What Is The Difference between A Rim Exit Device And A Vertical Rod Exit Device?

When it comes to commercial building safety, exit devices play a crucial role in ensuring people can quickly and safely evacuate during emergencies. Two of the most common types you'll encounter are rim exit devices and vertical rod exit devices. While both serve the same fundamental purpose—allowing rapid egress from a building—they operate differently and are suited to different applications.

Understanding the distinctions between these two systems can help building owners, facility managers, and safety professionals make informed decisions about which option best meets their specific needs. The choice between rim and vertical rod exit devices often comes down to door construction, traffic patterns, security requirements, and local building codes.

This guide will break down the key differences between rim exit devices and vertical rod exit devices, helping you determine which solution is right for your facility.

What Are Exit Devices?

Exit devices, also known as panic bars or crash bars, are mechanical door hardware components designed to allow quick exit from a building during emergencies. These devices are typically installed on doors in high-occupancy buildings, schools, hospitals, and other commercial facilities where rapid evacuation might be necessary.

The primary function of any exit device is simple: when pressure is applied to the horizontal bar (usually by pushing with a hip, shoulder, or hand), the locking mechanism disengages, allowing the door to open freely toward the exit direction.

Both rim exit devices and vertical rod exit devices meet fire and life safety codes, but they achieve this goal through different mechanical approaches.

Rim Exit Devices: The Basics

Rim exit devices are mounted directly to the interior surface of the door. The name "rim" comes from the fact that the device sits on the rim or edge of the door, similar to how a rim lock functions.

How Rim Exit Devices Work

When someone pushes the horizontal bar on a rim exit device, it activates a mechanism that retracts a latch bolt. This latch bolt extends horizontally into a strike plate mounted on the door frame. The entire locking mechanism is contained within the device housing that's mounted on the door surface.

Key Features of Rim Exit Devices

Rim exit devices offer several advantages:

· Simple installation: Since they mount to the door surface, installation is straightforward and doesn't require extensive door modification

· Easy maintenance: All components are easily accessible for service and repair

· Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than vertical rod systems

· Versatile compatibility: Work well with most standard door types and frames

Common Applications

Rim exit devices are commonly found on:

· Single doors in office buildings

· Classroom doors in schools

· Retail store exits

· Interior doors leading to exit corridors

· Doors with standard metal or wood frames

Vertical Rod Exit Devices: The Basics

Vertical rod exit devices, also called vertical rod panic exit devices, use a different mechanical approach. Instead of a horizontal latch bolt, these systems employ vertical rods that extend from the device into the door frame at both the top and bottom of the door.

How Vertical Rod Exit Devices Work

When the horizontal bar is pushed on a vertical rod exit device, it simultaneously retracts vertical rods at the top and bottom of the door. These rods extend into receiving hardware mounted in both the head frame (top) and threshold or floor (bottom). This dual-point locking system provides enhanced security and is particularly effective for doors that see heavy use or require additional security.

Key Features of Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Vertical rod panic exit devices offer distinct advantages:

· Superior security: Dual-point locking at top and bottom provides enhanced security

· Ideal for high-traffic areas: Better suited for doors that experience frequent use

· Weather resistance: Top and bottom locking points help create better weather seals

· Structural integrity: Distributes stress across multiple points rather than a single latch point

Common Applications

Vertical rod exit devices are typically installed on:

· Exterior doors in commercial buildings

· High-traffic exits in shopping centers

· School gymnasium doors

· Hospital emergency exits

· Doors requiring enhanced security features

Key Differences Between Rim and Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Locking Mechanism

The most fundamental difference lies in how each system secures the door. Rim exit devices use a single horizontal latch bolt that engages with the door frame at the lock edge. Vertical rod exit devices use vertical rods that engage at both the top and bottom of the door frame, creating a more secure, multi-point locking system.

Installation Requirements

Rim exit devices mount directly to the door surface and require minimal door preparation. The strike hardware installs in the door frame at the latch edge only.

Vertical rod panic exit devices require more extensive installation. In addition to the main device on the door, installers must mount receiving hardware in both the head frame and at the floor level. This often requires drilling into concrete floors or modifying thresholds.

Security Level

While both devices meet life safety requirements, vertical rod systems typically provide enhanced security due to their multi-point locking design. The dual engagement points make it more difficult for intruders to force the door open through prying or other methods.

Cost Considerations

Rim exit devices are generally more economical, both in terms of initial hardware cost and installation labor. Vertical rod systems cost more upfront and require additional installation time due to their more complex mounting requirements.

Maintenance and Service

Rim exit devices win in terms of maintenance simplicity. All moving parts are contained within the surface-mounted housing, making inspection and service straightforward.

Vertical rod devices have components distributed across the door height, including floor-level hardware that may be subject to dirt, debris, or damage. This can make maintenance more challenging and potentially more frequent.

Aesthetic Considerations

Rim exit devices have a more prominent appearance since the entire mechanism is visible on the door surface. Some architects and designers prefer the cleaner look of vertical rod systems, where much of the mechanism is concealed within the door construction.

Choosing the Right Exit Device for Your Application

Selecting between rim and vertical rod exit devices depends on several factors:

Choose rim exit devices when:

· Budget is a primary concern

· Installation simplicity is important

· The door sees moderate traffic

· Easy maintenance access is preferred

· The application is primarily interior

Choose vertical rod exit devices when:

· Enhanced security is required

· The door experiences heavy traffic

· Weather sealing is important

· Local codes require multi-point locking

· The application involves exterior doors

Making the Right Choice for Your Building

Both rim exit devices and vertical rod panic exit devices serve essential safety functions, but understanding their differences helps ensure you select the right solution for each specific application. Consider your building's traffic patterns, security requirements, budget constraints, and maintenance capabilities when making your decision.

For most standard interior applications, rim exit devices provide an excellent balance of functionality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. For high-security exterior doors or high-traffic areas, vertical rod exit devices offer the enhanced performance and durability needed for demanding applications.

Consulting with a qualified door hardware professional can help you evaluate your specific requirements and ensure your choice meets both safety codes and operational needs.

Vertical Rod Panic Exit Device

Vertical Rod Exit Device

UL Listed Exit Device