Panic Device Trim Guide: Pull Plates, Levers, Keypads & More
Panic devices can be installed with or without exterior trim. Trim mounts on the outside of the door — opposite the panic bar — and controls how the door is accessed from the exterior. In some cases, a door is a one-way emergency exit only and no exterior trim is needed at all.
Trim Types
Types of panic device exterior trim
Available with a rim cylinder or without (dummy trim). With a rim cylinder, a key momentarily retracts the latch for entry — when the key is removed the latch reengages and the door locks. Without a cylinder, the plate acts as a pull handle only and allows entry when the panic device is dogged down.
ADA compliant and the most common choice for public-facing doors. Available in all lock functions listed below. The panic device always provides emergency egress from inside regardless of the exterior lever function.
Available in a wide range of functions like levers, but not ADA compliant in most applications. Verify that your door and application do not require ADA compliance before specifying a knob trim.
Available in several functions. When equipped with a cylinder and thumb-press, the key locks and unlocks the thumb-press from the exterior. The panic bar always provides emergency egress from inside — but if the handleset is locked, the thumb-press will not operate the latch and the door cannot be opened from outside.
All the security of a keyed lever but using a code instead of a physical key. Ideal where key distribution is impractical — employee entrances, dormitories, hospitals, and airports. Eliminates the risk of lost or copied keys.
Used to cover exterior bore holes on emergency exit-only doors where no outside access is permitted. Provides a clean finished appearance on the exterior face.
Lock Functions
Exterior trim lock functions explained
The panic device always provides emergency egress from the inside regardless of the exterior trim function. The lock function only controls how — or whether — the door can be opened from the outside.
Turning the lever from the exterior always retracts the latch and allows free entry. Does not lock. Use only where unrestricted exterior access is acceptable — such as a door between two parts of a building.
A key locks and unlocks the exterior lever. When unlocked, turning the lever retracts the latch for entry. Common on school corridors and office doors where the door is unlocked during business hours and locked after hours.
A key retracts the latch for each individual entry — the exterior does not remain unlocked. Must use the key every time to enter from outside. Best for storage rooms, server rooms, and restricted access areas.
A key momentarily retracts the latch to allow entry. When removed, the latch reengages and the door relocks automatically. Ideal for back entrances and employee doors that must remain locked at all times.
Need help choosing?
Not sure which trim type or lock function is right for your application? Contact us and we'll help you spec the right combination. Browse our full panic device collection or return to the Help Center.