Panic Device Basics: Types, Bar Styles & How to Choose
Panic devices and exit devices are essentially the same thing — both are spring-loaded bars that unlatch a door when depressed, providing immediate emergency egress without prior knowledge of how to operate the door. They are a commercial building standard because they eliminate crushing hazards and cut emergency evacuation time dramatically.
Device Types
Types of panic devices
Surface mounted to the door's exterior where the latch protrudes from the device rather than the door edge. The strike plate mounts on the door frame, a center mullion, or the inactive door on pairs without a mullion.
2. Vertical Rod Type Panic Device
Latch control rods run vertically on the door and engage top and bottom of the frame. Available in surface mounted or concealed configurations. Required on many double door and fire-rated assemblies.
3. Mortise Panic Device
The locking mechanism is mortised into a cavity in the door edge so the strike projects from the door's edge rather than the device face. Like rim devices, the strike plate mounts on the frame or mullion.
Bar Types
Push bar vs crash bar exit devices
Push Bar (Touch Bar) Exit Devices
Touch bar panic devices are the most common type of exit device. The touchpad must be pressed to retract the latch. They offer the most flexibility for alarmed panic devices because they have more interior space to house electronic components.
Crash Bar (Crossbar) Exit Devices
Crossbar exit devices are typically used on glass doors because of their smaller silhouette. Unlike touch bar devices, the latch retracts when pressure is applied anywhere on the bar — ideal for high-traffic areas where someone may crash into the door to open it.
Choosing the Right Device
5 things to know about your door before ordering
Door Width
Panic devices fit doors within a specific width range. Many models are field sizable — cut to fit — for doors between certain widths.
Door Height
Vertical rod exit devices are sized to fit specified door heights. Confirm your door height before ordering a vertical rod model.
Lock Stile Width
The lock stile is the part of the door onto which the exit device installs. Doors with a stile less than 2" require a narrow stile exit device.
Door Thickness
Door thickness matters most when selecting exterior trim. Confirm your door thickness before ordering trim kits.
Fire Rating
Fire rated exit devices cannot be dogged down. Fire doors must always remain closed and latched to prevent fire and smoke from advancing — dogging is prohibited by code.
Installation Tip
How to field size a panic device
Push Bar Type Exit Devices
Remove the end cap and cut from Section A of the push bar to match your door's width.
Crash Bar Type Exit Devices
Cut the bar to the desired length and install it in the lever arms.
Need help choosing?
Not sure which panic device is right for your door? Contact us with your door measurements and application details and we'll point you in the right direction. You can also browse our full panic device collection.