ASSA ABLOY

Rockwood Panic Device

Jillian Sward -

Do you want to create a streamlined doorway design with elegant exit hardware? Rockwood’s architectural panic device is a sleek panic bar with a flat latch design that is preferred by architects for its aesthetics and craftsmanship.

With our panic devices, storefront or large conference room doors get a refined look that comes with a patent-pending flat latch design for higher security than a typical rolling latch design. There are also many ways to customize this elegant push bar.

What is the Rockwood Panic Device

Our top-latching architectural PDU8500 panic device offers flat latch security, six exterior architectural pull options, and easy-to-use functions.

These panic devices are made for architects who want higher optics for their door hardware in comparison to the traditional exit hardware available. However, Rockwood panic devices combine both flawless design and higher security with better strike engagement.

Can you use Rockwood panic devices everywhere? While it isn’t appropriate for fire-rated doors, the Rockwood architectural panic device works for any door that doesn’t have to meet a fire code. You’ll commonly find architectural panic devices on vestibule doors, glass storefront doors, internal conference rooms, banquet halls, and other doorways that aren’t inspected for fire code compliance.

History of Architectural Panic Devices and Rockwood PDU8500

Panic devices include both architectural beauty and safety measures while still enhancing a streamlined door aesthetic.

Rockwood developed the first architectural panic device with a flat latch design, known as the PDU8500. With patent-pending security features, the flat latch design prevents vulnerabilities often found with panic devices that have traditional rolling latch hardware.

The minimal, sleek design of the Rockwood panic bar can also be customized for metal, storefront, and wood doors.

Highlights of the Award-Winning Rockwood Panic Device

The PDU8500 architectural panic device won a 2020 Architizer A+ award for its design. The flat latch feature sets it apart from other exit hardware, but the entire panic device offers something preferred by architects: Rockwood craftsmanship.

Some of the features included with the Rockwood panic device include:

  • Works with metal, storefront, and wood doors
  • Both cylinder and pull options available
  • Top latching panic device with flat security latch
  • MicroShield offers anti-microbial coating
  • Installation guides ensure proper alignment and strike engagement
  • Engraved latch lines for greater security
  • Dampener in actuator assembly
  • Engraved push area with boundary grooves
  • Adjustable stops on strikes (includes set screws)
  • Keyed and non-keyed options
  • Dogging feature
  • Post-mount design with six standard exterior pull choices
  • Custom powder coat options available

One of the standout features is the flat security latch and strike design. With additional strike engagement, this device prevents doors from popping open like with a rolling latch.

Applications & Where to Use Architectural Panic Devices

The refined rounded edges and standard mortise cylinder options make this designer panic bar optimal for those architects and interior designers who want an elegant aesthetic for their non-fire-rated doors.


Some of the best areas to install architectural panic devices include:

  • Large Conference Rooms
  • Large Hotel, Office, and University Meeting Rooms
  • Casino, Restaurant, and Stadium Banquet Rooms
  • Security Vestibules
  • Cross-Corridor Doors

Customization is key for choosing the right architectural panic device. Whether you are looking for sleek and rounded push bars or you want a polished stainless steel cylindrical pull, Rockwood has all kinds of options.

There are several different finishes available with custom engraving options, including:

  • Extra Dark Bronze Equivalent
  • Black Suede Powder Coat
  • White Suede Powder Coat
  • Polished Stainless Steel
  • Satin Stainless Steel
  • Polished MicroShield Coated Stainless Steel
  • Satin MicroShield Coated Stainless Steel
  • Split Finish: Satin Stainless Steel Device with Bright Stainless Steel Push Area

Many vestibule designs or retail storefront doors use architectural panic bars because they’re more aesthetically pleasing for all glass doors due to their slim, minimal design.

Benefits of Architectural Panic Device vs Regular Exit Hardware

The main benefit of the architectural panic device is a quick and easy exit with a flawless, aesthetically push bar design. With Rockwood, these panic devices also have an exclusive flat latch design.

Rockwood panic devices also contain a dampener, which suppress bounce in door operation. The engraved latch lines ensure that the door is properly installed while aligning correctly with the strike, providing optimal engagement. The dogging feature can be engaged to offer convenience during store operating hours.

While architectural panic devices are more pleasing to the eye, they are not designed for fire-rated doors. If your building requires fire-rated push bars, then you would have to select traditional exit hardware.

However, not all doors in your building may require this, such as an all-glass conference room door or even a retail storefront.

Aesthetic Design Matters for Your Doors

Rockwood architectural panic devices work best because of their unique design, but it’s also because architects know that this hardware is compatible with multiple door types, including storefront, metal and wood.

These exit devices can be easily customized to match any aesthetic, creating the perfect look for a sophisticated retail boutique or even an all-glass conference room door.

For more information or installation help, see Rockwood Panic Device or contact Rockwood Support.