We install, repair and upgrade panic bars that let people leave fast and keep intruders out. Every job follows fire and life safety codes across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia
Rim, mortise or vertical rod
ANSI/BHMA A156.3 · UL 305 · UL 10C
Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
A panic bar, also called a push bar or exit device, unlatches a door when someone pushes on it. No key, knob or twist is needed. That matters in an emergency, when a crowd may press against the door. Building codes require panic hardware on many exit doors, including assembly spaces, schools and large electrical rooms. The bar keeps the door locked from outside while letting people leave freely from inside. The right device protects people, passes inspection and stands up to heavy daily traffic.
One push opens the door, so people leave safely and quickly during a fire or emergency.
The correct device helps doors pass fire marshal inspections under IBC, NFPA 101 and ADA rules.
The door stays locked from outside, while trim options control who can enter with a key.
King Locksmith And Doors Inc. is a commercial locksmith and door company serving Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We install, repair and upgrade panic bars for small businesses, government agencies, hospitals, hotels and large enterprises. Our technicians know local fire and building codes, so your exit doors are ready for inspection. We work on most major brands and door types. From one broken push bar to a full building retrofit, we deliver code-compliant work.
Not every panic bar fits every door. The right choice depends on your door type, fire rating, traffic and security needs. Use these five points to narrow your options before you buy or replace hardware.
Rim devices mount on the door’s surface and latch into a strike on the frame. They are the most common type and easiest to service. Mortise devices fit into a pocket in the door edge for a cleaner, stronger latch.
Vertical rod devices latch at the top and bottom of the door. They suit pairs of doors that have no center post. Surface rods are easy to repair, while concealed rods hide inside the door.
Fire-rated doors need fire exit hardware listed to UL 10C, not just panic hardware listed to UL 305. Look for a label on the device. Using the wrong one can fail an inspection and put people at risk.
Fire exit hardware cannot be dogged, or held unlatched, with a key. The door must latch every time it closes so it can hold back smoke and flames. Ask us to check your door and frame labels.
ANSI/BHMA A156.3 rates exit devices by grade. Grade 1 is built for the heaviest use, such as schools, hospitals, stadiums and busy retail stores. Grade 2 and 3 devices cost less but wear faster on busy doors.
Think about how often the door opens each day and how it gets treated. Doors that take carts, deliveries or rough handling need a heavy-duty device and a strong door closer to match. Ask us which grade fits.
Panic bars work from the inside. Outside trim decides who can get in, and when. Options include a lever, a pull handle, a key cylinder only, or no trim at all for exit-only doors.
A lever with a lock lets staff enter with a key. A dummy pull lets the door open during business hours when the bar is dogged. Pick trim that matches how the door is used and who needs access after hours.
Electric latch retraction lets you unlock a door remotely from a card reader, keypad, mobile app or schedule. It also works with automatic door operators for ADA access. The bar still opens with a push from inside.
Delayed egress and alarmed devices help stop theft and unwanted exits where codes allow them. A delayed egress door must release when the fire alarm or sprinklers activate. We install and wire these systems to meet local code.
Lever locks are common on office and interior doors. On a busy emergency exit door, though, they slow people down and can break building code. Here’s how the two compare.
Consideration
Panic Bar
Standard Lever Lock
Opens with one push, even in crowds
Requires turning a lever before pushing the door
Meets IBC panic hardware rules for assembly spaces
Not allowed where panic hardware is required
Grade 1 models handle heavy daily traffic
Lever trim loosens and sags with heavy use
Easy to operate with hip, elbow or hand
Harder to work while carrying items
Supports latch retraction, alarms and delayed egress
Limited options for alarms or delayed egress
Panic bars take a beating every day. Small problems quickly turn into failed inspections, security gaps or doors that won’t open. Watch for these warning signs on your exit doors.
We fit rim, mortise and vertical rod devices sized to your door, frame, rating and daily traffic.
We fix sticking bars, failed latches, bent rods and broken dogging so exit doors work every time.
We replace non-rated devices on fire doors with UL-listed fire exit hardware, ready for your next inspection.
We install electric latch retraction and connect panic bars to card readers, keypads and automatic door operators.
We add alarmed and delayed egress devices that deter theft and unwanted exits while meeting fire code.
We inspect exit doors, adjust hardware and fix code issues before your fire marshal or inspector visits.
Talk to a panic bar specialist today. We’ll assess your exit doors and recommend code-compliant hardware that fits your budget.
