Exit Devices: The Workhorses of Commercial Egress
Exit devices — also called panic bars, crash bars, or just exits — are the horizontal pushbars across commercial doors that let people exit instantly in emergencies. They're required by code on many commercial doors and they're some of the most heavily-used hardware in any building.
This page focuses on the full installation process. For repair of existing devices, see push bar repair. For a general overview, see panic bar installation. This page goes deeper into the four main exit device types and when each is right.
Four Main Exit Device Types
The right device depends on the door configuration and the level of security and finish you need:
1. Rim Exit Devices
- Latch mounted on the face (rim) of the door, engaging a strike on the frame
- Easiest to install, most affordable, most common
- Used on single doors and the active side of pairs with a center mullion
- Examples: Von Duprin 99 / 35A series, Sargent 80, Yale 7000
- Best for: Most standard commercial single doors
2. Mortise Exit Devices
- Latch mechanism mortises into the door edge (pocket cut into the door)
- Heavier, stronger, more premium feel
- More security than rim devices — latch is internal, harder to attack
- Examples: Von Duprin 33A / 35A mortise, Sargent 80 mortise, Yale 7100M
- Best for: Higher-security single doors, premium installations, certain code applications
3. Surface Vertical Rod (SVR)
- Rods on the face of the door running to top and bottom strikes
- Used on double doors without a center mullion (each leaf latches independently)
- Visible rods on the door surface
- Examples: Von Duprin 9927, Sargent 8700 series, Yale 7000 SVR
- Best for: Pairs of doors where a mullion would be inconvenient
4. Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR)
- Rods hidden inside the door, running to top and bottom strikes
- Cleaner appearance than SVR, but more expensive and more involved to install
- Requires hollow-core or specially-prepared doors
- Examples: Von Duprin 9947, Sargent 8800 series, Yale 7000 CVR
- Best for: Architectural / premium installations where appearance matters
Trim Options (Outside Hardware)
Exit devices are exit-only on the inside. The outside of the door has "trim" determining how people enter:
- Night latch / dummy trim — Pull handle only, no key; exit-only door
- Key-in-lever — Key access from outside, ADA-compliant lever
- Key-in-knob — Older style, ADA-restricted for new installations
- Electrified lever / paddle — Card or app controls entry; integrates with access control
- Cylinder dogging — Allows the latch to be held retracted with a key (door becomes push-pull during business hours)
Fire-Rated Exit Devices
Doors in fire-rated wall assemblies (typical for stair towers, mechanical rooms, occupancy separations) require fire-rated exit devices — functionally similar to standard devices but UL-labeled to maintain the door's fire rating. Don't substitute non-rated devices on rated doors; it's a code violation and can invalidate your fire compartmentation.
Call (253) 796-8550 for code-compliant exit device installation throughout Auburn and South King County.
