Skip to content Push bar doors, also known as panic bars or crash bars, are essential safety features in many buildings. These doors facilitate quick and easy exit during emergencies, making them a common sight in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
However, while their primary function is to ensure swift evacuation, it’s equally important to understand how to gain access from the outside. This comprehensive guide delves into the various methods and devices that enable entry through push bar doors from the exterior, ensuring both security and convenience.
1.Understanding Push Bar Doors
What are Push Bar Doors?
Push bar doors are emergency exit doors equipped with horizontal bars that, when pushed, immediately release the latch and open the door. This design allows for quick evacuation in case of emergencies such as fires or other hazards. The simplicity and efficiency of push bar doors make them a popular choice for high-traffic buildings where safety is a paramount concern.
Why Entry from Outside is Different?
The primary design of push bar doors is to ensure rapid and safe exit, not entry. This is due to safety regulations and the need to prevent unauthorized access. Therefore, gaining entry from the outside often requires additional mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for maintaining both security and ease of use.
2.How to open a push bar door from the outside?
Lever Handles
Description:
Lever handles are one of the most common methods for allowing entry from the outside. They operate similarly to regular door handles, where turning the handle engages the latch, allowing the door to open.
Advantage:
• Simplicity: Lever handles are straightforward and easy to use.
• Ease of Installation: Installing a lever handle on a push bar door is relatively simple and can often be done with basic tools.
• Accessibility: Lever handles are accessible to people with disabilities, making them compliant with accessibility standards.
Disadvantage
• Security Concerns: If not properly secured, lever handles can be vulnerable to forced entry.
• Wear and Tear: Frequent use can lead to wear and tear, necessitating regular maintenance.
Installation Tips:
• Ensure compatibility with the existing push bar mechanism.
• Install at a height of 34-48 inches from the ground to ensure accessibility.
Keyed Entry Systems
Description:
Keyed entry systems require a key to unlock the door from the outside. This mechanism adds a layer of security by controlling who can access the door.
Advantage:
• High Security: Keyed systems provide controlled access, ensuring only authorized individuals can enter.
• Durability: Typically made from robust materials, keyed entry systems are designed to withstand tampering and forced entry.
Disadvantage:
• Key Management: Proper key management is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Losing a key can also pose a security risk.
• Convenience: In an emergency, having to locate a key can delay entry.
Installation Tips:
• Use high-quality locks to ensure durability and security.
• Maintain a key management system to track who has access.
Electric Strikes
Description:
Electric strikes are electrically powered mechanisms that release the door lock when activated, often integrated with access control systems like key cards or keypads
Advantage:
• Integration: Can be integrated with modern access control systems, providing flexibility and enhanced security.
• Convenience: Allows for remote unlocking, which can be useful in buildings with multiple entry points.
Disadvantage
• Power Dependence: Electric strikes require a reliable power supply. Power outages can render the system inoperative.
• Complex Installation: Installation can be complex and may require professional assistance.
Installation Tips:
• Ensure a stable power supply and consider backup power options.
• Hire a professional for installation to ensure proper setup and functionality.
Push/Pull Paddle Trim
Description:
Push/pull paddle trim mechanisms operate with a simple push or pull motion to open the door from the outside.
Advantage:
• Ease of Use: Intuitive and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to operate.
• Speed: Allows for quick entry without the need for keys or complex actions.
Disadvantage
• Security: May not provide the same level of security as keyed or electric systems.
• Wear and Tear: Frequent use can lead to mechanical wear, requiring regular maintenance.
Installation Tips:
• Regularly inspect and maintain the mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
• Ensure the installation height is accessible to all users.
3.Installation Tips
Compatibility Check
Before installing any device for outside entry, it is essential to ensure compatibility with your specific push bar door model. Not all mechanisms are universal, and using an incompatible device can compromise both functionality and security.
Steps for Compatibility Check:
1. Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Review the manufacturer’s guidelines for your push bar door to identify compatible devices.
2. Measure Existing Setup: Measure the existing setup to ensure the new device fits correctly.
3. Seek Professional Advice: If unsure, consult with a professional installer to confirm compatibility.
Proper Positioning
Proper positioning of entry devices is crucial for accessibility and ease of use. Handles and keyed systems should be installed at a height that is easily reachable by most users.
Recommended Heights:
• Lever Handles and Keyed Systems: Install at 34-48 inches from the ground to comply with accessibility standards.
• Electric Strikes: Ensure the strike aligns correctly with the latch mechanism of the door.
Professional Installation
For more complex systems like electric strikes, professional installation is highly recommended. Incorrect installation can lead to malfunctioning and compromise security
Benefits of Professional Installation:
• Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to ensure proper installation.
• Safety: Reduces the risk of improper setup, which could compromise security and functionality.
• Warranty: Professional installation often comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind.
4.Maintenance and Security
Regular Inspections
Conducting regular inspections is essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of your entry systems. This includes checking for wear and tear, especially on mechanical parts like levers and paddles.
Inspection Checklist:
• Visual Inspection: Look for visible signs of wear, rust, or damage.
• Operational Test: Regularly test the functionality of the entry mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
• Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts to prevent sticking and ensure ease of use.
Upgrading Security Features
To enhance security, consider integrating your entry system with modern security features such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
Upgrading Tips:
• Access Control Integration: Combine keyed or electric strike systems with access control systems like key cards or biometrics for added security.
• Surveillance: Install surveillance cameras to monitor entry points and deter unauthorized access.
• Alarm Systems: Integrate alarm systems that trigger if unauthorized access is attempted.
Emergency Preparedness
Ensuring all staff are trained on how to use the door and understand the security measures in place is crucial for emergency preparedness.
Training Tips:
• Regular Drills: Conduct regular drills to familiarize staff with the operation of the entry system.
• Instruction Manuals: Provide clear instruction manuals for all entry mechanisms.
• Signage: Use clear signage to guide users on how to operate the entry system in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Opening a push bar door from the outside can be achieved through various mechanisms, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Understanding these options and following proper installation and maintenance practices ensures secure and convenient access to your building.
For reliable and secure solutions, trust DORTEC Hardware, a manufacturer with 15 years of experience in producing high-quality push bars and lever handles. Our products are designed to meet stringent safety standards while providing ease of use and durability. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help enhance the security and functionality of your building’s access systems.
