SAME DAY & EXPEDITED SHIPPING AVAILABLE
Panic Exit Devices
Exit devices, also called panic bars or panic hardware, let people leave a building with one push and keep the door secure from outside. Choose rim, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod or mortise devices from Sargent, Von Duprin, PHI Precision, Corbin Russwin and Adams Rite, in fire-rated and electrified versions.
What is an exit device?
An exit device is a door latch operated by a push bar or touchpad across the inside of the door, so anyone can leave by pushing, with no key or knowledge needed. Panic bar, panic hardware, push bar and exit hardware are all names for the same product family. Exit devices go on doors that serve the public in schools, churches, hospitals, retail and industrial buildings, and they are specified wherever a fast exit is a safety requirement.
The outside of the door is a separate choice. It can be a dummy trim, a lever, a thumbpiece or a keyed cylinder, so pick the device and the trim together.
Types of exit devices: rim, vertical rod, mortise and narrow stile
The type you need is set by the door, not by preference. Rim devices latch at the edge of the door and are the simplest option for single doors. Surface vertical rod (SVR) devices latch at the top and bottom through exposed rods, concealed vertical rod (CVR) devices hide the rods inside the door, and mortise devices use a lock body in the door edge. Narrow stile devices fit aluminum storefront doors with slim stiles.
Use a rim device for a standard single door, SVR or CVR for pairs without a mullion, and a narrow stile model for aluminum framed doors. See rim vs SVR vs mortise vs CVR for a full comparison.
Exit device series compared
| Type | Series in catalog | Door |
|---|---|---|
| Rim | Sargent 8800, Von Duprin 98, 99, 33A and 35A, PHI 2100 | Single doors |
| Surface vertical rod | Sargent 8700, Von Duprin 2227, 3327, 3527 and 9827, PHI 2200 and 5200 | Pairs without a mullion |
| Concealed vertical rod | Sargent 8600 (metal, wood, aluminum), PHI 2600, 2700 and 2800, Falcon 25 | Doors with rods hidden |
| Mortise | Sargent 8900, Adams Rite 8400 | Doors with a mortise prep |
| Narrow stile | Sargent 8500, PHI 2400, Adams Rite 8800, Corbin Russwin ED4200S | Aluminum storefront doors |
Features: dogging, electric latch retraction and alarms
Dogging holds the latch retracted so the door works like a push-pull door during business hours. The catalog includes cylinder dogging models, such as the Von Duprin CD33A and Sargent 16 series, that need a key to dog or undog.
Electrified models add features for access control:
- Electric latch retraction (ELR): a motor retracts the latch from a remote signal, such as Sargent 56 series and Adams Rite 8800 motorized models.
- Request to exit (REX) switch: signals the access control system when the bar is pressed, as on Sargent 55 series.
- Battery alarms: Detex value series models sound when the door is opened.
Combined 5556 models add both REX and ELR. Browse Sargent exit devices to find the 55, 56 and 5556 models.
Codes, fire ratings and standards
Exit devices are tested under ANSI/BHMA A156.3, and panic hardware is also listed to UL 305. Fire-rated devices carry a fire listing on their label and often an FL or fire rated name; use them on labeled fire doors and follow NFPA 80 for installation and annual inspection.
Building codes, including NFPA 101, require panic hardware on certain exit doors in assembly and educational occupancies above set occupant loads, so confirm the door's requirement with your authority having jurisdiction. Our panic exit device buying guide walks through the selection.
Sizing: device length, door width and handing
Exit devices are sold by bar length that matches door width, with 32, 36, 42 and 48 inch devices common in the catalog and vertical rod models rated for an 84 inch door height unless noted. Measure the door width and height, then check handing (LH, LHR, RH, RHR), because some trims and drives are handed.
For double doors with a mullion, rim devices pair with a removable mullion; without one, use vertical rod devices on the active leaf and the inactive leaf as needed. Finish codes follow BHMA, such as 626 satin chrome and 689 aluminum painted. Von Duprin buyers can read 98 vs 99 before choosing a series.
Most requested exit devices
The exit devices our customers look up most often right now:
- Kawneer KW133624 48" 1686 Concealed Exit Device, RH/LHR
- Sargent AD8410 Narrow Stile Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device for Aluminum Doors, Exit Only
- Sargent AD8504 Narrow Stile Rim Exit Device for Aluminum Doors, Night Latch - No Trim
- Sargent AD8610 Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device for Aluminum Doors, Exit Only
- Adams Rite 8400MLR Narrow Stile Mortise Exit Device w/ Motorized Latch Retraction
- Von Duprin 98L-NL Rim Panic Exit Device, with 996L-NL Night Latch Trim
Related categories: exit device trims, electric strikes, door closers and mortise locks.
What to have ready when ordering an exit device
- Device type: rim, SVR, CVR, mortise or narrow stile.
- Door width, height, thickness, handing and door material (wood, hollow metal or aluminum).
- Fire rating of the door and whether the device must be fire rated.
- Trim: dummy, lever, night latch, passage, classroom, storeroom or thumbpiece.
- Dogging type, and the cylinder or core if keyed.
- Electrified options: ELR, REX switch or alarm, and the voltage.
- Finish code and single or pair of doors.
Outfitting a building? Request a quote. Schools and agencies can submit a government PO. Orders placed before 3:00 p.m. ET on business days ship the same day after card approval. Call 718-814-6300.
The tables and selection notes on this page are compiled by National Lock Supply from manufacturer catalogs, templates and product listings. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a panic bar and an exit device?
They are the same product family. Panic bar is the everyday term for the horizontal push bar, while exit device is the trade term that covers rim, vertical rod, mortise and narrow stile models. Panic hardware is also used. When searching or specifying, include the type and the door.
What is the difference between rim, surface vertical rod and concealed vertical rod devices?
Rim devices latch at the door edge and suit single doors. Surface vertical rod devices latch at the top and bottom with exposed rods, so they suit pairs without a mullion. Concealed vertical rod devices hide the rods inside the door for a cleaner look. The door construction usually decides.
Are panic bars fire rated?
Some are. Fire-rated exit devices are listed for labeled fire doors, and the catalog has models marked fire rated, such as Sargent and PHI Precision devices. Use them only on fire-rated doors that allow the device, and follow NFPA 80 for installation. Check the device listing and the door label before ordering.
What is cylinder dogging on an exit device?
Cylinder dogging lets you hold the latch retracted with a key so the door works as a push-pull door in business hours, then release it with the same key. Catalog models include Von Duprin CD and Sargent 16 series. Choose it for doors that stay open during the day.
Can panic bars be electrified?
Yes. Electrified exit devices add electric latch retraction, request-to-exit switches or both. Examples in the catalog include Sargent 56 and 5556 models and Adams Rite motorized latch retraction models. Confirm the voltage, the power supply and the access control signal before ordering.
What do I need for panic hardware on double doors?
For double doors with a mullion, use rim devices with a removable mullion. For pairs without a mullion, use vertical rod devices. Measure both leaves and check handing, door material and fire rating, because double doors need devices that work together and a strike or trim compatible with both leaves.
What size exit device do I need?
Match the device length to the door width. The catalog lists common lengths of 32, 36, 42 and 48 inches, and vertical rod models for 84 inch tall doors. Measure the door width and height, and check handing and door material, because narrow stile and wood door models differ from standard steel doors.
Which exit device brands do you carry?
The catalog includes Sargent, PHI Precision, Von Duprin, Corbin Russwin, Adams Rite, Falcon, Accentra, Detex, Kawneer, Dorma, Hager, Arrow, Dexter and Marks USA. Each brand has a page linked from the category. Use the series and device type to match the opening that you are replacing.