Panic Bars Explained: Why They Matter for Commercial Door Safety

Your locks have a job to do. Here is what to look for before you choose your next step.

You've used a panic bar hundreds of times without thinking about it.

Commonly found on exit doors in stores, offices, schools, warehouses, and other commercial buildings, panic bars allow a door to open quickly when someone pushes against the horizontal bar.

While the hardware looks simple, it can play an important role in commercial building safety and security.

What Is a Panic Bar?

A panic bar, also commonly called a push bar or exit device, is installed horizontally across the inside of certain commercial doors.

Instead of turning a knob or lever, someone leaving the building simply pushes the bar to release the door.

This makes exits easier to operate when people need to leave quickly.

Why Are Panic Bars Important?

During an emergency, complicated door hardware can slow people down. Panic bars are designed to provide a simple method of opening an exit door from inside.

For businesses with significant employee or customer traffic, properly functioning exit hardware is an important part of maintaining safe and accessible exits.

Signs a Panic Bar May Need Attention

Commercial door hardware gets used repeatedly, which means components can eventually wear or become damaged.

Potential warning signs include:

• The bar sticks when pushed

The bar sticks when pushed

• The door doesn't latch correctly

The door doesn't latch correctly

• Excessive force is required to open the door

Excessive force is required to open the door

• Hardware feels loose

Hardware feels loose

• The door doesn't close properly

The door doesn't close properly

• The locking mechanism is unreliable

The locking mechanism is unreliable

Problems shouldn't be ignored, particularly on frequently used exit doors.

Security and Safe Exit Work Together

Commercial doors often need to accomplish two goals: helping prevent unauthorized entry from outside while still allowing appropriate exit from inside.

The right commercial door hardware can help businesses balance both needs.

Professional Panic Bar Installation in Las Vegas

Proper installation matters. The hardware needs to work correctly with the door, frame, locking system, and property's requirements.

Ameristar Locksmith provides commercial locksmith services in Las Vegas, including panic bar installation, lock repair and replacement, master key systems, high-security hardware, safe installation, and other commercial security solutions.

Need a panic bar installed or commercial door hardware inspected? Contact Ameristar Locksmith for professional commercial locksmith service in Las Vegas.

Your next step

Tell us what you noticed and where you are in the Las Vegas valley. Your lock type, door condition and working keys help us explain the options. You hear the cost before any work begins.

You can call (702) 488-4000 or request your locksmith quote. For a lockout, call so you can discuss the situation with a real person.