A stainless steel mortise vertical rod exit device is a high-end type of panic hardware designed for commercial doors. It combines safe, code-compliant egress with enhanced security and durability, making it ideal for severe-duty and corrosive environments.
1. Key Features & the Advantage of Stainless Steel
Mortise Body: The main mechanism is installed within a recess (mortise) in the door edge, creating a streamlined, secure, and aesthetically clean appearance. A body constructed from Grade 304 stainless
steel provides superior corrosion resistance, protecting against harsh environments, frequent cleaning with chemicals, and humid or salty air, thereby extending the hardware's service life.
Vertical Rods: The system utilizes vertical rods (top and/or bottom) that latch into the door frame's header and sill, creating multiple locking points. The stainless steel construction of the rods ensures high strength and resistance to bending or deformation from frequent use or impact, guaranteeing long-term precise alignment and reliable latching.
Panic/Egress Function: Designed for immediate exit during emergencies; pushing the crossbar or touchpad retracts all latches simultaneously, allowing the door to open quickly.
2. Common Applications for Stainless Steel
Corrosive & High-Hygiene Environments: Essential for hospitals, laboratories, food processing plants, swimming pool areas, and coastal regions where corrosion resistance and easy cleaning are critical.
Heavy-Duty & High-Security Doors: Widely used in schools, office buildings, and industrial facilities. The strength and durability of stainless steel withstand high traffic and potential abuse.
Fire-Rated Openings: Many stainless steel models are UL-listed for use on fire-rated door assemblies, with the material itself maintaining integrity under high temperatures.
3. Types and Configurations
Full Mortise Vertical Rod Exit Device: The entire mechanism, including the vertical rod drive, is mortised into the door for a very clean appearance. Stainless steel offers optimal protection for this high-end configuration.
Top & Bottom Rod Configurations:
Single Vertical Rod (Top Only): Suitable for standard security requirements.
Double Vertical Rod (Top & Bottom): Provides maximum security, preventing the door from bowing or being forced at the bottom. Stainless steel ensures the robustness of the entire locking system.
4. Primary Benefits
Exceptional Durability & Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel offers long-term corrosion resistance that far exceeds standard plated steels, significantly reducing maintenance needs and lifetime cost.
Enhanced Security: Multi-point latching effectively deters forced entry.
Aesthetics & Hygiene: The modern, professional appearance of stainless steel enhances a building's aesthetic. Its smooth, easy-to-clean surface supports hygiene protocols.
Code Compliance: Meets ANSI/BHMA performance standards (e.g., Grade 1) and can carry UL listings for both panic hardware (UL 305) and fire ratings.
5. Installation Considerations
Requires precise mortising of the door for the exit device body and vertical rod linkages.
Must be perfectly aligned with strike plates in the door frame; the machining precision of stainless steel components aids in this alignment.
Due to the complexity, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
