Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry if a repost. I just moved into a new shop, and would like to have rear doors be accessible 24/7 which rules out out the manual frame bars I used at the last one. The thing is, the old spear and pull is not uncommon in my area, so I'm not comfortable having a single point locking system. While I'm very familiar with panic/strike setups I've never done a 3 point vertical panic bar with access control, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd assume the mechanism would need to be built into the panic bar itself, but the only thing I could find that seems to do that is a company out of the UK that doesn't seem to export here. It's likely I'm missing something obvious, and I did find a Sargent model that looks like it may have that option, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?
Vertical Panic Bar Access Control
When three-point locking is required, we have recommended the Securitech Trident product in the past.
In our More Secure Doors: Multipoint Locking post, we list a few commercial products, including the Trident Mr. Silva mentions and a Detex product that might run a bit less costly:
Securitech: This electromechanical hardware company essentially specializes in multipoint latching but code-compliant door hardware/exit devices. Most kits cost less than $2000, but dealer status may be required to buy Trident devices.
Schlage: Multipoint can be fitted to more than exit devices. Take this Schlage unit for example, that is a mortise lock with surface mounted vertical rods. This device can be retrofitted to steel or wood doors, and costs about $1000.
Detex: A 'budget' exit device, Detex's 230x costs $600 - $1200 and retrofits most steel doors. Step by step installation videos are available online, including basic adjustment and troubleshooting.
Hi Joseph,
Thanks for your interesting post. We are based in the UK and have never come across a 3 point locking system here so if you have found one, could you share it?
Usually, when we come across a mechanical system like this over here, we replace it with an Assa Abloy EL560 mechanical lock case with a horizontal panic bar (PBE001 - is the Assa model I think)
Over here we see lots of people removing a mechanical panic bar and replacing it with a magnetic lock and a relay activated panic bar - but our regulations require a "mechanical" not electronic lock.
Still, it would be great to see what you have found - thanks in advance :)
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