What Are The NFPA Fire Code Requirements for Panic Bars

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards and codes for fire safety. The NFPA includes requirements for the installation of panic bars on doors in commercial and public buildings to ensure the safety of occupants in case of an emergency. As a manufacturer of commercial doors and commercial door hardware, Automatic Door and Hardware understands the importance of meeting these requirements.

What are Panic Bars?

A panic bar, also known as a push bar, is a device that is mounted horizontally across the inside of a door and is designed to allow the door to be opened quickly and easily from the inside in case of an emergency. When pressure is applied to the bar, the latch releases and the door can be pushed open. Panic bars are commonly used on emergency exits, fire escapes, and other doors that need to provide quick and easy egress in case of an emergency.

NFPA Requirements for Panic Bars

The NFPA includes specific requirements for the installation of panic bars on different types of doors. These requirements are designed to ensure that panic bars are installed in the correct location and operate in a way that allows for quick and easy egress in case of an emergency. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines and penalties, as well as potential liability in case of an emergency.

Here are some of the NFPA requirements for panic bars:

• Fire-rated Doors: The NFPA requires that all fire-rated doors have panic hardware installed. Panic hardware is defined as a device that is designed to release the latch and allow the door to be opened quickly and easily in case of an emergency. The panic hardware must be listed and labeled for use on fire-rated doors and must comply with UL 305 standards.
• Non-fire-rated Doors: Panic hardware is not required on non-fire-rated doors, but may be installed voluntarily. If panic hardware is installed on non-fire-rated doors, it must comply with the requirements for fire-rated doors, including UL 305 standards.
• Location: Panic hardware must be installed on the egress side of the door. This means that the panic hardware must be installed on the side of the door that faces the direction of egress. In addition, the panic hardware must be located between 34 and 48 inches above the floor.
• Operation: Panic hardware must be operable with one hand and require no more than 15 pounds of force to activate. The device must also be designed to allow for the door to be opened quickly and easily without the use of a key or special knowledge.
• Locking: Panic hardware must not require the use of a key or any special knowledge to operate. In addition, any locking devices that are installed on panic hardware must not interfere with the ability to open the door quickly and easily in case of an emergency.
• Maintenance: Panic hardware must be tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80 standards to ensure that it is in proper working order.

How Automatic Door and Hardware can help ensure your business is up to code

It is important to ensure that panic bars are installed and maintained properly in order to comply with NFPA requirements and ensure the safety of occupants in case of an emergency. As a manufacturer of commercial doors and commercial door hardware, Automatic Door and Hardware can provide expert advice and assistance in ensuring that your business is up to code.

We offer a wide range of panic bars that are designed to comply with NFPA requirements, including fire-rated panic bars, non-fire-rated panic bars, and electric latch retraction panic bars. Our experienced team of professionals can help you choose the right panic bars for your business and ensure that they are installed properly and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80 standards.

Automatic Door and Hardware is committed to providing high-quality commercial doors and door hardware that meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help ensure that your business is up to code and your occupants are safe in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Panic bars are an important safety feature in commercial and public buildings, and it is essential to ensure that they are installed and maintained properly in order to comply with NFPA requirements and ensure the safety of occupants in case of an emergency. As a manufacturer of commercial doors and commercial door hardware, Automatic Door and Hardware can provide expert advice and assistance in ensuring that your business is up to code.

Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of panic bars and how we can help ensure that your business is up to code and your occupants are safe in case of an emergency.

Commercial door panic bars and exit device hardware are available at www.autodoorandhardware.com.

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