Electrified panic hardware with remote unlocking allows doors to remain safely exitable from the inside via a push pad while enabling electronic control, unlatching, or locking from a remote location. This type of electrified panic exit device pairs standard life-safety egress hardware with an electric actuator, so security staff or access control systems can manage entry from the secure side without ever restricting free exit from within.

What Is Electric Panic Hardware?

Electric panic hardware is a category of exit device hardware that combines mechanical push-bar egress with an electrified component—such as a solenoid, motor, or electrified trim—that allows remote or credential-based unlocking. Unlike purely mechanical panic bars, electrified exit hardware can be tied into a building's access control system, letting administrators unlock, lock, or unlatch a door from a keypad, card reader, or central control station.

What Are the Main Types of Electrified Panic Hardware?

Electrified panic hardware generally falls into a few core categories, each suited to different access control needs:

• Electric Latch Retraction (EL / ELR): Uses a motorized or solenoid mechanism inside the push bar to pull the latchbolt back electronically, allowing push-pull operation or remote unlatching from afar.

• Electrified Lever Trim (E): Keeps the interior push bar mechanically free for emergency egress at all times, while power controls whether the exterior lever handle is locked or unlocked.

• Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure: Fail-safe devices unlock automatically during a power outage or fire alarm, whereas fail-secure models stay locked from the outside when power is lost. Fail-safe hardware is better suited for doors where life-safety egress during a power failure is the priority, while fail-secure hardware works best where perimeter security must hold even if power drops.

What Are the Key Uses and Benefits of Electrified Panic Hardware?

Electrified panic exit devices deliver value anywhere a facility needs both guaranteed emergency egress and controlled entry:

• Access Control: Integrates with card readers, keypads, or button systems to permit entry from the outside.

• Emergency Lockdown: Permits security staff to instantly secure or release doors remotely during safety events.

• Code Compliance: Preserves life safety codes for free emergency exit while managing perimeter security.

These devices are frequently deployed as part of a broader electrified exit device solution, alongside electrified locks and heavy-duty electrified intermediate pivots for doors requiring powered hinge-side wiring.

Which Electrified Panic Exit Device Do You Need?

The right electrified exit hardware depends on three factors specific to your door and application:

1. Is the door fire-rated or non-fire-rated? Fire-rated openings require devices tested and listed for fire door assemblies.

2. Do you need fail-safe or fail-secure operation? This determines how the door behaves during a power outage.

3. Are you looking for a retrofit kit or a brand-new device? Retrofit-compatible devices can be installed into existing door prep without replacing frame hardware.

If you need help choosing a specific system, share these three details, and a hardware specialist can recommend the right electrified panic hardware configuration for your door.

Frequently Asked Questions