USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My next monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: How can an exterior space—like a courtyard or roof terrace—be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the building? Do you know the answer?
Decoded: Deadbolts in a Means of Egress
Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer "no", but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes.
Decoded: Unlatching a Door for Egress
In the next Decoded article I have answered the following frequently asked question: When is it permissible for an egress door to have hardware that requires more than one releasing motion to unlatch the door?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?
Infographic: Recommended Lock Functions for Classrooms
There isn't one lock function that works for every school - in some schools, only staff members with keys are able to lock the classroom doors, and in other schools anyone can lock the doors. WWYD?
Allegion 101: Secure the Door – Intro to Schlage Cylinders, Keys, and Key Systems
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about hardware. The video in today's post is an introduction to Schlage cylinders, keys, and key systems.
FF: Broken Key Fix
Avi Schenk of BY Locks and Keys LLC sent me these Fixed-it Friday photos of the damage to a Schlage deadbolt caused by students trying to remove a broken key that was stuck in the lock. Note: This is not the recommended fix for broken key problems.
WW: Another Retail Exit
I saw today's Wordless Wednesday photos posted on the Locksmith Nation Facebook page, and Merlin Bechtel of Merlin Lock & Safe gave me permission to share them here. I'm still amazed at the condition of so many retail exits.
Allegion 101: Secure the Door – Schlage
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about hardware. The video in today's post covers the various types of Schlage products used to secure a door.
QQ: Special Locking Arrangements
Today's Quick Question came from an AHJ: When I am evaluating a door that is equipped with a special locking arrangement, do the model code requirements for normal locking arrangements also apply?
New: Schlage ND78/ND98 Classroom Security Function
Schlage recently announced a new classroom security function for the ND series Grade 1 cylindrical lockset and I have received some questions about how this new function is different from our previous classroom security lock. Today's post explains...
Communicating Door Follow-Up
When I posted my updated Decoded article about communicating doors earlier this week, I remembered these photos. I think that looking at an issue in different ways can really help to get the point across, so here goes...
Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Danish Style
Depending on the desired look, either aged bronze or oil-rubbed bronze may be the right hardware finish for a particular project, but it's important to know what to expect. I'm seeing lots of great examples as I walk the streets of Copenhagen.
Fire Door Assemblies: Secure the Door
Because fire door assemblies are such an important part of the passive fire protection system of a building, the model codes and referenced standards require fire doors to be closed and latched during a fire. Learn more in today's post.
FF: Brainteaser
The wear on this lock gives us some clues that could jeopardize the access control to this space. Assuming the code has four digits, with at least one #3 and at least one #4, and no #1's, #2's, or #5's, how many possible codes would it take to find the right one to open this door?
FAQs About Fail Safe and Fail Secure Hardware
One of the most fundamental requirements related to access control products can also be one of the most confusing - the functions of fail safe and fail secure electrified hardware. This post answers a few of the frequently asked questions related to this topic.
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!
Today Show: “An exclusive look at new security measures to keep schools safe”
Yesterday, the Today Show on NBC ran a story about how school districts are addressing security - including the role of the doors and locks. With mainstream media covering physical security, this important information will reach millions of people.
Almost to 3,000 Posts!
This deadbolt modification was found on an apartment entry door - the surface bolt prevents the deadbolt from being unlocked from the outside with a key. Pretty creative, but I hope no one ever has to enter to help during an emergency.
Day 2 – Crescent Wrench Lockout
When a lost key may have fallen into the wrong hands, and the maintenance staff needed to secure the door until the locksmith arrived, this was their solution. Photo submitted by Paul Linder of Hills Brothers Lock and Safe.
On the road again…
As someone who regularly visits women's restrooms, and has spent the last 20 years trying to get 3 kids ushered through the process quickly and without accidents or meltdowns, I REALLY appreciate this application!
WW: Schlage Phalanges 1000
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo came from Grant DeLay of Allegion (and he gets all the credit for the product name), but it looks like the photo originated with Brian Ingham of Integrated Design Solutions. It's a classic!
QQ: Hospital On-Call Rooms
Today's Quick Question: Can on-call rooms in a hospital have occupancy indicator deadbolts that are separate from the latchsets, or do these doors have to unlatch with one releasing motion?
QQ: Chains and Padlocks
Today's Quick Question...A school district wants to use chains and padlocks to secure the school buildings at night and on weekends. Do the model codes allow this when the building is not occupied?
School Security: Know Better, Do Better
I have to admit...I was very disappointed when a document from the U.S. government referenced security methods that could conflict with the adopted codes. But there's a new (and improved!) edition of the K-12 School Security Guide!
It’s not too late!
If you missed registering for any of the learning opportunities I mentioned last week, you can still access these informative sessions! Last week's presentations are available on-demand, and there are more scheduled for this week and next!
WW: Have you seen something like this before?
I received this photo of a fire door in a hotel stairwell from Gabriel Montoya of Jansen Ornamental Supply. You might be thinking to yourself, "This doesn't leave me wordless...I see stuff like this all the time!" That's the point.
2021 Code Changes on DoorTalk – Part 2
On this episode of DoorTalk with Austin Watson of Warren Doors & Access Control, I covered the 2021 code updates on egress from exterior spaces and extraneous labels on fire door assemblies. What other topics would you like to see addressed in this type of format?
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!
QQ: Tactile Warning
I have one last photo from my time in New Orleans, that relates to today's Quick Question: When are tactile warnings required for the hardware on rooms housing hazardous equipment, like electrical rooms?
FF: Road Trip Part 3
I've been home from my road trip for a few weeks now, and I finally found time to go through all of the photos I took and put together this final Fixed-it Friday post. Don't forget to send me some photos from your holiday road trips!
WWYD? Barricade Button
I don't think I've written about this particular application before, but I do think it's a valid option for classroom doors. I'd like to know what you think, and if there are potential problems or concerns.
Knowledge Empowers You (K.E.Y.)
I truly believe this...knowledge empowers each of us. I often find when I'm teaching about codes, that people believe something to be true that they learned 20 years ago. But things change, and it's crucial that we keep up with what's new in the industry.
WW: Dirty Laundry
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a laundromat, require some explanation. Take a look and see what you notice. Thank you to Joe Cross of Allegion for sending the photos!
Never Stop Learning!
"The key to pursuing excellence is to embrace an organic, long-term learning process, and not to live in a shell of static, safe mediocrity. Usually, growth comes at the expense of previous comfort or safety." ~ Josh Waitzkin
Key-Operated Locks: Risky Business
I was recently contacted by a specwriter who had specified double-cylinder deadbolts for the main entrance to an assembly occupancy. Although the AHJ had originally approved the plan, he changed his mind after the doors and hardware were installed.
Virtual 1 vs. 100?
Phew! I finally made it home after my loooong trip combining the BHMA and DHI conferences with some training and other meetings - it was great to see some of you in person!
WW: Trends
Today I visited a third location of the same retail chain, and again, the restroom doors had padlocks and hasps like the second location, and a saggy door (no foot pull) like the first one. I'm seeing a trend.
See you in New Orleans!
I'm heading south today after teaching a class in Knoxville, and tomorrow I'll be arriving at the DHI conNextions conference in New Orleans. I'm teaching my brand new 1 vs. 100 class on Thursday, October 21st at 8 a.m. I hope to see you there!
FF: Road Trip Part 1
I've got another week left in my 3-week training expedition, so I'm assuming there will be a Part 2...I can find something going on in just about every hotel, retail store, restaurant, or restroom, which is a pretty sad state of affairs.
WW: Are the cost savings worth the risk?
Another day of driving, another restroom door. Coincidentally, this is the same retail chain as the restroom door I posted last week. Why is it so important to lock the restroom doors that someone has installed non-code-compliant locks?
Lots of options this week!
I'm making my way around the Southeast, heading for my final destination - the DHI conNextions conference in New Orleans. I'll be teaching my brand new 1 vs. 100 class on Thursday, October 21st at 8 a.m. Meanwhile, there are lots of classes on the schedule for this week!
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!
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!
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!
WW: Access Control x2
Someone recently asked me which sections of the code I would reference to show that padlocks are not allowed on egress doors. There are plenty of options...the section that requires egress doors to be readily openable, for starters.
Up Next…
Thanks to everyone who attended my webinars last week - the recording of the session will be on the webinars page of iDigHardware within the next few days. Here's what's coming up this week.
Last Call for the 2021 Model Code Update!
My webinar addressing the changes to the 2021 model codes is this Thursday, August 26th! If you need to know what's new (don't we all?), join me at 11am or 2pm Eastern. And we have other great classes this week to choose from!
Securing Exterior Spaces (and more!)
Have you ever run into the problem of needing to secure a door serving an enclosed courtyard, but also needing to provide free egress from the courtyard through the interior of the building? There's finally a code-compliant solution!