Fire-rated door units have to be self-closing and self-latching so you cannot hex dog, cylinder dog or dog down a fire rated exit device. Nonfire-rated exit devices on the other hand can be dogged down because they do not have to be self-latching.

RX (request to exit) Signal Switch feature is used to signal the use of an opening from the push side. When the push pad is depressed, the switch is activated. These devices are equipped with an internal SPDT (single pole double throw) switch that monitors the touch bar.

Exit device dogging is when a dogging key is used on the exit device to hold the latch bolt in its retracted state. When the latch bolt is retracted, the door can be opened by being pushed or pulled from anywhere. You will not need to depress the touch bar to open the door or turn a handle and can open it non-handed. Check your specific device's instructions, but you can often find the dogging screw in the center of the push bar. You will need a dogging key to turn this screw and retract the latch.

Panic bars consist of a flat, horizontal bar attached to the inside of an outward-opening door. This flat bar retracts a latch mechanism when pushed, unlocking the door for fast exit. Doors using a classic crash bar require no knowledge or keys to operate and are ADA-compliant for handicapped usage.

A panic bar, sometimes referred to as a crash bar or panic device, is used for quickly unlocking a door during an emergency situation. Designed for life safety compliance, the mechanism consists of a spring-loaded metal bar fixed horizontally to the inside of an egress-opening door. They require no previous knowledge to operate and can even be opened by users with limited mobility that may have a hard time using a traditional style door handle.