Commercial Exit Devices

Commercial Exit Devices and Panic Hardware

Commercial exit devices provide an egress operating mechanism across a horizontal portion of the door and are used on many commercial, institutional and public-building openings. This collection includes complete devices as well as trim and replacement components. Rim devices and surface vertical rod devices are prominent in the assortment, with additional fire-rated, electrified and accessibility-related configurations available within specific product families.

Device type must match the door and opening. Rim exit devices latch at a strike on the frame or mullion, while surface vertical rod devices use rods and latches that engage at the top and, depending on the configuration, the bottom of the opening. Paired doors, mullions, narrow stiles, door material and existing preparation can affect which device family is appropriate. Confirm the manufacturer's dimensional and application requirements before ordering.

Door width and device length are key sizing considerations. Exit devices are offered for different door widths and can have manufacturer-specific cut-down limits or sizing rules. Fire-rated openings require products and installation methods appropriate to the rated assembly, and dogging options may be restricted on fire exit hardware. Verify the exact rating and operating requirements for the selected device rather than assuming all products in the collection share them.

Exterior trim determines how the door can be operated from the pull side. Lever, knob, pull and keyed trim functions vary by exit-device series. Replacement parts such as strikes, rods, dogging keys, mullions, baseplates and conversion kits are also commonly specific to a manufacturer or device family. Identify the existing series and part relationship before substituting components.

For electrified or access-controlled openings, additional compatibility checks can include power requirements, latch retraction, electric trim, request-to-exit or monitoring options and the relationship with the access-control system. Because egress hardware can be subject to building, fire and accessibility requirements, confirm the complete opening and applicable project requirements with the product documentation and qualified project professionals before final selection.