Panic Bars & Exit Devices Installation
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Response Time: Emergency repairs within 2 hours

Panic Bars & Exit Devices Installation

Professional panic bar and exit device installation in South Austin. Von Duprin, Sargent, Yale - IBC and NFPA compliant. Emergency exit hardware for commercial buildings. Call (512) 777-0915.

Call Now: (512) 777-0915 Request Service

Zero Compromise on Life Safety

Panic hardware lives at the critical intersection of security, fire protection, and accessibility. We ensure every installation meets the rigorous standards of:

NFPA 101 Life Safety

Compliance with National Fire Protection Association codes for emergency egress paths. Key for passing fire marshal inspections.

  • Occupant load calculation
  • Fire-rated assemblies

ADA Accessibility

Ensuring panic bars operate with less than 5 lbs of force and require no tight grasping or twisting to operate.

  • Max 5 lbs operating force
  • Proper mounting height

IBC Building Code

International Building Code requirements for assembly, educational, and high-hazard occupancies.

  • Delay egress compliance
  • Correct device type selection

Life-Safety Exit Hardware That Keeps Austin Businesses Code Compliant

Panic bars (exit devices) are mandatory for safety, but they must also provide specialized security. We install systems that ensure instant exit for occupants while keeping intruders out.

South Austin Locksmith specializes in code-compliant panic bar and exit device installation using top-tier manufacturers like Von Duprin, Sargent, and Yale.

Why Professional Panic Bar Installation?

Code Compliance is Non-Negotiable

Fire Code & Life Safety

Using non-fire-rated hardware on fire doors is a major violation. Failed inspections delay occupancy. Trapped occupants create massive liability.

Panic Bar Benefits

🛡️

Instant Egress

One motion to exit. No keys, no pinching, no special knowledge required.

Secure
🛡️

Secure Locking

Heavy-duty deadlatching prevents prying from outside, even while allowing exit.

Secure
🛡️

Durability

Commercial-grade hardware withstands thousands of cycles daily without failure.

Secure

Panic Bar Configurations

Rim-Style (Most Common)

  • Best For: Single doors, solid core wood or metal.
  • Pros: Easy to install, reliable, cost-effective.

Mortise Exit Devices

  • Best For: Main entrances, high security.
  • Pros: Integrated deadbolt, cleaner look, maximum security.

Vertical Rod (Double Doors)

  • Best For: Glass doors, double egress doors.
  • Pros: Latches top and bottom for stability.

Our Installation Process

1

Code Assessment

We determine if you need fire-rated hardware (for fire doors) or standard panic hardware.

2

Hardware Selection

We select the right type (Rim vs Mortise) based on your door construction and traffic.

3

Precision Installation

We drill and mount hardware using through-bolts for maximum strength.

4

Testing & Certification

We measure opening force (≤5 lbs) and verifying latching for fire marshal approval.

Applications

Assembly Occupancies
Theaters, Churches, Gyms (>50 people) REQUIRE panic hardware.
High-Hazard Areas
Boiler rooms and chemical storage always require panic hardware.
Exterior Gates
Weather-resistant panic bars for secure perimeter exit.
Access Controlled Doors
Electric latch retraction or electric strikes integrated with card readers.

Why Choose South Austin Locksmith?

Compliance Experts

We adhere strictly to IBC, NFPA 101, and ADA codes. We ensure your building passes inspection.

24/7 Emergency Repair

A broken panic bar traps people or leaves your building open. We fix it fast (2-hour response).

Pricing Estimates

  • Rim Panic Bar: $350-$550 installed
  • Mortise Heavy Duty: $500-$850 installed
  • Vertical Rod (Double): $800-$1,500 installed
  • Electric Latch: Custom quote

Call (512) 777-0915 for certified installation.

What's Included

Von Duprin, Sargent, Yale certified installation
IBC and NFPA 101 code compliance
Fire-rated assemblies up to 3 hours
Delayed egress and alarm capabilities
Electric strike integration for access control
ADA compliant operation (5 lbs max)
Weather-resistant exterior options
24/7 emergency repair service

Benefits

  • Life safety code compliance guaranteed
  • Pass fire marshal inspections
  • Reliable emergency egress under panic
  • Security when locked, instant exit when needed
  • Integration with access control systems
  • Prevents code violations and fines

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a panic bar and an exit device?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but technically: 'Panic bar' (or 'crash bar') typically refers to rim-style devices with a horizontal bar across the door - push the bar, the latch retracts, door opens. 'Exit device' is the broader industry term covering all panic hardware types: rim, mortise, vertical rod, and surface vertical rod. All panic bars are exit devices, but not all exit devices are panic bars. Fire code requires exit devices (not just panic bars) on doors serving occupancies of 50+ people or high-hazard occupancies regardless of count. South Austin Locksmith installs all types and ensures your specific door configuration meets IBC and NFPA requirements.
When is a panic bar required by code?
International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code require panic hardware in several situations: (1) Doors serving occupant loads of 50 or more in assembly or educational occupancies. (2) Any occupant load in high-hazard areas. (3) Main exits from assembly spaces (theaters, churches, gyms). (4) Stairwell re-entry doors in tall buildings. (5) Delayed egress is allowed with specific conditions (15-second delay, alarm, signage, fire alarm integration). Code also specifies maximum operating force (5 lbs), height requirements (34-48 inches), and operation with one hand. Fire marshal inspections verify these during certificate of occupancy. We ensure your installation passes inspection first time.
Can panic bars be locked from the outside?
Yes, most panic bars incorporate outside security while maintaining instant inside egress. Common configurations: **Rim panic with deadlatch:** Latch auto-locks when door closes, requires key from outside. Inside push-bar always works. **Mortise panic with deadbolt:** Includes separate deadbolt controlled by key cylinder outside, thumb-turn inside. Push-bar retracts latch only. **Electric strike integration:** Outside access via card reader or keypad, inside push-bar always works. **Key cylinder dogging:** Allows push-bar to be 'dogged' (held retracted) with key for free-swing operation during business hours. CRITICAL: Inside egress must NEVER require key, tool, or special knowledge - code violation and life safety hazard.
What are vertical rod exit devices and when do I need them?
Vertical rod exit devices have rods that extend vertically into the top and bottom of the door frame (rather than a single horizontal latch). Required for: **Pair of doors:** Double doors where you want both leaves to be operable with panic hardware. **Full-height glazing:** Glass doors or doors with glass from top to bottom (no room for rim device). **Narrow stile aluminum doors:** Where frame isn't wide enough for mortise lock body. **Aesthetic preference:** Less visible than rim devices (hardware concealed in door edge). Available in: **Concealed vertical rod (CVR):** Rods hidden inside door, minimal visible hardware. **Surface vertical rod (SVR):** Rods mounted on door surface, easier installation/maintenance, lower cost. Vertical rods cost 40-60% more than rim devices due to installation complexity and top/bottom strikes required.
How much does it cost to replace or repair a panic bar?
Repair vs replacement depends on failure type: **Repairs ($150-$350):** Adjust misaligned latch, replace worn touchpad, fix loose mounting screws, repair broken dogging mechanism, replace damaged cylinder. Most mechanical failures are repairable. **Replacement required ($350-$850+ installed):** Severely damaged touchpad housing, cracked panic bar, corroded beyond repair, upgraded security requirements, code compliance issues (old non-compliant device). **When to replace vs repair:** If device is 15+ years old and showing multiple issues, replacement is often more cost-effective than serial repairs. Modern devices offer better security, ADA compliance, and access control integration. **Emergency service:** Panic bar failures are life-safety issues - we provide 24/7 emergency repair within 2 hours. Temporary security measures implemented if replacement required.
What are the best panic bar brands for commercial buildings?
Top three brands dominate commercial installations: **Von Duprin (Allegion):** Industry standard, widest selection, excellent parts availability, proven reliability. 99/9975 series for rim, 98/9998 for mortise, 99/9947 for vertical rod. Electric options integrate seamlessly with access control. Premium pricing justified by longevity. **Sargent (ASSA ABLOY):** Strong commercial line, excellent aesthetic designs, good value proposition. 80 series popular for schools/office buildings. Particularly strong in surface vertical rod applications. **Yale (ASSA ABLOY):** Solid mid-range option, good for budget-conscious projects without compromising quality. 7000 series workhorse for general commercial. **Avoid:** Generic/imported panic hardware - parts availability issues, inconsistent quality, may not meet UL listing requirements, fire marshal rejection risk. Stick with UL-listed devices from established manufacturers.

Pricing

Starting at

$350

Average cost

$650

Price range

$350 - $ 2500

Prices vary based on device type, door configuration, fire rating, and installation complexity. Basic rim-style panic bar starts at $350. Mortise exit devices range $500-$850. Vertical rod devices for double doors range $800-$1,500. Complex installations with electric strikes, delayed egress, or security integration range $1,200-$2,500. Includes device, installation, adjustment, and code compliance verification.

Call for Quote

Need Emergency Service?

We're available 24/7/365 with a Emergency repairs within 2 hours response time guaranteed.

Emergency Call: (512) 777-0915

Why Choose Us?

  • Licensed & Insured
  • Fast Response Times
  • Upfront Pricing
  • Professional Technicians
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed

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