• 877-412-3667 9AM - 3PM CST

  • ORDERS OVER $200 SHIP FREE - CONTINENTAL US ONLY

Navigate to the Automatic Door and Hardware homepage

USA Company
​Located in Texas

Home > Door Hardware > Panic Bar Exit Devices > Panic Bar Exit Device Help Center > Types of Panic Bars for Commercial Doors

Types of Panic Bars for Commercial Doors

Types of Panic Bars for Commercial Doors

Panic bars are essential safety devices for commercial doors. They allow occupants to easily and quickly exit a building in case of an emergency. There are several types of panic bars available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will discuss the three main types of panic bars: rim, surface vertical rod, and concealed vertical rod panic bars.

Rim Panic Bars

Rim panic bars, also known as "crash bars" or "exit devices," are the most common type of panic bar. They are typically installed on the surface of the door and are activated by pushing on the horizontal bar. When the bar is pushed, the latch mechanism is released, allowing the door to swing open. Rim panic bars are easy to install and maintain, and are suitable for most types of commercial doors.

Surface Vertical Rod Panic Bars

Surface vertical rod panic bars are similar to rim panic bars, but have vertical rods that extend from the top and bottom of the door to the floor. These rods latch into the strike plates on the door frame, providing extra security and preventing the door from being forced open. Surface vertical rod panic bars are ideal for use on doors that are wider than standard size, as they provide additional stability and support.

Concealed Vertical Rod Panic Bars

Concealed vertical rod panic bars are similar to surface vertical rod panic bars, but the vertical rods are concealed within the door. This makes the panic bar more aesthetically pleasing, as the rods are not visible from the exterior of the door. Concealed vertical rod panic bars are ideal for use on glass doors, as they do not detract from the door's appearance. However, they are more complex to install and maintain than rim or surface vertical rod panic bars.

Contact Automatic Door and Hardware for Your Panic Bar Needs

At Automatic Door and Hardware, we are experts in commercial doors and door hardware. We carry a wide range of panic bars, including rim, surface vertical rod, and concealed vertical rod panic bars. Our experienced team can help you select the right panic bar for your needs and provide professional installation and maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more!



Commercial door panic bars and exit device hardware are available at www.autodoorandhardware.com.

Disclaimer: The material in this article has no regard to the specific installation, building code requirements, law requirements, authority having jurisdiction, local or state requirements, or any particular needs of any viewer. This article is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as a recommendation or solicitation. Nor should any of its content be taken as advice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not an installation advisor. The views expressed in this article are completely speculative opinions and do not guarantee any specific result. Commercial doors, hardware, and automatic door parts should only be worked on by trained, qualified, and licensed professionals; failure to do so can result in danger. Any opinions expressed in this article are subject to change without notice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. Automatic Door and Hardware may have an interest in the securities and commodities of any entities referred to in this material. Automatic Door and Hardware accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. Automatic Door and Hardware recommends that you consult with a licensed and qualified professional before making any modifications or repairs to commercial doors, automatic doors, or hardware components of those doors. The content covered in this article is NOT to be considered as advice. I’m NOT an adviser. These are only my own personal and speculative opinions, ideas, theories, hypotheses, charts, technical analysis, insights, and curated news publications. The technical analysis in this article is completely speculative and does NOT guarantee any specific result. The technical analysis in this article has NO proven rate of accuracy. Do NOT repair or modify your doors and/or hardware based upon the analysis presented in this article. Always do your own research and only use trained and licensed professionals for any repairs or modifications. I will NOT be held liable for any of your personal repairs or modifications or any losses/damages that you may incur if you do repair or modify your doors and/or hardware. Information provided through this article is provided to you as is without any express representations or warranties of any kind, and we make no representation or warranty that this article (or any information provided in response to your inquiry), will be accurate, complete, or error-free. You agree that you must evaluate all information and responses, and that you bear all risks associated with, the use of this article, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or materials made available through this article. This article is purely for entertainment purposes only!

Get The Parts That Fit

Filter your results by entering your commercial door's Make and/or Model to ensure you find the parts that fit your door.

Need A Quotation?

Receive A Free Quotation Immediately

Email [email protected] or call 877-412-3667 with the product you are interested in, the quantity, and any other requirements you may have. One of our specialists will email you back a free quotation shortly. Did you know we offer free design help? If you are unsure of the product you need, but know the scope of what function or application you need, our design team can help! Contact us with your inquiry today.