Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 09-01-2026 Origin: Site
When you walk into a commercial building, a school, or a hospital, you probably pass several doors without giving them a second thought. However, the hardware on those doors plays a silent but critical role in your safety. If an emergency strikes—whether it is a fire, a power outage, or a security threat—the ability to evacuate quickly is the difference between safety and tragedy.
This is where the panic exit device comes into play. Often called a "crash bar" or "push bar," this mechanism allows people to open a door by simply pressing a bar, rather than twisting a knob or fumbling with a lever. For facility managers, architects, and business owners, selecting the right hardware is not just about compliance with building codes; it is about protecting lives.
Zhongshan Keyman Locks Products Ltd. has spent over 20 years specializing in this exact field. With a focus on high-quality, ANSI/UL standard hardware, Keyman understands that durability and reliability are non-negotiable. This guide answers the most common questions regarding exit devices, helping you make informed decisions for your facility.
A panic exit door push bar is a type of door opening mechanism designed to allow fast and easy egress from a building. Unlike a standard door knob that requires a rotary motion (twisting) or a lever that requires a downward force, a panic bar releases the latch when pressure is applied horizontally against the bar.
The design intent is intuitive operation. In a panic situation, a crowd of people pressing against the door should be enough to activate the bar and open the door outward. This prevents the "crush" phenomenon that can occur at standard doors during mass evacuations.
Keyman Lock manufactures several variations of these devices, primarily focusing on durability and fire safety. For example, the X8 Aluminum Series and X9 Stainless Steel Series are built to meet ANSI Grade 1 standards. This means they are tested to withstand millions of cycles, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like shopping malls and schools.
This is a common question that arises from a desire to increase building security, especially in schools or offices concerned about unauthorized entry or active threats. However, the answer requires a careful balance between security and life safety codes.
Generally, you cannot place a secondary door barricade security bar on a designated fire exit if it requires special knowledge, tight grasping, or significant time to remove. Fire codes (such as NFPA 101) usually mandate that exit doors must be openable from the inside with a single motion and without the use of a key or special tool.
The solution is to use a high-security panic device that acts as its own barricade against external threats while remaining compliant for internal exit. Keyman’s exit devices are designed to be robust. When the door is closed, the latch bolt secures the door firmly to the frame (or the floor and top jamb in vertical rod models).
For enhanced security without violating fire codes, you should look for:
UL 305 Certification: This ensures the device functions properly as panic hardware.
ANSI Grade 1 Rating: This certifies that the locking mechanism is strong enough to resist brute force attacks from the outside.
Fire Ratings: Products like the Keyman X9 Series come with a 3-hour fire rating (UL 10C), ensuring the door stays latched to prevent fire spread but opens instantly for egress.
While the primary function of a panic bar is to let people out, most buildings also need a way to let authorized people in. This is where the push bar panic exit device with exterior lever comes into play.
The "trim" is the hardware installed on the outside of the door. It usually takes the form of a lever handle or a pull handle. The functionality of this lever depends on the security needs of that specific door:
Entrance Function: The lever can be locked or unlocked using a key. When unlocked, the lever retracts the latch, allowing entry. When locked, the lever is rigid (or spins freely without engaging the latch), preventing entry.
Passage Function: The lever is always unlocked and free to turn, allowing entry at any time.
Storeroom Function: The lever is always locked and requires a key to retract the latch every time entry is needed.
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Keyman provides various trim options, such as the 5G Heavy Duty Lever Trim and the XB Lever on Rosette Trim. These are designed to integrate seamlessly with the internal panic bar. Importantly, regardless of whether the exterior lever is locked or unlocked, the interior push bar always works. This ensures that you can never be trapped inside the building, even if the door is locked against the outside world.
Choosing the right device depends on your traffic levels, aesthetic requirements, and budget. Below is a comparison of the primary series offered by Keyman Lock to help you decide.
Series | Material | Fire Rating | ANSI Grade | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
X9 Series | Stainless Steel | 3-Hour (UL 10C) | Grade 1 | Heavy-duty commercial use, hospitals, government buildings, and areas requiring corrosion resistance. |
X8 Series | Aluminum | 3-Hour (UL 10C) | Grade 1 | Offices, schools, and retail spaces where a balance of weight, cost, and high durability is required. |
X6 Series | Various | N/A | Medium Duty | Lower traffic areas or interior doors where Grade 1 durability is not strictly necessary. |
EN1125 | Modular | 4-Hour (EN 1634) | CE Certified | European market projects requiring adherence to EN standards rather than ANSI. |
Not all panic bars latch the door in the same way. The configuration of the door (single vs. double) and the level of security required will dictate which type you need.
This is the most common type. The latch bolt projects from the panic device directly into a strike plate mounted on the door frame. It is easy to install and maintain. Keyman’s X801-R is a prime example of a rim device that is surface-mounted and ideal for single doors.
These devices are typically used on double doors. Rods run from the push bar up to the top of the door and down to the floor. When the bar is pushed, both rods retract, releasing the door. This offers two points of locking for extra stability. Keyman offers the X801-V for these applications.
For the highest level of security, a mortise exit device is used. The locking mechanism is embedded inside the door itself, rather than surface mounted. Keyman’s X801-M combines the quick exit capability of a panic bar with the robust security of a mortise lock body.
You might hear the term "dogging" when discussing exit devices. This feature allows you to mechanically hold the latch bolt retracted and the push bar depressed using a hex key.
When a device is "dogged," the door functions as a simple push/pull door without latching. This is incredibly useful for high-traffic doors during business hours (like a main entrance to a department store) to reduce wear and tear on the moving parts. However, it is vital to note that fire-rated doors cannot have mechanical dogging. Fire doors must strictly self-latch to prevent the spread of smoke and flames during an emergency.
The safety of your building occupants relies heavily on the quality of your hardware. A panic exit door push bar is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a mechanical promise that, in the event of an emergency, the path to safety will be clear and effortless.
Whether you need a robust push bar panic exit device with exterior lever for a school entrance or a stainless steel device for a hospital corridor, prioritizing certified quality is essential. With certifications ranging from ANSI Grade 1 to UL Fire Ratings, Keyman Lock provides the reliability architects and builders trust.
If you are currently planning a project or upgrading your facility’s security, ensure you choose hardware that stands up to the task.
Contact Zhongshan Keyman Locks Products Ltd. today to discuss your specific requirements or to request a quote for your next project.
