Panic hardware is just like it sounds.
Exit door panic hardware requirements.
The bar unlatches the door s latching mechanism on both ends allowing the door to swing freely in the direction of egress.
The use of panic hardware and or fire exit hardware is required by the international building code ibc and nfpa 101 the life safety code depending on which code and which edition of the code is being referenced.
This is the simplest configuration of panic hardware and the easiest to maintain.
Understanding code requirements for panic hardware.
A rim panic device is surface mounted on the door with the latch projecting from the panic device rather than the door edge.
Locked exit doors shall operate as above in the.
Door latching assembly incorporating a device which releases the latch upon application of a force in the direction of exit travel.
The ibc 2006 and 2009 editions requires panic hardware and or fire exit hardware on egress doors with an occupant load of 50 people or more in the following.
Hardware consisting of bars that extend to at least half of the width of the door leaf.
An applied force of 15 pounds should be enough to release the latch.
When panic hardware is used on fire doors it must be fire exit hardware that has been tested per ul 10c positive pressure fire tests of door assemblies or another fire test standard and the.
Latching and locking doors that are hand activated and which are in a path of travel shall be operable with a single effort by lever type hardware by panic bars push pull activating bars or other hardware designed to provide passage without requiring the ability to grasp the opening hardware.
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.
Panic hardware is an exit device that has been tested to ul 305 requirements and allows simple egress by use of a crash bar push bar etc.
Above all equip doors with panic hardware and fire exit hardware.
Code publications define panic hardware as a door latching assembly incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the application of a force.
Sometimes panic hardware is called fire exit hardware or they may be referred to as egress doors.
Panic hardware cannot be used on a fire door because of the danger of trapping people inside during a fire.