A securing rod connector for connecting handrails (4) in rail vehicles, wherein the securing rod connector (8, 10) has at least one receptacle for holding (8) a tube forming a handrail (4), and the handrail (4) is connected in a frictionally locking and/or positively locking fashion to the securing rod connector (8, 10) on the receptacle (8). Simple and particularly cost-effective and space-saving retrofitting of fire prevention systems is possible if the receptacle (18) accommodates the handrail (4) in a way which is sealed off from the surroundings.