Panic bars and crash bars are the same thing. Different names for the horizontal bar on a commercial door that opens the latch when pushed. The official term is 'exit device.' They're required by code on doors serving 50+ occupants. Cost is $250-$600 installed.
Are Panic Bars and Crash Bars the Same Thing?
Yes. Same device, different names. Panic bar, crash bar, push bar, exit bar, and exit device all refer to the horizontal bar mounted across a commercial door that retracts the latch when pushed. The building code calls it an "exit device." The industry calls it a "panic device" or "fire exit hardware" depending on the rating. Everyone else just calls it whatever comes to mind.
The word "panic" comes from the original purpose: allowing people to exit a building in a panic without needing to figure out a handle or knob. You just run into the bar and the door opens. Simple design that saves lives.
When Does Florida Code Require an Exit Device?
Any door serving an occupant load of 50 or more people. Florida Building Code follows IBC Section 1010.1.10. That covers most retail stores, restaurants, offices, assembly halls, schools, and churches. Even if your occupancy is below 50, the fire marshal may require exit devices based on the building's use and layout.
According to NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), exit devices must operate with a maximum of 15 pounds of force applied in the direction of egress. That means anyone, including children and elderly individuals, must be able to push through the door during an emergency.
What Types of Exit Devices Exist?
Three main types based on how the latch operates:
- Rim exit device: The most common type. The latch is on the surface of the door edge. When you push the bar, the latch retracts from a strike on the frame. Von Duprin 98 and 99 are the industry standard rim devices.
- Mortise exit device: The latch mechanism is inside the door (mortised into the door edge). More secure but harder to install. Used on higher-security doors.
- Vertical rod exit device: Latch bolts extend from the top and bottom of the door into the frame header and threshold. Used on double doors without a center mullion.
How Much Does Exit Device Installation Cost?
$250-$600 installed depending on the type and brand. A Von Duprin 99 rim exit device (the most common) runs about $350 installed. A mortise exit device costs $400-$600. Panic bar installation takes 1-2 hours including hardware and testing.
Repair of an existing exit device runs $150-$400 depending on the problem. Latch mechanism repair is on the lower end. Full bar replacement is on the higher end.