Skip to content Panic hardware — commonly called a panic bar, push bar, or exit device — lets many people exit a building quickly by pushing a horizontal bar to open a door without turning a knob or unlocking. When crowds build up (assembly halls, schools, stadiums), locked or latched doors that require complicated actions to open can cause bottlenecks and create lethal risk in emergencies. Codes therefore require panic hardware at certain doors to prioritize life safety and rapid egress. The requirement reduces panic and permits a clear, fast path out of the building, which is why it’s often mandated for doors on exit routes in certain occupancies.
What is panic hardware?
Panic hardware is a mechanical device installed on an egress door that permits unlatching the door by applying pressure on a horizontal bar located across the inside of the door. The device’s intent is immediate, intuitive egress: push the bar and go.
Common types of panic hardware
• Rim panic (rim exit device): DORTEC Rim panic exit device mounted at the surface of the door and operates the latch that engages the strike on the frame. Very common on commercial doors.
• Mortise panic exit device: Integrates with a mortise lock case inside the door — usually more secure and heavy-duty.
• Vertical rod / Surface vertical rod (SVR) panic device : DORTEC Verticial type panic exit device uses rods that extend to the top/bottom of the door to secure both ends — typical on pairs of doors.
• Concealed vertical rod / concealed panic device: Hidden in the door or frame for a cleaner look on high-end installations.
• Fire exit hardware (listed fire-rated exit devices): Specifically tested and listed for use on fire-rated door assemblies; looks similar to standard panic hardware but meets fire door standards.
Each device is available in different functions (latchbolt, deadlatch, electric latch retraction, etc.) and finishes (stainless steel, bronze, powder coat, etc.).
Which codes govern panic hardware?
The two most commonly referenced families of codes in many jurisdictions are:
• International Building Code (IBC) — model code widely adopted (sometimes with local amendments). The IBC adopted revised panic hardware thresholds starting with the 2006 edition (the 50-person rule for certain occupancies).
• NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code — used in many facilities and jurisdictions; its thresholds and occupancy classifications differ in some areas (frequently a 100-person threshold for assembly/educational).
Where panic bar door hardware is required — clear rules and thresholds
Below is an actionable breakdown you can rely on in most North American and international contexts — but remember to confirm the edition/local amendments:
A. IBC-based (most jurisdictions that follow IBC)
• Assembly (Group A) — doors serving a room/space with a calculated occupant load of 50 or more require panic hardware when the door has a lock or latch. This covers theaters, restaurants, halls, etc.
• Educational (Group E) — same rule: 50+ occupant load for doors that lock or latch. Common for classrooms, lecture halls, and school assembly spaces.
• High-Hazard (Group H) — all swinging doors serving high-hazard areas must have panic hardware (any occupant load). These are spaces with production/storage of hazardous materials — the exact sub-classification varies with hazard type.
Notes:
• The IBC threshold of 50 applies to doors that have a lock or latch. If the door is nonlatching push/pull, the requirement is typically not triggered.
• The occupant load is the calculated occupant load for that room or space — not the building. Occupant load calculation follows IBC Table 1004.5 (area ÷ occupant load factor) or the NFPA equivalent when applicable.
B. NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) — a different threshold in many cases
• NFPA 101 commonly requires panic hardware for Assembly, Educational, and Daycare occupancies when the calculated occupant load is 100 or more. For high-hazard occupancies the threshold can be as low as more than 5 people in some NFPA definitions. This difference (50 vs. 100) is one of the main points of confusion — it depends on which code the authority having jurisdiction enforces.
C. Other specific code triggers
• Electrical rooms / rooms housing electrical equipment: The NEC contains requirements that can effectively require panic or fire exit hardware for doors within a certain distance of rooms containing large electrical equipment. These are industry-specific rules and may be enforced via the adopted electrical code rather than the building code.
Special cases and additional requirements
Fire doors vs. panic hardware
• Standard panic hardware is not automatically acceptable for fire doors. If the egress door is a fire-rated door assembly, you must use listed fire exit hardware (sometimes called fire-rated panic hardware or fire exit hardware) that is tested and labeled for use on a fire door. While fire exit hardware looks similar, it performs differently under fire test conditions (no external dogging, latching behavior, temperature performance, etc.). Installing non-listed panic hardware on a fire door can violate fire-door labeling and code requirements.
Mounting height
• Modern codes generally require panic hardware to be installed between 34 inches and 48 inches above the finished floor measured to the gripping surface of the bar. Local codes may vary or be more restrictive. Always confirm mounting height requirements with the adopted code and accessibility requirements.
Panic hardware for double doors
• When a pair of doors is used as an egress, active leaf and inactive leaf requirements, centerline strike conditions, and vertical rod hardware rules apply. If the inactive leaf must be secured by rods, the device chosen must allow rapid egress (e.g., surface vertical rod devices with a top and bottom rod that release when the bar is pressed). Pairs frequently require special coordination to meet the panic requirement and fire-rating.
Electrified hardware & access control
• Doors that must remain locked for security can still be fitted with panic hardware using electrified exit hardware (electric latch retraction, electrified panic devices, or electrified locks) tied to access control and fire alarm systems so that doors unlock automatically during emergency signals. Careful coordination with the authority having jurisdiction and code compliance (fail-safe vs fail-secure, delayed egress provisions) is essential. (See section on ADA and electrified egress below.)
Exceptions — when panic hardware is NOT required?
There are common situations where panic hardware is not required by code:
• Residential single-family homes and typical residential dwelling units — panic hardware is normally not required.
• Small rooms or spaces with occupant load below the code threshold — e.g., a small classroom with calculated occupant load of 30 does not trigger the IBC 50-person rule.
• Doors that do not latch (push/pull, sliding, or pivot that do not have a latch) — the requirement often applies only if the door is equipped with a latch or lock.
• Certain controlled egress / delayed egress doors — some codes allow alternative arrangements (delayed egress, access control) but require strict compliance and coordination with fire alarm, signage, and lock release timing. These alternatives often require approval from the authority having jurisdiction.
• Local amendments may remove, alter, or tighten the model code thresholds — check municipal code.
Always verify exceptions with the adopted code edition and AHJ (authority having jurisdiction).
Benefits of installing door panic hardware even when not required
Even if your project is below the threshold, installing panic hardware is often a good proactive decision:
• Faster evacuation — push-to-open is faster for crowds than turning knobs.
• Lower liability — if a worst-case incident occurs, having panic hardware when reasonable can reduce legal risk.
• Accessibility — push bars are easier for many people with mobility or dexterity challenges (but remember to meet ADA reach and force requirements).
• Insurance & business continuity — some insurers look favorably on proven life-safety measures.
• Durability & commercial performance — exit devices are designed for heavy use and can reduce wear compared to knobs/lever sets in high-traffic areas.
These benefits often justify installation even where not strictly required by code.
Selecting the right device (types, finishes, fire-rating, functions)
Panic bar decide on the basic type
• Rim panic exit device: Best for single doors with a mortise or cylindrical latch.
• Vertical rod exit device / SVR: Best for pairs of doors; choose surface or concealed depending on aesthetic and security needs.
• Mortise exit device: Integrated with a mortise lock — common when higher security and durability are needed.
Fire rating panic bar hardware
• If the door is part of a fire-rated assembly (e.g., 20-, 60-, or 90-minute rated door), choose listed fire exit hardware. Standard panic hardware is not a substitute for fire exit hardware on fire doors.
Finish & material
• Stainless steel finishes are common for corrosion resistance, especially in coastal or outdoor locations.
• Powder coat or painted finishes for colored or coordinated designs.
• Make sure finish choices meet aesthetic and durability needs.
Functions & electrification
• Mechanical panic (purely mechanical) — simplest, highest reliability.
• Electric latch retraction (ELR) — allows remote unlocking for access control.
• Monitoring switches — provide signals for door position and latch status to the building management or alarm system.
• Delayed egress or controlled egress features — must meet code and AHJ approvals.
Certification & standards
• Choose devices that are “listed” for their intended use (e.g., ANSI/BHMA standards, UL listing for fire exit hardware). Confirm manufacturer’s product literature and listing for fire door use when applicable.
Installation and maintenance: key rules and best practices
Installation best practices
• Mounting height: typically 34”–48” to gripping surface; verify local code.
• Mounting location: centered on the door leaf and positioned to allow clear operation even if people are crowded.
• Strike and frame prep: for rim devices ensure the strike and frame reinforcement are installed per manufacturer instructions.
• Coordination for pairs: ensure inactive leaf hardware is properly coordinated (top & bottom rods) and labeled.
• Fire door protocol: if on a fire door, install listed fire exit hardware and retain the fire door label; renovations that change hardware may invalidate the door’s label if not done with listed components.
Maintenance and inspection
• Regular testing: perform scheduled inspections (monthly visual and annual functional tests are common best practice).
• Lubrication and wear checks: verify latch movement, springs, and mounting screws are tight.
• Recordkeeping: maintain logs of inspections, repairs, and replacements (useful for AHJ inspections and insurance).
• Replacement of worn parts: use OEM or listed replacement parts to preserve listing and performance.
• Label integrity: if hardware is used on fire doors, ensure the fire label remains intact after maintenance.
ADA, access control, and electrified egress considerations
ADA compliance
• Panic hardware can be installed in ADA routes as long as operating force and reach ranges comply with accessibility standards. Make sure the gripping surface and height meet accessibility reach and operation requirements.
Electrified hardware & delayed egress
• Access control systems that keep doors locked must comply with codes that allow delayed egress or controlled egress provisions. These systems typically:
• Provide automatic release upon fire alarm activation,
• Trigger audible/visual alarms on unauthorized egress,
• Are labeled and approved by the AHJ.
• If electrified exit devices are used, ensure fail-safe / fail-secure behavior is appropriate for life safety and code. Coordinate with the fire alarm and building management system (BMS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1 — What buildings require panic hardware by law?
A: Under IBC family codes, doors serving Assembly (A) or Educational (E) occupancies with 50+ calculated occupants and all doors serving High-Hazard (H) occupancies require panic hardware when the door has a lock or latch. NFPA 101 often uses a 100+ threshold for some occupancies; check which code your project follows.
Q2 — Do fire-rated doors need panic hardware?
A: Fire doors may require fire-rated exit hardware (listed for fire door use). You cannot replace required fire exit hardware with unlisted panic hardware and keep the door’s fire assembly listing. Confirm listing and label prior to installation.
Q3 — What is the occupant load that triggers panic hardware?
A: IBC: 50 people for Assembly/Educational; NFPA 101: often 100 people for Assembly/Educational (and lower thresholds for high-hazard). Local amendments may change these numbers — always check the edition adopted by your AHJ.
Q4 — Can panic bars be put on glass doors?
A: Yes — but it requires hardware specifically designed for glass doors (patch hardware or special mounting) and careful coordination with glass fabricators. Fire-rated glass doors need compatible listed hardware. Use a specialist hardware supplier for glass applications.
Q5 — Are panic bars required for small churches or community halls?
A: If the calculated occupant load for the assembly area is 50 or more under the IBC (or 100+ under NFPA 101 where applicable), yes. Calculate the occupant load for the room to be sure. If under the threshold, the device isn’t legally required but still recommended in many cases.
Q6 — Does the requirement apply to doors with access control?
A: Access-controlled doors can still have panic hardware, but the electrified hardware and control logic must meet code (auto-release on alarm, delayed egress provisions if used, and AHJ approval). Consult both the mechanical/electrical contractor and the AHJ.
Q7 —What is the force to open panic hardware on a fire exit cannot exceed?
According to the International Building Code (IBC) and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (as well as ANSI/BHMA A156.3 standards for exit devices):
• The operating force to unlatch panic hardware or fire exit hardware cannot exceed 15 pounds (66 N).
• Some codes are stricter: the International Fire Code (IFC) and many accessibility provisions require that the force to operate the crossbar/push pad itself not exceed 15 pounds, and the force to set the bar in motion often must be no more than 5 pounds (22 N).
Q8 —Do electrical rooms require panic hardware?
Yes — sometimes electrical rooms do require panic hardware, but only under specific conditions defined in the National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70).
Conclusion
Panic hardware plays a critical role in life safety, building compliance, and liability protection. Whether you are designing a new commercial facility, upgrading school doors, outfitting a stadium, or planning a high-hazard storage area, ensuring the correct use of panic or fire exit hardware is non-negotiable.
At DORTEC Hardware, we supply a full range of certified stainless steel panic devices, fire exit hardware, and commercial door solutions designed to meet global code requirements while offering durability and modern design.
👉 Contact our team today for expert advice on choosing the right panic hardware for your project, or request a free consultation to ensure your building is compliant, safe, and secure.
