Should You Electrify Your Panic Bars? A Practical 2025 Guide for Commercial Buildings

As more businesses modernize their security, upgrading doors and hardware has become a priority. Most companies don’t need new doors — they need electrified panic hardware that integrates with access control, reduces manual labor, and stays compliant with fire and life-safety codes.

If your facility is moving toward cloud-managed access control or why more businesses are switching to electronic locks, electrifying your existing panic bars is usually the smartest (and most cost-effective) way to modernize.

What Electrifying a Panic Bar Actually Means

A standard panic bar is mechanical: push → door opens. Electrified hardware adds electric latch retraction (ELR) so the door can:

• Unlock on schedules

• Respond to card readers & keypads

• Release automatically on fire alarm

• Provide smooth traffic flow without propping doors

You keep the same device — you just give it power and control.

Why Businesses Electrify Their Panic Doors

1. Access Control Compatibility

If you're adding card access, mobile credentials, or cloud-based systems, the door must be electrified. Without it, the access control system has nothing to control.

2. Preventing Propped Doors

Uncontrolled propping is the #1 security failure in commercial buildings. Electrified latch retraction solves this without chasing staff.

3. Fire & Life Safety Compliance

When tied into the fire panel, electrified panic hardware can automatically release during emergencies — something mechanical devices can’t do alone.

4. Modernizing Without Replacing Doors

Electrification kits allow you to upgrade the door’s function without replacing the device, frame, or door itself. Huge cost saver.

Motor vs. Solenoid Electrification (The Critical Choice)

Choosing the wrong latch retraction method causes buzzing, weak retraction, overheating, and premature failure.

Motor-Driven ELR

• Quieter

• Energy-efficient

• Better for high-traffic doors

• Runs cooler

Solenoid-Driven ELR

• Faster activation

• Higher inrush power

• Runs hotter on long holds

• Common on legacy systems

For a detailed comparison of both technologies, see this guide on electrification kits for panic bars.

When Electrifying a Panic Bar Isn’t the Right Move

Electrification is not ideal when:

• The panic device is worn or outdated

• The device is fire-rated but lacks an approved kit

• The door/frame cannot support a clean power run

• The door is low-traffic and doesn’t justify the upgrade

Sometimes replacement or mechanical-only solutions make more sense.

Installation Mistakes That Kill Performance

1. Undersized Power Supply

Especially with solenoids — insufficient inrush capacity causes buzzing and weak pulls.

2. Wrong Wire Gauge on Long Runs

Voltage drop = inconsistent latch retraction.

3. Missing Fire System Integration

If not tied in properly, AHJ inspectors will reject the opening.

4. Ignoring AHJ Requirements

Local code always wins — verify before installation, not after.

Bottom Line

If your building is moving toward electronic, cloud-managed access, electrifying panic bars is one of the fastest and most cost-effective upgrades. It adds control, improves safety, and extends the life of existing hardware without major renovation.