No Need to Panic

The panic bar was invented in the early 1900s to prevent people from being trapped inside a building during a fire. Panic bars are now a required safety feature in all commercial buildings. Von Duprin is a leader in modern panic bars that can be used on fire doors, time-delayed doors, and delayed exit systems. Mechanical and electric exit devices offer superb security and safety.

A basic, mechanical panic bar can be installed on fire exit doors or any door that needs the security of being locked on the outside but able to open from the inside. For example, back doors of offices, warehouses and retail business may opt for this type of locking mechanism. Von Duprin panic bars meet ANSI A156.3 – 2001 Grade 1 criteria. For the greatest security, choose panic bars that offer more than 2,000 pounds of static load force resistance. This prevents intruders from pulling or prying the door open from the outside.

Electric panic bars can be tied into a fire alarm system to automatically unlock when the alarm is tripped. In addition, some models can be programmed to trip the alarm system when they are pushed open from the inside. Typically, these types of panic bars are used on buildings with high occupancy levels that utilize a fully featured fire and security alarm system. Another function of electric panic bars is to control exit through a delayed exit system. These mechanisms allow security personnel to monitor access to and from the facility.

Expect to pay $600 and up for quality panic bars; electric options raise the cost to $1000 and up.