Push Bar / Panic Bar Installation

Push Bar Installed
Push bars/panic bars provide a locking system while providing quick and safe exits in case of an emergency. We not only install push bars, but assure that your property complies with safety and fire regulations all the while keeping your building locked up and secure.
Every business in Cleveland, Ohio is required to comply with the strict fire safety code implemented by the city’s Department of Fire. One of the major rules requires that all exit doors in commercial establishments be installed with a working emergency exit device. It is very important to meet these standards outlined in the code for everybody’s safety and well-being.
So, what is an emergency exit device?
An emergency exit device or panic hardware is a door installment specifically designed to provide a safe, fast, and easy exit channel for people in case of emergency situations. Doors built with an emergency exit device are locked from the outside but can easily be opened from the inside. This will make it easy for people to escape the building in case of a fire, earthquake, and other circumstances that could incite panic.
The Fire Safety Code in most cities, including Cleveland, OH states that emergency exit devices must not require “tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate”. The device should extend across at least fifty percent of the door’s width and must be easy to push. Clearly, door knobs are a big no-no. Now the question is, what are the appropriate emergency exit devices for business establishments that meet Cleveland, Ohio’s fire safety guidelines?
Styles – Touchpad, Crossbar, Recessed
Before anything else, you must determine which style of emergency exit hardware you need. There are a couple of factors to consider before making your final decision – door design and aesthetic preference. Here are the three basic types of emergency exit device available in the hardware market.
Touchpad
Touchpads are the most popular panic hardware style used by businesses in Cleveland. It is built to fit different trims, controls, and electrified options. A great touchpad security hardware is made by a company called Detex.
Detex Push Bars
Detex specializes in the manufacture of life safety and security door hardware. The brand carries one of the most reliable push bars approved for fire exit door assembly. It offers a series of heavy-duty exit devices like the Wide Stile Rim Exit Device which are available in stainless steel finish and vapor deposition coatings. Narrow and concealed types are part of the selection, too.
Crossbar
Crossbars are narrower than touchpads which make it a perfect choice for buildings with minimalist interior. It mostly serves the aesthetic requirements of an establishment, but it is not the most practical solution. If you’re looking into installing electrified options, go for the touchpad type instead.
Taco Rim Type Crossbar Exit Device
The Transatlantic Company is known for its brand of quality panic exit devices. This particular Taco crossbar is built for doors that are one to three quarter-inch thick. There are models made for doors of a different width measure. There are cross bars designed for hollow doors, too. The Taco Crossbar is easy to install and are available with exterior access accessories.
Recessed
The recessed type is a low-profile emergency exit device. It requires a cut-out slot for installation which means that it will only be compatible on hollow metal doors. This way, it won’t protrude so much from the surface.
Von Duprin 94 Series Recessed Push Pads
Von Duprin’s recessed push pads are designed for high-traffic applications. This makes it perfect for business establishments that accommodate large volumes of clients on a daily basis. It features a quiet electronic latch retraction and self-lubricating coating on latch bolts.
Types of Panic Hardware
Not all exit device is appropriate for use. If you’re a business owner, you will have to know what type of exit door your establishment has before choosing the right panic hardware to install. There are three types of panic device – Rim, Mortise, and Vertical Rods or Cables.
Rim panics are the most popular emergency exit device. It is built for easy configuration and is very low-maintenance. This type of panic hardware is usually installed on the surface of the door with the latch projecting from the device itself. It can be used on both single doors as well as pair doors.
Mortise Panic Device
Mortise panics are a less popular choice for an exit device. They are designed with more complexity compared to the rim type which can make it difficult for installation. This panic device has a mortise lock installed in the door and is controlled by surface-mounted panic hardware. Mortise exit devices can be set up on single doors as well as on double doors.
Vertical Rods or Cables
Vertical panics are also referred to as LBR or “less bottom rods”. This type of panic device gives you two options – you may choose to install it on the surface or inside of the door. Vertical rods can be quite tricky to set up especially if you’re choosing to do a concealed application. Using cables instead of rods will make it easier.
Other Emergency Exit Devices
Mullions
A mullion is a fixed or removable vertical or horizontal bar that separates a double door and its glass components. Some brands offer fire-rated mullions that offer maximum strength and reliability to withstand extreme pressure. The Ohio fire code discourages the use of fixed center mullions on emergency exits as it can be an obstruction during evacuations.
Exit Door Alarm and Lock
Exit door alarms are installed to serve two main purposes – first is to alert people of emergency situations which require evacuation and second is to notify management in case of unauthorized exits. It usually comes with a key to arm and disarms the alarm. Most models are battery-operated.
Electrified Closer Holders
Basic closer holders are made to prolong the life of the door by controlling the degree and the rate it opens and closes. Electrified closer holders, on the other hand, are designed to work with fire detection systems. These advanced emergency exit device help stop the spread of fire by closing fire and smoke rated doors.
Finally, there are other emergency exit accessories available to support the main devices mentioned above. Before making your purchase, make sure that these accessories are compatible with the door and hardware you have already installed. You can refer to Ohio Fire Code if you have more questions about emergency exit devices and fire safety standards for Cleveland business establishments or simply call advanced lock and key in Cleveland, OH and we would love to help!

Inside Look – Panic Bar We Installed In Cleveland, OH