Panic bars – also called exit devices or push bars are required by the New York City Building Code on most commercial exit doors. They allow rapid egress in an emergency without any turning, twisting, or operating a handle, which is why they are legally required in schools, office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, and most commercial occupancies with public access.
Mr. Locks supplies and installs panic bars and exit devices for commercial buildings across New York City, ensuring your installation meets NYC Building Code and FDNY requirements.
We have been installing commercial door hardware in NYC since 2003. We carry major brands including Von Duprin, Detex, Dorma, Falcon, and Sargent, and can typically complete installations the same day or next day.
The most common type for NYC commercial doors. The device mounts on the surface of the door and connects to a rim strike on the frame. Fast to install, widely compatible, and available in both standard and alarmed versions. Best for: office buildings, retail, restaurant back-of-house exits.
Integrated into the door body for a more flush, architectural appearance. Higher security than rim devices. Required in some higher-occupancy commercial applications. Best for: hotel corridors, commercial lobbies, institutional buildings.
For double doors or doors that require both top and bottom latching. The device drives rods into the floor and header simultaneously when the bar is pushed. Best for: building entrance double doors, large retail exits, institutional double doors.
Panic bars with integrated alarms that sound when the door is pushed open. Used on secondary exits where the door should only be used in genuine emergencies. The alarm deters casual misuse and alerts building management. We install alarmed devices with adjustable delay timers as required.
Under NYC Building Code Section 1010 (aligned with IBC), panic hardware is required on exit doors in all occupancies where the occupant load exceeds 50 people, as well as in Group H (high-hazard) and Group E (educational) occupancies regardless of occupant load. Most commercial retail, restaurant, office, and institutional buildings in NYC require compliant exit devices on their exit stairs and rear exit doors.
We install to code and provide documentation of the hardware specifications for your building records. If you are unsure whether your current hardware is compliant, we can assess your building and advise before any work begins.
$200 – $500
Rim exit device installation (hardware + labor) typically runs $200-$500 per door depending on the device grade and door preparation required.
$400 – $800
Mortise and vertical rod devices are higher – $400-$800 per door.
$50 – $150
Alarmed devices add $50-$150 to the base hardware cost.
For large commercial projects with multiple exit doors, we provide a written project proposal with itemized pricing. See our Locksmith Cost NYC page or call for a site-specific quote.
Not necessarily every door – but all designated exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more must have compliant panic hardware. We can walk your building and identify which doors require compliant devices and which do not.
Yes – replacement and repair of existing panic hardware is one of our most common
commercial calls. We carry replacement parts for most major brands and can often repair rather than replace, saving cost.
Yes. We provide ongoing maintenance for all hardware we install, and we service panic bars from other installers as well. Our Commercial Locksmith NYC service covers all commercial door hardware maintenance.
Written proposals for all commercial door hardware projects.
Same day and next day scheduling.
