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Be it your car, home, or office, security is of paramount importance. And, when it comes to the workplace, ensuring the safety of employees should be the top priority for any employer. There are many ways to increase workplace security. One of the most cost-effective and economical ways to do this is to put push bars on exit doors.
Push bars are devices that are fitted to doors and help push them open quickly in an emergency. These devices are used in offices, factories and warehouses, shops and restaurants, as well as other commercial establishments. They can be used to quickly and safely evacuate a building in an emergency, such as a fire, or other circumstances.
It can be difficult to choose the right model when there are so many brands on the market. To make things easier for you, weve compiled a list of the highest-rated push bars of 2022. So, without further ado, lets get started!
Buying Guide: Push Bars
What Is A Push Bar?
For many of us, a push bar is that metal handle we see on the doors of public buildings. We are instructed to push the bar when we need to escape in an emergency. But what is a push bar, really?
Push bars are a tool that opens doors in emergency situations. Made out of metal, this bar is to be placed outside the door; however, there are also multidirectional ones available. In the event of an emergency, this bar pushes the door open and allows for seamless evacuation.
Uses For A Push Bar
There are quite a few situations where using a push bar can be helpful. A push bar can be useful in a number of situations, such as when you have to quickly get through a door or hold it open for someone who is struggling with something.
As panic hardware
Push bars are used to secure panic hardware in public areas. Push bars are useful because they make it possible for people to quickly and easily pass through doors in emergency situations without having to use a latch or handle.
It can be used as a doorstop
A push bar can also be used as a doorstop. You can use a push bar to prop the door open if you need to keep it open for someone else or to prevent it from closing.
As an aid to the disabled
As an aid to people with disabilities, push bars can be used. A bar can be used to make it easier for someone who has difficulty grasping a door handle.
Different Types Of Push Bars
There are two major push bar types: a touch bar and a crossbar. Let us look at them in detail and find out when you should be using either type:
Touch Bar
Touch bars are a type or push bar that can be activated by pushing down on it. This makes it ideal for use when you need to get through a door quickly, as there is no need to fiddle with a handle, latch, or knob.
Crossbar
Crossbars are push bars with horizontal bars that you push on to activate them. This type is often used on heavier or broader doors, providing the user with more leverage.
How To Choose A Push Bar For Your Door
Traffic compatibility
When picking out a push bar for your door, it is important to consider traffic compatibility. This means that the bar must withstand the amount of traffic that will be using it. A weak push bar could cause it to break or bend under pressure. This could lead to dangerous situations. Push bars come in different sizes and styles, so make sure you pick one that is right for your needs if you have a heavy traffic door.
There are two main categories of push bars: single acting and double acting. The single-acting bar can only open the door from one direction. Double-acting bars, on the other hand, can be used to open your door from both sides.
Door compatibility
For a push bar to be effective, it needs to be compatible with the door it is being installed on. Different doors have different specifications so make sure your bar fits on the door.
Some doors may have additional requirements to ensure compatibility. For example, some doors may require a particular mounting bracket or hardware. Be sure to check your doors specifications before purchasing a bar to ensure compatibility.
Material
Some materials are more durable than others and can withstand more wear and tear; so, for example, stainless steel bars are more durable than aluminum push bars. Some materials are better suited to specific environments. For example, aluminum push bars are more suitable for outdoor use since they won’t rust.
Consider the material of the bar when making your selection to ensure it is durable and appropriate for the intended use.
Adjustability
The location of the bars may need to change depending on the door. Some doors have push bar holes predrilled, others don’t. If your door does not have pre-drilled holes for push bars, make sure the bar you select is adjustable. You can place the bar exactly where you need it on the door. Adjustable bars are also helpful if your doors specifications change in the future and the bar needs to be moved.
Ease of installation
How easy a push bar is to install is also important to consider when making your purchase. Some bars will require hardware or brackets that are not standard, while others can be screwed directly into the door.
If you are unfamiliar with installation, choosing a bar that is easy to install is best. You can always hire a professional if you are unsure how to install the bar properly.
Reversibility
In some cases, like if the door opens outward instead of inward, you may need to reverse the direction of the bar. This is why reversible push bars were created. They can be switched easily from one direction to the other. This critical feature can mean the difference between safety and a hazard.
Additional features
Some push bars come with an alarm that sounds when the bar is activated. This alarm can be used to deter unwanted visitors or intruders. Other bars have a keyed entry function that allows you to lock the bar from the inside, which can be helpful if you want to prevent someone from pushing the bar to enter the building.
