Code Requirements for Access Control Devices and Magnetic Locks (for client refference only, to help better understand SOP)

Code Requirements for Access Control Devices and Magnetic Locks – Northeast Remote Surveillance and Alarm, LLC is experienced in Building and fire codes, primarily the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code®, govern the installation of electrified door hardware to ensure occupant safety and unimpeded egress (exit) in an emergency. The general rule is that free egress must be provided at all times when a building is occupied.

Code Requirements for Access Control Devices and Magnetic Locks – General Access Control Device Requirements – Northeast Remote Surveillance and Alarm, LLC

All access control locking systems on a means of egress must meet fundamental life safety principles:

Single-Motion Release: The door must be released with not more than one motion (e.g., turning a lever or pushing a panic bar) to unlock the door, without requiring a key, tool, or special knowledge.
Fail-Safe or Emergency Override: In the event of a power failure or a fire emergency, the door must automatically unlock or allow immediate egress.
UL Listing: The locking system units and hardware for new installations are often required to be listed in accordance with UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.

Code Requirements for Access Control Devices and Magnetic Locks – Northeast Remote Surveillance and Alarm, LLC – Requirements for Installing Magnetic Locks (Mag Locks)

Since magnetic locks are inherently fail-safe (they unlock upon power loss) and do not have a mechanical latch, they fall under specific code sections for “Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors” or “Sensor-Release/Door Hardware Release of Electrical Locking Systems.”

The required components for installing a mag lock in a standard access-controlled egress door application are typically:

1. Automatic Egress Release

The lock must be released immediately upon activation of:

Loss of power to the lock or the locking system.
Activation of the building fire alarm system (or automatic sprinkler/fire detection system, if provided). The door must remain unlocked until the fire system is reset.

2. Manual Emergency Egress Device (Push-to-Exit Button)

A manual override device must be installed to directly cut power for egress:

Location: Located 40 to 48 inches vertically above the floor and within 5 feet of the secured door.
Operation: Must be readily accessible, marked with a “PUSH TO EXIT” sign, and when operated, must directly interrupt power to the lock, independent of the access control system electronics.
Time Limit: The door must remain unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds after the button is pushed.

3. Egress Sensing Device (for Sensor-Release applications)

If the mag lock is released by a sensor (motion sensor) to detect an approaching occupant:

Detection: A sensor must be on the egress side to automatically electrically unlock the door upon detection of an occupant approaching within 5 feet.
Power Loss: The door must also unlock upon loss of power to the sensor.

Northeast Remote Surveillance and Alarm, LLC – Important Note: These are general requirements from model codes (IBC and NFPA 101). State and local jurisdictions adopt and often modify these codes. You must always consult with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the adopted codes for your specific project location to ensure full compliance before installation.

Would you like to explore the requirements for delayed egress locking systems, which hold the door for a short period before unlocking, or requirements for electric strikes on fire-rated doors?

⏳ Specific Code Requirements for Delayed Egress Locking Systems – Northeast Remote Surveillance and Alarm, LLC

Delayed egress locking systems are subject to strict requirements in codes like the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code®, because they temporarily impede free exiting.

Here are the key requirements that must typically be met for installation:

Delay Time: The locking system must release the door automatically after no more than 15 seconds (or in some jurisdictions, up to 30 seconds, if approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)).
Release Upon Activation: The system must unlock immediately upon activation of any of the following:
- The building’s fire alarm system.
- The building’s automatic sprinkler system.
- A manual fire alarm box.
- Loss of power to the locking system.
Alarm Notification: An audible local alarm must sound at the door for the entire duration of the delay period to alert occupants and staff.
Simple Operation: Activating the release must be a single, readily apparent action that requires no prior knowledge, keys, or special tools (e.g., pushing the panic bar or applying pressure to the door). The door must then open within the delay time.
No Re-locking: Once unlocked, the door must remain unlocked until the system is manually reset.
Signage: Specific signage is often required on the door to inform occupants that the exit is a delayed egress door.

These systems are most commonly permitted in specific occupancies (like healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or detention/correctional facilities) where security needs are balanced with the need for life safety, or in rooms where the lock is intended to prevent theft (like utility or storage rooms).

Please note this material is for refference only, for customers looking for a better understanding of the services they are procuring.

Contact Northeast Remote Surveillance & Alarm, LLC for a Code-Compliant Quote 1-888-344-3846 or 73 Point Security Audit as part of an Enterprise Security Integration as part of a Unified Security System