A panic bar is a piece of hardware that is designed to allow quick and easy exit during an emergency. It is also known as an exit device or crash bar. It was invented to prevent people from being trapped inside a building during a fire emergency. Panic bars are made up of a spring-loaded metal barricade which can only be opened from the interior side of the door. Panic bar can be installed in fire doors, time-delayed doors, and delayed exit systems. It is needed as a safety and security aspect in all commercial and residential buildings. It provides excellent security and safety. The use and installation of panic bars is also recommended by local building codes and the National Fire Protection Association.

A panic bar is mainly used in four specific applications.

1. Panic bar must be used in rooms containing more than 50 people.
2. Panic bar must be used in areas containing combustible materials.
3. Panic bar must be used in stairwell exits
4. Panic bar must be used on doors that are used to exit a building.

Panic bars, or many times known as exit devices, are available in multiple styles with numerous options and price tags. A mechanical panic bar can be used on fire exit doors or on the door that requires security of being locked on the outside but able to be opened from the inside. On other hand an electric panic bar can be installed and used in a fire alarm system which can automatically unlock when the alarm is tripped. These types of panic bars are mainly installed on buildings with high occupancy levels that utilize a fully featured fire and security alarm system. There are basically four types of panic bars.

1. Rim device: These types of panic bars are installed in single doors or on pair of doors equipped with a vertical mullion. These types of panic bars are easy to install and need least maintenance.
2. Mortise device: These types of panic bars similar to the above exit device with a mortise latching system.
3. Panic bar with surface vertical rods: These types of panic bars need regular maintenance to keep them functional. They are not recommended for novice installers. They also require significant door and floor preparation.
4. Panic bar with a concealed vertical rod: These types of panic bars are costly and difficult to install. They need accurate cutouts on the door, which can only be installed by the manufacturer.

The final concern in choosing and installing panic bars depends on the type of trim to be used on the exterior of the door. Buyers should also consider the intended purpose of the device while choosing a panic bar. If the door is not planned as an entrance, then trim is not required. One can go with a night latch that includes a key lock with or without a handle. Panic bars can be designed to lock on the inside either with a hex key or a cylinder lock.  The best panic bars must meet ANSI A156.3 2001 Grade 1 criteria.

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