I’ve written about related topics before, but this Quick Question keeps coming back:
On which types of access-control doors do the model codes require the installation of an auxiliary push button to release the electrified lock?
Here is the quick answer:
An auxiliary push button is required by the model codes where the electrified lock is released by a sensor that detects a building occupant approaching the door on the egress side and unlocks the door.
The requirements for this switch are found in these model code sections:
- IBC: Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors (prior to the 2015 edition, this section was called Access controlled egress doors) (2021: 1010.2.12; 2018: 1010.1.9.9; 2015: 1010.1.9.8; 2012: 1008.1.9.8; 2009: 1008.1.4.4; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.3.4)
- NFPA 101: Sensor-release of electrical locking systems (prior to the 2018 edition, this section was called Access controlled egress doors) (7.2.1.6.2)
These sections apply to electromagnetic locks that are released by a sensor, although the requirements would also apply to other types of locks released by a sensor, such as power bolts. The sensor is the key. If the electrified lock is not released by a sensor, this section does not apply. In addition to requiring the locks to release upon a signal from the sensor, fire alarm/sprinkler activation, and loss of power, the model codes require the auxiliary push button to release the lock. There are specific requirements for the button and it’s operation. The push button must be:
- readily accessible,
- installed between 40 inches and 48 inches above the floor, within 5 feet of the door,
- marked “push to exit”,
- and when operated, must result in direct interruption of power to the electrified lock – independent of other electronics – and the lock must remain unlocked for at least 30 seconds.
In case you have follow-up Quick Questions, here are some answers…
Is an auxiliary push button required for:
- Electromagnetic locks released by a switch in door-mounted hardware?
- No, the model code sections addressing door hardware release of electrically locked egress door assemblies do not require the auxiliary push button or the fire alarm/sprinkler release. The lock must unlock via the switch in the door mounted hardware, and upon loss of power. This video covers the code requirements for electromagnetic locks.
- Electrified hardware where an access control reader controls access but egress is not affected?
- No, the most common type of access control application has door hardware that allows free egress, and the auxiliary push button is not required. This application would typically include an electromechanical lockset, electrified trim for panic hardware, an electric strike, or electric latch retraction panic hardware. Because this hardware allows free egress at all times, the model codes do not require an auxiliary push button. This type of system is Type 7 in this Decoded article.
- Delayed egress locks?
- No, the model code sections addressing delayed egress locks do not require an auxiliary push button. Delayed egress locks must release 15 seconds after an attempt to exit (or 30 seconds where approved by the AHJ). In addition, delayed egress locks must allow immediate egress (no delay) upon activation of the fire alarm/sprinkler system, upon loss of power, and in some cases via a remote switch – for example, at the fire command center. This video addresses delayed egress locks as well as controlled egress locks.
- Controlled egress locks in health care facilities?
- No, in health care units where patients require containment for their safety or security, the model codes allow the egress doors to be locked indefinitely and an auxiliary push button beside the door is not required. Staff must carry the keys, codes, or credentials to unlock the doors if there is a need to evacuate patients. There are requirements for other release methods which vary slightly depending on which model code has been adopted and the type of unit. This webinar includes detailed information about controlled egress (and delayed egress).
- Electrified locks used for stairwell reentry?
- No, these locks typically allow free egress into the stairwell and control access to tenant floors under normal operation – there is no requirement in the model codes for an auxiliary push button. During a fire, the stairwell doors allow building occupants to leave the stairwell and seek another exit if the stairwell becomes compromised by smoke. Here is a short video on the code requirements for stairwell doors.
- Elevator lobby door locks?
- No, NFPA 101 allows these doors to be locked electrically with mandated release methods and a two-way communication system, but does not require an auxiliary push button. The IBC does not currently contain a similar section addressing these doors. Some cities and states have modified the IBC to allow elevator lobby doors to be electrically locked, so it’s important to check the adopted code for specifics. Here is a blog post about the code requirements for these doors.
Have you run into this question before? If you want to keep this post handy for future reference, you can register and save it in your custom library. Keep in mind that local code requirements may vary from the model codes.
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
I wish NFPA101 and IBC were more specific as to where these buttons are required. We’ve had several instances where the AHJ of a couple of local municipalities in South Florida forced us to put an Auxiliary PTE button on doors with Electric Strikes or Electrified locks where free egress by turning the lock handle is provided. Their argument is “That is what the code says”. It is very frustrating and in my opinion, much more confusing for a person during an emergency.
Hi Mario –
I hear you! My life goal is to help AHJs understand the code requirements for electrified hardware – there’s SO MUCH confusion. We have made a lot of changes in the codes to help clarify the intent, but it’s hard to get people to unlearn what they originally thought. I’m trying!
– Lori
Lori,
I’m certainly not on top of the Building Codes as you are, but I don’t interpret this the same as you. IBC indicates “…shall be installed in accordance with “all” of the following criteria.” I interpret the sensor as a switch with the need to have an immediate switch allowing egress via ACS (Access Control System) and a 30 second secondary switch bypassing the ACS. The most often RX switch used seems to be a PIR motion sensor switch, but some use a touch bar sensor switch, while others use a mechanical RX switch (a switch in the mechanical device). I personally think the word sensor should be replaced with RX switch. I have seen RX switches fail. Also, on an ACS, the RX is typically ran through the ACS to shunt alarm in addition to releasing the lock. Typically a lock is release through a Grant Access Command. Thus if the RX switch or the ACS system fails to release the FS lock, the secondary 30 second switch which is terminated to bypass the ACS will allow Egress. If via code this is only required when a “sensor” is used (which I see by the way it is worded would make sense on your interpretation) a non-sensor RX that fails to release the lock (which I have seen happen) gives no alternative to egress that opening. I think the key is Access Control.
By the way, I love your website. I learn a lot from it.
Gary
Hi Gary –
Thanks for the love! 🙂
When the RX switch is in the hardware mounted on the door – like a sensor bar or panic hardware – it falls under a different section of the model codes. In the 2018 edition of the IBC, the section is 1010.1.9.10 Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors, and in the 2018 edition of NFPA 101, the section is 7.2.1.5.6 Door Hardware Release of Electrically Locked Egress Door Assemblies. The reference to the switch in the door-mounted hardware in that section is vague, but here it is: Operation of the door hardware directly interrupts the power to the electric lock and unlocks the door immediately.
Here are a couple of paragraphs from the IBC Commentary that explain the intent of the 2 sections:
Sensor Release: This section is intended to provide consistent requirements where an electrically locked door is unlocked by activating devices mounted somewhere other than on the door itself. The unlocking activation is designed to be from a passive action by the occupant (e.g., walking to the door triggering a sensor), but the system includes a required nearby manual unlocking device (such as a push button) as a secondary electrical lock release device.
Door Hardware Release: This section is intended to provide consistent requirements where an electrically locked system, such as an electromagnetic lock, is released by door-mounted hardware such as a panic bar, lockset/latchset or touch-sense bar, all of which would be equipped with an integral switch that, when actuated by opening the door, causes the electric lock to release, allowing immediate egress. In other than Group H, doors in the means of egress are permitted to be locked with an electric locking system where equipped with door hardware that incorporates a built-in switch, provided all the specified conditions are met.
And you are correct – with the RX switch in the hardware, there is no requirement in the codes for an alternative to egress the opening (other than power failure) if the switch in the door-mounted hardware fails. There’s a guest blog post about this here: https://idighardware.com/2017/11/guest-post-electromagnetically-locked-egress-doors-safe-or-unsafe-david-glorioso/.
Let me know what you think!
– Lori
I liked and agree with the article you sent the link to. Too often I have seen set ups where they have an access control system and they run a mechanical RX switch to a RX input on the Access Control Panel and have the ACS release a Mag Lock…and they do this without providing a secondary 30 second switch that bypasses the ACS. Maybe they should utilize a relay to provide for the immediate release of the Mag Lock to meet code as you indicate and use the other leg to signal the ACS to shunt the alarm. I don’t understand why so many integrators use Mag Locks, especially when it’s not necessary or desirable. In my opinion, they aren’t as secure…especially when a PIR sensor is used. Too many ways to defeat that, especially if the PIR sensor is working. Thank you again for your knowledge.
Thanks Gary! I agree – mag-locks are not my favorite. I think sometimes they are used because they are easier to retrofit, but often the integrator/installer doesn’t seem to realize what the codes require for that application.
– Lori
The sensor in the women’s restroom in our building was set in such a way that women of shorter stature would not trigger the release. Apparently the ladies in the building were aware of this for years, but when my daughter visited she was trapped for a while, not understanding that she needed to press the subtle button (it had no “exit” text). It was a bit frightening even for an 11 yr old.
I’m sorry that happened to her! The codes are not specific about what height someone has to be to trigger the sensor, but it’s an interesting thought. What if a person using a wheelchair was not tall enough to be “seen” by the sensor? The button on the wall is not usually obvious to people who are expecting the door to operate normally. This blog post has an example of that, and a link to a video of a guy attempting to exit for several hours: https://idighardware.com/2019/06/ww-push-button-to-exit/. It also links to a story about the mass shooting at the Christchurch mosque where people were killed trying to exit through a door that only had the push button and did not have a sensor.
– Lori