Rim Exit Device vs. Vertical Rod Exit Device: Which Do You Need?
When choosing an exit device for a commercial door, two common options are rim exit devices and vertical rod exit devices. Both allow occupants to exit by pushing the device, but they latch to the opening differently and are commonly used in different applications.
So, which one do you need? The answer often depends on your door configuration, how you want the opening to function, and where the device needs to latch.
Rim Exit Device Vs Vertical Rod Exit Device
What Is a Rim Exit Device?
A rim exit device has a latch built directly into the exit device. When the door closes, the latch engages with a strike mounted to the strike jamb of the door frame.
Rim exit devices are commonly used on single-door openings because they provide a relatively simple latching setup.
Rim Exit Device
They can also be used on pairs of doors. When rim exit devices are installed on both doors of a pair, a mullion can be installed between the doors to provide a location for each device to latch.
Rim Exit Device With Mullion
A Rim Exit Device May Be Right for You If:
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You have a single-door opening
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You want a straightforward latching arrangement
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Your door and frame are prepared for a rim device
What Is a Vertical Rod Exit Device?
A vertical rod exit device uses rods that extend vertically from the exit device and latch at the top, or at both the top and bottom, of the opening.
Vertical rod devices are commonly used on pairs of doors, especially when both doors need to operate independently without a mullion between them.
Vertical Rod Exit Device Latch at Top and Bottom
There are two common types of vertical rod exit devices:
Surface Vertical Rod (SVR): The rods and related hardware are mounted to the surface of the door.
Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR): The rods are concealed inside the door for a cleaner appearance.
A Vertical Rod Exit Device May Be Right for You If:
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You have a pair of doors
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You don't want a mullion between the doors
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You need the full width of the opening available when both doors are open
Do You Have a Single Door?
For a single commercial door, a rim exit device is one of the most common options.
The latch is built into the device and engages a strike on the frame when the door closes. This makes the rim device a relatively straightforward option when the opening is designed for it.
Do You Have a Pair of Doors?
This is where choosing between the two becomes more important.
If you have double doors, rim exit devices can be installed on both doors with a mullion between them. The mullion provides a location for the rim device on each door to latch.
But what if you don't want a post between your doors?
A vertical rod exit device can allow the doors to latch at the top or at the top and bottom instead. This can allow both doors to operate without requiring a mullion in the center of the opening.
Do You Need the Full Opening Clear?
Think about how the doorway will be used when both doors are open.
If a mullion remains between the doors, it divides the opening. A removable mullion can be taken out when the full opening is needed, but that requires an additional step.
A vertical rod setup can eliminate the need for the mullion altogether, leaving the opening clear when both doors are open.
This may be useful for openings where large equipment, carts, deliveries, or other items regularly need to pass through.
Conclusion
When deciding between a rim exit device and a vertical rod exit device, start with the configuration of your opening.
Single door? A rim exit device is commonly used.
Pair of doors with a mullion? Rim exit devices may be a good option.
Pair of doors without a mullion? A vertical rod exit device may be the better choice.
Understanding how each type of exit device works can make it easier to select the right hardware for your commercial door opening.
Beacon Commercial Door & Lock offers exit devices and commercial door hardware for a variety of applications. If you're unsure which exit device your opening requires, our team can help you determine the right solution for your door, frame, and hardware needs.