Generally speaking, an exit device is a term used for panic hardware, whether a panic device or fire exit hardware. It is characterized by an actuating mechanism that spans at least half the width of the door. It may be of the touchpad, crossbar, or recessed style. Note, that In order to be considered code-compliant, the length of the touchpad or crossbar must be at least half the width of the door, anything less than half the width of the door is not code-compliant.
Panic hardware
Panic Hardware definition: Panic Hardware is an exit device that is certified and tested meeting all the test standard requirements of the UL 305 – Panic Hardware. For i.e. one of the major requirements is that the hardware must be unlatching when a max. The force of 15-pound is applied to the crossbar or touchpad.
Fire exit hardware
Fire Exit Hardware Definition: In addition to the testing of Panic Hardware, Fire Exit hardware devices are also tested under UL 10C – Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, and/or other fire test standards. Fire exit hardware bears 2 labels – 1 for panic, and 1 for fire, and it's used primarily on fire doors. Due to the fact that fire
