What is a Panic Shield and Do You Need One for Your Gate?
Building codes that required improved safety measures came into existence in 1913. There were multiple horrific incidents where hundreds of people died in building fires because of either locked doors or inward opening doors caused the National Fire Protection Association to begin efforts to codify best practices of safe fire exits. Nowadays, most places have enforced building codes that require exit devices alongside other fire safety precautions. There are many different types of panic exit shields, bars, and kits. Choosing the right one is confusing but can be broken down easily based on what they include and the added benefit of each component.
What is a Panic Shield?
Panic shields are gate security accessories designed to prevent unauthorized access through gates equipped with panic bars. They serve as a protective barrier that blocks access to the panic bar from the outside, ensuring that only individuals on the secure side can use the emergency exit mechanism. These shields are particularly important in settings where perimeter security is essential, such as in commercial, industrial, and institutional environments. In addition to enhancing security, panic shields can also help facilities meet safety and building code requirements related to emergency egress. If your gate is located in a high-traffic or high-risk area, installing a Panic Exit Bar is highly recommended as it is a quick and effective means of safety and exit, thus making a Panic Shield a necessary component.
Lockey PS Panic Standard Shield
Panic Shields are built to reinforce doors and protect against tampering and damage. Designed for use with panic bars, it provides a reliable security upgrade. Its silver finish blends with various door styles while ensuring long-term durability. The predrilled design allows for a quick and effortless installation process. These panic shield plates serve as a physical barrier that enhances the structural integrity around exit hardware.
Lockey EDGE Style Panic Shield
An EDGE style panic shield kit is different from a standard style to the fact that the panic bar is mounted closer to the edge of the gate, the strike size is reduced on the EDGE style, and the strike protrusion on the EDGE style is reduced. These Panic shields are protective solution designed to reinforce gate hardware and ensure secure, reliable operation of panic exit devices.
Lockey PS Extension Panel
An Extension Panel designed to improve door security by extending the reach of panic shields. This extension plate for panic shield kits allows the panic shield to extend up to 74", providing a versitile solution for specific security needs that require extra protection.
Panic Exit Bars
Panic exit bars are the most obvious thing that people see when they go in and out of buildings. The main crossbar is pushed to open the door, even if it is locked from the outside. They range from 33" up to 48" in length. All of the bars are weather-resistant and ADA-compliant. Certain bars (such as the Vx40xEB seen left and attached to the Panic Shield above) even include a built-in alarm with a key to alert anyone if it has been opened.
Lockey Vx40xEB Aluminum Panic Bar with Alarm
The Lockey V40XEB Aluminum Panic Bar features an integrated alarm to signal unauthorized exit attempts on doors and gates. Built on the V40 platform, it offers rugged aluminum construction with a stainless steel latch bolt and audible alert function. The alarm sounds instantly when the bar is depressed, enhancing security in retail, healthcare, or education settings. Its field-sizable and non-handed design makes it easy to install across a variety of doors. This model is ideal for high-risk egress points that require both access and alerting capabilities.
Lockey PB1100 Aluminum Panic Bar
The Lockey PB1100 Aluminum Panic Bar is a field-sizable exit device designed for use on doors and gates. Its non-handed configuration allows for flexible installation on either left or right-hand applications. The lightweight aluminum body is durable and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for both interior and protected outdoor environments. Designed for low-maintenance, mechanical egress, it operates without electricity or batteries. Ideal for commercial, institutional, or secured residential uses requiring a simple, code-compliant exit solution.
Lockey V40 Aluminum Panic Bar
The Lockey V40 Aluminum Panic Bar is a commercial-grade rim exit device designed for doors and gates. Its robust design includes a sleek push bar with a stainless steel latch bolt for secure egress in high-traffic areas. The V40 is field sizable, non-handed, and includes a patented mounting plate and strike locator system to simplify installation. Ideal for use in schools, public buildings, and commercial gates. This mechanical unit operates without electricity and meets ANSI Grade 1 performance standards.
Panic Shield Kits
Panic shield kits are a sure way to get everything you need for a proper emergency exit. They include all the necessary parts and components. There are a few different kits. The security panic shield kits include the most options while the value panic shield kits provide the minimum required. Please take a look at the tables below for a full comparison of what each kit provides. Wanna know more about our fantastic Panic Shield Kits? Check out our article that breaks down each component of a Panic Shield Kit, teaching you the ins and outs of gate safety and security!
Lockey Panic Shield Kits: What's the Difference?Standard Panic Shield Kits
| SKU | Value | Safety | Security | 24" Shield | PB1100 | V40 | V40xEBxW | Strike Bracket | Key Box | Keyed Cylinder | Keyless Lock Trim Box | 285P Keyless Trim | Max Guard | Latch Protector | Jamb Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS40 | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||
| PS41 | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||
| PS42 | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||
| PS43 | x | x | x | ||||||||||||
| PS50 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| PS51 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| PS52 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| PS53 | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||||
| PS60 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| PS61 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| PS62 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| PS63 | x | x | x | x | x | x |
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Lockey Edge Panic Shield Kits
| SKU | Value | Safety | Security | 24" Shield | PB1100 | V40 | V40xEBxW | Strike Bracket | Key Box | Keyed Cylinder | Keyless Lock Trim Box | 285P Keyless Trim | Max Guard | Latch Protector | Jamb Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ED40 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| ED41 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| ED42 | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||
| ED43 | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||||
| ED50 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||
| ED51 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||
| ED52 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||
| ED53 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| ED60 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||
| ED61 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||
| ED62 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||
| ED63 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Shop Edge Panic Shield Kits
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If you're evaluating your gate's safety features, a panic shield could be the missing piece that enhances both security and emergency access. These simple yet effective accessories block unauthorized manipulation of panic bars, reducing the risk of intrusion. As discussed in this article, panic shields are ideal for commercial, institutional, and high-traffic environments where security and code compliance are critical. Whether you're upgrading an existing gate or outfitting a new one, integrating a panic shield is a smart and proactive choice. Our team is here to help you choose the right hardware for your specific needs and ensure proper installation. Reach out today to speak with a gate hardware expert and secure your property with confidence!
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