Locksmith Ledger: Codes in Context
If you're a frequent reader of iDigHardware, you've heard me mention the work of the BHMA CGIA. Check out this article published in Locksmith Ledger for more on this important industry organization.
Decoded: Calculating the Egress Width of Door Openings
I can't believe I first wrote this article 10 years ago! An AHJ recently asked me about calculating the egress width of a door, so I've updated this article with current code references.
Code Adoption – Skipping Editions
Last week, someone asked me about information addressing the changes for door openings between the 2018 and 2024 editions of the IBC. Thanks to BHMA, the answer was easy!
WW: Hotel Round-Up
I'd be surprised if I could go into a hotel and NOT find an egress, accessibility, or fire door problem, but this one had several. Have you seen any Wordless Wednesday doors lately?
WWYD? Apps, Sites, Software
iDigHardware Readers - I need your help! Someone recently asked me about options for software to do fire door inspections, but I've decided to expand the question.
FF: Mexican Dutch Doors
Technically the doors in today's Fixed-it Friday photos are probably wicket doors, but they serve the same purpose as a Dutch door. What do you think?
Decoded: Listings for Electrified Hardware
My next Decoded article covers one of the more confusing topics related to electrified hardware - are these products required to be listed to UL 294, UL 1034, neither, or both???
WW: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
I just finished writing a super technical Decoded article and my brain is tired, so enjoy today's beautiful Wordless Wednesday photos from San Miguel, city of amazing doors. :)
TGP: Improving Health Care Design with Specialty Glass
Requirements for openings in X-Ray rooms and PET scan facilities have always been a bit mysterious for me, especially when combined with my other Achilles heel - glazing.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 17
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with the Tall Cop, Jermaine Galloway, about substance abuse in schools.
FF: ATTENZIONE
When I search my camera roll for the word "door", 4,879 photos show up. Today's Fixed-it Friday photos are from the Milan-Malpensa Airport, where using an alarmed exit will get you in big trouble.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 I-Codes
In the January/February issue of Door Security + Safety magazine, I have an article giving a preview of two important changes that have been approved for the 2027 I-Codes.
WW: Secret Doors
I'm getting all kinds of ideas for secret doors in my own house! Check out this Wordless Wednesday reel, and if you have seen any secret doors, send them along!
Elevator Machine Rooms
I have updated this 10-year-old post about locks on elevator equipment rooms with info from the current codes and standards, because Mark Kuhn refers to it in his next post (look for that tomorrow).
FF: Creative Drop Plate
Chuck Gulla of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, which has inspired me to put drop plates on the list for the next "What's that?" post. Stay tuned, and happy Friday!
What’s that? Glass Bead Shim Kit
I saw a question posted on Facebook about how to address panic hardware that runs across the vision light...which reminded me that I should write a "What's that?" post on the topic.
WW: Close Before You Doze
It has been a while since I've written about sleeping with your bedroom door closed...in today's Wordless Wednesday post, check out a video from the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.
Name those pulls…
These photos hit my inbox at exactly the moment I needed some happy news...who knows what animal is represented here? Thanks to Curtis Meskus, Town of Charlton CBO!
WWYD? UL 294 / UL 1034
I'm preparing to do some training on this topic, so I'd love to get some feedback from readers. Please share your insight/experience in the comments!
WW: Tlalpujahua, Michoacán
The inability to maintain clear egress routes in retail occupancies crosses international borders. I saw this example in Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Mexico that is known for its hand-painted Christmas ornaments.
QQ: Locked Doors on Elevator Lobbies
Today's Quick Question relates to a change to the 2024 IBC: What type of lock may be used to secure an egress door leading from an elevator lobby to an exit access corridor?
FF: Another Wicket Door
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I've been pondering the reason for this design as well as the function and code compliance. What do you think?
Decoded: SCIF Security and Egress Requirements
I received a question on SCIF doors this week, so I have updated this Decoded article to include the links to the current federal standards and specifications.
WW: Shaft Surprise
This door was in an AirBNB that I recently booked in Mexico City. At this point it's kind of hard to actually leave me wordless, but this one was a real shocker.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 16
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Kevin Wren, school safety advocate with the Cook and Boardman Group.
QQ: Interlock Types
The increased focus on interlocks (due to an upcoming code change) prompted today's Quick Question: What is the difference between a safety interlock and a security interlock?
FF: Kungfu Noodle
Being from the Northeast, I didn't immediately recognize the reason for this type of Fixed-It Friday ingenuity when I first saw something similar at the Hoover Dam years ago.
WWYD? Extension Rod Flush Bolts
I would love some input on this question, because I know that many of you have experience with this issue...what type of flush bolts do you prefer for a wood fire door?
WW: Hostile Architecture
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo illustrates a measure taken by a high rise hotel to deter houseless people from accessing the alcoves at the secondary entrances. WWYD?
Decoded: Automatic Sliding Doors
In this month's Decoded column, I answered several questions about automatic sliding doors and the code requirements that help to ensure their safety in a means of egress.
Life Safety Digest: Special Locking Arrangements vs. Normal Locking Arrangements
Check out my article in the Winter issue of Life Safety Digest, which clarifies the requirements related to electrified door hardware.
See you next year!
2024 has been a year of milestones and accomplishments. I celebrated 30 years of working with the Allegion brands, and the 15th anniversary of iDigHardware. And there's more to come in 2025!
FF: Not an Exit
I saw this retail store's secondary exit while I was stocking up on my favorite snacks, and I wondered...are these "NOT AN EXIT" signs a nice-to-have or a need-to-have? What do you think?
QQ: Panic Hardware, Revisited
I have answered this Quick Question before but it keeps coming up, so I'll keep addressing it until it sticks...Is panic hardware required by the model codes for a ___________ facility?
WW: Fa-la-la-la-la….
Imagine the person who placed an emergency call to their locksmith because their door wouldn't latch, only to find that their new holiday wreath was the problem!
Decoded: Safe Dispersal Area Within a Fence or Enclosed Court
Given today's security concerns, it's important to understand when an egress path may lead to an enclosed area and when it must continue through gates in the enclosure to reach the public way.
FF: Stile Width Modification
I saw the door in today's Fixed-it Friday photo on a university campus recently. The "fix" would probably make the architect cry, but this is VERY common when the stile width is too narrow.
The Schlage XE360 is a winner!
The Schlage XE360TM Series has been named the top product in the SecurityInfoWatch.com Readers' Choice Product Award in the Door Hardware & Locks category!
WW: Say CHEEEEESE!
Jeff Hoyt of Cheney Door Company sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a retail store specializing in fancy cheeses. Cheese is one of my favorite things, but their exit needs attention!
QQ: Access-Controlled Egress Doors
If I had to name the one code section that has caused me the most pain and suffering during my career, the section addressed in today's Quick Question post would be the one.
Firehouse: This Month in Fire History
While reading an article in Firehouse Magazine about fires that have occurred in the month of December over the years, I noted several fires where egress doors and/or fire door assemblies played a role.
FF: Rescue Hardware Closer
Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products (one of the most creative door opening engineers I know) sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo of a rescue hardware closer alternative.
BHMA’s new CEU course is now live!
BHMA's new online course is called An Overview of Architectural Hardware Standards & Product Certification, and offers continuing education units for various organizations, including AIA.
WW: Locked in the Classroom?
When classroom barricade devices were introduced, I felt confident that the codes developed over the last 100+ years would continue to protect building occupants. I was (partially) wrong.
What’s that? Strike Hook – Take Two
When a strike hook is required as part of a manufacturer's listings for fire exit hardware, it plays an important role in ensuring the performance of the assembly during a fire.
WW: I’m thankful for…YOU!
The increased focus on code compliance of door openings improves the safety of building occupants, so thank you for your attention and the willingness to share your experience. I'm thankful for you!
Mark Kuhn, Fellow
I don't know what kind of monster I will create next or how long it will take before the crying starts again, but I'm very fortunate to have the help of Mark Kuhn, FDHI, AHC, EHC, CFDAI, DHT, DHC, CDT, CSI!
FF: Rescue Hardware ST
This is a true test of who the most loyal readers of iDigHardware are...what is my FAVORITE special template from LCN?? Hint: It's an ST for the 4020T closer.
Know it’s locked.
I recently heard from an architect who was looking for an occupied indicator for a restroom, and I was surprised to hear that he didn't know about the indicator options from Schlage.
WW: Closer Creativity
I had a tough time deciding whether to post today's door closer photos for Wordless Wednesday or for Fixed-it Friday, but I'm definitely wordless! What do you think?