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Panic bars serve a crucial purpose in emergency situations, allowing people to quickly exit buildings during fires, evacuations, or other urgent scenarios. However, there are legitimate times when you need to secure a panic bar door while maintaining its emergency function. Whether you're managing a retail store, office building, or educational facility, understanding how to properly lock a panic bar door is essential for both security and safety compliance.
This guide will walk you through the various methods, legal considerations, and best practices for securing panic bar doors without compromising their life-saving purpose.
A panic bar, also known as a crash bar or push bar, is a horizontal bar mounted on the inside of a door that allows for quick exit by simply pushing against it. These devices were invented in response to tragic incidents where people were trapped in buildings during emergencies because they couldn't operate traditional door handles in panic situations.
The primary function of a panic bar is to provide unrestricted egress from a building during emergencies. This means that in most situations, completely preventing the door from opening would violate fire codes and building safety regulations. However, there are approved methods to add security while maintaining the panic bar's emergency function.
Before attempting to lock any panic bar door, you must understand the legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Building codes, fire safety regulations, and occupancy laws vary by location, but some universal principles apply:
Fire Code Compliance: Most fire codes require that egress doors remain unlocked during business hours when the building is occupied. Completely disabling a panic bar during occupied hours is typically illegal and dangerous.
Emergency Exit Requirements: Panic bars are installed on designated emergency exits. These exits must remain functional during emergencies, regardless of security concerns.
Occupancy Considerations: The rules may differ based on whether the building is occupied or unoccupied. Some locking methods are only permissible during non-business hours when the building is empty.
Local Authority Approval: Before implementing any panic bar locking system, consult with your local fire marshal or building authority to ensure compliance with local codes.
Electromagnetic locks, or maglocks, are one of the most common and code-compliant methods for securing panic bar doors. These locks use electromagnetic force to hold the door closed but automatically release when the panic bar is activated or when power is lost.
How They Work: A maglock consists of an electromagnet mounted on the door frame and a metal plate attached to the door. When energized, the electromagnet holds the door closed with significant force.
Safety Features: Maglocks are designed to fail-safe, meaning they unlock when power is interrupted. They can be integrated with fire alarm systems to automatically unlock during emergencies.
Installation Requirements: Professional installation is typically required, and the system must be connected to emergency power and alarm systems.
Electric strike locks replace the standard door strike plate with an electronically controlled mechanism. When activated, the electric strike can hold the door locked even when the panic bar is pushed.
Operation: The electric strike holds the door's latch bolt in place until an authorized signal releases it. This can be controlled by keypads, card readers, or remote systems.
Emergency Override: Quality electric strike systems include emergency override features that automatically unlock the door when fire alarms activate or during power failures.
Compatibility: Electric strikes work well with existing panic bar hardware and don't require significant modifications to the door or frame.
Delayed egress locks are specifically designed for panic bar doors and are approved by most building codes when properly installed and maintained.
Functionality: These locks allow the panic bar to be pushed, but they delay the actual unlocking of the door for a predetermined period (typically 15-30 seconds). During this delay, an alarm sounds to alert security personnel.
Emergency Bypass: Delayed egress locks include multiple bypass mechanisms that immediately unlock the door during fire alarms, power failures, or when excessive force is applied.
Applications: These locks are particularly useful in retail environments where preventing shoplifting is important, but emergency egress cannot be compromised.
For situations where electronic locks aren't suitable, mechanical locking devices can provide security while maintaining emergency functionality.
Keyed Locks: Some panic bars can be equipped with keyed cylinders that lock the outside handle while keeping the inside panic function operational.
Removable Chains or Bars: Temporary blocking devices can be used when the building is unoccupied, but these must be completely removed when the building is occupied.
Padlocks with Breakaway Features: Special padlocks designed for emergency situations can be used with chain assemblies that break away under pressure from the panic bar.
Most panic bar locking systems require professional installation to ensure proper function and code compliance. Professional installers understand local codes and can integrate the locking system with existing fire alarm and security systems.
Electrical Requirements: Electronic locks need proper electrical connections and backup power systems. Professional electricians should handle all electrical work.
Integration: The locking system must be properly integrated with fire alarm systems, security systems, and emergency lighting.
Testing: After installation, the system must be thoroughly tested to ensure it functions correctly in all scenarios, including power failures and emergency conditions.
Panic bar locks require regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation when needed.
Monthly Testing: Test all emergency override functions monthly to ensure they work properly. This includes testing fire alarm integration and power failure scenarios.
Annual Inspections: Have qualified technicians perform annual inspections of the entire system, including hardware, electrical connections, and emergency features.
Battery Maintenance: If the system includes battery backup, regularly test and replace batteries according to manufacturer recommendations.
Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, testing, and repairs for compliance purposes and insurance requirements.
If locking the panic bar door isn't feasible or appropriate, consider these alternative security measures:
Door alarms can provide security without preventing egress. These systems sound an alarm when the door is opened without authorization but don't prevent the door from opening.
Types: Choose from local alarms that sound only at the door, or connected systems that alert security personnel or monitoring services.
Integration: Modern alarm systems can integrate with security cameras and access control systems for comprehensive security coverage.
Having security personnel monitor panic bar doors can provide both security and safety benefits.
Advantages: Security guards can respond to both security threats and emergency situations, ensuring the door remains functional when needed.
Cost Considerations: While more expensive than electronic systems, security personnel provide flexibility and human judgment that automated systems cannot.
Implementing access control on other entrances can reduce the security burden on panic bar doors.
Card Readers: Installing card readers on main entrances can direct most traffic away from emergency exits.
Visitor Management: Proper visitor management systems can track who enters and exits the building through controlled access points.
Successfully locking a panic bar door requires balancing security needs with safety requirements and legal obligations. The key is choosing the right method for your specific situation and ensuring proper installation and maintenance.
Remember that panic bars save lives by providing quick, reliable egress during emergencies. Any security measures you implement must preserve this critical function while adding the protection your building needs.
Before proceeding with any panic bar locking system, consult with local authorities, fire marshals, and qualified security professionals. They can help you choose the best solution for your specific needs while ensuring full compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
The investment in proper panic bar security is worthwhile when it protects both your property and the people who use your building. With the right approach, you can achieve both security and safety objectives effectively.
