Vertical Rod Exit Devices: Find the Right One for Your Commercial Projects

In modern building design, safety and security are of utmost importance, particularly when it comes to emergency exit mechanisms. One such device that plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe egress during emergencies is the vertical rod exit device. Often installed in commercial and public spaces, these devices offer a reliable and efficient solution for large doors and high-traffic areas. This article will provide an in-depth understanding of vertical rod exit devices, how they work, the different types available, their applications, and the benefits they bring to both commercial and residential settings.

What Is a Vertical Rod Exit Device?

A vertical rod exit device is a type of door hardware designed to secure double doors while allowing for quick and safe egress during emergencies. It consists of a touch bar or push pad on the interior side of the door, connected to vertical rods that extend to the top and bottom of the door. These rods engage latches or bolts at multiple points, ensuring the door remains securely closed until the touch bar is activated.

Security: Vertical rod exit devices are designed to be tamper-resistant and can secure doors against unauthorized entry. The rods extend into the door frame, creating a barrier that is difficult to bypass.

Ease of Use: These devices are extremely easy to operate. The push bar is intuitively activated with a simple push, allowing for quick exit without requiring any key or complicated operation, which is critical in emergencies.

Durability: Built to last, vertical rod exit devices are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, ensuring long-term functionality and reliability. They are designed to withstand high-traffic usage and provide dependable performance.

Compliance: Vertical rod exit devices help buildings meet various safety standards, which is the life safety code that mandates easy egress in case of an emergency. They are also compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), ensuring accessibility for all individuals.

Versatility: These devices can be installed in various door configurations, including single and double doors, and can be used in conjunction with fire-rated doors and glass panels.

How Do Vertical Rod Exit Devices Work?

The mechanism of a vertical rod exit device involves a push bar (often referred to as a "panic bar") or a touch bar that is connected to the vertical rods. When the bar is pushed or activated, the vertical rods retract from the door frame, allowing the door to open.

Vertical rod exit devices are designed to lock at multiple points. The top and bottom rods are the primary locking mechanisms. They extend into the door frame, ensuring the door is securely held in place when not in use. When the push bar is activated, the rods retract, allowing the door to swing open in one or both directions.

Camax Hardware manufactures vertical rod exit devices with locking points that engage in one or multiple directions. Some systems use one-point locking, where the rods are only engaged at the top or bottom, while others use multi-point locking, which locks the door at both the top and bottom. Multi-point locking systems are often preferred for larger doors as they provide more secure operation, especially in high-traffic environments. Additionally, some vertical rod exit devices can be configured for both inward and outward swinging doors, depending on the specific requirements of the building.

Types of Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Vertical rod exit devices are available in various types to suit different door configurations and aesthetic preferences. Below are the two primary types of vertical rod exit devices:

1. Surface Vertical Rod Exit Device

Surface-mounted vertical rod exit devices are installed on the surface of the door, with the vertical rods visible and easily accessible. The push bar is typically a cross bar that runs horizontally across the door, while the touch bar is a sleek, minimalist design that activates the rods when pressed. These devices are highly durable and suitable for doors that require frequent use. They are particularly useful in areas where quick and easy exit is crucial, such as in commercial or public buildings.

Camax Hardware produces surface vertical rod exit devices with a durable touch bar for smooth, reliable egress. Ideal for high-traffic areas like schools, hospitals, and offices, these devices ensure safety and compliance. Built for durability, they provide secure yet accessible exits, meeting industry standards for performance and emergency use.

If your project requires surface vertical rod exit devices with a cross bar, Camax Hardware provides high-quality solutions designed for durability and reliability. Our exit devices ensure secure and efficient egress, making them ideal for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other high-traffic environments where safety and compliance are essential.

2. Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device

Concealed vertical rod exit devices, as the name suggests, hide the vertical rods within the door frame, offering a more aesthetically pleasing and streamlined appearance. The push bar is typically a touch bar, and the mechanisms are hidden from view, which makes this type of exit device ideal for architectural applications where design matters as much as functionality. Although the rods are concealed, the device still offers the same level of security and performance as surface-mounted systems.

For concealed vertical rod exit devices, Camax Hardware offers high-quality options with both push bar and cross bar designs. These devices provide a sleek, secure, and efficient exit solution, making them ideal for commercial buildings, offices, and high-traffic areas where aesthetics, safety, and reliable egress are top priorities.

Applications of Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Vertical rod exit devices are versatile and can be applied in a variety of settings, depending on the building’s needs. Below are some common applications where vertical rod exit devices prove to be an invaluable asset:

1. Common Uses in Commercial and Public Buildings

Vertical rod exit devices are often used in high-traffic areas of commercial buildings, public spaces, and institutions. These include:

Schools: Ensuring students and staff can exit safely in case of emergency, vertical rod exit devices are often used in school corridors, assembly halls, and gymnasiums.

Hospitals: With a constant flow of people, hospitals require easy egress in case of emergencies. Vertical rod exit devices provide a quick and safe way for patients, staff, and visitors to evacuate.

Shopping Malls and Office Buildings: Large, multi-entry buildings benefit from vertical rod exit devices as they provide easy and quick exits for a large number of people.

Hotels: Vertical rod exit devices are commonly installed in hotel lobbies, conference rooms, and event spaces to ensure safe evacuation.

2. Glass and Fire-rated Doors

Vertical rod exit devices are compatible with both glass doors and fire-rated doors, offering an effective solution where aesthetics and safety need to be balanced:

Glass Doors: When it comes to glass doors, vertical rod exit devices offer a sleek, clean look while still providing the necessary functionality for emergency exits. The touch bars and cross bars can be integrated into the design without disrupting the visual appeal of the space.

Fire-rated Doors: Fire-rated doors often require specialized exit devices that meet strict safety standards. Vertical rod exit devices are available with fire-rated certifications and can withstand high temperatures, ensuring they remain operational even during a fire emergency.

3. Industrial and Warehouse Applications

Vertical rod exit devices are crucial in industrial settings and warehouses, where large, heavy doors are used. These devices are particularly beneficial in environments that experience high foot traffic or where heavy-duty doors are required. Vertical rod exit devices ensure that these doors can be quickly opened, even under the weight of large panels or heavy materials. In industrial buildings, these devices also help ensure compliance with safety regulations by facilitating rapid egress in emergencies.

Contact Camax Hardware for More Info about Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Vertical rod exit devices are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, large doors, and environments where security, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal are key factors. Whether you’re outfitting a commercial building, a hospital, or a school, these devices provide a reliable, safe, and efficient solution for emergency egress.

Camax Hardware has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing high-quality vertical rod exit devices for various applications. With products that meet ANSI/BHMA A156.3, UL, and fire rating certifications, Camax ensures that its exit devices meet the highest standards of durability and performance. The company provides customized solutions to meet specific needs, ensuring the best fit for every project.

For more information about our vertical rod exit devices or to consult with our experts, contact Camax Hardware today. Let us help you choose the perfect solution to secure and streamline your building's emergency exit plan.