Panic Bar Installation
Starting at $300 - $1,500
Panic Bar Installation
Starting at $300 - $1,500
Panic bars (also called crash bars, push bars, or exit devices) are required by fire code on emergency exit doors in commercial buildings. They allow quick exit during emergencies by simply pushing the bar, without fumbling for keys or turning handles - potentially saving lives.
Mobile Locksmith Pros installs and repairs panic bars for commercial buildings throughout El Paso, TX. We work with all major brands including von Duprin, Corbin Russwin, Yale, and Precision. All installations meet El Paso fire code and IBC (International Building Code) requirements.
⚠️ When Fire Code Requires Panic Bars
El Paso fire code (following IBC) requires panic bars in specific situations:
📊 Occupancy Requirements
- • 50+ occupants: Any building with 50 or more people must have panic bars on exit doors
- • High-hazard occupancies: Required regardless of occupant count
- • Educational facilities: Schools, daycare centers (even under 50 people)
- • Places of assembly: Churches, theaters, event venues
🏢 Common Applications
- • Office buildings
- • Retail stores and shopping centers
- • Restaurants and bars
- • Schools and universities
- • Hospitals and medical facilities
- • Hotels and motels
- • Warehouses and industrial
- • Gyms and fitness centers
- • Churches and religious facilities
⚖️ Legal Requirement:
Installing proper panic bars isn't optional - it's required by law for life safety. Fire marshals inspect exit devices and can fine businesses or even close buildings that don't comply. We ensure your installation passes inspection the first time.
Types of Panic Bars We Install
1️⃣ Rim Exit Device (Push Bar) - Most Common
Best for: Standard commercial doors, outward-swinging doors
Price Range
$300-$600
How It Works:
Surface-mounted on door. Horizontal bar across door. Push bar to retract latch. Exit device visible on outside of door. Latch projects into strike mounted on frame.
✓ Advantages:
- • Easiest and cheapest to install
- • Works on most doors
- • Easy to maintain and adjust
- • Lots of accessory options
2️⃣ Vertical Rod Exit Device
Best for: Pairs of doors, single doors needing top/bottom security
Price Range
$500-$900
How It Works:
Push bar operates vertical rods that extend into strikes at top and bottom of door frame. Rods are visible on face of door. Provides superior security with locking at two points.
✓ Advantages:
- • Locks at top AND bottom
- • Better for pairs of doors
- • More secure than rim-only
- • Reduces door sagging over time
3️⃣ Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR)
Best for: Aesthetic appearance, high-end buildings, glass doors
Price Range
$700-$1,200
How It Works:
Same functionality as vertical rod, but rods are hidden inside the door. Only the push bar is visible on the door face. Much cleaner appearance, especially on glass doors.
✓ Advantages:
- • Clean, professional appearance
- • Perfect for glass doors
- • Same security as vertical rod
- • Preferred by architects
4️⃣ Mortise Exit Device
Best for: Narrow stile aluminum doors, storefront doors
Price Range
$600-$1,000
How It Works:
Lock mechanism is mortised (recessed) into the door. Low-profile push pad instead of full bar. Common on aluminum storefront doors where space is limited.
✓ Advantages:
- • Works on narrow stile doors
- • Low profile appearance
- • Touch bar activation
- • Good for retail storefronts
Special Features & Options
🔌 Electric Strike/Latch Retraction
Integrate panic bar with access control system. Card reader unlocks the panic bar electrically. Still functions as emergency exit if power fails.
+$200-$400 over standard
🔐 Delayed Egress
15-30 second delay before door unlocks (sounds alarm during delay). Prevents theft while allowing emergency exit. Must meet specific code requirements.
+$300-$600 over standard
🚨 Alarm Kit
Sounds loud alarm when panic bar is pushed (but door still opens immediately). Deters unauthorized exit. Good for retail to prevent shoplifting via emergency exits.
+$100-$200 over standard
🔥 Fire-Rated (3-Hour)
UL-listed for fire-rated doors. Required on fire doors and fire exits. Rated to withstand fire for 3 hours. Includes fire-rated trim and hardware.
+$100-$300 over standard
🌧️ Weather-Resistant
Stainless steel or coated finish for exterior doors. Resists El Paso sun, wind, and weather. Won't rust or corrode in harsh conditions.
+$50-$150 over standard
👋 Touchless Activation
Motion sensor activates latch retraction - no touching required. Popular post-COVID for hygiene. Battery or hardwired options available.
+$300-$500 over standard
Panic Bar Brands We Install
von Duprin
Industry Leader - Used by 60% of commercial buildings
Widest selection. Best availability. Excellent support. Our most recommended brand.
Corbin Russwin
Commercial Grade - Heavy-duty applications
Extremely durable. Long lifespan. Popular in schools and hospitals.
Yale / Sargent
Precision Engineering - High-traffic doors
Smooth operation. Quiet. Good for hospitality and high-end applications.
Our Panic Bar Installation Process
Code Compliance Review
We review El Paso fire code requirements for your building type and occupancy. Ensure your exit devices meet all local and IBC regulations.
Door Assessment
We evaluate door type, traffic level, and fire rating needs. Recommend the appropriate exit device for your application.
Professional Installation
We install panic bars with proper alignment and adjustment. All work meets fire marshal inspection standards.
Testing & Certification
We test the device for proper operation and provide documentation for building inspectors if required.
Panic Bar Installation Pricing
Standard Push Bar (Rim Exit)
Basic exit device
Vertical Rod Exit Device
Top + bottom locking
Concealed Vertical Rod
Hidden rods, better aesthetics
Electric Strike Compatible
Access control ready
Fire-Rated Exit Device
3-hour fire rating
Touchless Exit Device
Motion sensor activation
* Prices include device, installation, and basic trim. Special finishes, fire rating, and access control integration extra.
Panic Bar Questions
Can panic bars be locked from the outside?
Yes! Panic bars allow free exit from inside (always), but can be locked from outside with a key, card reader, or other device. This is the whole point - emergency exit from inside, controlled access from outside. Fire code requires the inside to always open freely.
How long do panic bars last?
Quality panic bars (von Duprin, Corbin Russwin) last 20-30 years with proper maintenance. High-traffic doors may need parts replaced every 5-10 years (springs, latches), but the main device lasts decades. Cheap exit devices may only last 5-10 years.
Do I need a permit to install panic bars?
In El Paso, panic bar installation typically requires a building permit for new construction or major renovations. Replacement of existing panic bars may not require a permit. We handle all permit applications if required and ensure code compliance.
Can you replace just the panic bar trim on the outside?
Yes! Exterior trim (lever, pull handle, cylinder) can be replaced independently. This is common when upgrading to keyless entry or matching new building aesthetics. Much cheaper than replacing the entire exit device.
My panic bar is hard to push or doesn't latch properly. Can you fix it?
Yes! Most panic bar problems are fixable: adjustment, lubrication, spring replacement, or latch repair. We repair all brands. If parts aren't available (very old devices), we recommend replacement with a modern code-compliant device.
Related Commercial Services
You Might Also Need
Related locksmith services in El Paso
Need Panic Bar Installation Now?
Our mobile locksmiths are available 24/7. Fast response, professional service, upfront pricing.
Call Now: (915) 799-0939