Complete Guide to Rim Exit Devices: Safety, Standards & Selection for Commercial Buildings

In the world of commercial building safety, rim exit devices stand as critical components that can mean the difference between life and death during emergencies. These specialized pieces of emergency exit device hardware are engineered to provide rapid, reliable egress when panic strikes and every second matters.

A rim exit device is essentially a horizontal bar mechanism mounted on the interior side of a door that allows occupants to exit quickly by pushing against the bar. Unlike traditional locks that require keys or handles, these devices operate on a simple principle: push and go. This intuitive operation becomes crucial when people are under stress, potentially injured, or navigating in poor visibility conditions such as smoke-filled environments.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential considerations, ensuring you select a rim exit device that offers optimal safety, performance, and compliance for your specific needs.

The Fundamentals of Rim Exit Devices

Understanding what makes a rim exit device unique among exit device types is essential for making informed decisions. The defining characteristic lies in the integrated latch mechanism. Unlike other exit device configurations, the rim exit device features a latch that protrudes directly from one end of the device itself, creating a self-contained unit that simplifies installation and maintenance.

This integrated design contrasts sharply with mortise locks and vertical rod systems, where the latch components are separate auxiliary hardware pieces that connect to the push bar mechanism. The rim configuration's simplicity translates to fewer potential failure points, easier troubleshooting, and more straightforward replacement procedures.

Critical Factors for Choosing Rim Exit Devices

1. Design Styles: Balancing Function and Aesthetics

The design of your rim exit devices affects both appearance and operation:

Touchpad Style: The most common design for modern buildings. Users push the pad into the body to retract the latch. Offers excellent durability and intuitive operation.

Crossbar Style: Features a sleek bar extending across the full door width. Popular for glass doors and vintage aesthetics. Provides excellent leverage for heavy doors.

2. Certifications & Standards

For Fire-Rated Doors: Only use devices specifically certified as "fire exit hardware". Standard panic hardware cannot be used on fire doors.

American Standards: Look for UL Listed certification matching your fire door rating (e.g., 3-hour fire doors). For general egress, choose ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 for maximum durability.

European Standards: EN 1634 covers fire exit hardware requirements. CE marking indicates EU compliance. EN 1125 applies to panic areas like schools and hospitals.

3. Finishes: Durability Meets Design

The finish selection for your emergency exit device impacts both longevity and aesthetic integration with existing architectural hardware. Available options include:

Anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and lightweight performance,

Powder coat finishes for color matching and durability,

Stainless steel for high-corrosion environments,

Various architectural plated finishes for premium applications.

Camax's Professional-Grade Rim Exit Devices

Camax Hardware manufactures a comprehensive range of rim exit devices that meet and exceed international safety standards. Our products carry full ANSI/BHMA, UL, CE, and fire-rated certifications, ensuring compliance with global building codes and safety regulations.

1. Touch Bar Rim Exit Devices

Camax’s touch bar series rim exit devices combine intuitive operation with robust construction. These emergency exit device units provide smooth, reliable operation with minimal force required, making them ideal for facilities serving diverse populations.

Key features include adjustable mounting for various door thicknesses, integrated dogging capabilities, and Grade 1 performance with multi-million cycle durability.

2. Cross Bar Rim Exit Devices

The cross bar series delivers classic functionality with modern engineering. These devices excel in high-traffic areas like corridors, auditoriums, and retail environments where full-width activation is desired.

Camax's crossbar rim exit devices feature reinforced mounting systems designed to handle high-impact loads and frequent use. The sleek profile integrates seamlessly with glass doors and modern architectural designs while maintaining full compliance with safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rim Exit Devices

Q1: Can any rim exit device be used on a fire door?

No, not unless it is specifically certified as "fire exit hardware". Standard "panic hardware" is designed only for emergency egress and has not undergone fire resistance testing. For a device to be used on a fire door, it must be UL Listed (for American markets) or comply with EN 1634 (for European markets) and meet the fire door's specific rating (e.g., 90-minute, 3-hour). Using non-fire-rated hardware on a fire door compromises its integrity and violates life safety codes.

Q2: What is dogging and why is it important?

Dogging allows the exit device to be held in the open position during business hours for ease of access, but it must release automatically during emergencies. This feature is crucial for facilities that need to balance security with operational efficiency. Modern dogging systems include fail-safe mechanisms that activate during fire alarm conditions, ensuring the device returns to its secure, operational state when safety is paramount.

Q3: How do I know if my door is compatible with a rim exit device?

Check door thickness, width, and stile width, then select an exit device designed for those specifications. Most rim exit devices accommodate standard door thicknesses from 1-3/4" to 2-1/4", but custom applications may require special consideration. The door stile must provide an adequate mounting surface, and the frame must be properly reinforced to handle operational forces.

Q4: Why is Grade 1 important when choosing a rim exit device, according to ANSI/BHMA standards?

Grade 1 represents the highest durability and performance rating established by ANSI/BHMA A156.3 for exit devices. A Grade 1 rating indicates that the device has undergone rigorous testing for cycles (e.g., 1 million cycles), operational force, and security performance. Choosing a Grade 1 rim exit device is crucial for high-traffic environments like schools, hospitals, and retail spaces where devices face constant use and potential abuse. It ensures maximum reliability, longevity, and consistent safety performance while minimizing maintenance and replacement needs.

Contact Camax Hardware for Custom Guide of Rim Exit Devices

Selecting the right rim exit device requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including building codes, operational requirements, environmental conditions, and long-term performance expectations. The decision impacts not only immediate safety but also ongoing operational costs, maintenance requirements, and legal compliance.

Camax Hardware's expert team is ready to help you select the perfect rim exit devices for your specific application. Our comprehensive range of certified exit devices ensures compliance with international standards while providing the reliability and performance your facility demands.

Don't compromise on safety—Contact Camax Hardware today for professional consultation and premium emergency exit solutions.