The new code books are here!
Just in time for the 2030 code development cycle to begin, the 2027 editions of the IBC and IFC are available, along with ICC A117.1-2026! Let me know what stands out to you, and we'll discuss!
Decoded: Where are fire door inspections required by code?
I have updated this Decoded article about fire door inspection with current code references. The enforcement of these requirements is growing!
FF: Mag-Holder Modification
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo came from Graem Kubin of DuPage Security Solutions, and shows an electromagnetic holder that has been modified in a way that voids its listing.
Next Week! DHI conNextions!
If you are headed to DHI conNextions in Chicago next week, I'll be there to do a workshop with five of my Allegion colleagues! We hope to see you there!
WW: Nothing to See Here
As I said in last Wednesday's post, Paul Timm of Allegion sees plenty of problems while visiting schools. The gate to the left concerns me - how about you?
What’s that? Open Back Strike
Last week I posted some photos of very old Von Duprin panic hardware, and someone asked me about the open back strike shown in the post. Here's a follow-up post!
Myth busting higher ed security: The power of real-time connected locks
This article by Jeff Koziol of Allegion, published in Campus ID News, addresses five common myths about locks for higher education.
FF: Panic Replacement
Check out these Fixed-it Friday photos of old Von Duprin panic hardware that were sent to me by Jack Young of Chown Hardware. Anyone have a guess on the age of these devices?
Rooftop Follow-Up
Last week I shared some photos of an occupied rooftop area, and I asked for ideas on how it could be secured to prevent access to the building from the exterior. The answer is in today's post.
WW: Tiny Exit
Paul Timm of Allegion spends A LOT of time in schools, and when he sees a problem with a door opening, he sends a photo along. What do you think of this Wordless Wednesday exit?
Unicel: Timber Curtain Wall Systems for Institutional Buildings
I love the look of wood, so this article in Elements Magazine caught my eye. It features Unicel's Timber Curtain Wall system.
FF: What’s that?
John Danes of Allegion shared these Fixed-it Friday photos recently and I'm still wondering what the purpose of this hardware is. Any ideas?
Temple Square, Salt Lake City
During a break in the BHMA meetings, I took a walk over to Temple Square, a 35-acre historical and spiritual area, with some beautiful doors...
WW: Readily Distinguishable?
John Lozano of Allegion sent me these photos from a Greek restaurant where the food was so delicious, it must have distracted the AHJ from the Wordless Wednesday problem.
WWYD? Securing a Rooftop Area
I'm at the BHMA meetings this week in Salt Lake City, Utah, and my hotel room has a view of this nearby rooftop area, which gave me the idea for today's post.
Decoded: Thresholds and Gasketing for Fire Doors and Smoke Doors
Thresholds and gasketing are simple in comparison to other types of hardware, but the code requirements can make them difficult to properly specify and supply.
FF: Call in the reinforcements.
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo features some creative reinforcements/cover plates/drop plates on an opening that looks like it has seen more than its share of closer replacements.
WWYD? Why DO Fire Doors Matter?
As most of you know, my posts and articles tend to be on the (very) technical side...I need some help from all of you to help with an AHJ request about fire door assemblies. Please comment!
WW: Another Restaurant Exit
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Paul Timm of Allegion, who spotted the open padlock dangling from this egress door in a restaurant.
Update: Repairing Holes and Dents in Fire Doors
A very common repair includes installing steel fasteners in unused holes, grinding off the fastener heads, and concealing the repair with Bondo, but this is not specifically mentioned in NFPA 80...
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 29
In this episode of The Changing Face of School Security, Paul Timm talks with Brian Gard from National Heritage Academies about effectively managing safety across more than 100 charter schools.
FF: Center Pivoting Gates
I saw this interesting Fixed-it Friday application in Mexico City - center pivoting gates leading to a large shopping area. It seems pretty safe to me...what do you think?
REPLAY: Live With Lori, Session 2
Session 2 of my Live with Lori series was held earlier this week, and the topic was Sensor Release and Door Hardware Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors. Check out the replay in today's post!
WW: Handled
I saw these photos posted by Steven Josue Quintana on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and I asked if I could share them here. I'm wordless!
WWYD? I need some insight from the field.
I need some insight from the field - especially if you work in health care, and if anyone has the ability to ask the Joint Commission for their opinion on this, I'd really appreciate it!
Code Requirements for Electromagnetic Locks (video)
Tomorrow is the next Live with Lori session, covering sensor release and door hardware release of electrified locks. The video in today's post gives a preview of these requirements.
Decoded: Code Considerations for Nightclubs
Despite changes to the code requirements related to nightclubs, tragedies continue to occur. This Decoded article covers some of the door-related considerations.
WW: Door Hardware? Or Art?
Here's another door that left me wordless during my trip to Mexico City last month...I love it when someone invests time and effort in their doors.
4,000 Posts on iDigHardware!
Today is a big milestone, and I have to say...I'm pretty proud of it. In the last 17 years, I have thought of something to share about door openings and the applicable codes - 4,000 times!
FF: Another Dogging Retrofit
A retired fire marshal sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, which show yet another retrofit dogging method for panic hardware. At least this one is probably not a fire door!
WW: CDMX Brass Gate
Last month I spent a couple of days in Mexico City celebrating my birthday...check out these beautiful brass gates that I saw on a jewelry store in Polanco!
QQ: Elevator Lobby
My Fixed-it Friday post from last week raised a Quick Question: Why would an elevator lobby door have delayed egress hardware?
FF: Delayed Egress “Fix”
Apparently delayed egress leading through the maternity area of a hospital was not a popular choice - today's Fixed-it Friday photos are a great example of security vs. egress.
Live With Lori – September 15th
Our next live session on the code requirements for electrified hardware is coming up soon - September 15th! There is still time to register and submit your questions!
WW: Closed and Locked
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo was posted by Ben Turner on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and he (enthusiastically!) gave me permission to share it here.
Decoded: Fire-Protection-Rated vs. Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
After yesterday's post, some questions came up about fire-resistance-rated assemblies, so I have updated this Decoded article on the topic.
TGP: Texas Christian University; Hill Hall & Walsh Hall
A recent case study from TGP highlights study rooms that were constructed with a combination of fire-resistance-rated and fire-protection-rated products. Do you know the difference?
FF: Here’s what’s wrong with this picture.
In today's Fixed-it Friday post I take a closer look at this fire door in a hotel stairway and I have a question for all of the fire door inspectors out there...would you cite this as a deficiency?
Places We Keep – Schlage in San Francisco (video)
I don't know about you, but I LOVE old buildings and the stories they hold. The video in today's post tells a touching story of community, hope, and never giving up.
WW: Whoa.
Michael Wallick of DH Pace sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, and I really have no words. If you see something that leaves YOU wordless, send me a photo! :)
What’s wrong with this picture?
Steve Quinn of Flylock Security Solutions just sent me these photos, and they're a great example of the little details that can affect a fire door. Can you see the problem (other than the obvious one!)?
QQ: Nuisance Alarm on Delayed Egress
Today's Quick Question is one that I had not given a lot of thought to: When a delayed egress lock has a nuisance delay and then goes into alarm, is the total time to release the lock 15 seconds?
FF: Hungerford Nature Center
I love this Fixed-it Friday story from Stanley Access Technologies, about helping to make the Hungerford Nature Center more accessible for their visitors.
REPLAY: Live With Lori, Session 1
I so appreciate having a network of people all over the world to share code information with! In today's post you can replay my recent live session on access control hardware.
WW: Fire Door Clearances
Nikolaus Wegner sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo of a hotel fire door that looks like it has some clearance issues. There's more info in the linked Decoded article.
QQ: Fire Door Bottom Clearance
Where is the bottom clearance of a fire door measured? From the bottom of the door to the bottom of the frame, the slab, the top of the flooring or threshold?
Decoded: Securing Parking Garages
A question about this topic came up in the Live With Lori session on access control doors, so I've made some updates to this article, and the Live session recording is now available!
FF: Auxiliary Fire Pin
Ryan Krakowsky sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos of an improper installation of an auxiliary fire pin for less-bottom-rod fire exit hardware. Do you know the correct mounting location?
UPDATE!/QQ: Electric Latch Retraction & UL 294
Is the UL 294 listing required by the model codes for panic hardware with the electric latch retraction / electric dogging feature (EL/QEL)?
WW: Egress Fail
Andrew Haring of Frameless Hardware Company sent me a reel for today's Wordless Wednesday post, and there are several problems with the application featured in the video.