Access control and electrified hardware applications are becoming commonplace in multifamily buildings, so it’s important to ensure that these doors comply with the adopted codes and that the hardware does not negatively impact egress.

There are some basic requirements for egress doors, which apply whether a door has electrified or mechanical hardware.  In general, doors are required to be readily openable from the egress side, without a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort. Most of us don’t even think about doors – we take it for granted that we’ll be able to exit, but that’s because we have strong codes and good enforcement.

In most locations, egress doors have to unlatch with one releasing motion – like turning a lever or pushing on the actuating portion of the panic hardware. This helps to make the operation of doors simple and intuitive.  There is an exception to the one-motion requirement for entrance doors serving dwelling units or sleeping units – like apartments or hotel rooms – that would allow two releasing motions for most units. For those doors you could have a lever handle and a separate deadbolt above it – except in locations where the state or local codes are more stringent.

In some multifamily buildings, the adopted codes may require panic hardware.  The model codes require panic hardware for assembly and educational spaces with a calculated occupant load over a certain threshold.  In multifamily properties, there may be a party room, fitness area, swimming pool, large lobby, or other area that would be considered an assembly occupancy.  In most jurisdictions in the US, if the calculated load of that space is 50 people or more, any doors that lock or latch would need panic hardware.  Panic hardware is also required for some electrical rooms or refrigeration machinery rooms.

Most access control doors are considered normal locking arrangements, and are subject to the same requirements as doors with mechanical hardware.  However, there is another category of doors with electrified hardware, known as “special locking arrangements.”  The special locking arrangements that are most common in multifamily buildings are electromagnetic locks, delayed egress locks, fail safe locks on elevator lobbies, and stairwell reentry.  You can find more information on each of these systems on the Special Locking Arrangements page of iDigHardware.

A common problem is that some people think that it’s acceptable to lock a door electrically as long as it unlocks for egress upon fire alarm activation, but that application, which is called controlled egress, is only allowed in certain health care units – like memory care or maternity. It wouldn’t be an option in residential occupancies.

When adding access control hardware to fire doors, it’s important to be aware of the requirements for fire door assemblies and the limitations on modifying these openings in the field.  There are also fire door assembly inspection requirements that are the responsibility of the building owner or property manager. For more information about the requirements for fire door assemblies, including the annual inspection requirements, visit the Multifamily Fire Door Assembly page on iDigHardware.  You can also download Allegion’s Code Reference Guide, which covers all of the code requirements related to door openings.

Allegion Code Experts (ACEs) are available in each US state and internationally, to help answer questions about code requirements and available solutions.  The list of ACEs is available here, and you can explore Allegion’s multifamily solutions on this page.