Exit devices are pieces of door hardware, specially designed to provide a no-knowledge means of exit. An exit device is often referred to as a "crash bar" or "panic bar." In an emergency or panic situation, falling against or crashing into the bar will immediately open the door - no knobs or levers to turn, no deadbolts to unlock, no key to be found.The idea is good, and the devices work as intended in most situations. But if you've ever seen an exit device on a door with a deadbolt mounted above it, or a pair of doors with a chain wrapped through the bars and locked with a padlock, the hardware may be rendered useless in an emergency.State fire and life safety codes often stipulate that no other locking hardware may be mounted on a door requiring an exit device. Amazingly, some states still allow an auxiliary deadbolt to be installed. Know your local laws and follow them exactly. Exit hardware comes in three basic types: Rim Devices, Mortise Devices and Vertical Rod Devices. Each is intended for a specific application and use. All basic types are available in standard and fire-rated versions. Some manufacturers offer standard bars only and others offer a full range of choices. Some bars are used as exit only and some require an exterior means of entry. All bars used to be the open type of exposed bar or tubing attached at each end to the housings. (Illustration #1) In recent years, the design changed to a square bar. (Illustration #2) This new design has eliminated the possibility of running a chain and padlock through the device to double-lock it. The square bar is stronger and lessens the possibility of bending or breaking in a high-traffic or abusive use installation. Rim devices offer the most common type of exit device. This bar is surface-mounted to the door and can be activated from the outside by a rim cylinder. (Illustration #3)Installation is quick and easy; the only cross-bore required is for the rim cylinder. Adjustment is usually only needed when the door has been warped or the device has been struck with a cart, etc. The latch plate is mounted to the surface of the frame. Depending on the manufacturer, the latch can be held back by dogging the bar down in a depressed mode with a special wrench, or by an optional key cylinder mounted in the bar. In some cases, the exterior key cylinder is turned to a specific position to keep the latch retracted.Mortise devices use a mortise lock case. In a new installation, the door must be prepped with a mortise pocket. (Illustration #4)Installation of the bar itself is limited to keeping the bar level. The outside trim can vary. A lever or knob may be used to allow entry after the key has been turned in a mortise cylinder. Mortise devices are subject to all of the adjustment problems of any mortise lock. The alignment and usage of the door will have a direct affect on the proper operation of the device.Surface-mounted vertical rod devices are more complex to install and keep in proper operation than rim devices. In most cases, top and bottom vertical rods are attached to the active case. (Illustration #5)Some specialized installations will allow a top rod only, but this will not meet most fire and life safety codes. Never install a device with the top rod only without specific authorization. When this installation is allowed, a secondary means of securing the bottom portion of the door is mandatory.The installation of a surface-mounted vertical rod device is detailed. Great care must be taken to properly align the device. Improper installation will result in one or both of the rods binding. When a rod binds, the latch will not engage the strike. Concealed vertical rod devices are probably the most difficult units to install on an unprepared door. (Illustration #6) The top and bottom rod assemblies are mounted inside the door. The best solution is to order the new door prepped for the specific device you are installing. In the case of a fire-rated door, you can't alter it and maintain its fire rating. An authorized company must do the installation, and the fire rating must be certified after the hardware is installed.The concealed rod device is also prone to improper operation when a door is warped or damaged by weather or misuse. If a rod binds or sticks, the door may not close and latch correctly. In an emergency, the rod may prevent the door from opening. Proper maintenance and adjustment is mandatory to ensure the safety of the occupants.Most types of exit devices are available in a fire-rated version. Some of the parts are made of a different material to achieve the fire rating. Always use a fire-rated device on a marked fire exit. Some jurisdictions require the use of fire-rated devices on all doors of a building, depending upon the occupancy rating. Again, check with your local AHJ to determine the proper hardware to use.When repairing a fire-rated exit device, you must use only fire-rated replacement parts. Don't try to shortcut and use parts from a non-rated exit device; this could destroy the fire rating. Electrified versions of Rim, Mortise and Vertical Rod devices are available from various manufacturers. Many brands of exit devices offer the ability to upgrade to an electrified version without replacing all of the hardware. Kits that contain all of the parts needed can be ordered and installed on the existing device. Of course, running the wiring and the installation of other components also needs to be figured in to the modification process. Many versions of alarmed exit devices are available. Most are stand-alone, battery-operated units, but some do require an external power supply. Conversion kits from some manufacturers will turn a standard exit device into an alarmed version. Thank you to the Von Duprin Division of Ingersoll-Rand for the use of their line art used in the above illustrations. To learn more about exit devices, contact one of the following manufacturers or your favorite locksmith distributor.
Exit devices are pieces of door hardware, specially designed to provide a no-knowledge means of exit. An exit device is often referred to as a "crash bar" or "panic bar." In an emergency or panic situation, falling against or crashing into the bar will immediately open the door - no knobs or levers to turn, no deadbolts to unlock, no key to be found. The idea is good, and the devices work as intended in most situations. But if you've ever seen an exit device on a door with a deadbolt mounted above it, or a pair of doors with a chain wrapped through the bars and locked with a padlock, the hardware may be rendered useless in an emergency.State fire and life safety codes often stipulate that no other locking hardware may be mounted on a door requiring an exit device. Amazingly, some states still allow an auxiliary deadbolt to be installed. Know your local laws and follow them exactly. Exit hardware comes in three basic types: Rim Devices, Mortise Devices and Vertical Rod Devices. Each is intended for a specific application and use. All basic types are available in standard and fire-rated versions. Some manufacturers offer standard bars only and others offer a full range of choices. Some bars are used as exit only and some require an exterior means of entry. All bars used to be the open type of exposed bar or tubing attached at each end to the housings. (Illustration #1) In recent years, the design changed to a square bar. (Illustration #2) This new design has eliminated the possibility of running a chain and padlock through the device to double-lock it. The square bar is stronger and lessens the possibility of bending or breaking in a high-traffic or abusive use installation. Rim devices offer the most common type of exit device. This bar is surface-mounted to the door and can be activated from the outside by a rim cylinder. (Illustration #3)Installation is quick and easy; the only cross-bore required is for the rim cylinder. Adjustment is usually only needed when the door has been warped or the device has been struck with a cart, etc. The latch plate is mounted to the surface of the frame. Depending on the manufacturer, the latch can be held back by dogging the bar down in a depressed mode with a special wrench, or by an optional key cylinder mounted in the bar. In some cases, the exterior key cylinder is turned to a specific position to keep the latch retracted.Mortise devices use a mortise lock case. In a new installation, the door must be prepped with a mortise pocket. (Illustration #4)Installation of the bar itself is limited to keeping the bar level. The outside trim can vary. A lever or knob may be used to allow entry after the key has been turned in a mortise cylinder. Mortise devices are subject to all of the adjustment problems of any mortise lock. The alignment and usage of the door will have a direct affect on the proper operation of the device.Surface-mounted vertical rod devices are more complex to install and keep in proper operation than rim devices. In most cases, top and bottom vertical rods are attached to the active case. (Illustration #5)Some specialized installations will allow a top rod only, but this will not meet most fire and life safety codes. Never install a device with the top rod only without specific authorization. When this installation is allowed, a secondary means of securing the bottom portion of the door is mandatory.The installation of a surface-mounted vertical rod device is detailed. Great care must be taken to properly align the device. Improper installation will result in one or both of the rods binding. When a rod binds, the latch will not engage the strike. Concealed vertical rod devices are probably the most difficult units to install on an unprepared door. (Illustration #6) The top and bottom rod assemblies are mounted inside the door. The best solution is to order the new door prepped for the specific device you are installing. In the case of a fire-rated door, you can't alter it and maintain its fire rating. An authorized company must do the installation, and the fire rating must be certified after the hardware is installed.The concealed rod device is also prone to improper operation when a door is warped or damaged by weather or misuse. If a rod binds or sticks, the door may not close and latch correctly. In an emergency, the rod may prevent the door from opening. Proper maintenance and adjustment is mandatory to ensure the safety of the occupants.Most types of exit devices are available in a fire-rated version. Some of the parts are made of a different material to achieve the fire rating. Always use a fire-rated device on a marked fire exit. Some jurisdictions require the use of fire-rated devices on all doors of a building, depending upon the occupancy rating. Again, check with your local AHJ to determine the proper hardware to use.When repairing a fire-rated exit device, you must use only fire-rated replacement parts. Don't try to shortcut and use parts from a non-rated exit device; this could destroy the fire rating. Electrified versions of Rim, Mortise and Vertical Rod devices are available from various manufacturers. Many brands of exit devices offer the ability to upgrade to an electrified version without replacing all of the hardware. Kits that contain all of the parts needed can be ordered and installed on the existing device. Of course, running the wiring and the installation of other components also needs to be figured in to the modification process. Many versions of alarmed exit devices are available. Most are stand-alone, battery-operated units, but some do require an external power supply. Conversion kits from some manufacturers will turn a standard exit device into an alarmed version. Thank you to the Von Duprin Division of Ingersoll-Rand for the use of their line art used in the above illustrations. To learn more about exit devices, contact one of the following manufacturers or your favorite locksmith distributor.Manufacturers Of Exit DevicesAdams Rite Manufacturing Company Phone: (800) 872-3267 Web: www.adamsrite.comAlarm Lock Systems Inc. Phone: (800) 252-5625 (800 ALA LOCK) Web: www.alarmlock.comArrow Lock Manufacturing Company
Phone: (800) 233-0478
Web: www.arrowlock.comCorbin Russwin Architectural Hardware Phone: (800) 543-3658 Web: www.corbin-russwin.comDetex Corporation
Phone: (800) 729-3839
Web: www.detex.comDoor Controls International
Phone: (800) 742-3634
Web: www.doorcontrols.comDorma Door Controls Inc.
Phone: (800) 523-8483
Web: www.dorma-usa.comDor-O-Matic Exit Device Division Phone: (800) 543-4635 Web: www.doromatic.comInternational Door Closers
Phone: (800) 544-4422Jackson Exit Device Corporation
Phone: (800) 533-6229
Web: www.jacksonexit.comKaba-Mas Corporation
Phone: (888) 950-4715
Web: www.kaba-mas.comMonarch Hardware
Phone: (800) 826-5792
Web: www.monarchhardware.comPrecision Hardware Inc.
Phone: (734) 326-7500
Web: www.precisionhardware.comSargent & Greenleaf Inc.
Phone: (800) 826-7652
Web: www.sargentandgreenleaf.comSargent Manufacturing Company
Phone: (800) 727-5477
Web: www.sargentlock.comVon Duprin Inc.
Phone: (800) 999-0408
Web: www.vonduprin.comYale Commercial Locks and Hardware
Phone: (800) 438-1951
Web: www.yalelocks.comback to top
Exit devices are pieces of door hardware, specially designed to provide a no-knowledge means of exit. An exit device is often referred to as a "crash bar" or "panic bar." In an emergency or panic situation, falling against or crashing into the bar will immediately open the door - no knobs or levers to turn, no deadbolts to unlock, no key to be found. The idea is good, and the devices work as intended in most situations. But if you've ever seen an exit device on a door with a deadbolt mounted above it, or a pair of doors with a chain wrapped through the bars and locked with a padlock, the hardware may be rendered useless in an emergency.State fire and life safety codes often stipulate that no other locking hardware may be mounted on a door requiring an exit device. Amazingly, some states still allow an auxiliary deadbolt to be installed. Know your local laws and follow them exactly. Exit hardware comes in three basic types: Rim Devices, Mortise Devices and Vertical Rod Devices. Each is intended for a specific application and use. All basic types are available in standard and fire-rated versions. Some manufacturers offer standard bars only and others offer a full range of choices. Some bars are used as exit only and some require an exterior means of entry. All bars used to be the open type of exposed bar or tubing attached at each end to the housings. (Illustration #1) In recent years, the design changed to a square bar. (Illustration #2) This new design has eliminated the possibility of running a chain and padlock through the device to double-lock it. The square bar is stronger and lessens the possibility of bending or breaking in a high-traffic or abusive use installation. Rim devices offer the most common type of exit device. This bar is surface-mounted to the door and can be activated from the outside by a rim cylinder. (Illustration #3)Installation is quick and easy; the only cross-bore required is for the rim cylinder. Adjustment is usually only needed when the door has been warped or the device has been struck with a cart, etc. The latch plate is mounted to the surface of the frame. Depending on the manufacturer, the latch can be held back by dogging the bar down in a depressed mode with a special wrench, or by an optional key cylinder mounted in the bar. In some cases, the exterior key cylinder is turned to a specific position to keep the latch retracted.Mortise devices use a mortise lock case. In a new installation, the door must be prepped with a mortise pocket. (Illustration #4)Installation of the bar itself is limited to keeping the bar level. The outside trim can vary. A lever or knob may be used to allow entry after the key has been turned in a mortise cylinder. Mortise devices are subject to all of the adjustment problems of any mortise lock. The alignment and usage of the door will have a direct affect on the proper operation of the device.Surface-mounted vertical rod devices are more complex to install and keep in proper operation than rim devices. In most cases, top and bottom vertical rods are attached to the active case. (Illustration #5)Some specialized installations will allow a top rod only, but this will not meet most fire and life safety codes. Never install a device with the top rod only without specific authorization. When this installation is allowed, a secondary means of securing the bottom portion of the door is mandatory.The installation of a surface-mounted vertical rod device is detailed. Great care must be taken to properly align the device. Improper installation will result in one or both of the rods binding. When a rod binds, the latch will not engage the strike. Concealed vertical rod devices are probably the most difficult units to install on an unprepared door. (Illustration #6) The top and bottom rod assemblies are mounted inside the door. The best solution is to order the new door prepped for the specific device you are installing. In the case of a fire-rated door, you can't alter it and maintain its fire rating. An authorized company must do the installation, and the fire rating must be certified after the hardware is installed.The concealed rod device is also prone to improper operation when a door is warped or damaged by weather or misuse. If a rod binds or sticks, the door may not close and latch correctly. In an emergency, the rod may prevent the door from opening. Proper maintenance and adjustment is mandatory to ensure the safety of the occupants.Most types of exit devices are available in a fire-rated version. Some of the parts are made of a different material to achieve the fire rating. Always use a fire-rated device on a marked fire exit. Some jurisdictions require the use of fire-rated devices on all doors of a building, depending upon the occupancy rating. Again, check with your local AHJ to determine the proper hardware to use.When repairing a fire-rated exit device, you must use only fire-rated replacement parts. Don't try to shortcut and use parts from a non-rated exit device; this could destroy the fire rating. Electrified versions of Rim, Mortise and Vertical Rod devices are available from various manufacturers. Many brands of exit devices offer the ability to upgrade to an electrified version without replacing all of the hardware. Kits that contain all of the parts needed can be ordered and installed on the existing device. Of course, running the wiring and the installation of other components also needs to be figured in to the modification process. Many versions of alarmed exit devices are available. Most are stand-alone, battery-operated units, but some do require an external power supply. Conversion kits from some manufacturers will turn a standard exit device into an alarmed version. Thank you to the Von Duprin Division of Ingersoll-Rand for the use of their line art used in the above illustrations. To learn more about exit devices, contact one of the following manufacturers or your favorite locksmith distributor.Manufacturers Of Exit DevicesAdams Rite Manufacturing Company Phone: (800) 872-3267 Web: www.adamsrite.comAlarm Lock Systems Inc. Phone: (800) 252-5625 (800 ALA LOCK) Web: www.alarmlock.comArrow Lock Manufacturing Company
Phone: (800) 233-0478
Web: www.arrowlock.comCorbin Russwin Architectural Hardware Phone: (800) 543-3658 Web: www.corbin-russwin.comDetex Corporation
Phone: (800) 729-3839
Web: www.detex.comDoor Controls International
Phone: (800) 742-3634
Web: www.doorcontrols.comDorma Door Controls Inc.
Phone: (800) 523-8483
Web: www.dorma-usa.comDor-O-Matic Exit Device Division Phone: (800) 543-4635 Web: www.doromatic.comInternational Door Closers
Phone: (800) 544-4422Jackson Exit Device Corporation
Phone: (800) 533-6229
Web: www.jacksonexit.comKaba-Mas Corporation
Phone: (888) 950-4715
Web: www.kaba-mas.comMonarch Hardware
Phone: (800) 826-5792
Web: www.monarchhardware.comPrecision Hardware Inc.
Phone: (734) 326-7500
Web: www.precisionhardware.comSargent & Greenleaf Inc.
Phone: (800) 826-7652
Web: www.sargentandgreenleaf.comSargent Manufacturing Company
Phone: (800) 727-5477
Web: www.sargentlock.comVon Duprin Inc.
Phone: (800) 999-0408
Web: www.vonduprin.comYale Commercial Locks and Hardware
Phone: (800) 438-1951
Web: www.yalelocks.comback to top
