When it comes to commercial doors, safety isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the law. But do all doors really need crash bars? From bustling retail spaces to quiet offices, understanding when and why crash bars are required can save lives and keep your business compliant.
A crash bar is a type of door hardware designed to allow quick and easy exit from a building during an emergency. It is usually installed on the inside of commercial or public doors and operated from the inside of an outswing exit door through the use of a crossbar or push rail. It works by simply pushing on a horizontal bar to unlatch the door, enabling people to exit swiftly without turning a knob or using a key. The concept is that only minimal pressure is needed to disengage the latch, and importantly, no twisting or gripping is required.
Building Type and Occupancy Load
Not every commercial door is created equal, and the regulations reflect that. Authorities establish criteria for when crash bars are mandatory, which include:
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Spaces with large crowds, such as theaters, stadiums, and concert venues, usually require crash bars for quick egress.
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The higher the number of occupants, the more likely a crash bar is required to allow fast, safe exit during emergencies.
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Buildings designed for education
Product Standards
Safety isn’t just about having a crash bar, it’s about having the right one. Crash bars are designed so that during an emergency, people can exit a building without having to think about how to operate the latch. These systems are engineered to release with just 15 pounds of pressure, ensuring the door opens even if someone or something pushes against it.
Regulatory organizations also oversee crash bar performance. For example, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) evaluates these devices for durability and quality. A BHMA Grade 1 certified crash bar is tested to withstand 500,000 cycles without failure. While that may seem high, busy commercial doors can easily exceed a million cycles in a year, averaging just two uses per minute. Because of this intense usage, it’s essential to regularly inspect door hardware. Any signs of wear or malfunction should be addressed promptly to maintain safety and ensure reliable operation during emergencies.
Other Considerations
Crash bars in commercial buildings must fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Egress latch devices are specifically designed so that no twisting or grasping is necessary, ensuring accessibility and, most importantly, occupant safety.
In addition, the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) plays a crucial role in standardizing door hardware. According to the UL, a panic hardware device is required to endure 100,000 consecutive cycles of operation without malfunction or excessive wear. Testing is performed on a fixture simulating a door, with the device operated at a maximum of 15 cycles per minute.
Do You Need New Crash Bars?
From emergency egress to delayed release systems, we have the crash bars your commercial doors need. If your building doesn’t meet code, or you’re upgrading old hardware, CDF Distributors is your go-to source. This is because of the availability of a wide selection of crash bars and expert guidance.
