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Keeping your commercial or public building safe and secure is paramount. Locking mechanisms indoors play a significant role in security and safety measures.
For this purpose, push bar doors are popular choices, especially for exit doors or panic exits. In this article, we will discuss the essential aspects of lock push bar doors to help you understand them better.
What is a Push Bar Door?
A push bar door is a type of door that features an exit device installed onto it. The primary purpose of this device is to allow people inside a building to exit quickly during an emergency. During such situations, it can be challenging for people to locate the closest exits. Therefore, having panic bars on all exit routes serve as critical safety equipment.
What is Panic Exit Devices?
Panic exit devices are commonly referred to as crash bars or push bars. Their primary job is to unlock the door when someone pushes against them from the inside, allowing people within a building to make their way out quickly and safely.
How can I Lock a Push Bar Door?
Locking Mechanism – Push bar locks come with different locking mechanisms such as rim, mortise, concealed vertical rod (CVR), or surface-mounted vertical rods (SMVR). Rim locks consist of the locking mechanism mounted on top of the door’s surface or on its edges.
Von Duprin’s line of push pad rim locks includes models that suit different architectural designs and installation requirements while providing superior security and durability for life safety concerned buyers.
Mortise locks feature hardware that installs by cutting into a pocket on the edge of the door’s face, while Smith&Lock provides both mortise cylinder key and lever trim feel free for your facility design requirements.
Vertical rod locksets operate by bolts connecting into latches via concealed rods located on either side behind paneling surfaces; unique characteristics available in strike plate modifications like life-safety are available only at Falcon lock by Allegion.
What is the Difference between Rim and Mortise Locks?
Rim locks usually come as a single device mounted on top of the door’s surface or edge, while mortise locks are set into the door itself. Typically, rim locks are considered to be more comfortable to install since they don’t require any modifications to the door. However, they might not be as secure as mortise locks due to their simpler installation.
Mortise locks tend to offer maximum security since they install inside the door’s pocket and utilize a deadbolt with a latch mechanism that penetrates deep into the frame. Moreover, mortise locksets require precise installation and may not work for every door type.
How do I Unlock a Push Bar Door?
To unlock a push bar door, you’ll need a hex key or key in the hole, depending on whether it is a rim or mortise lock. The opening mechanism will be located within reach in case of emergencies. In some cases, panic exit doors also allow occupants to press down on the crossbar in order to initiate an unlocking mechanism.
Is it Possible to Prevent Unauthorized Entry to a Push Bar Door?
Yes, it is possible to prevent unauthorized entry into a push bar door. Using high-quality lock systems with unique keys and codes is the best way to secure your property or building. In addition, some advanced lock mechanisms can provide you with more control over who enters your facility.
A concealed vertical rod, for example, provides the user with an additional measure of security since potential intruders cannot see the rods. A heavier and thicker crossbar also makes it harder for unauthorized persons to force their way in.
What are Some Maintenance Requirements for Push Bar Doors?
Like all other locking systems, push bar doors need regular maintenance to operate effectively and last long. Check regularly that nothing is obstructing the door’s ability to open and close correctly. Also, ensure there are no loose or worn components, damage from weathering, or improper usage.
Lubricate all moving parts of the locking mechanism regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions – including latches, bolts, and hinges – to prevent corrosion and improve functionality.
What Types of Buildings use Push Bar Doors?
Push bar doors are commonly used in commercial buildings such as offices, schools, and hospitals where life safety-conscious design is the top priority. They are aesthetically modern finish options available from select brands like Corbin Russwin By Allegion providing both functionality and design.
Public buildings also employ them widely due to their quick exit capabilities during emergencies. Cost-effective alternatives like Falcon Lock by Allegion make it economically viable for many small businesses looking forward to investing in immediate-result security measures.
Incorporating A Modern Touch
Common life-safety requirements as per fire-code standards call for outward opening doors as in case of fire, smoke goes upwards.
This makes the horizontal force on inward-opening doors making it hard to push through. This incorporated knowledge can be used while choosing hardware styles and finishes so that building users feel safe while enhancing its aesthetic value too, which will instill a sense of security alongside modernizing.
Conclusion
Push bar doors serve a crucial role in public buildings and commercial establishments by providing an essential component of door hardware for life safety. It is important to understand the purpose and function of these mechanisms to select the best-suited lock system for your facility.
Choosing lock systems that meet ANSI/BHMA A156 series and NFPA 80 standards is necessary for ensuring compliance with force and endurance tests validated by accredited third-party labs.
This guarantees that the locks provide the level of security required to prevent unauthorized entry into premises while preventing any hindrance during evacuation times from incidents.
Furthermore, incorporating modern techniques not only improves aesthetics but also provides a sense of security among building occupants. Regular maintenance, lubrication of moving parts, and keeping an eye out for worn or loose components ensure better protection from damage relating to wear & tear in daily operation.
