Decoded: Actuators for Low Energy Operators
Last week I posted a photo of an actuator in the wild, and I received several questions about the required actuator location. Time to update this past Decoded article!
Decoded: Egress Terminology
Where does the time go?? I'm continuing my project of updating the Decoded articles that I've referenced in training or other resources, to make sure the information is current.
Decoded: Luminous Egress Path Markings
This article was published in the first year of my Decoded column...15 years ago! It was due for an update, and I'm guessing there are still people who are not aware of these requirements.
Decoded: Projections into the Clear Opening Height of Doors
I have updated this Decoded article to include the most recent code requirements, as the I-Codes now permit additional types of hardware to project into the clear opening height.
Decoded: Locks on Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units
Are the electromechanical locks typically used for individual residential entry doors required to be listed to UL 294 or UL 1034 in order to comply with the model codes?
Decoded: Encroachment Into the Egress Path
This is Part 2 of an updated Decoded article covering door swing and encroachment, along with some new photos illustrating how a door might encroach into an egress path.
Decoded: Door Swing
As part of an ongoing project, I'm updating my Decoded articles - the previous version of this one, addressing the requirements for door swing, was first written in 2012! Here's the updated version.
Decoded: Separate Deadbolts on Classroom Doors
This month's Decoded article answers a common question: Is it acceptable by code to install a separate dead bolt along with a lockset or latchset on a classroom door?
Decoded: Fair Housing Act
I've received some questions lately regarding accessibility requirements for multifamily buildings, so here's an updated Decoded article on the topic.
Decoded: Smoke Door Requirements of the International Building Code
By request, I have updated this article on smoke doors to include the requirements of the 2024 IBC. When you have a question about a smoke door, just decide which of the 5 types it is and refer to the section for that type.
Decoded: Fire Protection System Requirements for Special Locking Arrangements
In this Decoded article, I took a closer look at the requirements related to fire protection systems for doors with electrified hardware.
Decoded: Signage Limitations on Fire Door Assemblies
In today’s Decoded article and 13th fire door inspection criteria post, I addressed some recent changes to the NFPA 80 requirements applicable to signage mounted on fire door assemblies.
Decoded: Which doors need panic hardware?
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered some frequently asked questions about which doors require panic hardware.
Catching up…what has changed in the I-Codes?
With the new year comes the adoption of new codes in many states, and given the length of time between state adoptions, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s new. Here's a summary!
Decoded: Fusible Links and Smoke-Activated Hold-Opens
I've updated this Decoded article with the current code references from NFPA 80, the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101, and NFPA 72.
Decoded: Electric Strikes on Fire Doors
I'm working on updating some past Decoded articles for a project that I'm working on...this one addresses the requirements for electric strikes installed on fire door assemblies.
Decoded: Tactile Warning
Some questions about tactile warning have come up recently, so I've updated this Decoded article. When is tactile warning required by code on door hardware? Almost never!
Decoded: Update on Roof Doors
I've received some questions on roof doors lately, so I've updated this Decoded article with current code references that address doors serving both occupied and unoccupied roofs.
Decoded: Applications for Electromagnetic Locks
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered several frequently asked questions that apply to electromagnetic locks.
Decoded: Key-Operated Locking Devices
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered a code change that will finally clear up the requirements for double-cylinder deadbolts.
Decoded: Accessibility Requirements for Automatic Doors
In this Decoded article for the accessibility issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered the accessibility requirements for automatic doors.
Decoded: Egress From Exterior Spaces
In preparation for an upcoming session on this topic, I have updated this Decoded article with current code references. If you're not familiar with this recent code change, check it out!
Decoded: Calculating the Occupant Load
In preparation for a new estimator that I'll be sharing tomorrow, I've updated the very popular IBC Occupant Load Estimator, and the accompanying Decoded article.
Decoded: Code Update on Flush Bolts
In this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered a code update that should be helpful in avoiding misinterpretations related to flush bolts.
Decoded: Locking Stairway Doors in Schools
In this month's Decoded column for the School Security + Safety edition of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I address several considerations for securing stairwell doors.
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.
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???
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decoded: Control Vestibules in a Means of Egress
Although control vestibules are not currently addressed in the model codes, a change has been approved for the 2027 edition of the I-Codes and may be used to request AHJ approval.
Decoded: Solving the Puzzle of Electrified Hardware Codes
Check out my crossword puzzle from the conference issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, to review some of the code requirements related to electrified hardware!
Decoded: Fire Door Inspections vs. Egress Door Inspections for Swinging Doors
In this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered a question about the differences between fire door inspections and egress door inspections.
Decoded: Annual Inspection of Egress Doors
Egress door inspections are getting more attention these days (read tomorrow's post to learn why), so I have updated this Decoded article to include current code requirements.
Decoded: Accessibility Standards – Keys and Credentials
How do the accessibility standards affect the use of keys and electronic credentials? Find out in this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine.
Decoded: Elevator Lobby Exit Access Doors
Calling all architects! I am looking for a partial plan similar to the image in this post to use with a print article about a change to the I-Codes addressing elevator lobby security. Can you help?
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.
Decoded: Classroom Barricade Devices
This month’s Decoded question is a common one related to classroom doors in educational facilities: Are classroom barricade devices allowed by the model codes and accessibility standards?
Decoded: Controlled Egress Locks
This month’s question is a common one related to egress doors in memory care units. If you have a code question you’d like to see answered in my column, you can submit it by clicking the link in today's post.
Decoded: NFPA 80 Requirements for Hinges, Pivots, and Continuous Hinges
Happy New Year! Throughout 2024 I will continue to update my library of Decoded articles, in preparation for some upcoming changes. Let me know if you have suggested topics for my Decoded Q&A series, published monthly.
Decoded: Panic Hardware Requirements for Rooms Housing Electrical Equipment
I have updated this Decoded article to include current requirements from the 2023 edition of NFPA 70, in addition to previous editions beginning with the 2002 National Electrical Code.
Decoded: Stairwell Reentry
The next article in my Decoded series addresses clarifications to the 2024 model codes related to stairwell reentry. These requirements ensure that building occupants can leave a stairwell if it becomes compromised during a fire.
Model Code Update on Swinging Door Openings
I recently taught an interactive code update class for an enthusiastic and competitive group of conference attendees, and I'm sharing some of the information from that session in this article, so everyone can benefit from what was covered in the presentation.
Decoded: Flush Bottom Rails
As I'm reviewing and updating these Decoded articles, I can't believe that some of them were originally written more than 12 years ago. Hopefully they will continue to be a valuable resource for another 12 years and beyond!
Decoded: Closers on Classroom Doors
Questions about door closers on classroom doors have been coming up frequently, so I have updated this Decoded article to reflect the current code requirements. What are you seeing in the field? Closers, or no closers?
Decoded: Clear Opening Width and Height
This Decoded article on clear opening requirements was first published almost 10 years ago, and remains a frequently visited post on iDigHardware. It has now been updated with current code references.
Decoded: Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure – When and Where?
Because of some changes made in the 2024 editions of the I-Codes, I have updated this Decoded article addressing when to use fail secure vs. fail safe electrified hardware.
Decoded: Panic Hardware on Doors Serving Assembly Occupancies
My next Decoded article looks at some of the exceptions where doors serving assembly spaces are NOT required to have panic hardware. Did I miss any? Leave a comment and let me know!
Decoded: Use Groups and Occupancy Classifications
I'm continuing to revise my Decoded articles to maintain them as an up-to-date resource for the industry...familiarity with use groups and occupancy classifications is crucial to understanding and applying the codes.