Toward the end of my career as a hardware specification writer (right before my role became 100% dedicated to codes), I wrote the specs for many historic building renovations and other projects that required a high level of aesthetic attention.  For most of these projects, the architects wanted to use crossbar style panic hardware because it is often considered less intrusive, more elegant, and generally more aesthetically pleasing.

I don’t disagree on the aesthetics, although there were some challenges – usually involving electrified hardware.  Because of the design of the pushpad or touchpad style device, there are more electrified options available.  I remember a pair of fire doors on an auditorium in a high-profile building in Washington DC, where the electric latch retraction function was needed for acoustic reasons.  Those doors were specified with Von Duprin 9947-F concealed vertical rod touchpad devices, with the QEL feature to hold the latches retracted until the fire alarm was activated.

I featured a few of my favorite (and final) projects here on iDigHardware back when the site was just getting started…Trinity Church Undercroft and Renovation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, and the United States Institute of Peace.  These projects all had crossbar panics – with a few others mixed in as needed.  What got me thinking back on this?  The video below, which also highlights crossbar panics.

Do you have a favorite project?  Share it in the comments!

If you’re wondering whether crossbar panics are permitted by code, here’s a post on that.  To learn more about panic hardware, visit the topic page here.  For help with a specification, click here to contact a specwriter.

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