Panic exit performance: why is it commonly associated with security features?
In buildings open to the public, offices, and sensitive infrastructures, occupant safety during emergencies is a priority. Emergency exit doors equipped with panic hardware ensure rapid and secure evacuation while providing resistance against break-ins, fires, or armed attacks.
Standards EN 179 and EN 1125 specify the performance, design, and certification requirements for emergency exit hardware, ensuring intuitive and effective operation during evacuations.
Panic exit devices are tested in accredited laboratories, assessing various criteria such as durability and operating cycles, type of operation, force required to open, opening speed in panic situations, and resistance to lateral pressure.
European standards for emergency exits
EN 179
Emergency exit devices for buildings not open to the public (= emergency exits)
- Opening is via a lever handle or push pad.
- Requires an intentional but simple action to unlock the door.
- Recommended for buildings where occupants are trained in evacuation procedures (offices, warehouses, technical facilities).
EN 1125
Panic exit devices for buildings accessible to the public (= panic exits)
- Mandatory installation of a horizontal panic bar.
- Allows immediate opening without prior training, even during panic situations.
- Recommended for high-traffic buildings (shopping centers, hospitals, schools, stadiums, train stations, airports).
Buildings must be equipped with the solution best suited to their use to ensure compliance with European regulations.
Classification criteria for panic exit devices
Devices are classified according to 10 criteria defined by standards EN 179 and EN 1125:
| Criterium | Description | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Category of use |
Frequency of use and type of building |
|
2 |
Endurance |
Number of operating cycles before failure |
|
3 |
Door mass |
Suitability for light or heavy doors |
|
4 |
Use on fire-resistant doors |
Compatibility with fire-resistant and smoke-tight systems |
|
5 |
Personal safety |
Ease of opening in emergency situations |
|
6 |
Corrosion resistance |
Durability in humid or saline environments |
|
7 |
Security of property |
Resistance to forced entry in the locked position |
|
8 |
Projection of the panic bar or operating device |
Extent to which the bar projects into the evacuation path |
|
9 |
Type of operation |
Lever handle, push pad (EN 179), or horizontal panic bar (EN 1125) |
|
10 |
Door application area |
Number of leaves and opening direction |
Compatibility with other security features
Doors equipped with panic hardware can be combined with other security functions:
Burglar resistance (EN 1627-1630): ensures free exit while preventing intrusion from outside
Bullet resistance (EN 1522-1523): protects personnel in sensitive infrastructures (courthouses, embassies, police stations) while allowing evacuation in case of emergency
Fire resistance (EN 1634-1, EN 13501-2): prevents the spread of fire (flames, heat, smoke, etc.) while allowing evacuation
Acoustic insulation (EN 717-1): ideal for facilities requiring both security and sound comfort
Why choose a security door with panic exit compliant with EN 179 & EN 1125?
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (European standards, local ERP regulations)
- Guaranteed occupant safety: fast evacuation without risk of blockage
- Durability and reliability: endurance proven by the number of tested cycles
Can be combined with fire resistance, bullet resistance, and burglar resistance features
Many types of buildings require panic exit functionality so that our security doors also serve as free-exit emergency exits:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities: compatible with fire-resistant doors to secure rapid evacuation zones and critical access points
Public-access buildings such as shopping centers, schools, hotels, cinemas, museums: installation of EN 1125 panic bars is mandatory for intuitive opening - Industries and controlled-access buildings: doors with burglar-resistant protection and EN 179 emergency exit devices for technical areas, ensuring secure locking while allowing evacuation in case of alert
- Government buildings, courthouses, and embassies: bullet-resistant and burglar-resistant doors providing protection against intrusion attempts while complying with evacuation standards
