Panic Bars & Exit Devices Dallas-Fort Worth | MyKey
Professional panic bar installation, repair, and replacement for DFW businesses. Von Duprin, Detex, Dorma, Sargent. Texas building code compliant. Licensed and insured.
Call (214) 888-8755Texas Building Code Requirements for Panic Hardware
The International Building Code (IBC), adopted by Texas, requires panic hardware on exit doors in buildings with occupancy loads of 50 or more people. This applies to most commercial buildings, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, churches, schools, and event venues. The panic hardware must release the latch with no more than 15 pounds of force applied in the direction of egress — a simple push. Non-compliant doors can result in fire marshal citations, failed inspections, and significant liability in an emergency. MyKey installs code-compliant panic hardware and can audit your building's exit doors for compliance gaps.
Panic Bar Brands We Install
Von Duprin (Allegion)
The industry standard for commercial panic hardware. Von Duprin's 98/99 series is the most widely specified exit device in North America. UL listed for up to 3-hour fire-rated doors. Available in rim, surface vertical rod, and concealed vertical rod configurations. Von Duprin also offers the QEL (Quiet Electric Latch) for access control integration. Price range: $350-800 per device installed.
Detex
Known for alarmed exit devices — the Detex ECL-230D is the go-to solution for doors that must remain closed but allow emergency exit. The built-in alarm sounds when the bar is pushed, deterring unauthorized exit through fire doors. Popular for retail stores (preventing stockroom theft exit), warehouses, and any door that should only be used in emergencies. Price range: $300-600 installed.
Dorma (dormakaba)
Premium European-engineered exit devices with clean modern aesthetics. Popular for architectural projects where the exit device must look as good as it performs. Dorma's PHX series offers touchbar and crossbar configurations in multiple finishes. Price range: $400-900 installed.
Sargent (ASSA ABLOY)
Heavy-duty panic hardware with 80-series devices rated for high-abuse applications — schools, stadiums, hospitals. Sargent offers the PE80 series with power-electric trim for access control integration. Excellent durability and long warranty. Price range: $350-750 installed.
ADA Compliance for Exit Hardware
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that exit hardware be operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and with no more than 5 pounds of force to operate (15 lbs for fire doors). All panic bars meet ADA requirements by design — the push-to-exit mechanism requires only a forward motion. However, the entry side (exterior trim) must also comply: lever trim, not knobs. MyKey ensures both sides of every exit door meet ADA requirements.
Common Panic Bar Problems and Fixes
Bar Won't Retract
Usually caused by a worn spring or bent pushbar rail. If the bar stays depressed after pushing, the return spring has failed. Repair: spring replacement or full mechanism rebuild. Cost: $125-250 for repair vs $350-800 for full replacement.
Bar Triggers False Alarms
Alarmed exit devices (Detex) can trigger false alarms from door vibration, loose wiring, or low battery. We troubleshoot the alarm circuit, replace batteries, and adjust sensitivity to eliminate false triggers while maintaining real alarm function.
Door Doesn't Latch When Closed
The latch bolt doesn't engage the strike. Common causes: strike plate misalignment (building settlement), worn latch bolt, or door frame warping from DFW heat expansion. Fix: strike plate adjustment, latch replacement, or door frame shimming.
Exterior Trim Doesn't Lock
The outside lever or knob doesn't lock, allowing unauthorized entry. Caused by worn trim mechanism, broken tailpiece connection, or incorrect trim configuration. We repair or replace the exterior trim to restore controlled entry from outside.
Panic Bar Maintenance
Texas fire code requires annual inspection of exit devices in commercial buildings. MyKey provides panic bar maintenance services including: lubrication of all moving parts, verification of latch engagement and strike alignment, testing of alarm functions (if equipped), inspection of closer integration, verification of fire label integrity on rated doors, and ADA compliance check on both sides of the door. Annual maintenance typically costs $50-75 per device and prevents expensive emergency repairs.
Panic Bar Cost Guide
Standard rim panic bar (installed): $250-500
Premium panic bar (Von Duprin/Dorma): $350-800
Alarmed exit device (Detex): $300-600
Panic bar repair: $125-250
Annual maintenance (per device): $50-75
Fire-rated door + panic hardware package: $800-1,500
Panic Bar Installation & Repair — Call Now
Code-compliant exit device service for DFW businesses. Same-day repair available.
Call (214) 888-8755