Lock Shop Direct measurement guide
How to Specify Panic and Emergency Exit Hardware
This guide explains the information needed to identify and specify panic and emergency-exit hardware for single and double doors.
Important: Do not choose an exit device only by measuring the old hardware. The building use, fire-risk assessment, door configuration, certification and complete system compatibility determine what is suitable.
1. Decide whether the application is panic or emergency exit
The first decision is based on the building use and fire-risk assessment, not the size of the old device.
Fire-safety decision: The responsible person and fire-risk assessment should determine the required exit device. Where the public or unfamiliar occupants may use the door, panic hardware is normally required; trained and familiar users may be able to use emergency-exit hardware.
2. Record the door and frame
Measure and photograph the complete door set before choosing hardware.
| What to check |
How to measure or identify it |
Record |
| Door arrangement |
Single leaf, double leaf, rebated pair, active/passive leaf or double action. |
________ |
| Leaf width and height |
Measure each leaf separately, in millimetres. |
_____ × _____ mm |
| Door thickness |
At the intended device and outside-access fixing position. |
_____ mm |
| Opening direction |
Confirm the door opens in the direction of escape. |
________ |
| Door and frame material |
Timber, steel, aluminium, composite or uPVC. |
________ |
| Frame/rebate |
Stop depth, rebate, meeting stile and available mounting surface. |
________ |
3. Identify the device configuration
Rim latch
Surface-mounted latch engages a keep on the frame. Check latch and keep projection.
Mortice device
Mechanism is recessed into the door. Match the approved lock and operating hardware.
Vertical bolts
Top and/or bottom rods secure into keeps. Measure rod length, door height and keep positions.
Touch bar
Wide touch surface across the door. Check minimum and maximum door width.
Double-door set
May require separate devices, rebated-door components and a coordinated closing sequence.
Outside access
Knob, lever, cylinder or digital outside access must be compatible with the certified device.
4. Measurements and details to record
- Existing device make and model.
- Horizontal bar or touch-bar length.
- Case dimensions and fixing centres.
- Height of the device from finished floor.
- Latch or bolt positions.
- Top and bottom rod lengths.
- Keep type and frame fixing surface.
- Door/frame rebate dimensions.
- Outside access type and spindle/cylinder.
- Required alarm, microswitch or access-control interface.
- Fire or smoke door rating and door-set evidence.
- Any dogging or holdback function and whether it is permitted.
Existing holes can help identify the product, but do not use them as the only selection criterion. A replacement must be suitable as a complete exit-device system.
5. Certification, compatibility and installation
- Use the device, keeps, rods, outside access and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Do not mix components from unrelated systems unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility.
- For fire or smoke doors, verify suitability for the door material, configuration and rating.
- Check any access-control interface fails or releases in the required manner.
- Install and maintain the device so the door can be opened readily in an emergency.
Competent installation: Panic and emergency-exit hardware is life-safety equipment. The final specification, installation and testing should be completed by a competent person and coordinated with the building’s fire-risk assessment.
Still not sure which product you need?
Send our team clear photographs and your measurements before ordering. Please include:
- The building use and whether users are public, unfamiliar or trained.
- Full photographs of both sides of the door and frame.
- Door arrangement, leaf dimensions, material and opening direction.
- Existing device, keeps, rods and outside access details.
- Fire/smoke rating, access control and any alarm or monitoring requirement.
This guide is intended to help identify and measure replacement hardware. Product designs, terminology and handing conventions can vary by manufacturer. Always compare the complete product specification and fitting instructions. Where a door or fitting forms part of a fire escape, fire door, powered system or other safety-critical installation, obtain advice from a competent person before ordering or altering the hardware.