Panic Bars & Exit Device Hardware
Commercial panic hardware and storefront lockset installation, repair, and inspection-ready replacement across Brevard County. Authorized service for Von Duprin, Jackson, Dor-O-Matic, Kawneer 1686/1786, Falcon, Marks USA M9900, Detex exit alarms, Adams Rite storefront hardware, Regent Hardware 5770/5750/5760, Corbin Russwin ED5000/ED4000/ED8000, and Dorma — the brands Florida fire marshals and commercial property managers actually recognize.
Why Panic Hardware Is Non-Negotiable for Florida Businesses
Panic hardware — also called exit devices, crash bars, or push bars — is required by the Florida Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for any commercial occupancy where people could be trapped behind a locked door in an emergency. Schools, assembly spaces, restaurants over a certain occupancy, office buildings, retail above a certain square footage, and all places of education or worship need compliant exit devices on their egress doors.
When a fire marshal inspects your building, they're not just checking that panic hardware is installed — they're checking that it's the right hardware for your door type, that it's installed correctly, that it latches when closed, and that it opens with a single motion under 15 pounds of force. The wrong device, the wrong installation, or an aging device out of adjustment can fail your Certificate of Occupancy inspection and shut you down.
Key-En-Lock installs, repairs, and services the full range of commercial exit hardware and storefront locksets for Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Brevard County businesses. We handle the dominant brands on Florida commercial buildings — Von Duprin, Jackson, Dor-O-Matic, Kawneer, Falcon, Marks USA, Detex, Adams Rite, Regent Hardware, and Corbin Russwin — plus specialty applications like delayed egress, alarmed exits, storefront deadbolt service, and access control integration.
🔴 Von Duprin Gold Standard
Von Duprin is the gold standard of commercial panic hardware — owned by Allegion and used in most serious commercial, institutional, and government buildings across the country. The name "Von Duprin" is so dominant in the industry that architects often write their specs as "Von Duprin 99 series or equal" regardless of what brand actually gets installed.
Von Duprin Product Lines We Service
- Von Duprin 99 Series: The workhorse rim exit device. Used in schools, hospitals, office buildings, retail — anywhere high-traffic commercial egress is required. Grade 1 ANSI-certified, UL-listed for fire doors.
- Von Duprin 98 Series: Lighter-duty Grade 1 exit device for medium-traffic applications — professional offices, smaller retail, light commercial.
- Von Duprin 33A / 35A Series: Narrow-stile rim exit devices designed specifically for aluminum storefront doors where the 99 series is too bulky.
- Von Duprin 8800 Series: Mortise exit device — concealed mortise lock body for premium commercial installations.
- Von Duprin 22 Series: Concealed vertical rod (CVR) exit device for double-door openings with removable mullions.
- Von Duprin Electric Latch Retraction (EL): Electric versions of 99/98 series for tie-in to access control systems and fire alarm release.
- Von Duprin Fire-Rated: UL-listed fire-rated versions of each series for rated door assemblies.
Common Von Duprin Repairs
- Sticky or binding push pad — often a worn internal cam or dogging mechanism
- Latch not retracting fully — typically a worn latch bolt spring or misaligned strike
- Dogging mechanism failure — the device won't hold retracted when you want it to stay open
- End cap loose or missing — easily replaced OEM
- Rim strike damage from repeated impact — common in heavy-traffic buildings
- Electric latch retraction power supply failure
We keep common Von Duprin replacement parts on the truck — push pads, latch bolts, strikes, end caps — so most repairs can be completed on the first visit. For delayed egress and alarm applications, Von Duprin offers three distinct product families: CHEXIT (CX) delayed egress integrated into 98/99 and 33A/35A chassis (with RCM and DE5300 variants for compact/narrow-stile installs); the ALK Alarm Kit that bolts onto existing 98/99 devices to add local alarm without replacement; and the 2670 GUARD-X standalone alarmed exit device (UL305, ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, 100dB alarm, 9V battery) for retail secondary exits where you want a complete alarmed egress unit — the Von Duprin answer to Detex ECL-230.
🔵 Jackson Storefront Specialist
Jackson (Jackson Corporation, now part of ASSA ABLOY) specializes in aluminum storefront door hardware — the narrow-stile exit devices, door closers, and concealed overhead closers you see on nearly every aluminum-frame commercial entrance in Florida. If your business has a glass storefront door with a push bar, there's a strong chance it's Jackson hardware.
Jackson Product Lines We Service
- Jackson 1085 / 1095 Series: Narrow-stile rim exit devices purpose-built for aluminum storefront doors. The industry default for storefront panic hardware.
- Jackson 10 Series Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR): Hidden rod system for aluminum storefront double doors — cleaner aesthetic than surface-mounted CVRs.
- Jackson Overhead Concealed Closers (OHCC): Door closers integrated into the door frame header — common on Florida commercial entrances. We stock and replace 20, 30, and 40 series OHCCs.
- Jackson Surface Closers: Surface-mounted door closers for aluminum and wood doors.
- Jackson Offset Pivots: The hinge system used on most aluminum storefront doors. When a Jackson pivot wears or breaks, the whole door sags.
- Jackson Electric Strike & Access Control: Storefront-compatible electric strikes for access control integration.
Common Jackson Repairs
- Door sagging — almost always a worn Jackson offset pivot, replaceable without removing the door
- Door won't self-close properly — Jackson OHCC leaking fluid or losing tension; we replace the closer from the top rail
- Door slams too hard or too soft — OHCC valve adjustment or replacement
- Exit device sticking or not latching — Jackson 1085/1095 internal spring or cam wear
- Loud metallic clunk when latching — worn latch bolt or damaged strike
- Door drags on the threshold — pivot misalignment or worn bottom pivot
Jackson storefront repairs are one of our most common commercial service calls in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and across Brevard County. Most can be fixed in a single visit without replacing the door.
🟠 Dor-O-Matic Concealed Vertical Rod
Dor-O-Matic (now owned by Ingersoll Rand / Allegion, shares a parent with Von Duprin) is the other dominant name in aluminum storefront exit devices and concealed vertical rod systems. Dor-O-Matic hardware is extremely common on older Florida commercial buildings built in the 1980s through 2000s, and the brand is still in active production for new installs.
Dor-O-Matic Product Lines We Service
- Dor-O-Matic 1690 / 2090 Series: Narrow-stile rim exit devices for aluminum storefronts — direct Jackson 1085/1095 competitor.
- Dor-O-Matic 1990 Concealed Vertical Rod: Hidden rod system for aluminum storefront double doors. Popular on older buildings where the architect wanted a clean appearance.
- Dor-O-Matic Overhead Concealed Closers: OHCC systems for aluminum door frames — similar function to Jackson OHCCs but with different internal parts.
- Dor-O-Matic Pivots and Thresholds: Offset pivot hinges and integrated thresholds for storefront doors.
- Dor-O-Matic Automatic Operators: ADA-compliant automatic door operators for main entrances — low-energy and full-power models.
Common Dor-O-Matic Repairs
- Vertical rod won't engage at the top or bottom latch — internal connection rod wear, fixable without door removal
- Exit device push pad stuck retracted — dogging mechanism failure
- Automatic operator won't activate or stops mid-swing — control board, actuator, or sensor issue
- Overhead closer leaking fluid onto door frame — closer replacement required, can be done on-site
- Door rebounds when closing — closing speed or latch speed valve adjustment
- Handed wrong — original installer put the device on the wrong swing; we can re-hand or replace
Parts for older Dor-O-Matic systems can be harder to source than Jackson, Kawneer, or Von Duprin, but we know which components are still in active production and which need to be cross-referenced to a modern equivalent. In some cases, the most cost-effective fix is upgrading an aging Dor-O-Matic device to a current Von Duprin, Jackson, or Kawneer equivalent — we can advise on whether that makes sense for your situation.
🟢 Kawneer 1686 / 1786 Aluminum Storefront OEM
Kawneer is the largest manufacturer of aluminum storefront framing systems in North America, owned by Arconic and spec'd on a massive share of commercial buildings across Florida. If your building has an aluminum-frame entrance with the frame stamped "Kawneer" — likely Trifab, Clearwall, 350/500/451, or one of their entrance series — the original exit devices were almost certainly Kawneer 1686 or 1786 series narrow-stile panic hardware, engineered to integrate cleanly with Kawneer frame tolerances.
Kawneer Product Lines We Service
- Kawneer 1686 Series: Narrow-stile rim exit device designed specifically for Kawneer aluminum storefront doors. Compact chassis fits the narrow door stile without the bulk of a Von Duprin 99. Standard on Trifab and Clearwall entrance systems.
- Kawneer 1786 Series: The upgrade from 1686 — smoother action, improved latch mechanism, and better parts interchange with modern Kawneer entrance hardware.
- Kawneer Paneline & Trifab Storefront Frames: We service the full hardware stack on Kawneer aluminum frames — exit devices, continuous hinges, pivots, overhead closers, and thresholds.
- Kawneer Pivots & Continuous Hinges: Offset pivots and gear-hinge systems unique to Kawneer doors. When a Kawneer door sags, it's almost always the pivot, not the door itself.
- Kawneer Overhead Concealed Closers: Integrated closers in the door header specific to Kawneer Trifab and 350/500/451 framing — direct OEM replacement is often the cleanest fix.
- Kawneer Insulclad & Thermal Entrances: Thermally-broken entrance systems common on newer Florida commercial builds with energy code requirements.
Common Kawneer Repairs
- 1686/1786 push bar won't fully retract — internal chassis spring or cam wear, serviceable on-site without removing the device
- Latch dropping before door is fully closed — strike alignment or worn latch bolt
- Door sagging, dragging on threshold, or scraping the frame — Kawneer offset pivot wear, replaceable in under an hour
- Overhead closer leaking hydraulic fluid — full closer replacement from the header, on-site
- Thermally-broken frame separating from pivot — frame-specific repair that most general locksmiths won't touch
- End cap or rail end cap damage from repeated impact — OEM replacement parts
Kawneer parts are available through ASSA ABLOY's commercial supply channel and directly from Kawneer-authorized distributors. We source OEM Kawneer parts for exact-fit replacement, which matters on aluminum storefront doors where generic parts often don't fit correctly. For older 1686 devices that are out of production, we cross-reference to the current 1786 series or — in some cases — recommend upgrading to a Jackson 1085 or Von Duprin 33A that will physically fit the Kawneer frame.
🟣 Falcon Exit Hardware Allegion Mid-Grade
Falcon is Allegion's mid-grade commercial panic hardware line — sharing a parent company with Von Duprin but priced for applications where Grade 1 Von Duprin is overkill. Falcon 19 series exit devices are extremely common on moderate-duty commercial buildings across Brevard County: professional offices, smaller retail, religious buildings, light institutional use. The hardware is genuinely Grade 1 but specified for less demanding traffic patterns than Von Duprin's heaviest lines.
Falcon Product Lines We Service
- Falcon 19 Series: The workhorse rim exit device — direct mid-grade competitor to Von Duprin 98. Very common on office buildings and professional services throughout Melbourne and Palm Bay.
- Falcon 25 Series: Grade 1 heavy-duty rim and mortise exit devices for higher-traffic commercial applications.
- Falcon F-19 / F-25 Fire-Rated: UL-listed fire-rated versions of both series for rated door assemblies.
- Falcon 19-L Concealed Vertical Rod: CVR system for double-door openings.
- Falcon Electric Latch Retraction: EL versions available across the 19 and 25 series for access control integration.
Common Falcon Repairs
- Push pad slow to return — worn internal return spring, serviceable on-site
- Latch not engaging — strike alignment or worn latch bolt
- Dogging mechanism sticking in retracted position — internal cam wear
- Rim strike damage — common on high-traffic Falcon installs
Because Falcon shares Allegion's parts supply chain with Von Duprin, most Falcon repair parts are readily available and reasonably priced. For buildings where a Falcon 19 has been in service 15+ years and needs significant repair, we often recommend evaluating whether a current Von Duprin 98 upgrade makes better economic sense — similar footprint, substantially longer service life.
🔶 Marks USA M9900 American-Made Grade 1
The Marks USA M9900 series is American-made Grade 1 exit hardware manufactured in New York — the same Marks USA that produces the Metro and Survivor lines for multi-family and commercial locks. The M9900 is their flagship exit device, built for high-traffic commercial, institutional, and multi-family applications where Marks USA's reputation for rugged construction matters most.
Marks USA M9900 Series We Service
- M9900 Rim Exit Device: Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA-certified surface-mounted rim device for single-door openings. Heavy-gauge construction built for abuse.
- M9900 Surface Vertical Rod (SVR): Surface-mounted vertical rod for double-door pairs where a cleaner install is less critical than easy service access.
- M9900 Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR): Hidden rod system for double-door pairs with a cleaner appearance.
- M9900 Mortise: Full mortise exit device for premium commercial installations.
- M9900 Fire-Rated: UL-listed fire-rated variants of each configuration.
- M9900 Electric Latch Retraction: EL versions for access control integration.
Common M9900 Repairs
- Heavy push-bar action feeling stiff — chassis lubrication and spring check
- Latch failing to engage strike — alignment or latch-bolt service
- Fire-rated variant failing inspection — verification and adjustment for NFPA compliance
- End cap or rail damage from high-traffic abuse — OEM replacement parts
Marks USA parts are available directly from the manufacturer and through commercial hardware distributors. The M9900 is a solid choice for property managers looking for American-made hardware at a price point between Falcon mid-grade and Von Duprin premium — see our full Marks USA commercial hardware page for the broader Marks USA lineup.
🔔 Detex Exit Alarm Devices Alarmed Egress
Detex is the industry leader in exit alarm devices — panic hardware with built-in local audible alarms that sound when the door is opened. These aren't building-wide fire alarms (those are separate systems); they're door-level devices that scream a loud siren when someone opens an emergency-only exit, deterring unauthorized use while remaining fully code-compliant for egress. You've heard them before — the loud electronic alarm when someone pushes the "emergency exit alarm will sound" door at a retail store or school.
Detex Product Lines We Service
- Detex Advantex Series: Flagship rim exit devices with integrated alarms — the Advantex 10 series is standard-duty, the Advantex V40 / 40 series is Grade 1 heavy-duty. Self-contained, battery-powered alarms with no external wiring required.
- Detex ECL-230 Series: Economy-grade exit device with built-in 100dB alarm — the most common Detex on retail, storage, and warehouse emergency exits. Battery-powered, field-serviceable.
- Detex EAX-500 / EAX-2500 Series: Stand-alone door alarms that mount alongside existing exit hardware rather than replacing it. Used when a facility wants to add alarmed egress without swapping the panic device.
- Detex 10 Series Delayed Egress: Code-compliant delayed egress devices for retail loss prevention — 15-second delay after bar is pressed, then releases with audible countdown. Florida-legal under NFPA 101 with proper signage and fire alarm integration.
- Detex Electric Latch Retraction & Access Control Integration: Wired variants for tie-in to building access control and fire alarm release systems.
Common Detex Repairs & Service
- Alarm not sounding when bar is pushed — dead 9V battery, dead internal battery pack, or bad alarm board
- Alarm sounding continuously / false alarms — bar micro-switch failure or stuck contact
- Delayed egress not releasing after 15 seconds — control board or timer failure
- Fire alarm release not triggering — wiring issue between Detex and fire alarm panel
- Key-reset cylinder won't reset the alarm after authorized opening — worn cylinder or rekey needed
- Annual battery replacement — battery-powered Detex devices should be serviced yearly
Detex is particularly important for Florida retail, warehouses, storage facilities, schools, and multi-tenant commercial buildings where emergency exits need to remain unlocked for egress but alarmed to deter shoplifting, unauthorized entry, or misuse. Detex integrates cleanly with building fire alarm systems — on fire alarm activation, delayed egress devices release immediately (as required by NFPA 101) and alarm devices can be configured to silence or stay active depending on the facility's emergency protocol.
We service Detex battery replacement (a common overlooked maintenance task that causes "my alarm isn't working" calls), alarm board failures, and full device replacement. For buildings with multiple Detex devices, we offer scheduled annual maintenance — battery replacement, function test, key-reset cylinder check, and fire alarm integration verification.
🔷 Adams Rite Storefront Lockset Foundation
Adams Rite isn't primarily a panic hardware brand — it's the foundational hardware brand for aluminum storefront doors. MS1850 hook bolt deadlocks and 4510 deadlatches (the "eyebrow latches") are installed on nearly every commercial glass storefront door in Florida. Owned by ASSA ABLOY, Adams Rite also makes the 8000 Series (narrow-stile CVR) and 3000 Series (surface rim) exit devices for aluminum storefronts, plus the 7170/7400/7800 electric strikes that tie storefront doors into access control systems.
Adams Rite Product Lines We Service
- MS1850 Maximum Security Deadlock: The hook bolt deadbolt — THE storefront deadlock. Single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and thumbturn variants.
- MS1890 Twin-Hook Deadlock: Dual hook bolt for high-security applications — jewelry stores, pharmacies, cash-handling businesses.
- 4510 / 4710 Deadlatch: Spring deadlatch ("eyebrow latch") — the everyday entry/exit latch on storefront doors. Retracted by paddle, lever, or key; auto-latches on close.
- 4900 Paddle Handle: ADA-compliant push paddle for storefront egress. Pairs with 4510.
- 8000 Series Exit Device: Narrow-stile concealed vertical rod exit device for aluminum storefront panic hardware.
- 3000 Series Exit Device: Surface-mounted narrow-stile rim exit device — Adams Rite's answer to Jackson 1085 or Kawneer 1686.
- 7170 / 7400 / 7800 Electric Strikes: The most common electric strikes installed on Florida storefronts. Fail-safe or fail-secure, with fire-rated variants available.
- Electrified MS1850 & 4510: Electrified versions of the hook bolt deadlock and deadlatch for direct access control integration.
Common Adams Rite Repairs
- MS1850 hook bolt won't extend or retract — internal cam or cylinder failure, serviceable on-site
- 4510 deadlatch won't retract when paddle/lever operated — broken latch spring or linkage
- Door won't self-latch on closing — 4510 latch bolt wear or strike misalignment
- Key broken off in cylinder — extraction, rekey, cylinder replacement
- Paddle handle sagging or loose — return spring or mounting repair
- Electric strike not releasing on credential — power supply, coil, or wiring diagnosis
- Hook bolt damaged from forced entry attempt — full MS1850 replacement with reinforcement plate
Because Adams Rite and Jackson are both owned by ASSA ABLOY, parts and integration paths are closely related — Adams Rite electric strikes work cleanly on Jackson 1085 deadlatches and vice versa. For most Florida commercial storefront doors, the hardware stack is Jackson (or Kawneer) exit device + Adams Rite deadbolt + Adams Rite deadlatch + Adams Rite electric strike, all functioning together.
🔹 Regent Hardware Aluminum Storefront CVR Specialist
Regent Hardware is an independent commercial manufacturer specializing in aluminum storefront exit devices — purpose-built for the narrow-stile storefront doors common across Florida retail, strip centers, and coastal commercial buildings. Their flagship 5770 Series concealed vertical rod (CVR) device is a direct alternative to Jackson 10 Series CVR, Dor-O-Matic 1990, and Adams Rite 8000 on aluminum storefront applications.
Important disambiguation: this is Regent Hardware (regenthardware.com), the commercial storefront exit device manufacturer. Not the Schlage Regent residential knob and lever series — different product, different market entirely.
Regent Product Lines We Service
- Regent 5770 Series CVR: Concealed vertical rod exit device — flagship product. Available 36", 42", 48" door widths in clear anodized (CL) or dark bronze/duronotic (D).
- Regent 5770 MDR-ELR (EL5770): Factory-electrified 5770 with Motor-Drive Latch Retraction. 24VDC @ 1 Amp. Direct access control integration.
- Regent 5770 MDR-ELR-RX: Electrified variant with Request-to-Exit switch — full access control integration with egress logging and door-contact bypass.
- Regent 5750 Series Rim: Rim-type narrow-stile exit device. Alternative to 5770 CVR when concealed rods aren't required.
- Regent 5760 Series Mortise: Mortise exit device for premium narrow-stile applications.
- Regent EL5770 Retrofit Rail: Replacement bottom rail with preinstalled 24VDC motor — converts existing mechanical 5770 to electrified in ~30 minutes without full device replacement.
- Regent Overhead Concealed Closers: OHCCs for aluminum storefront headers.
- Regent Pivots, Hinges, Locks, Cylinders: Full storefront hardware ecosystem.
Common Regent Repairs
- 5770 push bar sticking or slow return — bar spring wear, on-site rebuild with standard bar set
- Top/bottom latch not engaging — vertical rod adjustment, extension kit service
- Dogging hex key spins without holding bar retracted — failed dogging mechanism, direct replacement with 5770-dg-kit
- End cap damaged — OEM replacement (hinge-side, stile-side, dogging-side all stocked)
- EL5770 not retracting on credential — power supply check first, then motor module, then power transfer wiring
- Mechanical 5770 needs access control — retrofit bottom rail kit instead of full device swap
Regent Hardware parts are available through established distributors (Door Controls USA, DK Hardware, County Locksmith Inc) with typical 1–3 business-day lead times for stocked items. We carry the most common service parts on the truck for same-visit repairs on 5770 Series CVR devices across Brevard County.
→ See Regent Hardware product lines, available trims & finishes
🟥 Corbin Russwin Heritage Grade 1
Corbin Russwin is one of the oldest names in American commercial hardware — formed from the merger of Corbin Hardware and Russwin Lock, now part of ASSA ABLOY alongside Yale, Sargent, Adams Rite, Jackson, and Medeco. Their ED5000 Series wide-stile Grade 1 exit devices are genuine peers to Von Duprin 99 in specification and cycle rating, and their ED4000 Series narrow-stile devices are a direct alternative on aluminum storefront applications.
Two features set Corbin Russwin apart from other Grade 1 competitors: SecureBolt — a deadbolt-style latchbolt (ED4200S / ED5200S) that significantly resists exterior pull attacks that would otherwise separate door from frame during forced entry; and architectural trim collections (Muséo, Vineyard) that offer coordinated aesthetic hardware across the full building package in a way Von Duprin doesn't try to match.
Corbin Russwin Product Lines We Service
- ED5200 Wide Stile Rim: Grade 1 workhorse — direct peer to Von Duprin 99. High-traffic commercial, institutional, and government buildings.
- ED5200S SecureBolt: Same chassis with deadbolt-style latch that resists pull-from-exterior attacks. Ideal for high-security commercial.
- ED5400 SVR / ED5600 CVR / ED5800 Mortise: Surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod, and mortise variants for double-door pairs and premium installs.
- ED4200 Narrow Stile Rim (+ ED4200S SecureBolt): Narrow-stile for aluminum storefront and narrow-stile metal doors.
- ED4400 SVR / ED4600 CVR / ED4800 Mortise: Narrow-stile double-door variants.
- ED8200 / ED8400: Newer-generation narrow-stile rim and SVR with updated engineering and electrification options.
- ED2000 Series: Economy commercial exit devices — ADA touch bar for budget applications.
- Muséo & Vineyard Trim Collections: Architectural lever and escutcheon designs coordinated across full building hardware package.
- 900 Series Heavy-Duty Trim: Anti-vandal 13/16" beveled escutcheon with Free Wheeling lever.
Common Corbin Russwin Repairs
- ED5200 / ED4200 push pad slow to return — worn return spring or bar cam, on-site rebuild
- Latch not retracting fully — worn latch bolt spring or strike misalignment
- SecureBolt latch not engaging deadbolt position — specific SecureBolt latch assembly replacement (681F608 wide stile / 681F618 narrow stile)
- ED5400 / ED4400 top latch cover damaged — common wear item, OEM replacement
- End cap impact damage — newer impact-resistant end caps available as upgrade
- Fire-rated device flagged by inspector — verify correct fire-rated strike (G650F36-8 not G650F35-8), UL label integrity
Because Corbin Russwin is ASSA ABLOY, parts availability is excellent and integration with other ASSA ABLOY brands (Jackson storefront hardware, Adams Rite electric strikes, Yale cylinders) is straightforward. For high-security retail, cash-handling businesses, or commercial properties in areas with forced-entry risk, the ED5200S SecureBolt upgrade is one of the most cost-effective security enhancements available in commercial panic hardware.
→ See Corbin Russwin product lines, available trims & finishes
Florida Building Code & Fire Marshal Requirements
Panic hardware compliance in Florida isn't just about having something on the door — it's about the right device, correctly installed, in working order. Key requirements:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Opening force (single motion) | Less than 15 lbf (NFPA 101) |
| Push bar length | Minimum 1/2 the door width |
| Fire-rated doors | UL-listed fire-rated panic hardware only |
| Dogging (holding retracted) | Prohibited on fire-rated doors |
| Height (center of bar from floor) | 34–48 inches |
| Latching | Must fully latch when door closes |
| Delayed egress (Detex 10 Series / Von Duprin CHEXIT) | 15-sec max delay, auto-release on fire alarm, signage required |
| Exit alarms (Detex Advantex/ECL-230, Von Duprin ALK) | Permitted if egress is not impeded & alarm silences on fire alarm |
We install inspection-ready panic hardware that passes Florida fire marshal inspection on the first visit. If you're preparing for a Certificate of Occupancy, tenant improvement sign-off, or annual fire inspection and want your exit devices verified, we can do a compliance walkthrough and correct any deficiencies before the inspector arrives.
Panic Hardware Services We Offer
- New installation — new commercial builds, tenant improvements, door retrofits
- Repair & adjustment — sticky push bars, failed latches, leaking closers, worn springs
- Brand replacement — upgrading aging Dor-O-Matic to current Von Duprin or Jackson equivalents
- Fire marshal compliance — pre-inspection walkthroughs, compliance correction, certification support
- Electric latch retraction (EL) — integration with access control and fire alarm systems
- Panic hardware rekey — rekeying cylinder dogging devices after employee turnover
- Emergency service — after-hours response when a panic device fails and the building can't be secured
- Maintenance contracts — scheduled inspection and adjustment for property managers with multiple buildings
⚡ Electrification: Turning Your Panic Hardware Into Access Control
If you're looking to integrate your panic hardware with an access control system, all three of these brands — Von Duprin, Jackson, and Dor-O-Matic — can be fitted with electrified kits that transform mechanical exit devices into fully automated, remotely controlled entry points. You keep the code-compliant free egress (people can always push the bar and exit) while adding controlled entry from the outside, scheduled locking and unlocking, fire alarm release, and audit trail tracking.
This is how commercial buildings, schools, medical offices, and multi-tenant properties make a single door do double duty: a secured entrance during controlled hours, and a compliant emergency exit 24/7. It's also how you tie your front door to PDK.io cloud access control, your fire alarm panel, or a scheduled timer that unlocks at 9 AM and locks at 6 PM automatically.
Types of Electrification Available
- Electric Latch Retraction (EL / QEL): An electric motor inside the device retracts the latch on command — pressed by a card reader, keypad, or time schedule. The door becomes push/pull during authorized hours, then re-secures automatically. The most common electrification for main entrance doors.
- Electric Trim (E / ET): The outside lever or pull becomes an electric lock — unlocked when a credential is presented, relocked after passage. Less hardware-intensive than full EL, good for moderate-traffic side doors.
- Electric Dogging (ED): Motorized dogging — push bar stays retracted on command rather than manually. Useful for schools with bell schedules or retail with scheduled open/close times.
- Request-to-Exit (REX) Switch: A sensor in the push bar signals the access control system that someone is exiting — bypassing the door contact alarm. Required on every electrified exit device to prevent false alarms.
- Door Position Switch (DPS): Magnetic contact that tells the access control system whether the door is open or closed. Works with REX for complete door monitoring.
- Fire Alarm Release: On alarm signal, electric latch retraction and electric dogging both release — doors unlock automatically for mass egress. Code-required in many Florida commercial occupancies.
Brand-Specific Electrification Kits
Von Duprin Electrification: The most comprehensive electrified panic lineup in the industry. The 99EL / 98EL series are the workhorse electric latch retraction models — they retrofit into existing 99/98 chassis, meaning you can often electrify an existing Von Duprin device without replacing the whole thing. The newer QEL (Quiet Electric Latch) models use a much quieter motor — important in office and medical environments. Von Duprin also offers 33A-EL and 35A-EL for narrow-stile aluminum storefronts, plus the 6000 series electric strikes that complement mechanical exit devices.
Jackson Electrification: Jackson 1085 and 1095 narrow-stile rim devices have electric latch retraction versions designed specifically for aluminum storefront doors. Because Jackson is the dominant brand on Florida commercial storefronts, their electrification kits are the go-to choice when a Melbourne business wants to add card reader access to an existing aluminum-frame entrance without replacing the whole door. Jackson electric strikes (the 1050 series and compatible variants) pair with mechanical 1085/1095 devices as a lower-cost alternative to full EL conversion.
Dor-O-Matic Electrification: Dor-O-Matic 1690 and 1990 series have electrified variants for both rim and concealed vertical rod applications. Because Dor-O-Matic and Von Duprin now share a parent company (Allegion), many modern Dor-O-Matic electrification kits use similar internal components — making parts and service more straightforward than it used to be. For automatic operator doors, Dor-O-Matic's control boards integrate directly with most access control systems.
Kawneer Electrification: The Kawneer 1786 series supports electric latch retraction for Kawneer storefront doors — a purpose-built integration since Kawneer manufactures both the frame and the exit device. For older 1686 installations where EL conversion isn't available, we typically pair the mechanical 1686 with a Kawneer-compatible electric strike (or a Von Duprin 6000 series strike) wired to the access control system. On Kawneer Trifab, Clearwall, and entrance systems with automatic operators, we wire the operator's control board directly into PDK.io or standard card/keypad systems for ADA-compliant powered entry with card-reader authentication.
Falcon Electrification: Falcon 19 and 25 series devices offer electric latch retraction variants that wire into access control systems the same way Von Duprin 98 does — shared Allegion engineering means similar power supplies, similar control logic, and similar integration paths. Falcon electrification is the value-grade choice when you need access control on a mid-duty door without Von Duprin pricing.
Marks USA M9900 Electrification: The M9900 EL series adds electric latch retraction to the American-made Grade 1 chassis. Marks USA uses its own electronic control architecture rather than Allegion's, so access control integration may require a compatible relay module — we specify and install both sides so there's no integration surprise.
Detex Integration: Detex is a special case — the alarm devices and delayed egress devices integrate with building access control and fire alarm systems rather than being converted to EL. Common Detex integrations: tying the alarm silence to a card-reader authorized exit (so staff with credentials can exit without triggering the alarm), fire alarm release wiring (delayed egress devices must release on fire alarm under NFPA 101), and audit logging of exit alarm events back to the building's access control dashboard. For Detex delayed egress specifically, the integration is non-negotiable — the device must be tied to the fire alarm panel for code compliance.
Adams Rite Electric Strikes & Electrified Locksets: Adams Rite's electrification path is different from exit devices — it centers on electric strikes (7170 narrow-stile, 7400 surface, 7800 fire-rated) that pair with mechanical MS1850 deadbolts and 4510 deadlatches. On most Florida commercial storefront access control retrofits, we install a 7170 electric strike alongside the existing 4510 deadlatch — no hardware replacement required, the mechanical lock stays in place and the strike becomes the credentialed entry point. Electrified MS1850 and electrified 4510 are also available when direct solenoid actuation makes more sense than a strike. Because Adams Rite and Jackson are both ASSA ABLOY, these components integrate cleanly with Jackson hardware in the same door.
Regent Hardware Electrification (EL5770): Regent's electrification is refreshingly straightforward — a Motor-Drive Latch Retraction (MDR-ELR) version of the flagship 5770 CVR device, running on 24VDC at 1A. Unique to Regent: the EL5770 Retrofit Rail lets us convert an existing mechanical 5770 to electrified by swapping just the bottom rail — about 30 minutes on-site, no full device replacement required. The MDR-ELR-RX variant adds a Request-to-Exit switch for full access control integration. We wire the complete loop including 24VDC power supply, power transfer hinge (or armored door cord), control relay, and door-position contact, and integrate cleanly with PDK.io or traditional card access systems.
Corbin Russwin Electrification: ED5200-ELR, ED4200-ELR, and ED8200-ELR offer Electric Latch Retraction across wide-stile, narrow-stile, and newer-generation series. Electrified trim is also available — credential presentation unlocks the outside lever for entry while inside egress remains always free. Optional RX (Request-to-Exit), LX (Latch Monitoring), and DPS (Door Position Switch) provide full access control reporting. Corbin Russwin also supports ASSA ABLOY's Aperio wireless integration for retrofits where traditional wiring is impractical — credentials authenticate wirelessly to a nearby hub that communicates with the access control panel. Standard 24VDC ELR works cleanly with PDK.io and most traditional card systems.
What Electrification Adds to Your Building
- Scheduled lock/unlock: Front door unlocks at 8:30 AM, locks at 6:00 PM automatically — no employee managing a key
- Card or keypad entry: Staff and authorized visitors get in with credentials instead of physical keys that can be lost or copied
- Audit trail: Every entry is logged with user, door, date, and time — critical for healthcare, financial, and regulated industries
- Remote lockdown: Trigger emergency lockdown from any phone or computer tied to your access control system
- Visitor management: Issue temporary credentials to contractors, delivery drivers, or clients — auto-expire after the scheduled visit
- Fire alarm integration: Automatic release on alarm — code-compliant and mass-egress ready
- No more rekeying: Terminated employee? Deactivate their credential in the access control dashboard — no locksmith visit required
Key-En-Lock handles both sides of the job: installing the mechanical panic hardware AND wiring the electrification kit, then integrating it with your chosen access control system (PDK.io, ProdataKey, Alarm Lock Trilogy, or traditional card-based systems). Because we're an authorized dealer for Von Duprin, Jackson, Dor-O-Matic, AND PDK.io, you get one vendor for the whole stack instead of coordinating between a locksmith and a separate access control integrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does panic hardware installation cost in Brevard County?
Cost varies significantly by brand, door type, and whether electric latch retraction is required. A basic Von Duprin 99 series rim exit device installation on a standard commercial wood door typically runs in the low-to-mid four figures including hardware and labor. Narrow-stile devices for aluminum storefronts are similar. Fire-rated devices, electric latch retraction, and concealed vertical rod systems cost more. We quote exact pricing on-site after evaluating the door and application — no surprises.
Do you service older Dor-O-Matic hardware?
Yes. We service Dor-O-Matic exit devices, overhead concealed closers, automatic operators, and concealed vertical rod systems. Some older Dor-O-Matic parts have been discontinued, but we know which components cross-reference to currently available alternatives and when a full device replacement makes more sense than continued repair.
Can panic bars be dogged (held retracted) during business hours?
Yes, for non-fire-rated doors. Dogging allows push/pull free operation during business hours, then reverts to egress-only after-hours. Fire-rated doors cannot be dogged under NFPA 101 — the latch must engage whenever the door closes so the fire rating holds. Many of our customers don't realize their device has a dogging feature; we can walk you through how to use it.
My Von Duprin won't latch properly — is that a repair or replacement?
Almost always a repair. Von Duprin devices are built to be serviced in the field — latch bolts, strikes, dogging cams, springs, and end caps are all replaceable without pulling the device off the door. The most common failure is a worn latch bolt return spring, which is a quick on-site replacement. Full device replacement is only necessary if the internal chassis is damaged.
Are you authorized dealers for Von Duprin, Jackson, Dor-O-Matic, Kawneer, Falcon, Marks USA, Detex, Adams Rite, Regent Hardware, and Corbin Russwin?
Yes. We service and install the full Von Duprin, Jackson, Dor-O-Matic, Kawneer 1686/1786, Falcon 19/25, Marks USA M9900, Detex Advantex / ECL-230 / 10 series, Adams Rite MS1850 / 4510 / 8000 / 3000, Regent Hardware 5770 / 5750 / 5760 / EL5770, and Corbin Russwin ED5000 / ED4000 / ED8000 product lines. We also handle Dorma, Sargent, and Yale exit hardware — three other major manufacturers common on Florida commercial buildings.
Can you integrate panic hardware with my access control system?
Yes. Electric latch retraction (EL) versions of Von Duprin 99/98, Jackson 1085, Dor-O-Matic 1690, and Kawneer 1786 series can all be wired into access control systems for controlled entry from the outside while maintaining code-compliant free egress from the inside. We install and service this integration, including ties to PDK.io cloud access control and fire alarm release circuits. See the electrification section above for the full breakdown of options.
Can I electrify my existing panic hardware without replacing it?
Often, yes. Von Duprin 99 and 98 series devices can be converted to electric latch retraction by replacing the internal chassis module — the push bar, end caps, rail, and mounting remain. Jackson 1085/1095, Dor-O-Matic 1690, and Kawneer 1786 conversions typically require more of the device, but are still cheaper than a full replacement in most cases. Kawneer 1686 (older generation) usually can't be directly electrified and is better paired with an electric strike as the access control entry point. We evaluate on-site and recommend whether conversion, strike pairing, or replacement is the better economic choice based on the device's age, condition, and the capability you're targeting.
Do you do panic hardware maintenance contracts?
Yes. For property managers with multiple buildings or businesses with high-traffic exit devices (restaurants, schools, retail), scheduled maintenance contracts include biannual inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and minor repair — catching issues before they cause failures or fire inspection flags. Contact us to set up a maintenance plan for your properties.
My Detex exit alarm won't stop beeping — what's wrong?
Detex exit alarms have two common failure modes. First, the 9V internal battery is dead or weak — these should be replaced annually. Second, the bar micro-switch that detects pushes has failed or is stuck, sending a continuous "bar pressed" signal. Both are quick on-site repairs. If it's a delayed egress Detex (the 15-second countdown type), a stuck control board or sensor is also possible. We carry replacement parts for all Detex Advantex, ECL-230, and 10 series devices on the truck.
Is delayed egress legal in Florida?
Yes, with specific conditions under NFPA 101 and the Florida Building Code. The door must release automatically on fire alarm activation, release automatically on loss of power, release after a maximum 15-second delay when the bar is pressed, be clearly signed ("PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS — DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS"), and only be used in occupancies where AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction — usually the local fire marshal) has approved delayed egress. Two major brands meet these requirements: Detex 10 Series (standalone devices) and Von Duprin CHEXIT (CX option integrated into 98/99/33A/35A chassis). Both comply with IBC 1010.1.9.7 and NFPA 101 7.2.1.6 Special Locking Arrangements. We install and service both — brand choice usually comes down to what the rest of your building runs. We coordinate with your local fire marshal for approval on every delayed-egress install.
Service Areas
We install and service panic hardware throughout Brevard County, including: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, West Melbourne, Malabar, Patrick Space Force Base, and surrounding areas.