Panic Bar Installation with Lever Trim – Retail Store Emergency Exit
Code-compliant Von Duprin 99 Series panic bar installation with exterior lever trim for secure emergency egress and convenient exterior access at busy retail location.
Project Overview
Location: Aurora, CO
Project Type: Life Safety & Code Compliance
Service: Panic Hardware Installation
Product: Von Duprin 99 Series Rim Exit Device with Lever Trim
Completion Time: 3 hours
Date: December 2025
The Challenge
A busy retail store in the Belmar shopping district needed to upgrade their rear emergency exit door to meet current fire code and life safety requirements. The store was facing several critical issues:
- Fire marshal citation for non-compliant emergency exit hardware
- Existing panic bar was worn and malfunctioning – difficult to operate and potentially dangerous in emergency
- No exterior trim – employees had to walk around the building to re-enter after taking out trash or receiving deliveries
- Security concerns – door couldn’t be locked from outside without compromising emergency egress
- ADA compliance issues – existing hardware required excessive force to operate
- Insurance requirements – needed Grade 1 exit device for coverage
The store needed a solution that balanced three critical requirements: life safety compliance, operational convenience, and security.
Our Solution
After conducting a thorough assessment and reviewing local fire codes, we recommended and installed a Von Duprin 99 Series rim exit device with exterior lever trim. This industry-leading solution provided:
Code Compliance & Life Safety:
- Meets IBC (International Building Code) requirements
- UL Listed and ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified
- Allows free egress at all times – no keys or special knowledge required
- Smooth, reliable operation requiring less than 5 lbs of force (ADA compliant)
- Fire-rated option for 3-hour door assemblies
Operational Convenience:
- Exterior lever trim allows authorized re-entry with key
- Employees can exit, lock the door, and re-enter without walking around building
- Perfect for trash removal, deliveries, and smoke breaks
- Reduces time waste and improves productivity
Enhanced Security:
- Exit device allows panic egress from inside without unlocking door
- Exterior remains locked – only opens with key from outside
- Prevents unauthorized entry while maintaining emergency exit capability
- Optional dogging feature for when door needs to remain unlocked
- Anti-ligature design prevents tampering
Durability & Reliability:
- Heavy-duty Grade 1 construction built for high-traffic commercial use
- Proven Von Duprin quality – trusted by institutions worldwide
- Weather-resistant finish for exterior doors
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- 10-year manufacturer warranty
Installation Process
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1. Site Assessment & Code Verification We inspected the existing door, frame, and hardware, verified fire ratings, and confirmed compliance requirements with local fire code and ADA standards.
2. Door & Frame Preparation We precisely measured and prepared the door for the panic bar installation, including:
- Mortising for the latchbolt
- Drilling for the exterior trim cylinder
- Installing reinforcement plates where needed
- Preparing the door frame for the strike
3. Device Installation The Von Duprin 99 Series exit device was professionally installed with:
- Proper mounting height (34″-48″ from floor per code)
- Secure attachment with through-bolts
- Correct alignment for smooth operation
- Proper adjustment of latch projection
4. Exterior Trim Installation We installed the exterior lever trim with:
- High-security mortise cylinder (restricted keyway)
- Weather-resistant lever design
- Proper backplate mounting
- Secure cylinder guard
5. Strike Installation We installed the coordinating strike in the door frame with:
- Proper alignment for smooth latching
- Secure mounting with long screws into framing
- Box strike for maximum security
- Latch adjustment for perfect fit
6. Testing & Adjustment Every component was thoroughly tested:
- Push bar operation from inside (smooth, no binding)
- Exterior lever operation with key
- Latch engagement and security
- Dogging function (if applicable)
- Free egress under all conditions
- Force required to operate (ADA compliance)
7. Staff Training & Documentation We provided training to store management and staff on:
- Proper operation of the panic bar
- How to use the exterior trim with key
- Dogging feature operation (if installed)
- When and how to use exit device
- Maintenance requirements
- Emergency procedures
We also provided complete documentation including warranty information, operation manuals, and our 24/7 emergency contact.
Results & Benefits
The retail store management was extremely pleased with the installation:
Full code compliance – Passed fire marshal inspection immediately
Improved safety – Reliable emergency egress for employees and customers
Enhanced convenience – Employees can re-enter easily after exiting
Better security – Exterior remains locked while allowing panic egress
Operational efficiency – No more walking around building to re-enter
Insurance approval – Met all carrier requirements for exit hardware
ADA compliant – Easy operation for all individuals
Professional appearance – Clean, modern look matching store aesthetic
Peace of mind – Von Duprin quality
