Panic escape hardware – your questions answered
You’ve heard of panic and emergency hardware, but what exactly do the terms refer to – and how are they different?
Here’s a run-through of some of the most common questions around panic and emergency escape hardware, as well as their answers.
Can emergency escape doors be locked?
Yes. In fact, the need to lock emergency escape doors is the reason why emergency hardware and panic hardware exist. Both are created to enable building users to escape through doors that are otherwise locked.
Is it ever legal to lock a fire door or an emergency door?
Fire doors and emergency doors must not be locked or fastened in a way that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may need to use them in an emergency.
Simply put, whilst the building is occupied, both panic and emergency exit devices should not be locked or blocked. Otherwise, escape doors can only be locked from the outside, and must always be operated from the inside.
Fire doors, however, can be locked, provided they do not also serve as an escape route door.
What is panic hardware?
Panic hardware is an escape device that features an activation bar that covers at least 60% of a door face. When the bar is pushed, the mechanism retracts the latches or bolts holding the door shut and the door swings open to enable escape. Panic exit devices, tested to EN1125, are a legal requirement for use in public access areas as they are very easy to use without any prior knowledge.
Emergency hardware, on the other hand, is an escape device operated by a small pad, paddle, or handle. When the device is operated, the mechanism releases the latches or bolts holding the door shut. Due to the small contact point that will release the door, emergency exit devices, which are tested to EN 179, are intended for use in restricted areas where all users are familiar with the building layout and know how to use the hardware. They are also for buildings that are used by fewer than 60 occupants.
What is the difference between panic and emergency hardware?
Panic hardware (covered by EN 1125) is an escape device that features an activation bar that covers at least 60% of a door face. When the bar is pushed, the mechanism retracts the latches or bolts holding the door shut and the door swings open to enable escape. Panic exit devices are a legal requirement for use in public access areas as they are very easy to use without any prior knowledge.
Emergency hardware (covered by EN 179) is an escape device operated by a small pad, paddle, or handle. When the device is operated, the mechanism releases the latches or bolts holding the door shut. Due to the small contact point that will release the door, emergency exit devices are intended for use in restricted areas where all users are familiar with the building layout and know how to use the hardware. They are also for buildings that are used by fewer than 60 occupants.
If there is any uncertainty about final application and/or users, specify a panic exit device to meet EN 1125.
