fire-door documentation so you pass inspection first time. 

Public access or staff-only?

• EN 1125 (Public Access): A full-width touch bar for immediate egress without prior knowledge—ideal for lobbies, corridors, galleries, libraries and audience routes.
  Explore → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/
  
  

• EN 179 (Trained-Only): A push pad or lever for staff-only rooms—offices, stores, plant and controlled back-of-house links.
  Explore → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
  
  

Quick guides → /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ · /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/

Typical door sets & recommended configurations

1) Public corridors and lobby pairs (public):

• EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs with head keepers and recessed floor strikes for two-point latching and smooth relatching under heavy footfall and trolley traffic.
  
  

• If a centre mullion is present, consider paired 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/
  
  

2) Public-facing single exits (lobbies, galleries):

• EN 1125 rim touch bar; add outside trim & cylinder for controlled re-entry by authorised staff.
  Links → Rim /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/rim/ · Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

3) Design-led public interiors (museums, civic halls):

• EN 1125 mortise provides a flush aesthetic with the lock case embedded in the door edge—confirm edge preparation and approvals.
  Link → Mortise /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/mortise/
  
  

4) Staff-only internal rooms (offices, stores, plant):

• EN 179 latch/bolt (lever or push pad) on single internal doors, with training and signage.
  Links → EN 179 Latch /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/latch/ · EN 179 Bolt /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/bolt/

Accessories for offices & public buildings

• Outside trims & cylinders for controlled re-entry (key–key or key–thumbturn); choose trims matched to rim, vertical-rod or mortise devices and to your door thickness.
  Links → Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

• Strikes & keepers matched to frames and thresholds: recessed floor strikes for corridors; surface strikes where recessing isn’t possible; mullion keepers for paired rim devices.
  Link → Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/
  
  

• Dogging keys & covers for non-fire doors only, under a written housekeeping policy (events, cleaning).
  Link → Dogging Keys & Covers /products/accessories/dogging-keys-covers/

Compliance & inspection (UK-focused, globally applicable)

• Match approvals to the door leaf certificate—device + strikes/keepers + fixings—especially on fire doors.
  
  

• Maintain consistent exit signage and ensure devices are unobstructed by furniture, displays or security equipment.
  
  

• Keep an inspection log (operating force, alignment, fixings, signage) at planned intervals.
  Resources → Inspection Checklist (PDF) /compliance/inspection-checklist/ · How to Install /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/ · Maintenance /knowledge/maintenance-troubleshooting/
  
  

Case snapshot

A civic office refurbished a lobby and gallery route using EN 1125 mortise on public-facing single doors and EN 1125 vertical-rod on corridor pairs with recessed floor strikes. EN 179 devices equipped plant and archive rooms. With matched outside trims and cylinders, the site passed audit and reduced call-outs due to improved keeper seating.

FAQ (Offices & Public Buildings)

Q1: Vertical-rod or rim for corridor pairs?
Without a centre mullion, choose vertical-rod for two-point latching. With a centre mullion, paired rim devices plus mullion keepers are appropriate.

Q2: Can we use EN 179 on meeting-room exits?
Only if the route is staff-only/trained-only. For public or mixed occupancy, specify EN 1125.

Q3: Will mortise panic bars suit heritage or design-led spaces?
Yes—EN 1125 mortise offers a flush look. Confirm door edge preparation and certification before drilling.

Q4: How do we enable re-entry from public areas?
Use outside trims & cylinder kits where your policy permits; check trim/device compatibility and cylinder length for the door build-up.

Q5: What causes slow return after busy events?
Commonly keeper misalignment or loose fixings. Re-check the template, latch throw and closer speed; tighten progressively and log adjustments.

Send floor plans (lobbies/corridors/staff-only rooms), 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/