What Doors Need Panic Hardware?

Panic hardware, also known as a panic bar or exit device, is a safety feature that is required on certain types of doors to allow quick and easy egress in the event of an emergency. As a manufacturer of commercial doors and hardware, Automatic Door and Hardware understands the importance of knowing which doors require panic hardware. In this guide, we will discuss the types of doors that require panic hardware and the specific requirements for each.

Fire Doors

Fire doors are one of the most common types of doors that require panic hardware. Fire doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building, and panic hardware ensures that people can quickly exit the building in the event of a fire. According to NFPA 80, a standard for fire doors and other opening protectives, all fire doors that are required to have a means of egress must also have panic hardware.

High Occupancy Buildings

High occupancy buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and theaters, are also required to have panic hardware on certain types of doors. These buildings are required to have panic hardware on any door that serves an area with an occupant load of 50 or more people. This includes doors leading to assembly areas, such as auditoriums or gymnasiums, as well as doors leading to means of egress, such as stairwells or corridors.

Specialty Doors

Certain types of doors that are used for specific purposes may also be required to have panic hardware. For example, doors that are used for hazardous materials storage or that lead to rooms containing electrical equipment may be required to have panic hardware. This ensures that people can quickly exit the area in the event of an emergency.

Exceptions to Panic Hardware Requirements

There are some exceptions to the requirements for panic hardware. For example, doors that are used only for security purposes, such as a door leading to a vault, may not be required to have panic hardware. Additionally, doors that are not required to have a means of egress, such as a door leading to a closet or storage room, may also not be required to have panic hardware.

Conclusion

Knowing which doors require panic hardware is essential for ensuring that your building is safe and in compliance with building codes and regulations. Fire doors and high occupancy buildings are the most common types of doors that require panic hardware, but certain specialty doors may also require it. If you are unsure whether your doors require panic hardware, consult with a professional who can help you determine your specific requirements. At Automatic Door and Hardware, we offer a wide range of panic hardware options to help you ensure that your building is safe and compliant. Contact us today for assistance with your order.
Commercial door panic bars and exit device hardware are available at www.autodoorandhardware.com.

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