Schlage LiNK
The other day, one of my friends asked me about the new Schlage LiNK, which is a remote access system that connects you to your home from anywhere via cell phone or computer. With the monthly subscription and Z-Wave enabled products, you can remotely control and monitor your door locks, check on your pets with live video, turn lights on and off, and control and monitor your home's heating and cooling system.
In Case of Smoke…
I've seen plenty of inventive hold-open devices on fire-rated doors, but I've never seen instructional signage to go along with them! Coincidentally, I received photos of a chain hold-open and the signage for a chain hold-open on the same day from two different people. The photos are not from the same facility or even the same country for that matter.
Industry Profile: Hal Kelton, AHC/CDC, CDT
Name: Hal Kelton, AHC/CDC, CDT
“Look Out Beloooow!!!”
Just when I think I've seen it all, someone always surprises me. I received this photo today, and at first I couldn't really tell what was going on. Then I realized that the pipe has been cut to length to act as a hold-open. That's a first! When I asked what was holding the pipe in place, I was told that it's the pressure from the door closers! I pity the fool who leans against the door (especially if his friend leans against the other one)! BONK!
BOCA? Or No BOCA?
That's the question I was asked on Friday..."If someone orders a delayed egress exit device or delayed egress mag-lock, when do they need the 'BOCA' feature?"
Panic Hardware on Balanced Doors
Last week, someone asked me about code requirements related to panic hardware on balanced doors. The project in question is in Israel, and apparently the code requirements there do not include any specific requirements for panic hardware on balanced doors. However, the codes used most often in the U.S. do contain applicable requirements.
Restaurant Egress
I'd be rich if I had a dime for every time I explained that panic hardware is required for Assembly and Educational occupancies with an occupant load of more than 100 people (per IBC 2000 or 2003, NFPA 101) or more than 50 people (per IBC 2006 or 2009). Well, maybe I'd just have a bunch of dimes, but I've said it lots of times and sometimes people still have a hard time remembering it. Here's a true story that will help.
Is this your idea of *fun*??
I just said to my husband, "I've got to post something *fun* on the blog tonight." I figured that after a couple of very technical, code-heavy posts, we all needed a break. He looked at me like I had two heads...I guess this isn't his idea of fun.
Elevator Lobby Egress
Fair warning...this is going to be one of those posts that makes your eyes glaze over, especially if you haven't had your coffee yet. But since I've seen several people come to my site looking for this information and leaving without it, I need to post about it before the next person comes looking. I'll try to make it as concise as possible, and remember, the red italicized paragraphs are the code excerpts so you probably don't need to read those unless you're really digging into this issue.
Industry Profile: Brian Messina, AHC
Name: Brian Messina, AHC
Beware of Straight Pulls
There are a thousand ways to screw up a door, so one of my goals with this blog is to help others avoid mistakes I've seen or made myself (yes, I've made plenty).
Lever Designs – Unlimited Possibilities
Some projects require lever designs for locksets and panic hardware that are beyond the selection of standard "vanilla" levers offered by all of the commercial manufacturers. In some cases, even the "European" designs don't fill the bill, especially when special finishes are desired. I've often run into this with museum projects I've specified.
What’s wrong with this picture?
If you regularly check this site to find out what's new and exciting in the world of doors and hardware, you may have occasionally experienced a server error. Yesterday I asked the web hosting company to move the site to a more stable server to avoid these errors, which they agreed to do at midnight. I was very surprised to go to the site this morning and see the website for the Philanthropy Advisors of New York at our URL! Everything seems to be working now, so thank you for your patience.
Hospital & Nursing Home (I-2) Cross-Corridor Pairs
The 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) contains an important change that's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. I stumbled across it a few months ago when someone asked me about the exception for cross-corridor doors without positive latching in I-2 occupancies.
Industry Profile: Shelley Hudson, CCPR
Name: Michelle C. "Shelley" Hudson, CCPR
NEW! Aged Bronze Finish
One of the Top 10 *issues* I've consistently had to deal with over the years is US10B - oil-rubbed bronze finish. This has been the finish of choice when the "antique" or "historic" look is desired, and whenever I'm asked to specify it I make sure that the architect knows what's going to happen after the hardware is installed.
Mass Code Update
At next month's meeting of the Boston Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), I'll be doing an update on the 7th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code. The presentation should be about 45 minutes + time for questions, so relatively painless, and the food is GREAT! If you'd like to attend and you're not a CSI member, email Shelley Hudson. Here are the particulars:
Schlage AD Series – Adaptable Electronic Security
If you haven't seen the new Schlage AD Series Electronic Lock, you can check it out at Schlage.com - just click any of the graphics on this post. Don't you think it's time for me to go on another road trip? I can take an AD Series lock with me this time. :-)
World Trade Center Construction Progress
Earlier this week with the 8th anniversary of 9/11 approaching, I wondered what was happening at Ground Zero. I checked in with the Metro-NY office of Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, and learned that their specification department had written the hardware specs for the four new World Trade Center towers, and the retail space that connects the entire project. Ingersoll Rand Integration is involved with the security and access control as well.
Glass Challenge
A couple of weeks ago, one of our specwriters called to ask me this question and I knew the answer immediately. Then...hmmm...I thought about it, and talked to myself for a while as he sat on the other end of the phone waiting for both of my selves to come to an agreement.
More on Clear Opening Width
Honestly, I do NOT have a bathroom obsession. It's just a coincidence that once again, a code question came up regarding a bathroom door.
Colonial Williamsburg Revisited
During Chip Falcon's Road Trip we visited Colonial Williamsburg, and you may have seen my slideshow of the doors and hardware there. I received quite a few questions from readers about the hardware at CW, so I sent an email to the Architectural Research Department there and I got a return email from Mr. Kenneth Schwarz, whose title is Blacksmith, Master of the Shop. Ken has been a wonderful source of information about the hardware at CW, and I'm looking forward to meeting him and hopefully getting a behind-the-scenes tour the next time I'm there.
Footpull
When this photo arrived in my inbox, I immediately thought the panic was mounted in that position to be operated by someone's foot. I couldn't quite wrap my brain around the latching/unlatching situation...I really think it's just being used as a pull bar and that there's no strike installed. On my next road trip maybe I'll swing through Alabama so I can check it out.
Classroom Acoustics
One of our specwriters recently received a memo from an acoustical consultant regarding a school project that he was working on. The memo referenced a standard called ANSI-ASA S12.60 - Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools.
Facebook Fan Page
I'm not normally the type of person who would ask for fans...what if I didn't have any?? That would stink.
Opening Force for Fire Doors, Part 2
In a post about opening force a while back, I wrote that fire doors do not have to meet the opening force requirements of the accessibility codes and standards. While that IS true, someone recently asked me a question that led to this further explanation.
Code Update: Connecticut
Just a reminder that the 2009 amendments to the 2005 Connecticut State Building Code and the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code went into effect on August 1, 2009. Connecticut will continue to use the 2003 International Building Code as the basis for their state codes.
Every Door Needs a Stop
Last weekend I opened the door to a sports facility where my son was attending a birthday party, and I saw an interesting (to me) application. My three friends scattered when they saw me whip out the camera...I still don't know why it's so embarrassing to be seen with someone taking a picture of a door, but it seems to be a universal reaction unless you hang out with other hardware people.
Louvers in Fire-Rated Doors
When I started working in the door and hardware industry, we regularly installed fusible link louvers in fire-rated doors, as allowed by various door manufacturers' listings. Although fusible link louvers are still available, their use is limited by current codes:
Application-Specific vs. Universal Closers
I received this photo the other day and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to talk about application-specific closers vs. universal closers.
And the Winners Are…
During Chip's Road Trip I gave you two opportunities to join in by answering a trivia question. Thanks to everyone who participated! The two grand prize winners are listed below, and will receive a little something from the IR Prize Vault.
Closer Seals
One of my (non-hardware industry) friends commented recently that she's been reading this blog and can't believe how complicated doors and hardware are. It's true! There are a thousand ways to screw up a door and I've made my share of mistakes over the years, but at this point I often spot problems from across the room while "regular" people continue to walk through the doors without noticing.
Give Peace a Chance
We had planned to get on the road early yesterday afternoon but we ended up leaving Williamsburg around 5 p.m., about the same time everyone else coming home from everywhere decided to leave. The traffic was terrible, and after 6 hours of driving we had gone as far as Elkton, Maryland and couldn't stay in the car for one more mile.
Heading Home
We're on our way home today, and barring any surprises we'll arrive tomorrow. For the first time we're hitting the road without knowing where we'll be sleeping tonight, but I'm sure we'll find a hotel and if not, I'll be calling my Mid-Atlantic or Metro New York SSC buddies to see who has room at the inn.
Colonial Williamsburg
Yesterday we decided that there was still too much to see so we can't go home just yet. We haven't run out of clean clothes, so why not? We spent the entire day taking in the sights of Colonial Williamsburg, without a thrill ride or water slide in sight. I saw so many interesting doors that I made them into a short slide show for your viewing pleasure:
Is There a Doctor in the House?
If there weren't a lot of doors at Busch Gardens, there were even less at Water Country, where we spent the day today. For me, a day without hardware is like a day without sunshine, but I survived. Since I don't have any funky applications from today, I'll answer a question from the mailbag. Debbie asked whether my husband is along on this road trip, since I haven't mentioned him. I actually have mentioned him...not as often as I've mentioned Chip, but I did give him credit for spotting the Falcon bumper sticker the other day. In fact, I've mentioned him 5 times during our trip so yes, he is with me, but he refuses to pose for photos with hardware or even doors. Go figure.
Doors of Busch Gardens
Several people have commented that I'm supposed to be on vacation, I should be relaxing, enjoying quality family time, etc. Well, I just returned from 10 HOURS at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia and I am SO TIRED. But I know I won't be able to sleep if I don't post something for you to look at with your morning coffee tomorrow.
A Visit to Falcon
Today we drove from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Williamsburg, Virginia. It was a long day in the car but Chip insisted that we stop in FALCON, North Carolina to buy some personalized souvenirs for him. We had no luck with the FALCON souvenirs...Falcon is a VERY small town without even a general store, but as I'm trying to teach my kids, there is something interesting about any place you go. At first glance, Falcon had a lot of tobacco fields, an old folks' home, and a water tower guarded by one feisty donkey, but it is also the location of the Falcon Children's Home, which just celebrated 100 years of helping children who needed a place to live - about 20,000 kids to date!
Cycle Testing
We're in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the good news is that the specwriter Chip and I came to see has agreed to include Falcon exit devices in his specifications! Yippee!
Where's Waldo?
Today we headed north toward Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and on the way we passed through Waldo, Florida. Apparently Waldo's claim to fame is that it is one of two official speed traps designated by AAA. The other is just up the road in Lawtey. Lucky for us, the Waldo police were at Dunkin Donuts and there was a billboard warning of the speed trap in Lawtey (rumor has it the billboards were purchased by AAA), so we made it through unticketed.
Another Day, Another Zoo…
...Another funky hardware application.
10-Year Warranty
It's true! The new Falcon 24/25 device has a 10-year mechanical warranty (1-year electrical).
Cracker Barrel Shocker!!!
There are almost 600 Cracker Barrel restaurants in the United States and I've been to most of them. Well...not most, but a bunch. The kids like the food and there's a lot of miscellaneous stuff on the walls that we can use to play, "Who can find the _______?" When you drop a whole cup of milk on the floor (like this morning) they don't bat an eye. At least you always know what to expect...every Cracker Barrel has basically the same menu, the same "country store" selling stuff my kids can't live without, the same rocking chairs and checker boards on the porch, and the same entrance doors.
Where's Chip?
For all of you loyal late Friday afternoon and weekend blog readers, here's another opportunity to win something from the Ingersoll Rand prize vault. This morning, Chip visited the statue at left - where are we? If you think you know, click here and scroll down to leave a comment with the answer. I will hold all of the answers until the end of Chip's Road Trip and then choose one lucky winner from all of the correct entries. If you need a hint, the statue is located at the end of a bridge that leads to a set of *keys*. Hey wait! Is that a FALCON on his arm patch?? ;-)