Defining Exit Devices
Each type of listed exit device will bear a label
indicating its appropriate usage, either as “Panic
Hazard” or “Fire Exit Hardware.” The differences
between exit devices are as follows:
- Panic hardware is a device approved for use
for panic hazard use and may be placed on any
door that is not fire-rated.
- Fire exit hardware is a device approved for
use as panic hardware, but which also has been
tested for use on fire doors. Depending on the
manufacturer, some devices are approved for
use on fire-rated doors up to and including
three hours.
The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA
101, titled Life Safety Code (LSC), contains what
is probably the most thorough description of panic
and fire exit hardware. While descriptions in
other model codes may also be satisfactory, they
do not have a complete definition in one common
section. One of the UL directories makes a direct
reference to the LSC, and it has been widely adopted
or used as a guideline by many jurisdictions.
According to the LSC definition:
“Panic hardware and fire exit hardware consist
of a door latching assembly incorporating a device
that releases the latch upon the application of
a force in the direction of exit travel.” “Where
a door is required to be equipped with panic hardware
or fire exit hardware, such releasing device shall:
a.Consist of bars or panels, the activating
portion of which shall extend across not less
than one-half of the width of the door leaf,
not less than 30" nor more than 44" above the
floor, and
b. Cause the door latch to release
when a force not to exceed 15 lb. is applied.”
Each of the three model building codes1 (BOCA, SBC
or UBC) defines panic hardware and has the same
basic requirements, although their wordings are
different. Only the BOCA and SBC differentiate between
panic hardware and fire exit hardware, while the
UBC refers only to panic hardware.
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