What Is The Difference Between Panic Hardware and Fire Hardware?

When ensuring the safety and security of a building, selecting the right hardware for doors is crucial. Panic and fire hardware are two distinct types of door hardware systems that serve different purposes in emergencies, depending on your needs.

We look at the characteristics and functionalities of panic hardware vs fire hardware, discussing their benefits and more.

What is Panic Hardware?

Panic hardware is designed to provide a quick and efficient exit during emergency situations. Many people will be familiar with panic hardware without knowing it, as most buildings have doors with push bars, also known as crash bars, so they can be opened with ease.

This type of hardware simply consists of a horizontal bar on the inner side of a door, which can be pushed down to release the latch and allow the door to open. These bars can be pushed with slight pressure, meaning almost anyone can use them without strain.

You will typically find panic hardware on exit doors in public buildings, such as schools, shopping malls, offices and other workplaces that experience high foot traffic. It should be noted that panic hardware is usually found on double doors for an even smoother exit.

The Benefits of Panic Hardware

Panic hardware installed on doors throughout a building can yield several benefits, from safety to accessibility. These include:

• A quick exit: Panic hardware enables large groups to quickly and effortlessly exit a building, eliminating the need to grasp a doorknob or turn a handle in an emergency. This feature is particularly useful in situations of high stress, like a fire or security threat, as people who are panicking may struggle with a traditional door.
• Complying with safety regulations: Many building regulations, like National Fire Code of Canada 2020, mandate using panic hardware in specific settings. When panic hardware is added to a door system, building owners or managers ensure compliance with these codes and provide a safer environment for those who frequent these buildings.
• Improved accessibility: When ensuring the safety and security of a building, selecting the right hardware for doors is crucial. Panic and fire hardware are two distinct types of door hardware systems that serve different purposes in emergencies, depending on your needs. We look at the characteristics and functionalities of panic hardware vs fire hardware, discussing their benefits and more.

Installation of this type of hardware can be relatively straightforward when working with the right business and make your building a much safer place.

For those looking for a commercial locksmith, Toronto-based professionals Lock-Up Services offer a great number of commercial services like panic alarms, fire hardware for doors and more.

What is Fire Hardware?

Fire hardware refers to doors specifically engineered to resist fire and prevent its spread throughout the building. These doors can be identified by several features, such as:

• Fire-rated door closers
• Fire-rated hinges
• Fire-rated locks.

Fire hardware is vital in maintaining how effective a fire-rated door is and ensures its ability to contain fire and smoke. This gives occupants precious time in an emergency, as they can evacuate safely from a room where the fire hasn’t yet reached.

The Benefits of Fire Hardware

Fire safety is paramount in any building, especially commercial properties with many people passing through daily. Installing fire hardware can be highly beneficial to businesses as it helps with the following:

• Fire Containment: The main aim of fire-rated doors is to contain any blaze or smoke present. These are equipped with appropriate fire hardware and play a critical role in cutting off parts of buildings to protect against fire spread. They create fire-resistant barriers that allow occupants to evacuate safely and minimize damage to the structure of the building.
• Complying with safety regulations: Much like panic hardware, Canadian building codes and fire safety regulations require fire-rated doors to be used in certain buildings. Installing fire-rated hardware can help ensure compliance with these regulations is met and helps maintain the overall fire safety of a building.
• Durability: Fire hardware is constructed using materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures for an extended period. These materials can also lead to the doors lasting a long time. This means business owners must replace them less often than other types of doors.

Overall, fire hardware is a critical element in helping buildings keep occupants safe and allowing for a safe exit should the worst happen.

Panic Hardware Solutions from Lock-Up Services

Panic and fire hardware installed on doors can be an incredible asset to your building. For this reason, having experts on hand can help meet all your hardware needs.

At Lock-Up Services, we are dedicated to using our years of experience to provide commercial lock-smith solutions to your business. We are based in Etobicoke and serve businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.

From fire and panic hardware to various lock and security systems, we assess your building and find the right solutions for you. Contact Lock-Up Services today and get started.