For a single door on an egress path with access control, which hardware arrangement is appropriate?

• A. Rim exit device with panic bar hardware on the egress side
• B. Panic bar hardware on the egress side with top and bottom rods
• C. Proximity card reader installed on the panic bar side of the door
• D. Proximity card reader installed on the lock side of the door

Answer: (A)

A rim exit device with panic bar on the egress side is the correct choice. In an egress path, the door must be able to be opened immediately without needing a key or credential, even if power is out. A panic bar on the egress side provides that guaranteed, push-for-exit capability. Access control can still regulate entry from the secure side (for example, via an electric strike or mag lock tied to a card reader), without hindering egress.

The other arrangements either add unnecessary complexity or place the credentialing in a position that would impede exit. A panic bar with top and bottom rods is more about a different door system and isn’t the standard for a single egress door with access control. A proximity reader on the panic bar side would force exiting occupants to present a credential, which is not appropriate, and a reader on the lock side is a valid approach for entry but doesn’t address why the egress hardware should be the rim exit device on the egress side.