Commercial exit devices and panic bars provide quick access to leaving a building during an emergency situation without a need to turn a key, enter a code or rotate a door knob. These devices feature a horizontal push bar or touchpad which unlocks the latch.

Installation of panic bars and commercial exit devices is typical in schools, restaurants, retail establishments, theatres, warehouses, medical facilities, office buildings and other structures with heavy traffic.

Los Angeles Commercial Locksmith specializes in installing, repairing, replacing and maintaining panic bars and exit devices.

How Panic Hardware Functions

An emergency panic push bar hardware consists a metal bar fitted across the door’s interior, when applying pressure on it the lock disengages and opens the door.

It is crucial in case of emergencies where conditions such as smoke, dark environment, noise, or crowd pressure would make using a conventional lock challenging.Common Types of Exit Devices

Rim Exit Devices

The rim devices are mounted on the surface of the door and engage a strike mounted on the door frame. The rim devices are widely installed on a single door.

Vertical Rod Devices

The vertical rod devices secure the door from the top, and sometimes from the bottom. The vertical rod devices are usually installed on two doors.

Mortise Exit Devices

The mortise devices feature a lock body mounted into the edge of the door these devices might be installed for certain architectural or commercial purposes.

Fire-Rated Exit Hardware

The fire exit devices are made for approved fire doors and have certain life safety specifications. They should not be altered with any incompatible hardware.

Professional Installation

Accurate measuring, alignment, mounting and testing are needed to install the panic bar.

All components such as the strike plate, the latch, hinges, closer and door frame must function properly and a wrong installation might leave the door unlocked, slamming, too hard to open or not functioning during emergencies.

Common Problems with Panic Bars

The exit devices can suffer from:

• Loose push bars

• Sticking latches

• Damaged strikes

• Doors which do not close

• Excessive opening pressure

• Grinding noises

• Broken internal springs

• Misaligned vertical rods

• Leaking door closers

Also sagging of the door or shifting of the door frame can result in improper alignment of the latch.

The electronic exit devices may feature alarms, electric latch retraction, access readers and request to exit sensors. Testing of the electronics is required.

Repair or Replacement

Many exit devices might be repaired through adjustment of the hardware, strike alignment, replacement of the internal hardware, vertical rod alignment and closer maintenance.

Replacement of the hardware is needed when it is heavily damaged, outdated, incorrectly sized or unsupported.

Required exit doors should never be locked by chains, padlocks, furniture or other means. Appropriate equipment will provide exterior security while not compromising emergency egress.

Routine Maintenance

Exit devices should be regularly checked for their functionality. All doors should open and close properly and latch automatically.

Los Angeles Commercial Locksmith will help you to maintain your panic bars in good condition.