Does a door need to have panic hardware?
If a door is not equipped with a latch or lock (push/pull application), the door is not required to have panic hardware. Keep in mind that when an application requires panic hardware, all of the doors in the means of egress from that room or area will typically require panic hardware, including the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
What is recessed panic hardware and how does it work?
Recessed panic hardware reduces the projection of the hardware from the face of the door, but requires a cut-out in the door and may limit the door material to hollow metal. Various types of panic hardware are available, based on whether it is used on a single or pair of doors, and functional requirements:
What is panic hardware used for?
PANIC HARDWARE. A door-latching assembly incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel. See “Fire exit hardware.” FIRE EXIT HARDWARE. Panic hardware that is listed for use on fire door assemblies.
Is it hard to navigate the codes around panic hardware?
There is no doubt that navigating the codes surrounding the use of panic hardware can be a challenge for specifiers, and at times may even seem contradictory.
What is a panic device on a door?
An exit device – sometimes called a Panic Device or a Crash Bar – is mechanical door hardware operated from the inside of an outswing exit door through the use of a crossbar or push rail and extends at least halfway across its width.
What is panic hardware on exit doors?
Panic hardware, also known as an exit device or fire exit hardware when used on fire doors, is designed to provide fast and easy egress to allow building occupants to exit safely in an emergency.
Can panic hardware be locked?
Panic doors must be able to be opened from the inside without a key, hardware must meet certain standards within compliance of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and also comply with other national, state, and local fire codes to pass inspections.
Do egress doors require panic hardware?
Keep in mind that when an application requires panic hardware, all of the doors in the means of egress from that room or area will typically require panic hardware, including the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.
What is the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware?
Panic Hardware is an exit device which is tested for use on a door that is required to have panic hardware, but cannot be used on a fire door. Panic hardware typically has the dogging feature, which allows the latches to be held retracted to create a push/pull function.
Where are panic devices required?
The required locations for panic hardware vary depending on which code has been adopted, but typically, panic hardware is required for assembly, educational/daycare, and high hazard occupancies, where the calculated occupant load is 50 people or more (International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC ...
How does panic hardware work?
How it Works. Panic bars consist of a flat, horizontal bar attached to the inside of an outward-opening door. This flat bar retracts a latch mechanism when pushed, unlocking the door for fast exit. Doors using a classic crash bar require no knowledge or keys to operate and are ADA-compliant for handicapped usage.
Does a fire door need a panic bar?
According to all editions of the IBC starting with the 2006 edition, panic hardware is required for doors serving 3 use groups: Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 50 people or more* Educational occupancies with an occupant load of 50 people or more. High Hazard occupancies with any occupant load.
How does a panic bolt work?
The Panic Bolt Unit eliminates the risk of impeding people's escape, either by being unnecessarily complicated or not being readily capable of being opened, as it works by a simple spring loaded bolt which is held in place by a ceramic or glass tube that can be broken in the event of an emergency.
What is egress hardware?
Doors in a means of egress may have electrified hardware, and the model codes include requirements for electrified applications such as delayed egress locks, controlled egress in health care facilities, stairwell reentry, and electromagnetic locks released by a sensor or by door-mounted hardware.
How do you specify panic hardware?
Where panic hardware is required, the actuating portion of the device (touchpad or crossbar) must be at least half the width of the door leaf. Current codes require panic hardware to be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor.
How does a panic bolt work?
The Panic Bolt Unit eliminates the risk of impeding people's escape, either by being unnecessarily complicated or not being readily capable of being opened, as it works by a simple spring loaded bolt which is held in place by a ceramic or glass tube that can be broken in the event of an emergency.
How does a panic bar door work?
You simply push a rod, a bar or other activator, the latch mechanism is retracted and you are able to push the door open. These types of devices function differently than a typical door lock, in that they are designed to allow exit without the use of a key or any rotary motion of any kind.
What is considered fire exit hardware?
Answer: An exit device is the general term for panic hardware, a panic device, or fire exit hardware. An exit device may be of the touchpad, crossbar, or recessed style, and it's characterized by an actuating mechanism that spans at least half the width of the door.
What is panic hardware?
Panic hardware, marked by its durability and ease of use, is a popular exit device used to provide quick egress for building occupants in a state of emergency. However, some specifiers struggle with determining when panic hardware is actually required — adopted building codes and fire codes such as the Life Safety Code ( NFPA 101) ...
Why is panic hardware important?
Panic hardware by its design plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and security within a built environment, so regularly revisiting existing codes applicable to common projects and staying abreast of changes will help specifiers attain and maintain clarity, avoiding confusion.
What are the four occupancy classifications for panic hardware?
For facilities that are required to follow NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code, there are four occupancy classifications where panic hardware is required: Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 100 people or more. Educational occupancies with an occupant load of 100 people or more. Day care occupancies with an occupant load of 100 people or more. ...
How long does a delayed egress door last?
The use of delayed egress hardware prevents a door from being opened from the egress side, usually for a period of 15 seconds although an AHJ may approve a delay of up to 30 seconds. This type of device is often used to prevent theft or elopement, while maintaining life safety, and is commonly comprised of panic hardware incorporating the delayed egress feature, or an electromagnetic lock and power supply, one of which would contain delayed egress circuitry.
What is controlled egress?
Controlled egress is typically used in an I-2 occupancy, which the IBC describes as a health care facility with 24-hour medical supervision for patients, with some or all occupants incapable of self-preservation and requiring assistance to reach safety in an emergency.
What is fire exit hardware?
The fire exit hardware will be labeled for both fire and panic. If panic hardware is used on balanced doors a pushpad/touchpad device must be used and the actuating portion of the device must not extend more than half the width of the door.
How much force does panic hardware need?
Some codes and standards require panic hardware to operate with a maximum of 15 pounds of force, while other codes and standards limit the operable force for hardware to five pounds. A special UL listing indicates panic hardware that is certified to operate with five pounds of force or less.
What is panic hardware?
Panic hardware, also known as an exit device, is designed to provide building occupants fast and easy egress in an emergency. Because of its durability and ease of use, panic hardware is commonly installed in places where it isn’t required by code.
How many types of panic hardware are there?
Now that we’ve explored the basic code restrictions regulating the use of panic hardware, let’s look at what styles are available. There are three basic types of panic hardware, dependent on aesthetic requirements, door design, and a few other factors.
How long does delayed egress hardware last?
The use of delayed egress hardware prevents a door from being opened from the egress side, usually for a period of 15 seconds although an AHJ may approve a delay of up to 30 seconds. This type of device is often used to prevent theft or elopement, while maintaining life safety.
What is the NFPA 70 code for fire exits?
In addition to Assembly, Educational and High Hazard occupancies, the 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requires panic hardware or fire exit hardware on doors within 25 feet of the required working space for rooms housing: equipment with more than 600 volts,
What is rim panic?
Rim – A rim panic device is surface-mounted on the door, with the latch projecting from the panic device rather than the door edge. This is the simplest configuration of panic hardware, and the easiest to maintain. Rim panics can be used on single doors, or on pairs of doors in conjunction with a removable mullion.
How much force does panic hardware need?
Some codes and standards require panic hardware to operate with a maximum of 15 pounds of force, while other codes and standards limit the operable force for hardware to 5 pounds. A special UL listing indicates panic hardware that is certified to operate with 5 pounds of force or less.
How high should a panic button be mounted?
Current codes require panic hardware to be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor.
