Keith Nelsen from Lindquist Security Technologies sent me the video below – Keith is a firefighter as well as having a long career in the door and hardware industry, so he’s always got good insight to share.
There are a few interesting things about this video…check it out and then scroll down.
My thoughts:
- At first I thought someone broke into the ATM, but it looks like what happened is that the people went into the ATM vestibule before 8 pm, and the door automatically locked at 8, trapping them inside. This is exactly why doors need to allow free egress, even “after hours” or when the building/area is not supposed to be occupied. Having the access control system automatically lock the door on a timer would have been fine if the door had allowed free egress. I’m sure the bank has resolved the situation by now.
- I’m wondering if the door had a powerbolt, or if the mechanical hardware just failed (less likely). Assuming that it was a powerbolt, the code requirements would be the same as for a door with an electromagnetic lock. Either there should have been a motion sensor and auxiliary push button, or the hardware on the door should have had a switch to release the powerbolt. Either of these applications would have allowed free egress if everything was functioning properly, but I still don’t like powerbolts because the alignment is critical (affecting security) and sideload pressure can prevent the bolt from retracting (affecting egress).
- Clearly the door did not have NRP hinges, which I would typically specify on any outswinging exterior door, any outswinging door with access control, and some outswinging doors with mechanical locks. NRP = non-removable pin, and prevents the hinge pins from being removed when the door is closed.
Feel free to add your thoughts in the reply box!
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Nice
I wonder where Knox box was at???
We try to get keys or cards to doors like that
Hi Charles –
It wouldn’t have helped in this case. I think in the video they actually had a card and it wouldn’t unlock the door because the access control system was programmed to lock everyone out after 8. But by locking everyone out, they also locked the people in because of the hardware application they chose.
– Lori
As an aside, thats why we have security hinges to prevent removal of the hinge pin.
This case a blessing they were not used.
Shame on Wells Fargo Security for not specifying them or missing on commissioning this ATM.
I too am surprised the hinges were not NRP.
Correct me if I’m wrong. But are there two cylinders on the front of that door?
it should not be that easy to remove that door
Wow
I actually have seen the same issue with a non carded door with an Adams Rite paddle and spring latch. Seems the paddle can be a little finicky and if anything is loose or worn out the latch will not retract completely into the door and not allow the door to open.
That’s another possibility – failure of the mechanical hardware.
– Lori
Could be a poorly planned opening that serves as a man trap for during business hours to lock any suspected robbery attempts. Still, even with AHJ approval, the system should be coordinated with access control to allow free egress when the atm section is closed instead of using the same man trap locking.
Hi Anthony –
The model codes in the US would not allow a man-trap application, but I’ve seen it in at least one city’s code.
– Lori
Excellent Public Service video: How to get into your ATM when the door is locked.
Totally illegal and really unnecessary as well.
I know this is not the point you’re making but I wonder if anyone else was just as upset that someone had used removable pin hinges on exterior doors?
There should of been a Lock Box for Fire/Police access on the exterior of the Building, In Canada this is mandatory for Occupation Permit. All door must release just by pushing on the doors, REX Motions or Push to Exit Buttons for Mag-lock systems are no longer allowed either, Electronic Touch sense Bars are illegal as well, we are forced to use dummy push bars with switches inside to cut power to the mag-lock.
Interesting! Motion sensors and touch-sense bars are still allowed by the US model codes.
– Lori
A bank near me has a request to exit button and another has a door-release pull station. (looks similar to a fire alarm pull station, except it’s blue and says “Door Release” on it.