A double door panic push bar with vertical rod is a type of emergency exit hardware designed for quick and easy egress in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces. This configuration is typically installed on a pair of double doors (often referred to as “exit doors” or “egress doors”) and is compliant with fire and safety regulations.
Components and Features:
- Panic Push Bars (Crash Bars): Each door leaf is equipped with a horizontal push bar across its width, which activates the latching mechanism when pushed. The bars are spring-loaded and designed to open the door when pressure is applied, even if locked from the outside.
- Vertical Rod Mechanism: Instead of a traditional latch at the edge of the door, this system uses concealed or surface-mounted vertical rods connected to the top and bottom of each door. Top Rod: Latches into the frame header. Bottom Rod: Latches into a floor strike or threshold.
- Double Door Configuration: Typically, both doors are active and can be opened using the push bars. In some cases, one leaf is fixed and the other is active, depending on usage needs.
- Fire and Panic Rated: These exit devices are often fire-rated, ensuring the doors stay latched under fire conditions to prevent the spread of smoke and flames, while still allowing exit.
- Reversible & Non-Handed Design: Many models are non-handed and reversible, suitable for both left- and right-hand doors.
- Optional Accessories: Options include dogging mechanisms (to keep doors unlatched during business hours), alarms, electric strikes, or electrified latch retraction for integration with access control systems.
