RX Switches – What are they for?
In his latest post, Mark Kuhn addresses a common question that comes up during code review...What's the purpose of an RX switch in the door-mounted hardware?
Do assisted living units need fire protection?
A code change proposal has been submitted that would remove the self-closing/automatic-closing requirement for assisted living unit entry fire doors. I OBJECT! How about you?
Decoded: Automatic Operators in Mixed-Use Facilities
This month’s Decoded question is related to a clarification made in the 2024 IBC, which applies to the requirements for automatic operators on accessible public entrances.
FF: Transom Bar
I saw this interesting Fixed-it Friday transom bar application posted by Jeremy Guthrie of Omega Door & Hardware...what do you think?
WWYD? Grocery Store Egress
This grocery store's manager stated that the justification for this closed exit was that people were walking out of these doors without paying for their merchandise. I have my own thoughts about this situation, but I'm wondering...WWYD?
Automatic Operators Required by Code
The bottom line here is that the need for automatic doors is growing, whether it is because they are required by code or because it's just the right thing to do in order to make buildings accessible for all. What does your state require?
FAQs About Automatic Sliding Doors
Automatic sliding doors have become very common in health care facilities and other types of buildings. In this post, I have answered some of the frequently asked code questions about these doors, with links to additional resources.
Egress Through Automatic Sliding Doors
Although there is a section in the I-Codes dedicated to automatic doors, this section does not address the hardware used for security and egress. Locks for automatic sliding doors are covered in other sections of the model codes.
Clear Opening Width on Automatic Sliding Doors
Last week I started a series of posts looking at the code requirements related to automatic sliding doors, and while I was reading up on the topic, I noticed something interesting in both the I-Codes and the NFPA codes.
QQ: Break Out / Break Away
Today's Quick Question: Under what circumstances does an automatic sliding door require the break out / break away feature, allowing the sliding door to swing in the direction of egress during an emergency?
FF: Atrium Blow-Open Doors
As many of you know, my oldest daughter recently graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. When I attended one of her graduation events, I noticed an interesting application that I'm sharing in today's Fixed-it Friday post.
Dura-Glide DT
In recent years, I've noticed that the way orders are taken and food delivered in some fast food chains has changed, and STANLEY Access Technologies has developed a new drive-thru window and door called the Dura-Glide DT. Read more in today's post.
STANLEY Access to Know-How: Sensor Monitoring
Yesterday, March 19th was National Automatic Door Day! To commemorate this annual observance, the video in today's post addresses a change that I've received some questions about lately...the ANSI/BHMA requirements for monitored safety sensors.
Decoded: Sensors for Automatic Operators
This Decoded column, which will be published in the April issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, is the first in a new question-and-answer format. In the past 13 years I’ve covered just about every code-related topic that applies to openings, so it's time for a new approach.
Coming Up: March Training
In March we will offer an AIA approved webinar and two Webinar Wednesday sessions. These are great opportunities for continuing your education without leaving your desk!
FF: LCN COMPACT Operator Accommodation
Greg Thomson of Allegion shared today's Fixed-it Friday photo of an accommodation made in the field for an LCN 6400 COMPACT series automatic operator. I wonder at what point during the installation the problem was discovered.
STANLEY Access Technologies: New Horizons Village
When it comes to ADA compliance, there are minimum requirements, and there are real-life requirements. STANLEY Access Technologies is proud to partner with New Horizons Village to continue this very important conversation and advance the mission of accessibility for all.
FF: Actuator Location
What do you think about the location for the auto operator actuator shown in these Fixed-it Friday photos? Based on the BHMA A156.19 standard and the accessibility requirements, is there a code issue?
Fixed-it Friday Finale: Farvel Danmark!
It has been wonderful to work remotely from Denmark, but it's time to go back to reality. I am headed home tomorrow, so here's one last post to share a few more of the beautiful doors of Copenhagen. Enjoy!
QQ: Low Energy Operator / A156.10 Application
Today's Quick Question: Can a low energy automatic operator that is certified to BHMA A156.19 be installed on a door that is required to comply with BHMA A156.10? What do you think?
Locksmith Ledger: LCN 6400 COMPACT Installation
Have you seen the new LCN 6400 COMPACT automatic operator? A recent Locksmith Ledger article details the installation of this product, which won the 2022 Best New Product Award from the Security Industry Association.
Fire Door Assemblies: Control the Door
Earlier this year, a fatal fire in a Bronx apartment building demonstrated the importance of code-compliant fire door assemblies that are closed and latched when a fire occurs. Today's post addresses NFPA 80's three categories of fire door operation.
FF: Hard Wired
Scott Tobias of arkaSpecs sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos of a pair of automatic doors with electric latch retraction panic hardware. I don't claim to be an expert on wiring for electrified hardware, but this doesn't look right to me. :-|
Decoded: Requirements for Assembly Occupancies
My next Decoded column looks at how assembly occupancies are addressed in the model codes, as well as some of the assembly-specific requirements related to door openings. Let me know if I missed anything! :)
Family Restroom Locks
Over the last few weeks I have spent a lot of time in airports, and I saw several family restroom applications "in the wild," including a restroom door with an automatic operator and an electrified locking system for privacy. Check it out!
FAQs About Low-Energy Automatic Operators
Low energy automatic operators are the type of automatic door operators that are typically actuated by a “knowing act.” There are several questions about these operators that come up frequently...
WWYD? Symbols of Accessibility
Every so often I ask the readers of iDigHardware to weigh in on what you are seeing in your state or local jurisdiction. Today I need your help on the topic of accessibility symbols - please share your insight in the comments.
May Training
How is it May already??? Webinar Wednesdays continue with two days of online classes this month, along with a new Security in 30 session with 10 Overtur Tips for the Integrator and Security Community.
March Learning Opps
Great news! Webinar Wednesdays are back, along with a new Security in 30 session coming up this month! Electrified hardware, automatic operators, hollow metal doors and frames...which classes will you attend?
WWYD? Auto Operators Above the Ceiling
Is there a code requirement that would prohibit the installation of automatic operators above an acoustical tile ceiling? Would the working space required by NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code apply here?
Attracting and Retaining Talent in Our Current Climate
I have represented the Allegion brands since 1994, but these days it's not the norm to work for the same company for decades. This week's Security in 30 session addresses the important topic of attracting and retaining talent. Join us!
Last chance for training in 2021!
It has been a long year (a long two years?), and I'm more than ready for a bit of a holiday break. But first! Our national trainers have their last 2 classes of the year this Webinar Wednesday, and our final Security in 30 session of 2021 is this Friday!
Good Point.
I love it when people contact me with suggestions for iDigHardware, even when (or especially when?) their idea is something I should have come up with long ago. Here are the upcoming classes for the next 2 WEEKS!
2021 Code Changes on DoorTalk – Part 1
I recently posted an episode of DoorTalk, where Austin Watson of Warren Doors & Access Control and I were talking about how iDigHardware came about. We also recorded a couple of episodes about changes to the 2021 model codes. Here's Part 1!
Knowing Act Operation
In yesterday's post I shared some photos and videos of the entrance door of a hotel, where we had been having our BHMA meeting. The doors were equipped with automatic operators, but were they code-compliant?
What’s happening here?
When I passed through these doors last night, I had to stop and take a second look and then do some more investigation. Can you tell what made me do a double-take? Leave a comment...I'll wait. :-)
Let’s Play: 1 vs. 100!
If you will be at the DHI conNextions conference in New Orleans, I hope to see you in my class on Thursday, October 21st! And if you are a local architect/architectural specwriter or code official, you can attend my class for free!
LCN COMPACT Operator Follow-Up (video)
My coworker, Aaren Kracich recently conducted a short training on the new LCN Compact operator for NFMT, including some Q&A. If you have any other questions you can leave them in the comment box below and I'll make sure they get answered.
What’s there to know about auto operators?
Automatic operators can be complicated, and it's important to understand the code requirements to help ensure the safety of people using the doors. But not to worry! We have an auto operator class as part of this week's Webinar Wednesday line-up!
Decoded: Automatic Operators on Accessible Public Entrances
I have combined several posts on this important code change into one complete article - let me know if there are any other FAQs I should add. This article addresses where automatic operators will be required by the 2021 IBC.
Security in 30: Is your opening as secure as you think?
From basic hardware to the intricacies of Schlage SUS for AD locks, security pain points and potential vulnerabilities, clear width and maneuvering clearance, auto operator setup and troubleshooting...you have plenty of opportunities to learn this week!
FF: Special Template?
I'm still scratching my head over today's Fixed-it Friday photos. Something doesn't seem right here, but at the same time, the installer went to great lengths to get this operator installed on the door. Is there a special template that I don't know about?
LCN COMPACT Automatic Operator
Cost and complexity can be barriers to the installation of a traditional automatic operator, but LCN has created a solution that allows an auto operator to be added to an existing 4040XP door closer. Have you seen the new LCN Compact Automatic Operator?
Coming Soon: Automatic Operators on Accessible Public Entrances
Because of a change to the 2021 International Building Code, we will soon see an increase in the number of automatic doors required for some types of buildings. Are you prepared?
Choose Your Path
There are so many options for online training this week! Whether you're an architect, end user, distributor, locksmith, installer or security integrator, new to the industry or with years of experience, there's something for you to learn.
Virtual Vacation Week
This is one of my favorite work weeks of the year, when lots of people are on vacation, and I can catch up on a few things. I'm currently updating my ShortCodes classes - I'll let you know when they're ready!
FF: Vertical Actuation Bar
I know that many iDigHardware readers love Fixed-it Friday, but I especially love when I can use Fixed-it Friday to ask for help (there were so many helpful comments last week!). I have another question this week that I hope you will weigh in on.
See you soon(ish)??
You know what this is a picture of? It's ME - teaching in person! I don't know about you, but I'm MORE THAN READY to get out and see people. I received my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine last week, and I'm feeling optimistic.
Coming up this week…
Can a wave-to-open switch be used to actuate an automatic operator? Does the IBC allow any stairwell doors to be locked mechanically? What's new in codes for health care facilities? Find out in this week's classes!
Code Update: Automatic Operators on Public Entrances
I wrote about this change during the 2021 code development cycle, but this post includes the new excerpt from the IBC that requires automatic operators at public entrances. This would be an expensive miss on a project, so just a heads-up.