Skip to content When it comes to selecting panic hardware for commercial doors, safety and code compliance aren’t just priorities—they’re mandatory. Whether you’re outfitting an office building, retail center, or institutional facility, choosing the right exit device ensures secure and smooth egress during emergencies.
This blog breaks down the core differences between these two popular types of exit hardware, their pros and cons, applications, and how to choose the right one for your project.
What Is a Panic Exit Device?
Before diving into rim and vertical rod devices, it’s essential to understand what a panic exit device (also called a crash bar or panic bar) is.
A panic exit device is a door hardware mechanism that allows quick and easy exit in case of emergency by pushing a horizontal bar mounted across the door. These devices are a standard requirement in commercial buildings, especially where occupancy is high or fire codes require rapid egress.
What Is a Rim Exit Device?
A rim exit device is the most common and straightforward type of panic hardware. It features a latch that extends into a strike on the door frame, securing the door in the closed position. The latch mechanism is surface-mounted on the interior side of the door.
Key Features of Rim Exit Devices:
• Surface-mounted mechanism (no need for internal rods or floor strikes)
• Single-point locking (typically at the side of the door)
• Easy to install and maintain
• Compatible with single doors and double doors with mullions
Typical Use Cases:
• Retail stores
• Schools and universities
• Office entrances
• Utility and service doors
Advantages of Rim Exit Devices:
1.Ease of Installation
The surface-mounted design eliminates the need for internal rod preparation or floor strikes, significantly reducing labor time and specialized tooling. Ideal for quick upgrades or replacements.
2. Lower Lifecycle Cost
With fewer moving parts and straightforward latching mechanisms, rim devices experience less mechanical wear, translating to reduced maintenance costs over time.
3.Minimal Maintenance Requirements
Routine inspection and occasional lubrication are typically all that’s required. Since everything is surface-mounted, repairs and part replacements are faster and less intrusive.
4. Highly Versatile Across Applications
They are used across retail, educational, and industrial sectors. Because they can be combined with electric strikes and access control systems, rim devices are future-proof solutions for smart buildings.
5. Strong Security Performance for Single Doors
The latch engages firmly into the strike plate, creating a reliable locking point. When paired with high-security strikes and reinforced frames, rim devices offer excellent resistance to forced entry.
6.Aesthetic Options Available
Offered in various architectural finishes (stainless steel, bronze, powder-coated black, etc.) and bar styles (touch bar, crossbar), rim exit devices can match modern interior and exterior design themes.
What Is a Vertical Rod Exit Device?
A vertical rod exit device uses a top and/or bottom rod to secure the door to the frame or floor. These rods extend from the panic bar and engage into latches at the top and bottom of the door.
There are two types:
• Surface Vertical Rod (SVR): Rods are visible and mounted on the door surface.
• Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR): Rods are hidden inside the door.
Why would we need to use vertical rods with an exit device?
Vertical rods are used with exit devices to provide multi-point locking, ensure code compliance, and accommodate specific door configurations. Here are the main reasons:
1.For Double Doors Without a Center Mullion
In many commercial buildings, double doors are required to open fully for moving equipment, accommodating large crowds, or complying with accessibility codes. Without a center mullion (the vertical bar between the two doors), a standard rim device won’t have a strike plate to latch into.
In this case, vertical rod exit devices are essential. They allow the doors to be secured at:
• Top (into the door frame head)
• Bottom (into the floor or threshold)
This provides secure latching without needing a mullion, enabling clean, unobstructed openings.
2.To Enhance Security with Multi-Point Locking
A single rim latch on a tall or heavy door might not provide enough resistance against forced entry or environmental forces (like wind pressure). Vertical rods secure the door at two points, distributing stress across the door and increasing resistance to tampering, prying, or warping.
This is particularly important in:
• Tall doors (over 84 inches)
• High-wind or hurricane zones
• Back-of-house commercial entries
3.To Enable Active-Active Double Door Operation
Unlike rim devices with mullions (which often designate one “active” and one “inactive” door), vertical rod systems allow both doors to be independently operable, especially when each leaf has its own vertical rod device.
This allows:
• Double egress
• More flexible evacuation routes
• Higher building occupancy compliance
Key Features of Vertical Rod Exit Devices:
• Multi-point locking—usually at both the top and bottom
• Suitable for double doors without a center mullion
• Available in fire-rated and non-fire-rated versions
• Optional bottom rodless designs for easier floor cleaning
Typical Use Cases:
• Hospitals and healthcare buildings
• Auditoriums and stadiums
• Public buildings with double doors
• High-security egress areas
What are the advantages of using a vertical rod exit device?
1. Ideal for Double Doors Without Mullions
Vertical rods offer independent locking on each door leaf. This eliminates the need for a center mullion, ensuring unobstructed passageways for high-traffic or wide-load applications.
2.Higher Security Through Dual Engagement
With two latch points—top and bottom—these devices provide improved door stability and security, particularly important in windy or high-pressure environments like stairwells or loading docks.
3.Architectural Integration (Especially Concealed Rods)
CVR devices provide a sleek appearance by hiding the mechanics inside the door. This is a popular choice in luxury hotels, upscale office towers, and institutional buildings where design matters.
4. Available in Rodless Bottom Designs
Some modern systems eliminate the bottom rod altogether. This enhances hygiene in hospitals and kitchens by removing the need for a floor strike, which can collect dirt and debris.
5. Adaptable for Fire and Smoke Control Doors
Many vertical rod systems integrate perfectly with fire and smoke-rated doors. They allow the use of edge-sealing and auto-closing systems, satisfying strict life safety codes.
6. Enhanced Durability for Large and Heavy Doors
Especially useful for tall, full-glass, or steel-framed doors that experience frequent use. The dual-latching mechanism reduces door flexing and distributes impact load more evenly.
7.Customizable to Site Needs
Depending on door height and construction, rods can be adjusted or trimmed in the field. Your company’s experience in custom rod configurations and cut-to-length solutions is a huge advantage for contractors and OEMs.
Comparison Table: Rim vs. Vertical Rod Exit Devices
| Feature | Rim Exit Device | Vertical Rod Exit Device |
| Installation | Easier, surface-mounted | More complex; requires rod alignment |
| Locking Points | One (side latch) | Two (top and bottom) |
| Door Compatibility | Single doors, double doors with mullion | Double doors without mullion |
| Maintenance | Minimal | More involved (rods, alignment, floor strikes) |
| Aesthetics | Visible device | CVR hidden, SVR visible |
| Fire-Rated Options | Available | Available (check rating compliance) |
| Security Level | Basic security | Higher due to dual locking |
| Cost | Lower | Higher due to complexity |
Pros and Cons of Rim Exit Devices
✅ Pros:
• Simple installation
• Affordable and widely available
• Great for retrofitting old doors
• Ideal for high-traffic single door areas
❌ Cons:
• Not suitable for double doors without a mullion
• Less secure than dual-point systems
• Visible hardware may be less desirable in some settings
Pros and Cons of Vertical Rod Exit Devices
✅ Pros:
• Better security with top and bottom latching
• No need for a center mullion on double doors
• Concealed options offer a clean appearance
• More adaptable for architectural aesthetics
❌ Cons:
• Higher installation cost
• Requires precise alignment
• More difficult to maintain, especially with floor latches
When to Use Rim Exit Devices?
Choose rim exit devices when:
• Working with single doors
• The door frame has a mullion for double doors
• Want a cost-effective solution
• Prioritize ease of installation and maintenance
At DORTEC, our rim exit devices are ANSI- and UL-certified, tested for durability, and built to last in demanding environments. We offer customization options for finishes, bar lengths, and fire-rating configurations.
When to Use Vertical Rod Exit Devices?
Choose vertical rod exit devices when:
• Need to secure double doors without a mullion
• Building codes or architects specify concealed hardware
• Want a clean door appearance without visible latches
Our vertical rod systems are available in surface version, with fire-rated options suitable for emergency egress doors. We use corrosion-resistant materials and precision-engineered rod assemblies to ensure reliable operation.
Industry Regulations & Fire Code Considerations
When choosing any panic device, always check for compliance with:
• ANSI/BHMA A156.3
• UL305 Fire Exit Hardware Certification
• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
• International Building Code (IBC)
Our team has supported global clients across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia to meet local certification requirements, such as CE, UL, and ANSI standards. With 17 years of experience in both manufacturing and export, we understand the technical and logistical demands of international markets.
Expert Recommendations from Our Team
At DORTEC, we don’t just sell hardware—we help solve safety challenges. Based on our 17 years of export experience, here’s how we recommend choosing:
| Building Type | Recommended Exit Device |
| Small retail shop | Rim Exit Device |
| School or university | Rim for classrooms, Vertical Rod for auditoriums |
| Hospital | Concealed Vertical Rod Device |
| Warehouse with double doors | Vertical Rod Device (Surface or Concealed) |
| Office with mullion | Rim Exit Device |
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I install a rim exit device on a double door?
Yes, as long as a mullion is present. The mullion acts as the strike point for the latch.
2.Are vertical rod devices fire-rated?
Yes. Our vertical rod devices can be UL-listed or CE-certified for fire-rated doors when requested.
3.What’s the difference between surface and concealed vertical rods?
• Surface rods are visible on the face of the door and easier to maintain.
• Concealed rods are hidden inside the door for a cleaner look but require more precise installation.
4.Can I customize the size and finish?
Absolutely. We offer custom bar lengths, stainless steel, black, silver, and other finish options to match your door designs.
5.What is the ratio of length of a vertical rod?
The length of vertical rods in an exit device system is typically proportional to the height of the door. There isn’t a fixed “ratio” used universally, but instead a standardized approach based on door height and type of rod (surface or concealed). Here’s how it generally breaks down:
- Surface Vertical Rod Exit Devices
• For a standard 7’0” (84-inch) door:
• Top rod: ≈ 42–45 inches
• Bottom rod: ≈ 39–42 inches - Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) Exit Devices
• Rods are hidden inside the door, but the effective lengths follow the same logic.
• Often used in aluminum and wood doors, so rod lengths are custom-cut depending on:
• Door height
• Device mounting position
• Clearance and latch position
Conclusion
Both rim and vertical rod exit devices serve critical roles in emergency exit systems. Your final choice should depend on door type, security needs, local building codes, and aesthetic preferences.
At DORTEC, we are proud to offer a wide range of high-quality panic exit devices backed by 17 years of manufacturing excellence and global export experience. Whether you need a single-door rim device or a fully vertical rod system for your commercial project, we have the expertise, certifications, and flexibility to meet your needs.
Contact our team today for product catalogs, price quotes, and expert support.
