Panic hardware

Panic hardware,also known as panic exit device (or fire-exit hardware when used on fire doors), is designed to provide fast and easy egress to allow building occupants to exit safely in an emergency.

Panic hardware is defined as "A door-latching assembly incorporating an actuating member or bar that releases the latch bolt upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel."

Fire exit hardware is defined as "A door-latching assembly incorporating an actuating member or bar that releases the latch bolt upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel and that additionally provides fire protection where used as part of a fire door assembly."

All fire doors must have a closer and a latch in accordance with NFPA 80. Regular panic hardware generally has a "dogging device" so the latch can be held retracted. Usually a screwdriver or Alien wrench is used to secure the latch retracted so the door can be opened from the outside by just pulling the handle. Of course, such hardware with the "dogging device" cannot be used on fire protection-rated doors because fire protection-rated doors must always latch.

Regular panic hardware may be used on doors that are not required to be fire protection rated, such as exterior doors. On doors that are required to be fire protection-rated, such as doors to exit stairs, fire exit hardware is required. The label on each device will clearly state if it is "Panic Hardware" or "Fire Exit Hardware"

Panic hardware can be classified as either a touch-pad or push-pad type device, or a crossbar device.