I spent last weekend in San Diego, where I saw some Schlage L9000 series locks with indicators on the restrooms at a state park/beach. As I was checking out the restroom traffic (waiting for my opportunity to take photos of the locks), I was reminded of a recent question that I received regarding lock indicators.
Locks with indicators have grown in popularity in recent years. In a restroom application, it is very easy to see from the color-coded “occupied/vacant” indicators which restrooms are available for use. The restrooms at the beach also had indicators on the inside. This is really helpful when you’re in the restroom wondering if the door is locked to prevent someone else from entering.
Here is the indicator on the outside of the restroom:
And on the inside:
Click here to see a video of how this lock allows egress.
Some educational facilities are using indicator locks on classrooms; this allows the staff and students to see clearly whether the doors are locked to prevent an unauthorized person from entering. Without an indicator, it can be difficult to know for sure whether the lock is locked on the outside during a lockdown. Indicator locks are recommended for classroom doors in the guidelines published by the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) and this recommendation is also included in the draft of the school security standard from ASIS International that is currently in development.
I was really surprised when someone recently asked me whether a locked indicator would be considered “special knowledge” for a building occupant who is attempting to exit. They wondered if someone seeing the word “locked” might believe that they would be unable to exit by turning the lever handle or pushing the touchpad of the panic hardware. My answer – no special knowledge is needed to operate hardware with an indicator.
The model codes require egress doors to be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. Hardware must also operate without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and within the operable force limits of the codes and standards. The mounting height of the releasing hardware must be between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor, or as further limited by state or local requirements.
To clarify the intent of the International Building Code (IBC), the IBC Commentary states:
Egress doors are permitted to be locked to prevent entry, but must be capable of being unlocked and readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made. The outside of a door (the access side of the door) can be locked and unlocked with a key or electronic credential such as a card, fob, or code as long as the inside—the side from which egress is to be made—can be unlocked without the use of tools, keys or special knowledge or effort. For example, an unlocking operation that is integral with an unlatching operation is acceptable.
Although indicators are not specifically mentioned in the code or Commentary, the Commentary includes additional information about special knowledge. Locks with indicators are not similar to the examples in the Commentary:
Examples of special knowledge would be a combination lock or an unlocking device or deadbolt in an
unknown, unexpected or hidden location. Special effort would dictate the need for unusual and unexpected physical ability to unlock or make the door fully available for egress, or the need for two actions to be conducted simultaneously to release the latch.
The indicator locks that prompted this question were installed on college classroom doors during a renovation project. Locks with indicators had been installed in other campus buildings previously. When a student or staff member enters the classroom, the indicator on the inside of the door will say “unlocked” until the key or thumbturn is used (depending on the lock function) to lock the outside lever from within the classroom. After locking the door, the indicator will say “locked.” The locks allow free egress at all times by turning the lever and are the type of locks described in the Commentary as acceptable – an unlocking operation that is integral with an unlatching operation.
This project also includes panic hardware with indicators. When a door is equipped with panic hardware, a locked indicator can be extremely helpful during a lockdown or for general security. Whether the hardware is dogged or undogged, or if the lever handle on the outside is locked or unlocked, an indicator on the egress side can be used to show the locked status. Doors with panic hardware or locksets incorporating indicators allow free egress at all times via the panic hardware touchpad – the indicator only shows the status with regard to access, not egress.
I requested a staff opinion from the International Code Council (ICC) about this question and they agreed that displaying the word “locked” does not (in their opinion) constitute special knowledge. Locksets and panic hardware with indicators allow free egress and meet all of the requirements stated in the codes. These products operate exactly the same as hardware without an indicator, and provide the added reassurance that the outside lever is locked. They are becoming more common in many types of facilities. For these reasons I say:
Locks with indicators do not require special knowledge to operate; their operation is common knowledge.
What do you think?
~~~
Note: As some jurisdictions adopt NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, I have included the text from that code and the handbook regarding special knowledge below. I believe that the intent of the Life Safety Code is the same as the I-Codes.
7.2.1.5.10* A latch or other fastening device on a door leaf shall be provided with a releasing device that has an obvious method of operation and that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.
A.7.2.1.5.10 Examples of devices that might be arranged to release latches include knobs, levers, and bars. This requirement is permitted to be satisfied by the use of conventional types of hardware, whereby the door is released by turning a lever, knob, or handle or by pushing against a bar, but not by unfamiliar methods of operation, such as a blow to break glass. It is also within the intent of this requirement that switches integral to traditional doorknobs, lever handles, or bars, and that interrupt the power supply to an electromagnetic lock, be permitted, provided that they are affixed to the door leaf. The operating devices should be capable of being operated with one hand and should not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.
NFPA 101 Handbook: Paragraph 7.2.1.5.10 requires that, where a latch or other similar device is provided, the method of operation of its releasing device must be obvious, even in the dark. The intention of this requirement is that the method of release be one that is familiar to the average person. Generally, a two-step release, such as a knob and an independent slide bolt, is not permitted. In most occupancies, it is important that a single action unlatch the door assembly.
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Sign sign everywhere a sign.
As to would it give a person pause, I think I would include it with other signs posted, such as Fire Exit only, Emergency Exit Only,,, etc.
Yes I do think in some instances they may deter a person from using a door.
One problem I see, is the indicator either does not work or has been scratched up, so you cannot read it.
So my question, on doors requiring the indicator,,, is there a code to maintain them????
Loved the Torrey Pine pictures, part of my old stomping grounds, and beautiful area.
Hi Charles –
What if the indicator was just red or white without the words? Would you feel different about that?
– Lori
I work for a large state university that had an active shooter event in April; the university pushed the “Big Button” that engaged all electrified locks on campus. Apparently, some people complained that the classroom doors “didn’t lock” because they tried them from the inside…and lo and behold, they were unlocked.
At first, you’re tempted to think of the Hollywood trope that a typical electrified lock locks both sides (think of how many people actually believe that fire sprinklers work like in Hollywood). But in a panic situation like an active shooter, don’t expect straightforward thinking.
Are electrified locks or panics available with indicators? In an emergency, it would be quite helpful to have an indicator on the inside for the benefit of people in the room.
Hi Matt –
Some electrified locks have indicators in the form of LEDs, and there is panic hardware with indicators. There are some images of the panics in this post: https://idighardware.com/2024/06/indicators-when-where-and-why/.
– Lori
i do not like the idea of an indicator on the classroom side of the door, indicating that it is “locked”.
i can see that it could sow doubt that the door could be used for egress.
Hi Paul –
As we see more and more of these locks, they will be familiar to building occupants. I just saw some yesterday on a children’s hospital waiting room. Would you feel different if the locks just had a red/white indicator without the words?
– Lori
Great Post Lori!
Lock indicators represent a natural, code-compliant evolution in the ongoing effort to balance life safety considerations. Historically, life safety protocols focused primarily on fire threats. However, today’s threat landscape requires a broader perspective—one that includes other risks to building occupants, such as active assailant scenarios. As a result, fire safety professionals have had to shift their approach, acknowledging that in some emergencies, remaining in a secured space may be safer than evacuating.
The International Code Council (ICC) have also evolved in response, recognizing the importance of clarity and simplicity in door hardware. Both codes discourage the use of additional, non-compliant devices intended to secure doors, instead favoring solutions—like lock indicators—that enhance security without compromising egress.
Lock indicators function much like emergency exit signage: they inform occupants, rather than control their actions. In a true emergency, a person is unlikely to stop and consider whether a door labeled “Emergency Exit Only – Alarm Will Sound” is permissible to use. They will instinctively push the crash bar or turn the handle to escape. Conversely, in non-emergency situations, the same signage may prompt someone to find an alternate route. The presence of a “locked” indicator on the inside of a door serves a similar function—providing information, not creating a barrier.
Concerns that such indicators might prevent someone from attempting to exit in an emergency are, in my view, unfounded. History provides too many tragic examples—such as the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—where lives were lost because individuals were trapped behind locked doors. These events underscore the absolute necessity that all egress doors be operable from the inside without special knowledge or effort, regardless of whether a lock indicator is present.
In this context, I believe both the ICC and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) are correct in supporting the use of lock indicators. Far from posing a risk, these devices enhance occupant awareness and contribute to more effective life safety strategies. Lock indicators can save lives—not cost them.